I have compiled and reviewed many resources that will assist the average advanced PC user in both protecting himself from malicious attacks and blocking annoying pop-ups and spam.
Saturday, November 15, 2003
If you really want to protect yourself without spending a penny, I recommend using the Google Toolbar, Spybot Search and Destroy, AVG Antivirus, the manual disable of Windows Messenger, and the Free Version of Zone Alarm. You still however, need to be careful when opening e-mail attachements. I personally use Norton Internet Security, in place of AVG Antivirus and Zone Alarm.
Friday, November 14, 2003
Pop Up Stopper Pro
This version of pop-up stopper costs $29.95. The main difference is that it "native" support for nearly every type of browser. It will also eliminate the Windows Messenger Pop-ups, the free version will not. I don't use either version of pop up stopper because other software disussed in this log already block pop-ups and there is a manual fix for the Windows Messenger issue.
This version of pop-up stopper costs $29.95. The main difference is that it "native" support for nearly every type of browser. It will also eliminate the Windows Messenger Pop-ups, the free version will not. I don't use either version of pop up stopper because other software disussed in this log already block pop-ups and there is a manual fix for the Windows Messenger issue.
Pop Up Stopper Free Edition
Here is the free version of Pop-up Stopper. Again, I don't use either version of Pop-up Stopper. But if I did, this would be the one that I would use. It is free and will block most pop-ups that the other free tools and programs discussed herein will not.
Here is the free version of Pop-up Stopper. Again, I don't use either version of Pop-up Stopper. But if I did, this would be the one that I would use. It is free and will block most pop-ups that the other free tools and programs discussed herein will not.
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Spam Washer
Spam washer is a reasonably priced piece of software that filters spam from your POP3 mail account before it reaches your in box. At $29.00 I prefer to set up the filter manually using message rules in Outlook express. It is great for those who don't feel like setting up message rules in Outlook Express.
Spam washer is a reasonably priced piece of software that filters spam from your POP3 mail account before it reaches your in box. At $29.00 I prefer to set up the filter manually using message rules in Outlook express. It is great for those who don't feel like setting up message rules in Outlook Express.
Outlook Express Message Filter
This is a great tutorial that will help you set up message rules in outlook express. If your email account is a POP, then using filters can be very effective in screening for spam. The instructions contained on this page are very easy to follow and will get you on your way in blocking most spam. The best part is that you don't need to purchase 3rd Party Software to set up your filter.
This is a great tutorial that will help you set up message rules in outlook express. If your email account is a POP, then using filters can be very effective in screening for spam. The instructions contained on this page are very easy to follow and will get you on your way in blocking most spam. The best part is that you don't need to purchase 3rd Party Software to set up your filter.
Monday, November 10, 2003
AVG Antivirus
AVG Antivirus is a great source for virus protection and it is absolulty FREE! I don't have much experience with this software, but the penny pincher may find it right up his ally. The only down side that I can see is that there is no scheduling available and no technical support offered. It is well worth checking out!
AVG Antivirus is a great source for virus protection and it is absolulty FREE! I don't have much experience with this software, but the penny pincher may find it right up his ally. The only down side that I can see is that there is no scheduling available and no technical support offered. It is well worth checking out!
Norton Internet Security
This software set is great for those who do not already own either anitvirus or firewall software. It includes antivirus, firewall, antispam, privacy and parental control, and pop-up control. It is priced at $69.95 which is only $20.00 more than the stand alone Antivirus or Firewall software.
This software set is great for those who do not already own either anitvirus or firewall software. It includes antivirus, firewall, antispam, privacy and parental control, and pop-up control. It is priced at $69.95 which is only $20.00 more than the stand alone Antivirus or Firewall software.
Norton Antivirus
Norton Antivirus is, in my opinion, an extremely effective utility that will protect you from most of the viruses out there. It can be set to update the virus definitions automatically and is worth the $49.95 price tag.
Norton Antivirus is, in my opinion, an extremely effective utility that will protect you from most of the viruses out there. It can be set to update the virus definitions automatically and is worth the $49.95 price tag.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
Zone Alarm
Here is the free version of Zone Alarm. This version does not have e-mail attachment protection, advanced IP blocking, ad blocking, or popup-window protection. This is great if you can deal without the lack of e-mail attachment scanning. If you can restrain yourself from opening e-mail attachments, then this is the perfect companion for the other free utilities mentions in this log.
Here is the free version of Zone Alarm. This version does not have e-mail attachment protection, advanced IP blocking, ad blocking, or popup-window protection. This is great if you can deal without the lack of e-mail attachment scanning. If you can restrain yourself from opening e-mail attachments, then this is the perfect companion for the other free utilities mentions in this log.
Norton Personal Firewall
This piece of software is not free. It will cost you $49.95 but in my opinion is well worth the cost. You can download and try it for 15 days at no costs. From there you can decide for yourself if it is worth the cost. This software will not only create an effective firewall that can be completely customized, but it also contains a pop-up stopper that will catch many of the pop-ups that the freeware will not.
This piece of software is not free. It will cost you $49.95 but in my opinion is well worth the cost. You can download and try it for 15 days at no costs. From there you can decide for yourself if it is worth the cost. This software will not only create an effective firewall that can be completely customized, but it also contains a pop-up stopper that will catch many of the pop-ups that the freeware will not.
Friday, November 07, 2003
Disabling Windows Messenger Service
Everyone gets those Windows Messenger Pop-ups that no piece of software will seem to filter. Here is a great tutorial that will explain how this service works and how it can be disabled.
Everyone gets those Windows Messenger Pop-ups that no piece of software will seem to filter. Here is a great tutorial that will explain how this service works and how it can be disabled.
Spybot
Spybot Search and Destroy is my number one favorite piece of protective software. Not only is it free, but it will both remove adware and spyware from your machine and blocks many annoying pop-ups.
Spybot Search and Destroy is my number one favorite piece of protective software. Not only is it free, but it will both remove adware and spyware from your machine and blocks many annoying pop-ups.
Google Toolbar
Here is another great tool that will assist you in blocking pop-ups. It is free, easy to use, and can be turned on or off via an integrated browser button.
Here is another great tool that will assist you in blocking pop-ups. It is free, easy to use, and can be turned on or off via an integrated browser button.
