Sick and tired of viruses,bugs and worms!

As long as you use any version of Windows you WILL have to be constantly on guard against trojans, spyware, malware, cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria. This is unlikely to ever change. While it is possible to use Windows and never actually get a virus, trojan, etc, the average user has no hope at all of actually managing to do this.

You have three options: Get a Mac, keep your PC and use Linux (or even FreeBSD), or keep your PC and keep using Windows.

It is possible to write viruses for Macs but there are so few Macs that no one has seriously bothered to create many of them. Also, since OS X is essentially a really nice GUI on top of a UNIX OS there is a level of security built in that no Windows OS as we know it is ever likely to match. The downside is that there will be the expense of new hardware, perhaps having to buy new software, that sort of thing. OS X is dead easy to use so that shouldn't be much of an issue.

On the other hand there is Linux or BSD. I use Linux for 90% of my computer use and can recommend it highly. I don't like to discourage anyone from using Linux but I have to say that if you are the average user I mentioned above then you may find Linux to be tough going. At least at first.

On the other other hand you can just keep using Windows. I had a computer business for many years and I made a lot of money fixing the same computers over and over and over every few months. I tried to tell people how they could avoid coming back in 30-60 days and giving me another $100 but they never listened. If you insist on using Windows then the downside is that you are either going to have to learn to secure it as best you can - and it is possible to do this quite effectively - or get used to the idea of paying more for maintenance than the machine is worth.

 

I have read all these post and was in the same boat as you. I went through 4 computers in 6 years. They would lock up restart by themselves loose info and I was always having to reload software or do a total OS install. The wife convinced me to get a Mac desk top about 2 years ago. All I wanted to do was get on the Internet, do billing and store pictures and music. I just wanted it to work without all the computer geek problem solving steps everytime I went to use it. Well it's been 2 years since we got the Mac and I have never had to do a single thing to it. It just works. No set this configure that just open and it works. No bug no viruses no worms. I am on the Internet a lot and have never had ANY problems. $700 off craigs list 20" flat monitor and it smokes any PC I have had before. And yes it can run windows programs. I use MS Word and Excell everyday. We now have 2) Macbook Pro laptops 1) Mac desktop and 2)3GS iPhones. I'm not a Mac head or any thing I just like that it works! Some Best Buys have Apple stores in them. Stop by and ask the sales guy for a demo. You'll be surprised.

 

Let me give you guys some advice.. there is a program called malwarebytes.. you can get it at malwarebytes.org the free version will scan an remove..all the BS spyware.. I have used the paid version for couple years now.. an it has saved my butt more then once..the free version has to be run manually..the paid version run all the time..best 24.95 I have ever spent..

 

I took to running Ubuntu Linux on mine. I couldn't be happier. I have a 150 gig hard drive, 75 gigs is Linux, the other 75 has Windows XP. I use the Windows for my commercial PC games. That's it. All my browsing and internet activities is done with Linux, which is pretty much immune to viruses and spyware.

 

I use ESET.com . I listen to TWIT podcast while driving. Anyone remember Leo Laporte from TECH TV? Leo highly recommends ESET Smart Security NO32. Now some Security Issues, Hackers love hanging out at trucks stops, hotels, anywhere they offer "FREE" internet. They know we're vulnerable to WIFI connection. With that in mind, you can be connected to their mobile WIFI connection, once connected. You just opened your Laptop for them to infect, snoop around, and steal information. You can protect yourself by installing a WIFI Security program ( I use WiFi Guardian) I am not affliated by the companies I mentioned. I take my internet security over the road seriously!

I helped several driver remove BUGS in their laptops with SUPERanitSpyware. It does a great job removing ROOTKITS viruses.

 

I use zone alarm, havent had any problems

 

I would never do any banking or anything sensitive over a public wi-fi. About the only exception is when I give my credit card number to Pilot's wifi. But with an open one I just happen to find, no way.