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08/13/2009: "~ No More Viruses ~"

There are four ways to avoid viruses that are better even than free AVG with Spybot Search & Destroy combo I have recommended (and still recommend highly).

1. Use a Mac. While expensive, it will save you in the long run from service calls and/or reloading your operating system.

2. Use Linux. From this point forward, for people who are casual computer users or internet only, and who already have a PC, I will be recommending a Linux install, either to replace current OS or to dual boot for internet usage. (yes it has become that user-friendly)

3. Browse in a sandbox. Why it took me so long to discover a free app to do this, I don't know, but allow me in the (more) section to introduce you to it.

4. Use Vista. This is a trick answer. You must use the Guest account on Vista. Whatever you do on that logon will be erased and the account will reappear brand new and unused when you login to it again!





More on 2: I am recommending Ubuntu Linux for its ease of install and use, and the simple method of adding features and programs. I am particularly impressed with the Wine app and how it automagically will open many Windows (tm) files. You can do a test by running from the CD and changing nothing on the computer, or you can set up a partition to dual boot--an option the install program gives you!--or you might just want to wipe your hard drive clean and use it exclusively.

More on 3: I'm still studying to learn this app better, but found the "always start browser in sandbox" option is available only in the paid version, so safe surfing will depend on the user to right click and select "open in sandbox" or click on the Sandboxie icon. Free app is downloadable at sandboxie.com and instructions and more info are located there. Basically, it separates your internet activity from the rest of your computer, so that even if you get hit by web viruses, they are unable to affect the operation of other programs, and won't destroy your data. ---> You still want to use free AVG (uncheck scan daily and just scan as needed) and you'll want to immunize with Spybot Search & Destory (uncheck the tea-timer application!).