computer protection

[shivvy]

I have recently had a bit of a nightmare with viruses and a 'spyware' invasion on my computer. Hopefully it is all sorted now ( I downloaded Spyware Doctor) and it has sorted it all out. However what I need to know is - in general, what protection do I need for my computer? I thought that it used to be just an anti-virus thing but now it seems to be so much more. I have purchased Spyware Doctor for a year, but is there anything else I need?

Basic answers please because I am self-taught on the computer and therefore have no clue about this kind of stuff. I am very willing to learn though as I am aware that I have always been flying by the seat of my pants as far as computer protection goes.

[PatTheRat]

As well as anti-virus and spyware remover, you should make sure you have some kind of firewall.

If you have windows xp with service pack 2, it provides a pretty decent firewall. Alternatively, zonealarm provides a free one here

[alunrw]

agree with pattherat, zonelabs zone alarm is decent (and free) and for an anti-virus, Grisoft AVG is also very good (and free) - both can be found on Google for download.
Also it would be worthwhile getting Lavasoft adaware (also free) to check for any spyware that gets installed - have used these three (only) for a year or so and had no problems whatsoever whereas previously had several cases of trojans etc.

[eaglchris]

Spy-bot Search & Destroy is a good back-up for Adaware as one can pick up stuff the other has missed.

Spyware Blaster is a good one as it blocks spyware before it gets on to your computer.

I have the first two in case anything does get through Spyware Blaster, which occasionally happens.

[shivvy]

Thanks for this useful info.

Looks like I'm off to do a bit of downloading!