what reg bits to turn off

[pohhop]

Hi

Used computers for years but never altered things inside.
As more viruses ect are coming, what is the best way to protect yourself.
run win XP Sp2, Norton AV, P4, Using IE7 now.

how to stop background progs running.

THanks

[drmsucks]

how to stop background progs running.

Which programs?

Norton is okay but quite heavy on resources - when your subscription is about to run out, check back here for recommendations for free AV's. (Currently, I like Avast!: anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-rootkit: http://www.avast.com/eng/download.html) Never run more than one AV at a time. Run a scan weekly or, at least, monthly.

I'm not familiar with "P4" - what is it?

Firefox is a browser that many people believe is more secure than IE: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

To supplement the protection of your anti-virus, anti-spyware program consider: Spywareblaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html), Threatfire (http://www.threatfire.com/), SuperAntispyware (SAS) (http://www.superantispyware.com/). None of these should conflict with Norton.

I would use the free version of SAS and scan at least monthly.

This, of course, is just my opinion - keep checking back to see what other forum members think.

Best of luck!

EDIT: And be sure that you keep the OS patched and run a firewall - at least Window's firewall, Norton's, or Comodo (http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/)

NEVER run more than one firewall at a time.