Can I prevent spyware?what is Firewalls?How can Hackers gain Access to my computer? (games, keyboard)

[saveafricaplease]

I am an international student and do not have much knowledge about computers. I took CIS 110 and thats all. I really think my personal information has been compromised by an organization I trust. There is no way to prove it. Whats the best software to download free to remove unwanted spyware. I have Windows 7 and Windows Vista on my computers. I talked to one of my Instructors that suggested down loading Microsoft Security Essentials free from the internet. Is that enough? Will that protect my computer from computer Hackers? What about all those spyware on my computers? What do I use to delete them from my computers? Your help is kindly appreciated.

[bs13690]

My two cents:

Best free anti virus program/firewall: Avast
Best spyware removal: Malware Bytes
Best program to clean up temp files (where spyware sometimes hides): CCleaner

Firewall stands between your computer and outside access. If you think of it in literal terms it stops a fire (outside access) from coming into your PC. The best way to prevent spyware is to not install "free" screensavers, games, etc. These programs are typically riddled with the stuff. You can also pick up some nasty ones by downloading torrents.

[skel1977]

You can prevent spyware but you cant stop it. Download microsoft security essentials like your instructor said. Great free program. Windows already has a built in firewall, read some tutorials on how to use it. If you have a router you can set up a firewall through that most likely as well.

Aside from software the best thing you can do is not be stupid. Be careful what websites you choose to look at, what files you download and what information you choose to punch into your keyboard.

[Charles]

Run this

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/h...MSPCGSDBYWFMJB

[mensaguy]

Have you searched this forum? This has been discussed many times. I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials, Spybot Search and Destroy (for the immunize feature) and Malwarebytes to clean off spyware. All of this is free.

[gsm113]

I have used the free version of AVG antivirus for almost 4 years, and it's done its job well. Never had a virus, or spyware. And I download tons of stuff: torrents, songs, applications, movies, etc.
I also use Super Anti Spyware.
You can't have 2 antivirus but you can have 1 antivirus plus anti spyware.
You can find it here: free.avg.com they will try to get you to purchase the paid version but you don't need it.

[macroy]

Firewalls are software programs or appliances that establish a boundary between networks or a single machine from the rest of the network. In simplistic terms, the majority of network communication is achieved through requests and responses. A firewall is typically used to block either the request or response.

In a typical setup, a firewall is setup so that it allows all requests going out, and blocks all requests coming in. Responses coming in will also be scrutinized to make sure it was actually requested (when the request initially goes out, its recorded in a 'state-table').

So while a firewall will protect you from outside attacks; what it doesn't typically protect you from are malicious codes that you download by mistake (Enterprise firewalls are now coming out with this protection as well, but nothing is 100%). This is where other types of programs come in (i.e. anti-virus). You layer your protection since nothing can stop all attacks.