Just wanted some opinions on this issue: Are HIPS really needed for my computer? For real-time protection, I already have Antivir Free, Superantispyware Pro, Filseclab Firewall, and Snoopfree Privacy Shield. Do I still need HIPS? If I do, what are some good, free, yet low-resource consuming programs that I can use? I'm tempted about BOClean, but I worry about the memory consumption. I already have 38 processes running: don't want another if it is resource-hogging. Best Regards
2OldGeek’s Recipe for keeping a Clean computer. And, if it does become infected or the System crashes, can be restored completely in 6 to 8 minutes….. (Without the use of any cleaning programs.) Prevention: 1.) Use a HOST file. Use HostsXpert to manage it. With MVPS and HP Hosts files you will block about 70,000 bad sites. I have over 300,000 sites blocked.. 2.) Use a HIPS (Host Intrusion Prevention System) ThreatFire, WinPatrol, Spyware Guard, SpyBot Teatimer, etc. etc. This will alow you to block Malware before it installs itself.. I use WinPatrol. I have the Plus version and it has a great database. In case of a disaster, have a backup plan in force: 1.) Never keep anything on your Main drive except the OS and Applications. My Documents should be kept on your 2nd drive, usb drive, etc. Easy to move, just right click My Documents -> Properties -> Move. This will place your documents, pictures, music, movies, etc. on another drive. That way if your system crashes or becomes infected, you will not loose any of them. 2.) Use an Imaging program to backup your entire Main Drive. I use and recommend Acronis True Image, it sells for about 49 bucks but can be found, after rebates, for about 23. Well worth it at twice the price. There are some Free imaging programs out there but Acronis is the BEST. It will restore your entire Hard Drive in 6 to 8 minutes, getting rid of any problems, with no need to reformat/reinstall. There are other programs that I use, depending on the situation, that are great at keeping your computer clean. HostsXpert - I use a very large Hosts file – it works!! K9WebPatrol - with this you can block “everything!”, keep your kids out of porn sites. Check it out.. It’s Free. BOClean - I use it but have seen it only once or twice – It worked… WinPatrol – I use this, but I use the plus version. GhostSurf – Uses an anonymous Proxy server and Nothing gets back to you. Changes your IP address. It’s Great! ThreatFire – Works but conflicts with some e-mail clients like Incredimail. Returnil – This is a Great, if you learn how to use it, or it can be a pain if you don’t. The List goes on but these are a few that I personally use… 2OG To answer your question, if you have a very large Hosts file or use GhostSurf, probably not.. But then it's another layer of defence.. that will stop things that slip through. And it does happen. lol
