The most important thing to keep in mind, regardless of which anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-spyware and firewall you use is to keep it UPDATED, just as it is important to make sure you have all windows critical and security updates + http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us
Download, install and update A² (a-squared) free - A2 - a Freeware Anti-Trojan, Anti-Worm, Anti-Dialer and Anti-Spyware (Anti-Malware) Software = http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/download .
then shut down your pc and then restart it inSAFE MODE if possible = http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406?OpenDocument&src=sec_doc_nam
and then run the scan(s) and follow directions for healing any/all infections found, then Disable system restore = http://vil.nai.com/vil/SystemHelpDocs/DisableSysRestore.htm , then shut down your pc, and then restart your pc, and then re-enable system restore.
Also get this free a/v =
http://www.avast.com
or
http://www.my-etrust.com/microsoft = "Microsoft Windows Security Center Antivirus Partners = Free 12-month software subscription to CA's eTrust EZ Antivirus ."
(Don't use both)
and Run them in safe mode to delete the infections, then disable system restore, reboot(restart) the pc, then re-enable system restore.
+SpyCatcher Express - free spyware removal software =
http://www.tenebril.com/consumer/spyware/spycatcher-express.php
Spybot-S&D = safer-networking.org = http://www.safer-networking.org = Be sure to use the immunize feature, and as with everything else, keep it updated.
and Ad-aware = http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=506 +
ewido security suite = http://www.ewido.net/en/?section=download = = " free 14-day test version."
IE SPYAD = http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm
+ Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Follow the links)= http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/912840.mspx
SpywareBlaster/SpywareGuard - Freeware = http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
+
AnalogX Script Defender = http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/system/sdefend.htm
and
http://www.winpatrol.com
If you have WinXP, you can use the XP Internet Connection Firewall = http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/learnmore/icf.mspx
To turn Win XP firewall on/off = start/control panel/double-click on network connections/right click on the icon for the connection you are using/properties/advanced/ check or uncheck box next to "internet connection firewall"
Or get the Free Kerio Firewall = It will give you "full version" access for 14 days, then will revert back to free version(which works just fine).= http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm = "Kerio firewall - free personal version."
(Don't use both)
To make sure you are not getting a spoofed webpage, Right-click desktop/properties/display properties/appeareance/color scheme/olive green/apply/ok/ok
Note: The way I have mine set is to only notify me that updates are availiable, but to not download them automaticaly. Then I can check to be sure I get just the ones I want. I then click on "custom", and after the updates have been downloaded I look them over to see which ones I want, then disconnect from the net, disable firewall and anti-virus program, and then install the updates, and then re-enable the firewall and anti-virus programs before reconnecting to the net.
http://www.dailyrotation.com
http://komando.com
Calendar Of Updates= http://www.dozleng.com/updates/index.php?act=calendar
http://www.vnunet.com
http://www.virgin.net/technology
windowsecurity.com
http://www.archive.freeola.com/
http://www.flexbeta.net/main/index.php