Quote Originally Posted by helpt3hn00b View Post
Thanks so much Judy! I followed your instructions re: ZoneAlarm and Spybot's Tea Timer, and the computer no longer freezes up after connecting to the internet! Have been considering switching back to AAW SE for some time, but recently heard that Lavasoft is going to stop offering support for it sometime soon. Have you heard anything about this?

Also downloaded SpywareBlaster and Startup Control Panel (disabling quite a few of those listed), as well as updating Java. Thanks

Would you recommend that I add any other anti-spyware or other programs from PhilliePhan's list?
So pleased all worked out so well.
I myself still use AdAwareSE Free version and am able to receive updates without trouble. By stopping support I believe they mean they will not offer support...i.e. if you are having problems with it but for now at least I am certainly able to update the program with new definitions. They also still have support questions and answers for AdAwareSE Free on their website here
I would imagine that sooner or later the newer version will be required but as of yet it is not. I will personally stay with AdAwareSE until they no longer offer definition updates for it, for now they do.
As far as additional anti-spyware programs from PP's list I also use AVG Anti-Spyware version 7.5 for scanning, not background protection and I also use the ATF-Cleaner. Other than that I myself don't use anything else other than those all ready noted. I also keep my browser cache set at no higher than 10 to 50mb. I also use Firefox as my default browser, it is more secure, I only use Internet Explorer for Windows updates, which I do manually not automatically.
Be sure to take a look at ~TL's link on configuring services in Windows XP. There are lots of great tips there for speeding up XP.
Just watch where you surf, use pop up blockers, don't open mail from somebody you don't know and you should continue to have good luck.
Judy