I am in the process of reviewing my PC security. What I would like is a simple list of what is the essential free software to have loaded in Windows XP. John Walker
The main things are to make sure you have installed the XP SP2 service pack and Internet Explorer 7, which provide a dramatic increase in security, and that you are running a firewall. (You should install IE7 even if you use Firefox.) It's also a good idea to have auto-updates turned on. You can survive with these, if you are careful: I've done it. But if you can be accident-prone or surf some of the less savoury parts of the net, it's important to install an anti-virus and an anti-spyware program.
It's not easy to recommend products, because it's partly a matter of taste. You have to find ones that don't conflict with your other programs, don't use too many resources, and don't feel too intrusive. However, my first choice among the frees is usually AVG Free and AVG Anti-Spyware, formerly called Ewido. Alternative anti-virus products include Avast and BitDefender, while alternative anti-spyware programs include Spyware Doctor Starter Edition (from Google's software pack), SuperAntiSpyware, and Windows Defender. I'm currently running Avira AntiVir, which isn't the easiest to use but has a draconian Guard utility. From time to time, you should run double-checks using one of the many good online scanners, and for maximum security, also scan for rootkits.
Many people install a firewall to replace the one built into XP SP2. I use Sunbelt's Kerio Personal Firewall. Comodo offers an alternative, and Zone Alarm has its fans.
It's also a good idea to keep an eye on which processes and programs Windows is running. Simple options include Startup Inspector for Windows and the built-in Windows Task Manager. I use two much better but more complicated alternatives: AnVir Task Manager Free and SysInternals' Process Explorer (now owned by Microsoft).
