Yes, you need lots of extra memory. After all that happened with the spyware on another board, I loaded up on extra stuff, and I already had Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy. I brought this over from the new board, don't think anyone will mind me passing on the information, since it's all a plague on the internet everywhere these days.
One other thing everyone can do, if you haven't already, is go to Tools, Internet Options, Privacy and in the place where you can manually put in the things you don't want invading your computers, PLEASE put in Lop.com and News.net. This are two big offenders, there are even websites devoted to how they are trying to take over the net. Lop.com may even put porn dialers on you, and then you have big bills for porn calls you never made.
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 09:13 AM
Trustworthy Anti-Spyware Products
Protecting your PC w/ quality anti-spyware applications...
When choosing anti-spyware protection, you should rely on products with deserved reputations and proven track records. That means avoiding the new and unknown, and not succumbing to impulse buys of anti-spyware products that you see on the Net, esp. those included in the "rogue/suspect" list on this page or advertised on Google.
At the very least, you should have an anti-spyware scanner, and there are several reputable anti-spyware scanners available on the Net -- some even for free. But anti-spyware protection goes beyond having an anti-spyware scanner like Spybot Search & Destroy or Ad-aware. Even after installing and running an anti-spyware scanner, you should take steps to lock down your browser and protect your system against further infestation by spyware and adware.
What follows below is a set of recommended steps for installing anti-spyware protection for your PC. If your PC is already infested with spyware or adware, see the instructions for getting help included later on this page.
1. Install an anti-spyware scanner (or two...)
One basic tool in every user's toolbox of software ought to be an anti-spyware scanner. There are several excellent anti-spyware scanners available -- some free, some for pay. These include (but are not limited to):
Ad-aware
GIANT AntiSpyware (now available as Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta)
Pest Patrol
Spybot Search & Destroy
Webroot Spy Sweeper
Anti-spyware scanners work much like anti-virus applications (such as Norton Anti-Virus, McAfee VirusScan, et al), except that instead of scanning your PC for viruses, trojans, and worms, they scan your computer for spyware, adware, and dialers. (You can find a more complete list of anti-spyware applications HERE as well as a breakdown of the features offered by the most reputable anti-spyware programs HERE. And for reports on testing with many popular anti-spyware utilities, see HERE.)
We recommend using at least two anti-spyware scanners regularly, as one will often pick up items that the other misses. Even after you install an anti-spyware scanner, be sure to keep it updated because new spyware and adware appears on the Net almost daily.
2. Install anti-spyware protection
Scanning for spyware and adware isn't enough to protect your PC. You also need to take preventative steps to ensure that unwanted software doesn't come back. One effective way to prevent spyware and adware from returning is to install an anti-spyware prevention program such as:
SpywareBlaster
SpywareGuard
SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard are excellent, free programs from JavaCool. I recommend installing and using both, as they protect your computer in different ways. SpywareBlaster "inoculates" your Internet Explorer browser against the installation of unwanted spyware and adware from the internet. SpywareGuard actively monitors your PC and prevents spyware infestations. Both are easy to install and update.
3. Lock down your browser
One of the most prevalent means for spyware and adware to be installed is through Internet Explorer. To prevent spyware and adware from installing without your knowledge and permission, you need to "lock down" Internet Explorer. There are several ways to do this.
Securely configure the Internet zone
First, you can securely configure the Internet zone of Internet Explorer and add sites that you trust to the Trusted sites zone. This means that by default web sites will not be able to use "active content" (i.e., AcitveX controls, Java applets, and scripting) until you explicitly choose to trust those web sites. See this page for instructions on how to securely configure Internet Explorer:
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings
By turns, you could also use this free program, which will automatically configure Internet Explorer for you:
Enough is Enough!
One potential downside to securely configuring the Internet zone is that some web sites will not work properly until you add them to the Trusted sites zone -- a process that some users find cumbersome.
Add bad sites to the Restricted sites zone
Second, you can use another approach to "locking down" Internet Explorer which avoids the hassle of broken web sites by adding known "nasty" sites to the Restricted sites zone. Doing so gives your PC protection against known threats while still allowing most web sites to work by default. To put the clamp down on a long list of undesirable web sites, you can install and use this free program:
IE-SPYAD
If you choose to use the Restricted sites approach of IE-SPYAD, be sure to update your copy of IE-SPYAD regularly, as new web sites are constantly being added to the list.
4. Use an alternative browser
Internet Explorer is not only the most popular browser on the Net, it is also the browser most widely and easily exploited by spyware pushers to install spyware and adware behind users' backs. Thus, you might decide that Internet Explorer is simply not worth the hassle or risk. In that case, you can install and run an alternative, non-IE browser such as:
Mozilla
Firefox
Opera
All three of these browsers are mature, robust, and fast. Moreover, they have built-in pop-up blocking and several other nice features that Internet Explorer simply lacks. More importantly, all three of these browsers are much less susceptible to unwanted adware and spyware installations. Mozilla and Firefox are free; Opera is available for a small price.
Note: even if you do switch to an alternative browser, you should still lock down Internet Explorer, as described above. Given that Internet Explorer has effectively been integrated into Windows, it can still be exploited by adware and spyware that gets installed to your system through other means. Thus, locking down Internet Explorer remains important even if you're not regularly using Internet Explorer to browse the internet.
5. Keep your system safe & secure with Windows Update
To prevent unwanted spyware and adware from being installed behind your back, you need to install all the latest "Critical Updates" from Microsoft. Doing so is easier than you might think.
Microsoft has an entire Windows Update site devoted to automatically updating users' systems with all the latest fixes and patches for a wide range of Microsoft software, including Windows, Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and Internet Explorer.
We strongly urge you to take your system past the Windows Update site and let that site download and install the appropriate fixes for your computer. Doing so just might save you some grief and headaches down the road:
Windows Update
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
Much of the update process at Windows Update is automated, so it's simple and convenient. The Windows Update site will install a small program to analyze the software on your system and recommend the appropriate fixes. This process takes only a few minutes.
Once Windows Update has finished analyzing your system, you'll be presented with a menu of downloads that Windows Update deems appropriate for your computer. At a minimum you should let Windows Update install the fixes marked as "Critical Updates." The other available updates ("Recommended Updates," "Drivers and Enhancements") are optional.
Check the boxes for the updates that you wish to install ("Critical Updates" are checked by default). Then click the appropriate button to start the download and installation process. You'll be shown a summary of the updates that you've selected, and then you'll presented with a "License Agreement." After you click through the "License Agreement," the download and intallation process will start.
Since the entire download and installation process is automated, there's almost nothing for you to do except reboot the computer after all the updates have been installed.
6. Read Licenses & Privacy Policies
Anti-spyware applications alone can't protect you entirely from unwanted spyware and adware. You have to do your part as well by being vigilant in your online behavior.
One of the more common sources for spyware and adware is "freeware" (e.g., Grokster or KaZaA) that bundles unwanted third-party applications. Another common source involves third-party web sites that automatically start the installation of spyware and adware when you visit those sites. These auto-installed spyware and adware programs may initially appear to be plug-ins necessary for the web site itself, though usually they are not.
Wherever you happen to encounter spyware and adware, you will usually be presented with a EULA (End User License Agreement) and/or Privacy Policy. Do not blindly click through these documents. Read them carefully and look for the tell-tale language that discloses the presence of adware or spyware. For tips on what to look for, see these pages:
DSLReports.com - EULAs & Privacy Policies
The Problem with Privacy Policies
Ben Edelman - Grokster and Claria Take Licenses to New Lows
Ben Edelman - Gator's EULA Gone Bad
Most if not all of the "adware-supported" or "advertising-supported" applications on the Net have adware-free equivalents. There's simply no need to use advertising-supported applications. If you're looking for truly free software without any unwanted surprises, see the following sites:
CleanSoftware.org OldVersion.com
FreeWindows.dk The OpenCD
GNUWin II The OSSWin Project
Moochers
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#trustworthy
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 09:15 AM
Advanced Member
Joined: 17-January 05
I have every one of those and agree with that article!!
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 09:19 AM
Advanced Member
Investigate the origins (who owns the company) of anything that you want to run on your system before doing so.
Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 09:25 AM
Member
Here are some links and these are all free
Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware Beta
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Ad-Aware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
Spybot - Search and Destroy
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10122137.html?part=104443&subj=dlpage&tag=button
Siani Posted: Jan 17 2005, 09:37 AM
Cheaper than a shrink!
http://www.spywareinfo.com/
These guys have heaps of info on removing scumware, a support forum with lots of expert help, and an online spyware scanner.
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 10:52 AM
Member
How much information is gleaned from your computer when you do an online scan?
I just don't like the idea that while your PC is being scanned there is a possibility that your system is being logged.
Don't call me a dumbass. I already know. ))
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 10:58 AM
With a 4.3 gig hard drive, I don't keep much on it!
You don't have to scan online, you can download the other stuff, spybot etc.
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 11:50 AM
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 11:57 AM
Advanced Member
Putting a router between your computer and the net is a good way to end attacks on your machine. The router hides your ports.
http://www.linksys.com/products/group.asp?grid=34&scid=29
http://www.dlinkshop.com/
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 01:10 PM
Newbie
What? You mean people actually surf the hi-speed internet without some sort of a hardware firewall? Hmmmmmmm!
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 06:14 PM
Newbie
Another great site for info on these issues is cexx.org
cexx stands for counterexploitation. It's not a porn site.
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 06:52 PM
Newbie
http://microsuck.com
do you know about the "REALLY hidden files" on windows???
http://www.southbaypc.com/SuperCleaner/
clean out .dat's and sh*t too, in addition to spyware
also search for AVAST which will not only protect you from virri and find everything from its boot scan, but also has a built in network sheild that constantly blocks attacks
ad-aware , spybot, spyware blaster, firefox, avast, and the above are must haves!! why 3 spyware programs you ask? because spyware blaster (an immunizer), + the immunizer on spybot is a lot of immunizing. so you can be very immunized and have ad-aware the best scanner.
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 07:47 PM
Advanced Member
Group: Admin
Great to see you bud. Copy these posts and pack them in your overnight bag. We will need them later. We all benefit from your educated opinions on these subjects.
--------------------
Ride the wave!
Posted: Jan 17 2005, 10:25 PM
Newbie
Don't even bother with the free downloads. They won't help -- and I would not be surprised if some of them come with krap. I tried. I just got my computer back from the computer hospital. It cost $150 to get 16 viruses off of it. I now have PC-cillin ($69.00)
Posted: Jan 18 2005, 02:38 AM
Newbie
put an updated Hosts file to windows :
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
costs nothing and helps a lot
Many hours and 5 spyware/virus cleaners later, all the bugs are gone, but the Disk Cleanup function no longer works! It will start, but gets hung up on "Compressing old files". Finally giving up, I hit cancel and the windows go away....but cleanmgr.exe still runs in the task manager using 99% CPU until I manually kill the process by ending it. 
