Safer way to download programs??? 1

[Bru77]

Having recently been riddled with all sorts of viruses (My PC, not me!) I am now very nervous about downloading software from the net. I have virus software and adaware (both up to date) but will they detect any bogey files straight away after I install what I've downloaded. Once the software has been unbundled will I have to run a scan every time.

Yours Paranoid

Thanks.

 

[tazuk]

Bru77 --

Generally speaking most AV software will / should scan files as they arrive on the machine (depending on the configuration options); there may be some delays depending on the machine performance and what is being run at the time. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm mistaken . This is certainly true of NAV2004, and I believe also of AVG.

Your post does not mention whether you are running from behind a firewall or not; if not I'd suggest you look at obtaining one of the many freeware products out there (ZoneAlarm, Sygate, etc).

It's also good policy to run a set of anti-spy / ad programs - AdAware (I'm assuming you are running the free version) itself will not catch all threats, however a combination of AdAware, Spybot Search & Destroy and SpywareBlaster work quite well together IMHO. Check the Virus/Spyware forum on this site for other opinions.

A few cautionary notes:
(1) Any threat detection / removal system is only as good as it's definitions - I usually reckon on updating at least once a week (minimum)
(2) Some downloads often include expected "bonus" features: these are often spyware / adware / unnecessary and unwanted. I try to always perform a custom install of any downloaded software, and then review the Add/Remove Programs list to establish that I didn't pick up any extra "features".
(3) Wherever possible, try to use mainstream download sites to make sure you download what you are actually after, rather than a renamed file.
(4) Modern virii are increasingly capable of disabling installed AV software. I try to run an online scan from a suitable site (eg trend micro at

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/)

periodically to ensure my system is secure.

HTH



TazUk

Blue-screening PCs since 1998