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Hi - I just bought a new HP laptop running Windows 10 home edition.  dyl_123 had a question on securing a new computer back on October 5th, 2011 - perhaps it is time to revisit this question with the latest and greatest information.  Given the advances in both antivirus software, malware, ransomware, etc... how would you recommend securing a computer today?  

THANKS!!

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Please install all available important Windows updates, you can check and install Windows updates by opening "Start Menu --> Control Panel --> Windows Update" applet and click "Check for updates".


Secunia PSI is a tool that can be used to monitor your installed applications for new updates. When started, Secunia PSI will scan your computer for applications and install any updates that are available for them. This allows your computer to remain secure from possible vulnerabilities in your installed programs.



Make sure to keep your antivirus software up to date.


You should be very careful with usage of the peer-to-peer file sharing programs, these file sharing programs are use to infect computers. It is therefore possible to be infected by downloading manipulated files via peer-to-peer tools and thus suggested to be used with intense care.



Even with antivirus software watching your back, follow these rules to reduce your risk of infection:


  • Open only attachments that you’re expecting. If you receive something unexpected from a friend, don’t open it. Instead, email or phone that person to ask whether he or she really sent you something. Your friend’s computer might be infected and trying to infect your computer, as well.



  • Be wary of items arriving in email that ask for a click. For example, if you receive a message saying somebody wants to be a Facebook friend, don’t click it. Instead, visit Facebook from your browser and look to see whether the person is listed on your “waiting to be friended” list. The more emailed links you can avoid, the safer you’ll be.



  • If you receive an important-looking email from a financial institution that asks you to click a link and type in your name and password, don’t do it. Instead, visit your financial institution’s website through your web browser and log in there. Chances are good that there’s nothing wrong with your account, and that email was only trying to steal your username and password. (This type of scam is often called phishing).




  • If you prefer running a third-party antivirus programs, you’re welcome to do so. But don’t run two third-party antivirus programs and firewall at same time, because they often quarrel.



  • Avoid websites that provide pirated material. If you have to download a file from the Internet, an email, an FTP site, a file-sharing service, etc., scan it before you run it. A good anti-virus software will do that automatically, but make sure it is being done.



  • Never use the same password, especially on your bank account. If you use the same password for everything, or on many things, and it is discovered, then it takes only seconds to hack your account. Use a strong password. Use lower case, upper case, numbers, and symbols in your password. Keep it easy to remember but difficult to guess. Do not use dates or pet names.


  • Some pop-up windows or boxes will attempt to corner you into downloading software or accepting a free "system scan" of some type. Often these pop-ups will employ scare tactics to make you believe you need what they are offering in order to be safe. Close the pop-up without clicking anything inside it (including the X in the corner). Close the window via Windows Task Manager (press Ctrl-Alt-Delete).


  • Never use illegal file-sharing services if you do you're on your own if you enter this realm. There is little quality control in the world of illegal software, and it is easy for an attacker to name a piece of malware after a popular movie, album, or program to tempt you into downloading it.


  • No matter which browser you use, keeping it current is vital to preventing infection. Take advantage of your browser's pop-up blocking, download screening, and automatic update features.


  • You can drastically reduce the risk of an infection by knowing what and from where you are downloading a file. We recommend that you install a site advisor like Norton Safe Web or Bitdefender Traffic Light which will help you decide if the site is trustworthy or not. As a general rule it’s recommended that you download files from known and reputable sites that have confirmed that the download is malware free. If you are unsure about the quality of a download, leave the site and research the software you are being asked to install. If it is OK, you can always come back to site and install it. If it is not OK, you will avoid a malware headache.


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Thank you FreeBooter!  Good advice - much appreciated! 

On a new Windows 10 computer - what would your recommendations be for antivirus, firewall, etc....  Use Windows components?  Use Avast?  AVG?  etc..etc....

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If you follow my suggestions you don't need any third party antivirus and firewall programs.

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I only use Windows Defender and Firewall and have never had a problem. Do not go to sites that are suspicious in any way.

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These days, Spectre and Meltdown are being talked about often to guard against. Who here has updated their PCs and other devices? List make and model if possible.

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I have updated UEFI firmware for my Gigabyte Z170M-D3H-CF (U3E1) motherboard and Windows Update automatically installed the patch for these vulnerabilities.

How to Find Out If Windows PC Affected by Meltdown and Spectre Vulnerabilities

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