keeping laptop safe


  1. Posts : 17
    window 10
       #1

    keeping laptop safe


    hi, guys
    i am using windows 10, and firefox browser, avast anti virus free, and malwarebytes free,
    what other programs/software would you guys use to keep my laptop very safe???
    do you think windows 10 firewall is good to keep or would you guys recommend a change???
    thanks for you time,
    bluesfloyd
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,442
    Windows 11 Home
       #2

    That setup is good one, Avast is top notch lately and MBAM is good for occasional scanning.
    Windows Firewall will suffice, you can optionally add a firewall control for a better management.

    Firewall Software by GlassWire or Windows 10 Firewall Control: Sphinx Software

    Additionally, you can use a safer DNS to prevent some malware an phishing.

    7 Best DNS Servers (Free and Public)

    You might try HitmanPro - it scans fast with multiple AV engines, but it does not remove, it is only for detection..
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 824
    Win10/64 Pro 1511 (and 2 Win 7/64 Ult & Pro systems)
       #3

    Hi, again, @bluesfloyd: :)

    It is certainly a good idea to research "best practices" about home computer security.

    As you have seen with your identical inquires at other fora (e.g. HERE and HERE), there is no one "best" or "right" answer to this common question.
    As is often the case, 100 folks asked that same question will offer at least 110 different, passionate opinions.
    Each security program and set of programs has its fans and its detractors, advantages and disadvantages.
    What works for one user on one system may or may not perform well on another system for another user.

    I would add to the suggestions already made to consider an additional real-time protection layer against exploits, as they are a common means of malware transmission these days. Programs such as Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit (MBAE, Free or Premium) or the paid version of Hitman Pro, known as Hitman Pro Alert, are 2 such options.

    Ultimately, however, the most important security component is the computer USER who practices safe computing practices, including keeping the OS, as well as browsers/plug-ins and applications, fully up-to-date and patched.
    Extensively referenced, authoritative articles have been collected at several reputable computer fora & blogs, e.g. here and at computer security information sites, such as here and here.

    The setup you describe, along with other, specific suggestions made by those replying to your post ought to be fine, under normal circumstances.

    Cheers,

    MM
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17
    window 10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    hi, guys
    big thanks for all the help above,
    i am told to keep window 10 updated, all software/programs and all drivers updated, which will help protect my laptop,
    my windows 10 is set to automatic update, so that should be ok, yes/no?

    i can run a feature in avast for (out of date software) so i think that covers software/programs updates, yes/no?

    but how do i check if all the drivers are updated? is there software that could check this for me? please explain,
    thanks guys for your time to help,
    bluesfloyd.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 5,442
    Windows 11 Home
       #5

    Windows 10 update does not provide the latest drivers, but usually they are the most stable ones.
    Avast Updater checks only for the most common/most vulnerable software, but not everything.
    I use Softpedia for it, I add apps to apps watchlist and I receive an email, when it gets updated.
    You can use Driver Easy Free to check for driver updates, it proved to me to be pretty reliable.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 824
    Win10/64 Pro 1511 (and 2 Win 7/64 Ult & Pro systems)
       #6

    Hi:

    bluesfloyd said:
    hi, guys
    big thanks for all the help above,
    i am told to keep window 10 updated, all software/programs and all drivers updated, which will help protect my laptop,
    my windows 10 is set to automatic update, so that should be ok, yes/no?

    i can run a feature in avast for (out of date software) so i think that covers software/programs updates, yes/no?

    but how do i check if all the drivers are updated? is there software that could check this for me? please explain,
    thanks guys for your time to help,
    bluesfloyd.
    As far as drivers are concerned, the drivers for your hardware/devices/peripherals generally relate to performance and stability, rather than to security, per se.
    (Windows Updates will take care of updating the Windows OS files and drivers needed for performance, stability and security.)

    I (and others) take a different approach from that of @TairikuOkami when it comes to hardware/device drivers.
    Especially for a brand-name ("OEM") computer, it's often advisable to get one's driver updates directly from the computer manufacturer's website, after they have been tested on that manufacturer's hardware and in their "environment".
    So the use of 3rd-party driver updating tools is not really necessary.
    Moreover the "newest" driver may not always be the best or most stable.
    In general, I subscribe to the opinion that one need not always seek out and install new drivers if the system is stable and working OK. But, as you see, there are different opinions about that.

    I likewise do not use any 3rd-party "software updating services" (e.g. from Softpedia) or applications (e.g. Secunia PSI). I am rather hands-on (but certainly not a geek or expert), so I prefer to manually update my software, browsers, browser plug-ins, etc. However, most of these can be configured for more "automatic", "silent", or "hands-off" updating, if you prefer. No matter how one does it, one just needs to keep things properly updated, to stay abreast of new and developing security vulnerabilities.

    Did you have a look at any of the resources for which I provided links in my previous reply?
    They explain in great detail many of the aspects of home computer security.
    These include not only security applications, but tips for safe computing practices.
    The latter are the cornerstone of home computer security, perhaps more so than security software applications.

    Extensively referenced, authoritative articles have been collected at several reputable computer fora & blogs, e.g. here and at computer security information sites, such as here and here.
    I expect that other forum folks will have additional and/or different advice for you, too.

    Cheers,
    MM
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 17
    window 10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    hi,MoxieMomma
    thank you so much for your help above, i will read all what you have recommend when i get more time, with all the posts from here and other forums i have learnt so much,
    all the best,
    bluesfloyd.
      My Computer


 

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