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| Basics for a fresh, secure, spyware-free install of windows |
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grantb
Site Admin
Joined: Aug 28, 2004
Posts: 159
Location: BC, Canada
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 Posted:
Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:33 pm |
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After I do the initial install of windows, the first thing i do is an online virus scan.
My favorite is http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
I do this before any updates, program installs etc.
The second thing is to install both Spybot and Ad-Aware, update both program's definitions files and do complete scans with both programs, making sure not to use the "immunize my system" feature in Spybot (the back-up registry is ok to do).
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Then i do the critical, driver and servicepack updates from windows update. Make sure to see my post on SP2.
http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5consumer/default.aspx?ln=en-us -or- http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
After rebooting about a dozen times (lol), that is when i get busy with a firewall and a full antivirus program. There is many options for this, including alot of free programs. The two I prefer, are F-Prot Antivirus(excellent non-system hogg program) and Sygate Personal Firewall Pro(the best firewall I have found). There are way too many programs to mention here. Use the one you feel most comfortable with, but make sure you have a firewall and antivirus.
http://www.f-prot.com/
http://smb.sygate.com/products/pspf/pspf_ov.htm
After all this, I rescan with both Ad-Aware and Spybot, this time i use the feature to "immunize" my system in Spybot. Another extra option, is to use a great program that does the same kinda thing as Spybots "immunize" called Spywareblaster. I use it and I really find it gives me that extra layer of protection for Active-X programs, that Spybot does not do.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
I then rescan with my installed antivirus after its own virus definition updates.
After all this I make a system restore point (in winxp) called (hehe) "clean system".
Then I go back to windows update and get the rest of the updates that I figure I need, such as, windows media player etc.
After all this I go to the manufacturer's websites and get all the latest drivers for each hardware device I have. Like soundcard, video, chipset, on and on..
Then after I have run my system for a few days, I make another system restore point called "final". And if possible this would be a great time to do a back up of some kind, like a disk image(see my post on creating a system backup).
One thing I would like to suggest, is the Google Toolbar. It is a really great pop-up blocker, as well as, a great search tool. I would not recommend using the "advanced features" as it send info about your browsing habits to Google.
http://toolbar.google.com/
This will give people an edge on system security, spyware and will enable an efficient system for many months to come, before the eventual re-install or back-up replacement. Good luck and make sure to post any concerns or problems. MAKE SURE TO USE ONLY PROGRAMS FROM THE LINKS I HAVE GIVEN. There are many programs that sound/look the same but really cause more problems than they are worth! GOOD LUCK!!  |
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