Step 4: Install Anti-malware Programs

Step 4: Install Anti-malware Programs
[Specific software recommendations]

Mucho Importante: uninstall any old anti-malware program(s) that have similar functions before upgrading or replacing them with a new one. Don't say I didn't warn you. ;-) [McAfee removal tool]

Notes

The term "Malware" includes "Spyware".
Set a "System Restore" point before you use anti-malware software to remove any "parasites". You may remove something that you find out later you shouldn't have.
Beware of bogus anti-spyware programs. Some of them install their own spyware -- some of it much worse than ordinary spyware.
Mucho Importante: Most anti-malware programs use "signatures" (definitions) to look for matches to any malware on your computer. New malware is created every day. You need updated signatures to keep up. The program itself may occasionally need an update too. There is often a way to check for updates online, right from the program. Turning on "automatic updates" for each program is the best way to keep them everything up to date.
It won't do any good to make your home computer bullet proof if you then use public PCs, like the ones in Internet Cafes or Public Libraries, to do business online. They are very likely to have spyware installed. Guess where your information goes -- right to fraudsters who know how to use it to clone your identity for their own use. [more]

[Basic] spyware/malware protection

First, install SP3 for Windows XP. It adds some good early-warning protection. That is, if you actually pay attention to the warnings that will pop-up. Don't let your normal reaction to ordinary pop-ups make you click a choice too quickly.

I have used CounterSpy by Sunbelt Software as my anti-spyware program. It is effective, non-intrusive and inexpensive. Microsoft's Windows Defender is a reasonably effective anti-spyware program. [other recommendations]

The tutorials at bleepingcomputer.com are a good way to learn about installing and using anti-malware programs. They'll give you a good idea of what's involved.

Anti-malware programs can be quite confusing the first time you use them. Don't let that stop you. Use the program's Help file, get someone to help you, or get more information at our spyware/malware removal page.

[Strong] spyware/malware protection

First, put the steps in the "basic" defense (above) in place.

Next, augment the basic defense with a better anti-spyware program. See my specific recommendations at the "anti-malware" page.

For the ultimate protection, run your computer in a Limited account -- not an Administrator account. This will neutralize most current and future threats, because Limited accounts do not allow program installation. That means malware can't install itself either.

[Robust] spyware/malware protection

Put the steps in the "basic" defense (above) in place.

Augment the basic defense with a better anti-spyware program. See my specific recommendations at the "anti-malware" page.

In addition, add Trojan Hunter to your defensive software. Some Spyware and Trojans are hidden deeper, and are tougher to remove than other malware. You need special purpose software to root them out. Experiments have shown that no one program finds everything, so it's wise to double check even these two top programs with Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D.

AVG Anti-Spy and a-squared are free alternatives to Trojan Hunter. Both have received favorable reviews online.

You could also add intrusion prevention software. Microsoft AntiSpyware is good in that role, but DefenseWall HIPS, Prevx Pro or BlackICE will add a layer of powerful protection.