Computer boobery

[Mudcat]

I switched over my main computer and I think I screwed up slightly. I thought I had security stuff on here but I think I misunderstood what I've got. I may not have anti-virus and spyware (anti-spyware??). So I am requesting some informed advice about this.

I have a thing called CCleaner. When I open it up, to be honest, I can't decipher what exactly it does. The other thing that I was confused about was something called Nero StartSmart. I just opened that up and I don't think it has anything to do with anti-virus etc.

I don't see anything else on my desktop that could be construed as security software.

So I guess my question is obvious: what would you recommend I do?

[betplom]

Mudcat, nero start smart is bloatware installed when you install nero - cd/dvd burning software, you can easily remove it [start smart].

CCleaner likely gives you comfort knowing its there, it probably does little, if anything to help, I'd remove it if I were you and use something else.

[RogueScholar]

I personally use Norton from Symantec, both their AntiVirus 2009 and Internet Security 2009 packages. They've been developed from scratch for this development cycle, so a lot of the common complaints and shortcomings that plagued the Norton packages in years past seem to have been fully addressed and eliminated.

The most important part of computer security software are the updates that are downloaded daily to identify new security risks. Norton has always been very comprehensive with their updates, and the price of the software is fair considering how little gets through their net.

[betplom]

I personally use Norton from Symantec, both their AntiVirus 2009 and Internet Security 2009 packages. They've been developed from scratch for this development cycle, so a lot of the common complaints and shortcomings that plagued the Norton packages in years past seem to have been fully addressed and eliminated.

The most important part of computer security software are the updates that are downloaded daily to identify new security risks. Norton has always been very comprehensive with their updates, and the price of the software is fair considering how little gets through their net.

I agree, Norton used to be one of the worst programs out there, the programs they created were notorious resource hogs and bloat, the new 2009 versions are excellent, I use Norton myself.

[Mudcat]

Is this something I download for free off the net or do I buy it and install it or take the computer to my guru to install it or what?

[RogueScholar]

You can download Free Trials off the Internet, and if you find it agrees with your system you can purchase licenses for both products from the Symantec website.

http://www.symantec.com/norton/downloads/index.jsp