RANK THEM - TOP UTILITIES FOR XP

[mmx]

I use:

spybot, ad aware, zonealarm.

What is the top programs: freeware and paid

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[madthumbs]

I hate all three of those ..lol

Webroot's Spysweeper, Kaspersky Antivirus, Sygate (If you must use a software firewall), Super Rabbit Registry Optimizer Pro.

-Other than Kaspersky not being able to complete a full scan on some computers, it seems to be the most thorough I've tried.

 

[The Green Bean]

panda, TuneUp utilities 2K4

 

[simms]

I used to use Panda but found Kaspersky actually finished my scans. Plus it detects 99% of viruses.
I use Spybot/Adaware/Spyware Blaster to clean spyware.
I don't run a firewall but I run a local proxy (Proxify) to get rid of ads, and if needed I use JAP to anonymize myself.
I used to use ZAP but don't, never really found a need to.

 

[mboy]

Must have's ( in no particular order)
Spybot, adaware,spywareblaster--all freebies

ANY up to date AV- KAV is my choice and is the best, simple as that.
Diskeeper
If you have no router/hardwar firewall, then software fw is a must although I find no need for it personally since I have an enterprise class FW box @ home.

 

[geologist]

Spybot and Adaware work well together, on my box one finds what the other does not. jv16 PowerTools is great for system maintenance. And lastly, I personally think a system is not properly managed and maintained unless it is backed up. I use Acronis TrueImage 7 to image my system drive, especially before I make OS changes and after major software updates.

Any router will serve as a good physical firewall.

 

[Schadenfroh]

see my guides:

guide to spyware/virus removal and prevention

and my new one

guide to "what is the best firewall and antivirus?"

most of the utiliites mentioned are freeware

 

[slipONflange]

I use NOD32 and Kerio, Spybot, adaware,spywareblaster

A good link about AV programs
Good link about NOD32b