...Computer problems, please read:

Make sure you have, AND KEEP FREQUENTLY UPDATED these things:

A Virus Scanner

A Firewall

A program that finds and deletes "Spyware" and "Adware".

Other tips after you get these:

Don't use "KaZaA" or any other file-sharing program to download full versions of Virus Scanners/Firewalls, just go spend the 40 - 50 bucks and do it right. Like with the registering and everything. The Spyware/Adware removal programs are free, I'm pretty sure, so I guess you can get them from KaZaA. I wouldn't, though. I'd still go to their websites and get them.

Be sure to run the Spyware/Adware scanner, and the Virus Scanner to scan your computer at least once a week. I'd do the Spyware/Adware Removal program scanner at least once a day, especially when you're done using the Internet)

Make sure your Virus Scanner and Firewall are always running, ESPECIALLY if you are on the Internet; and MORE ESPECIALLY, (Not really a real phrase I don't think, lol) if you have any sort of an "Always on" Internet connection such as Cable, DSL, Satellite, etc. And MOST ESPECIALLY have them on if you're using any File-sharing network such as "KaZaA".

Use your Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter at least once a week.

Everyone will disagree with me on this one, but use Windows '98. Not XP, ME, 2000, or '95. '98 RULES.

If you don't need your Cookies, go to all your "Temporary Internet Files" folders, and delete EVERYTHING there. Some cookies are used to remember User Names/Passwords for you on Message Boards and other sites, so if you need some cookies, see if you can find which ones you need and which you don't, and delete the ones you don't need.

Hope this helps! If you want my suggestions on what of each type to use, post and say so.

Someone should seriously sticky this to the top... excellent post...

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
...Computer problems, please read:

Make sure you have, AND KEEP FREQUENTLY UPDATED these things:

A Virus Scanner

A Firewall

A program that finds and deletes "Spyware" and "Adware".

Other tips after you get these:

Don't use "KaZaA" or any other file-sharing program to download full versions of Virus Scanners/Firewalls, just go spend the 40 - 50 bucks and do it right. Like with the registering and everything. The Spyware/Adware removal programs are free, I'm pretty sure, so I guess you can get them from KaZaA. I wouldn't, though. I'd still go to their websites and get them.

Be sure to run the Spyware/Adware scanner, and the Virus Scanner to scan your computer at least once a week. I'd do the Spyware/Adware Removal program scanner at least once a day, especially when you're done using the Internet)

Make sure your Virus Scanner and Firewall are always running, ESPECIALLY if you are on the Internet; and MORE ESPECIALLY, (Not really a real phrase I don't think, lol) if you have any sort of an "Always on" Internet connection such as Cable, DSL, Satellite, etc. And MOST ESPECIALLY have them on if you're using any File-sharing network such as "KaZaA".

Use your Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter at least once a week.

Everyone will disagree with me on this one, but use Windows '98. Not XP, ME, 2000, or '95. '98 RULES.

Hope this helps! If you want my suggestions on what of each type to use, post and say so.


Well, I use Windows ME, which is an extension of Windows 98, but with added features.

My OS is more stable than a lot of people that I know that use Windows 98, in my opinion.

But yes, your tips are dead on. :)

Thanks, and I took out the Politics I originally had in it, lol. I think the first day I posted it I had just left the Current Events/Politics board or something :D .

Yup excellent tips, it was my mom's computer at work and her and her boss are a little computer illiterate. I try to explain the whole Viruscanner/Firewall/Spyware thing to them and they just can't get it through there heads.

is there a program that deletes spyware for macintoshes??? If you know of one please let me know!! Thank you so much! :D

Try downloading:

"Ad-Aware" from http://www.lavasoft.nu
"SpySubtrtact" from http://www.adsubtract.com

(Last restort) Go to http://www.download.com and download "SpyBot".

Don't forget, keep 'em updated.

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
Try downloading:

"Ad-Aware" from http://www.lavasoft.nu
"SpySubtrtact" from http://www.adsubtract.com

(Last restort) Go to http://www.download.com and download "SpyBot".

Don't forget, keep 'em updated.


Whats wrong with spybot?

I've heard that it's TOO good. i.e. deletes things you need to access the Internet.

Win ME is just fine. I like it better than 98.

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
I've heard that it's TOO good. i.e. deletes things you need to access the Internet.



Ad-aware as well, ad-aware has a history of doing that... though I believe it is fixed now... but a few months back they would remove new.net wrong thatd leave you without net access...

Erm, I think I deleted New.net when I first got a Spyware remover and everything's going fine. Who knows? Maybe I'll get Spybot.

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
Erm, I think I deleted New.net when I first got a Spyware remover and everything's going fine. Who knows? Maybe I'll get Spybot.

I definitely deleted New.net. So far my computer seems to be running smooooooth :)

Spybots got a badddddd interface lol




http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/Ad-aware/

http://www.cexx.org/newnet.htm





If you look at some of the old topics on Lavasofts support forum you could probably find topics about it....

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
I've heard that it's TOO good. i.e. deletes things you need to access the Internet. - What happens is Spybot removes the malware/spyware regardless of what it is; so if some bad program puts in a proxy setting (like adserver download accelerators and popup stoppers) it forces Internet Explorer to only go through that proxy and if the software is removed and the setting is still there it wont work. Usually all you need to do is remove the settings (on the connections tab in the Internet Options). The other thing it will interfere with is Spyware-laden software like KaZaa, Grokster, Limewire, etc... - which are not supposed to work with the spyware removed, your best option there is to start with software that doesnt have spyware (like WinMX and Kazaalite/K++)
As for the interface, the newest version of Spybot has both an Easy and Advanced interface, and skiins if you wanna make it pretty...

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
Everyone will disagree with me on this one, but use Windows '98. Not XP, ME, 2000, or '95. '98 RULES.

OMG, you have got to be kidding me. Well, you were right about the first part there. Let me educate y'all...

The "modern era" of OSes (i.e., those that anyone would dare use today) began with Windows 95. This was a home-oriented OS that became notorious for its many errors. At roughly the same time period came Windows NT. This was a business-oriented OS, therefore it was more stable, since businesses cannot afford to have their computers crapping out on them every ten minutes, regardless of the abuse they may withstand.

From here, the OSes branched out. From 95 came 98, which was not much better, since its underlying code was still based on 95. Meanwhile, NT got several "Service Packs," which were simply large-scale updates. 98 also had a similar upgrade, known as 98 Second Edition. SE was somewhat better than regular unleaded 98, but it was still based on the same code.

Then came Windows Me. The most evil of all 95-based OSes. While it was purported to be a much more stable OS than those before it, it was not, and it quickly became hated by most of its users.

Finally, Microsoft saw the light. They created an OS that was designed for both business and home and was based on the much more stable NT coding. Windows 2000 Professional was born. This OS finally achieved the utimate stability for a small-scale OS. However, it was often too complicated for some people to use.

Out of this, then, came Windows XP. Both the Home and Professional Editions are based on Windows 2000 Professional code and are thus rock-solid as far as reliability and are also much easier for the average person to use.

I have used all of these OSes and still prefer Windows 2000 Professional. It literally has not crashed since I have begun using it. I have XP Pro on my laptop and it too has performed quite admirably. For the average user, I would suggest they use Windows XP (Pro, if they can handle it), as it provides the best combination of ease of use and stability.

Many times, people have very different experiences with different OSes, but as far as XP and 2000 go, I find it's most always the fault of the user. People abuse their machines and expect them to continue running normally under extremely stressful conditions. Would a car continue running normally without an oil change? I don't suggest that everyone pour oil in their engines, but they should clean up their systems. For instance, I've seen people who have nearly 15 items in their system tray. The number of things in the system tray should be kept to a minimum, because for every icon represented in the tray, there is a program running for it in the background, usurping often needless computing power and leading to a crash.

But anyway...there's my two cents...or perhaps more than two cents. I really don't know what compelled me to write all of this...O_o

*bump* You should read the post I made this topic with if you haven't yet.

Okay, I have decided, to, in a long *bump* post for this, release my recommendations for each of the programs:

Virus Scanner = McAfee Viruscan, don't forget to check for update's EVERY day! (BTW, how does everyone pronounce "McAfee"? I say "MA("A" as in "Apple")-kuh-fee", but I've heard people say, "Muh-KAF-ee".)

Firewall = McAfee Firewall, update it, but it doesn't update near as much as the Virus Scanner at all.

Programs that Delete Spyware/Adware: Spybot, Search and Destroy (http://download.com.com/3120-20-0.html?qt=Spybot&tg=dl-2001), Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoft.nu), SpySubtract (http://www.adsubtract.com) ("AdSubtract" is a cool program too; it stops pop-ups and banners on websites; it works very well.)

Other tips after you get these:

BE SURE THAT WHEN YOU GET THESE PROGRAMS TO TELL THEM TO CHECK FOR UPDATES!!!

Don't use "KaZaA" or any other file-sharing program to download full versions of Virus Scanners/Firewalls, just go spend the 40 - 50 bucks and do it right. Like with the registering and everything. The Spyware/Adware removal programs are free (except for "SpySubtract; you have a 30-Day Trial), so I guess you can get them from KaZaA. I wouldn't, though. I'd still go to their websites and get them.

Be sure to run the Spyware/Adware scanner, and the Virus Scanner to scan your computer at least once a week. I'd do the Spyware/Adware Removal program scanner at least once a day, especially when you're done using the Internet)

Make sure your Virus Scanner and Firewall are always running, ESPECIALLY if you are on the Internet, MORE ESPECIALLY, if you have any sort of an "Always on" Internet connection such as Cable, DSL, Satellite, etc. And MOST ESPECIALLY have them on if you're using any File-sharing network such as "KaZaA", "Grokstar", etc.

Happy Computer-- erm... "Running"? :)

Hey, TJ or somebody;

Could you change the NAME of this topic to, instead "Everyone with AND WITHOUT..." to "EVERYONE! or "EVERYONE:; whichever you believe is more fitting?

good topic:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Thank you.

I use Windows 98,but back in late April my computer got a virus,
I don't what the name of it was,but at least I have virus scanner,
need to update it through into defend my PC!

Does anyone recommended ZoneAlarm or whatever it's called? I have ad-aware, but I figure another program can't hurt.

I hear on the "Kim Komando" radio show it's supposed to be VERY good. The Firewall's supposed make you invisible online. I wonder if that means no "Newtear" or "Port Scan" attacks EVER. *ponders* Check it out at komando.com . That's a great site for beginners and experts, BTW.

Originally posted by pandora_spocks
Does anyone recommended ZoneAlarm or whatever it's called? I have ad-aware, but I figure another program can't hurt.



Yes... I love Zonealarm.. Sygate Personal Firewall is also good its a little more advanced but I got the blue screen of death when trying Sygate with AOL 9.0 (Figures lol) So i had to go back to zonealarm...


Zonealarm is real easy to use too..

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
I hear on the "Kim Komando" radio show it's supposed to be VERY good. The Firewall's supposed make you invisible online. I wonder if that means no "Newtear" or "Port Scan" attacks EVER. *ponders* Check it out at komando.com . That's a great site for beginners and experts, BTW.




While It Makes you Invisible Online in a way... you still get port scanned and stuff... When someone does a port scan and they scan a range of IP Addys and yours is included.... Zonealarm simply blocks the port scan and doesn't send a reply back, Like the computer isn't even connected to the internet...

That reminds me, Ive got to listen to Kim Komando one of these saturdays! Its on here at 10am I think...

Hrm, darn, I was thinking that it actually completely deleted your IP address, lol. That would be good for safety, but the same sickos that commit fraud and make viruses would take advantage and do SOMETHING wrong. Jeez, I dislike-very people like that!

You should be treated like ciminals and put in jail if you mess with someone else's computer; that is their property, and no one invited them in.

Or hid your IP address, whatever.

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
Or hid your IP address, whatever.



There are things that do that actully.. one is called "The Anonymizer" or somethin like that..

Okay, update! I've sort of made this a little more readable, added the recommendations, and added some more hints.

BE SURE THAT WHEN YOU GET THESE PROGRAMS TO TELL THEM TO CHECK FOR UPDATES WHEN YOU FIRST GET THEM, AS WELL AS PERIODICALLY ATER YOU GET THEM!!! Make sure you have, AND KEEP FREQUENTLY UPDATED these things:

A Virus Scanner - I recommend McAfee Viruscan. Don't forget to check for updates EVERY day! (BTW, how does everyone pronounce "McAfee"? I say "MA("A" as in "Apple")-kuh-fee", but I've heard people say, "Muh-KAF-ee".)

A Firewall - I recommend McAfee Firewall. Update it, but it doesn't update near as much as the Virus Scanner.

Program that finds/deletes "Spyware/Adware" (Which is baaaad stuff) - I recommend "Spybot, Search and Destroy", "Ad-Aware", and "SpySubtract". Go to " http://www.download.com " to get "SpyBot" and "Ad-Aware", and these two are free forever. SpySubtract you can get at www.adsubtract.com , and it's a 30-Day Free Trial. ("AdSubtract" is a cool program too; it stops pop-ups and banners on websites; it works very well.)

Other tips after you get these:

1. Don't use "KaZaA" or any other file-sharing program to download full versions of Virus Scanners/Firewalls, just go spend the 40 - 50 bucks and do it right. Like with the registering and everything. The Spyware/Adware removal programs are free, so I guess you can get them from KaZaA. I wouldn't, though. I'd still go to their websites and get them.

2. Be sure to run the Spyware/Adware scanner, and the Virus Scanner to scan your computer at least once a week. I'd do the Spyware/Adware Removal program scanner at least once a day, especially before and after using the Internet.

3. Make sure your Virus Scanner and Firewall are always running, ESPECIALLY if you are on the Internet. MORE ESPECIALLY if you have any sort of an "Always on" Internet connection such as Cable, DSL, Satellite, etc. And MOST ESPECIALLY have them both on if you're using any File-sharing network such as "KaZaA".

4. Use your "Scandisk" and "Disk Defragmenter" at least once a week.

5. If you don't need your Cookies, go to all your "Temporary Internet Files" folders, and delete EVERYTHING there. Some cookies are used to remember User Names/Passwords for you on Message Boards and other sites, so if you need some cookies, see if you can find which ones you need and which you don't, and delete the ones you don't need.

6. If you have ANY programs or files on your computer that you do not want, or do not use, get rid of it! The process you should use to get rid of them/it is this:

A. See of they have an "Uninstall", and use IT.

B. Whether it DOES or does NOT have an "Uninstall", go to your Start Menu, then "Settings", then "Control Panel", and go into "Add/Remove Programs". Check stuff you want to get rid of there and tell it to get rid of them.

C. After you do both/either of these (Or if neither displays the program you're trying to get rid of) go to "Start", "Find all Files and Folders", and type in the name of the program. Make sure you set it to search "My Computer" so it checks everywhere. When it finds it, delete it, then delete it out of your Recycle Bin, if you have one.

D. THIS NEXT PART DEALS WITH THE BACKBONE OF YOUR SYSTEM, SO BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WHILE USING THIS METHOD, AND I TAKE NO REPONSIBILITY FOR SYSTEM DAMAGE! Okay, now, go to "Start", "Run", and type in " regedit " and press "OK". It brings up a little window with a few folders. These folders contain files that are on your computer, and even ones you might've deleted! And fragments of different programs, as well. Double-click on "My Computer" so it searches everything, click "Edit", then "Find". Type in what you want to search for and press "Find Next". When it finds something matching what you typed in, MAKE SURE IT'S THE EXACT PROGRAM/FILE YOU WANTED TO DELETE, AND THAT IT'S NOT SOMETHING ELSE BEFORE DELETING IT!

E. This particular thing ought to be completely off your system now.

Good luck with your comp., and stay tuned in case I think of any more tips/hints!

I pronounce it as Mick-Uh-Fee... LOL



As Far as Editing the Registry, Ive yet to ever do that lol... Too scared ill mess something up. Ive opened up RegEdit Before but yet to edit keys.. Think i should donwload some type of Registry Cleaner? I know some are out there...

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
Hey, TJ or somebody;

Could you change the NAME of this topic to, instead "Everyone with AND WITHOUT..." to "EVERYONE! or "EVERYONE:; whichever you believe is more fitting?

*ahem*

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
*ahem*
OK
.Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/) and Spybot (http://security.kolla.de/news.php?lang=en)
free Antivirus Grisoft's AVG (http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php) and free online scans at trendMicro (http://housecall.antivirus.com)
free Firewall at ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp)
and to kill pop-ups try the Google toolbar (http://toolbar.google.com/)

and for security related stuff check out Steve Gibson's site GRC.com (http://grc.com/default.htm) - there are several useful free tools on his site including Leaktest and ShieldsUp! to test your security, and excellent forums on security and technology

the newest tool on his site, DCOMbobulator may be of interest to anyone who got hit by the Blaster worm ~ instead of a patch it turns DCOM OFF!!! unless you need to access your computer from a remote location (access it from work or on business trips etc...) you dont need it

Since the Blaster thing there have been
THREE new vulnerabilities in DCOM / RPC this means brand new holes for new worms and viruses!!! Microsoft cant patch this mess fast enough so just turn it off!!!!

DCOMbobulator lets you enable DCOM again if you have problems or you actually need it for something so it is safe to use

New exploits mean new worms coming out any day now....

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1270468,00.asp

Speaking of GRC, have you seen that site that says Steve Gibson is full of it...? If so im curious on your opinion on it... I like the Sheilds Up on GRC.com...



www.grcsucks.com

Originally posted by AAOT
Speaking of GRC, have you seen that site that says Steve Gibson is full of it...? If so im curious on your opinion on it... I like the Sheilds Up on GRC.com...



www.grcsucks.com
Well, I have been visiting Steve Gibson's site for many years and value his opinions (which is what I see them as - just opinions) and I wouldnt have posted links to his site if I didnt feel that there was valuable info there.

I briefly looked over the www.grcsucks.com site, but I'm not too interested in delving through the whole thing because they are acting like Steve is claiming to be THE expert on security.

I value the excellent free tools and software that is on his site, but I also use other tools that have no affiliation or support from GRC.com, I use ShieldsUp, but I also use the similar tools on Norton's and other sites.

The security forums are probably the best resource on www.grc.com and they definately aren't there to service Steve Gibson's self-promotion - its mostly average security-concious users like you and I.

One of the best tips I have for security is to be proactive: spend time looking for ways to be more secure and patch holes, and dont rely on one tool or get all your info from one source.

*bump*

Originally posted by ConservativeBaller
*bump* yes, ditto

I keep periodically getting Port Scanned. It's really annoying, 'cuz I've been playing "The Sims" and "RollerCoaster Tycoon", and a lot of times, I'll try to save and it will close down, so I keep having to re-do things and it gets really old when I have to restart my whole comp. I've still been doing all the things in the first post of this topic, (Except I haven't defragged in a while) and my McAfee Firewall luckily always cuts off the Port Scan, but it stops everything to say McAfee intercepted it, and, like I say, closes everything down. What should I do?

What's wrong with XP?? I have it and haven't had any problems whatsoever:confused:

Attention!

I know this is the Chit Chat board and topics take a turn and go the wrong way, but don't start talking about XP here. Don't reply to what Desi said, don't agree or disagree on what he said, stay focused "like a laser beam" on my question.

Originally posted by ConservativeBalla
I keep periodically getting Port Scanned. It's really annoying, 'cuz I've been playing "The Sims" and "RollerCoaster Tycoon", and a lot of times, I'll try to save and it will close down, so I keep having to re-do things and it gets really old when I have to restart my whole comp. I've still been doing all the things in the first post of this topic, (Except I haven't defragged in a while) and my McAfee Firewall luckily always cuts off the Port Scan, but it stops everything to say McAfee intercepted it, and, like I say, closes everything down. What should I do? i'm not familiar with how to do it in McAffee, but in Norton's and ZoneAlarm, you can control how the firewall alerts you to these port-scans, look through the documentation or on their website for info on how to turn the Alerts off

the port scans shouldn't be anything to worry about as long as you are using a firewall, basically they are looking for unprotected ports - so you dont need the firewall to tell you about them

i actually use a hardware firewall/router in addition to a software firewall, so the portscans never get to the software firewall

Originally posted by ConservativeBalla
Attention!

I know this is the Chit Chat board and topics take a turn and go the wrong way, but don't start talking about XP here. Don't reply to what Desi said, don't agree or disagree on what he said, stay focused "like a laser beam" on my question.

Desi's a she...:D

Desi's a she...:D

My bad, DesiLover, I apologize.

i'm not familiar with how to do it in McAffee, but in Norton's and ZoneAlarm, you can control how the firewall alerts you to these port-scans, look through the documentation or on their website for info on how to turn the Alerts off

It's be all right to turn the alerts off, eh? Aight, I'll do it.

Originally posted by ConservativeBalla
Attention!

I know this is the Chit Chat board and topics take a turn and go the wrong way, but don't start talking about XP here. Don't reply to what Desi said, don't agree or disagree on what he said, stay focused "like a laser beam" on my question.

Excuse ME! But I don't see why you have to act so ignorant when the XP subject is talked about. AND I'm a WOMAN..probably more than what YOU can handle too:p

Originally posted by ConservativeBalla
My bad, DesiLover, I apologize.



It's be all right to turn the alerts off, eh? Aight, I'll do it. yeah - they are really only helpfull at first, when you are setting up the firewall, the other option is you could use the firewall to "block all traffic" before you start your game, then turn it back on when you're done
...assuming you aren't playing the Sim's Online :rofl:

Seems like whenever I turn on "Block all Traffic", waves of Port Scanning/hacking start on my comp., though. Why is that?

Ah-ha! Found a "Detect port scanning activity" option. It's checked right now, should I uncheck it?

Originally posted by ConservativeBalla
Ah-ha! Found a "Detect port scanning activity" option. It's checked right now, should I uncheck it? i would think there should be a way to turn off the alerts, mcAfee's website doesnt provide a lot of info on the subject though...

Originally posted by robyrob
i would think there should be a way to turn off the alerts, mcAfee's website doesnt provide a lot of info on the subject though... i think the answer is in here:

http://download.nai.com/products/manuals/mcafee_software/mcafee_firewall/v4.0/nai-593-0010-1.pdf

Originally posted by robyrob
i think the answer is in here:

http://download.nai.com/products/manuals/mcafee_software/mcafee_firewall/v4.0/nai-593-0010-1.pdf nope, not in the manual, but i did find it:

- Right Click on Guardian Icon
- Open McAfee Firewall
- Click on Run Firewall
- Under Tasks click on Set Alert Preferences
- Go to Pop Up notification and uncheck box
- Hit Apply

and a much better source of help for McAfee:
http://forums.mcafeehelp.com/viewforum.php?f=4&sid=6a0442ffba02009b15ab18038c1f5574

Thanks, ma'.