(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sup people, this is a guide on how to prevent malware/ viruses on WINDOWS XP computers. (Works for all OSs)

About P2P Programs

First thing first, programs such as uTorrent, Frostwire, Bitlord, Peer- To- Peer (P2P) programs are the most common way to get infected. Hackers like these programs because it's easier to spread infections for them. Not even an up to date Anti Virus or Firewall program can block these viruses from infecting you. Another really easy way for hackers to install viruses to your computer, is from MSN. They would usually send you a link saying "I found this pic of you on the internet" or "I was drunk in a party look" this link is going to most likely be a virus, so be careful.


Identifying Viruses


Usually when you have a virus, something fishy always happens to your computer, whether it be that your Anti Virus turns off on its own all the time, another web browser you are not using opens up on it's own showing an ad, your computer is really slow, etc...

If this happens to you, you have a really great chance that your computer is infected with some sort of malware.

The malware you want to absolutely, positively prevent, is called Backdoor trojans, these are the worst of their kind, and unfortunately, very easy to get. Backdoor trojans usually hide in innocent programs, that may seem good, but when you install them, they open a backdoor from that program, and escape into your computer, infecting all of your files, installing more malware, hijacking your computer, they block any "Anti- Virus" website such as Microsoft.com, Avast.com, download.com, etc. Backdoor trojans "COMPROMISE" your computer's information, meaning, even if you somehow get rid of the virus, other viruses will soon come to get you again.

Always be careful on what you download off the net, backdoor trojans are a pain in the neck, trust me. I had to re- install windows, just because I wanted to download an MSN Spam bot, which of course contained a backdoor trojan.

Security Programs

These days, it is really smart to have an anti- virus, however you should not install more than one anti-virus or firewall. This will cause many annoying problems/ issues to the computer.

Here are some great anti- spyware programs I recommend (these programs are free)

Anti-Spyware Programs


Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

SUPERAntiSpyware

Other Anti-Spyware Programs

SpywareBlaster protects against bad ActiveX, it immunizes your PC against them.

SpywareGuard offers realtime protection from spyware installation attempts. Make sure you are only running one real-time anti-spyware protection program ( eg : TeaTimer, Windows Defender ) or there will be a conflict.

For both an Anti-Virus and Firewall I would recommend downloading AVAST!

However if you just want a Firewall, here are some free ones (NOTE: Some firewalls can block your internet access if you are not careful, they may even block certain programs thats why I recommend AVAST! Click here for a better understanding of firewalls)

Firewalls


Online Armor

OutPost

Sunbelt Personal Firewall

Recommended Anti-Viruses (Download only 1)

Anti-Viruses

avast

AVG

AnitVir

Hopefully these programs help out your computer, if you need to get one of these programs for free, go here: Link and get the serial number of the program you want. (most of these are free anyways)

Internet Browsers

A good browser is always a good choice to remain safe from malware, if you have Internet Explorer you are more vulnerable to getting malware than anybody else.

I really recommend Mozilla Firefox, it is safe and lets you apply plugins and add-ons to make it more safer.

Download Mozilla Firefox:Mozilla | Firefox web browser & Thunderbird email client

If you did download Mozilla firefox, use these add- ons to enhance your security even more:

Ad Blocker

NoScipt

If you honestly keep Internet Explorer but want to make it more secure, do the following:

- Click Start > Run

- Type Inetcpl.cpl & click OK

- Click on the Security tab

- Click Reset all zones to default level

- Make sure the Internet Zone is selected & Click Custom level

- In the ActiveX section, set the first two options ("Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls) to "Prompt", and ("Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe") to "Disable".

- Next Click OK, then Apply button and then OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

This thread took me like 3 hours to make.