What's the best Pop-Up Blocker? Anti-Virus Software? Anti-Spyware Software?

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I'm a little (or maybe a lot!) confused. I am Christmas shopping for someone who has a Pentium 3 PC with dialup internet. To my knowledge, they don't have any of these "anti" softwares installed and the computer is unbelieveably slow. Neither of us is computer saavy. I would like to get them setup with everything they need to keep their computer running properly and also something to speed it up as much as is possible with dialup. And something that is easy to use... Suggestions?

I'd have you start with this article: http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_keep_my_computer_safe_on_the_internet.html

My computer has been taken over by pop-ups that are advertising pop-up and spyware software by winfixer and winsoftware. These are the only pop-up problem I've had in months. Isn't it illegal for a company to do this. It's like extortion. The messages are fake error and warning messages that then lead to a trial of software that will only fix the system if one pays in order to get rid of the controlling task, pop-ups and spyware they themselves infected my system with. Is someplace I can report this somehow? Can I join or sign-up to outlaw tactics like winsoftware is using to corrupting our computers and extort money from us like this?

Nod32 - Antivirus
Tiny Firewall - Firewall
Counterspy - Antispyware
SuperAdBlocker (1 word together) - Pop up blocker

*Remember even if the product is like a 6 in 1 security application, it doesn't mean that it's going to protect you, focus on individual packages... because software companies usually are best when focused on 1 type of software*

Hi folks
ive read the artical (well bits tryed to find wot i was looking for) sorry if i missed it but i came to this site to find out the best pop up blocker to use. i found alot on anitvius & spyware & such but not wot im looking for. i use firefox web browser & i am very happy with this only i still get a few unwanted popups how can i aviod this? any help would be much apericated thanx

Kaspersky 6.0 and Eset NOD32 v2.51 - Antivirus
ZoneAlarm - Firewall
spy sweeper- antispyware
USE OPERA FOR BROWSING ITS FAST AND BLOCKS POPUPS AND BANNERS

=========ANTIVIRUS COMPARISONS=======================================

The top rated AV software is Eset's NOD32, kaspersky and BitDefender.
------------------------------
KEY FEATURES AND COMPARISONS:
------------------------------
- NOD32 -

Record winner of the VB100% (detect all virus on the wild) award
Has a very low usage on system resouces and lighter than kaspersky and BitDefender
Lot of custumisation features and clean interface.
Fastest scanning engine compared to Kaspersky and bitdefender.
Has File system monitor, MS office document monitor, Outlook and internet monitor.
The best in detecting new/unknown viruses by using advanced heuristics.

- Kaspersky -

One Of the best detection rates of all AV.
Easy to use and the most user-friendly interface and also advanced custumisation.
Has cummulative updates and they are hourly
Incorporates a firewall and good scan engine
Best detection rates.

- BitDefender 9 Professional -

integrates certified antivirus by ICSA Labs, Virus Bulletin, Checkmark, CheckVir and TÜV.
uses robust scan engines
Has a good Firewall and Antispam
Updates about 3-5 times in a day

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
In a comparative test in Feb 2006

*ON-DEMAND SCANNING USED. FOR A TOTAL OF 243 VIRUSES TESTED.*

TEST ICLUDES: ANTIVIRUS TESTED : BD : KAV : NOD32 :
-------------------------------------------------
Windows viruses :93,22% :99,84% :99,62% :
.................................................
Macro viruses :98,95% : 100% :99,95% :
.................................................
Script viruses/malware :92,51% :99,15% :97,58% :
.................................................
Worms :97,43% :99,56% :99,53% :
.................................................
Backdoors :94,68% :99,76% :98,53% :
.................................................
Trojans :87,89% :99,26% :96,29% :
.................................................
other malware :87,26% :97,90% :86,27% :
.................................................
Other OS viruses/malware:69,40% :99,04% :88,39% :
-------------------------------------------------
TOTAL :93,08% :99,57% :97,89% :
-------------------------------------------------

On-demand detection of polymorphic viruses(FEB.06):

1. KAV Personal Pro 99,4%
2. NOD32 Anti-Virus 94,3%
3. BitDefender Prof 79,5%

ProActive detection of ITW-samples (NOV.05)

1. NOD32 50%
2. BitDefender 25% DONT GET SHOCKED!! UPDATING WILL SOLVE IT!!
3. Kaspersky 0% ONLY TAKES 2-60 MINUTES FOR AV TO DETECT AFTER RELEASE
THIS ONLY PROVES NOD32 HAS BETTER HEURISTICS!!
ProActive detection of "NEW" Zoo samples

1. NOD32 62%
2. BitDefender 49%
3. Kaspersky 32%

I use something called AVK (antivirus kit) available at gdata.com. It is a combination of 2 antivirus programs, kapersky and bit defender, so it gets virtually everything, and it actively monitors even when you don't scan. Best of all, i can run it on any number of computers for one price.

i use Kaspersky6... fast, light on CPU, great detection rates, loads of features other AVs dont have.

second, NOD32/BD9/F-secure/AVK.. all excelent! wouldnt hesitate recomending them! (although BD9,F-Secure&AVK use more CPU than NOD and KAV)

dont use popup-blocker,

for spyware, i use Windows Defender, PestPatrol, Ad-aware and SpybotS&D

btw, great comparison Roshan... appreciate it if you give credit to your source... i'm presuming its www.av-comparatives.org by the look of the results

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