Adware Giving Me The PC Blow Up Blues

[beth]

Jason, I do a lot of skimming too. Also a lot of reading, so I don't always remember every single detail either.
I would not have edited the registry except that the adware removal prog I have told me where it was. Since the program was not doing too well removing it, I just did it manually.

 

[nolson]

Norton Firewall and Norton AntiVirus.
Ad-Aware.
And a cable modem with a router.
I have not had a problem with a virus or any harmfull adware in a long time.
BTW Im Comp Tech Certified... Get those 2 programs and close all your open ports youll be fine

 

[beth]

You know I have always used Norton Antivirus, however, I heard so many bad things about this yr's software pertaining to piracy prevention tools that they are using, that I was afraid to get it.

 

[toungetwster]

Beth...you've helped me with my tanks in the past...so now maybe I can return the fav. There is a program I've found that works much better than Norton. Do a search for Trend Micro Systems. They have had a program complete with firewall that works AWESOME. It used to be named PC-Cillin; but now have upgraded it and it is now call Internet Security Systems...I've used the former for a number of years and never had anything get into my hard drive. I upgraded to the new version..and just prior...had caught a nasty virus..due to my daughter turning off the program on accident. Well the new program searched out and found 3 different versions of the virus...cleaned my hard drive up perfectly! Trend will let you download and try for 30 days without charge..if you like...which I know you will...I believe the cost is something like $50.00 Hope this helps!

 

[fshhub]

ummmmmmmm, we stopped using pc-cillin in our store even quit selling it. it is not bad, but they did not used to be very good at updating (that was our biggest prob with them)
clean out your temp internet files, delete your cookies
run adaware and spybot
then
set up sygate firewall, sygate is more user friendly-free-and better than many. zone alarm or black ice would be 2d choice(black ice would be second only because it si not free)
after that, set up a cheap router, just for the firewall capabiliteis. IMO, nowdays software and hardware firewalls are neccesary with this garbage going on. use both, because one works better for incoming than out going and the other is the complete opposite. you should be able to find an inexpensive router/firewall for 30 to 40 bucks if you look around.
and again, IMO

[hr]
FORGET symantec. NOT bad programs, but they cost and keep costing and I dont like ANY software that tries to dictate how i do things. moving things around and config'n your system like he owns it.
you really dont want to hear my feelings on norton, besides my response could offend some. and with reason.

 

[orion7]

Beth, there are a host of programs that can help:
adaware - freeware allows updates
spywareblaster - sets restricted sites.
spybot search and destroy - sets restricted sites.
webroot spysweeper - active shield, my personal favorite
spyhunter - the registry scan tells you were the registry keys are so you can delete them.
But there are several considerations with spyware. First there are a ton of very very tempting freeware programs that have a ton of spyware associated with them especially music downloaders. Wiping the HD is great but it you reinstall those programs causes the problem to come right back. I found all of my problems came from one program called blubster which is like kazaa. If you are going to wipe the drive and reinstall. ReDownload the programs new but only those from trusted sites like netscape, quicktime, realplayer, microsoft, etc. Most purchased software is safe but some of the cheap game multipaks for like ten dollars can be full of spyware as well. Another consideration would be to install a firewall. Xp has one built in but it is not the best. Norton internet security is good if you want to buy one. Free ones:
ZoneAlarm.
Sygate.

 

[beth]

I'm wondering if another browser, like netscape, would be better. I'm tired of this problem with IE.
Thank you all! I'm taking in a lot of your suggestions!

 

[fshhub]

www.mozilla.org
better than netscape, faster and more stable
also has built in pop up protection that you can custom tailor

 

[beth]

fsh, so far I like mozilla but the sygate firewall knocked out my ability to signon using aol. Obviously, if you are not relatively PC savey, you could totally eliminate your online experience with sygate.

 

[beth]

Ok, now sygate Log view is telling me that someone is scanning my computer. :scared:
Is that you sammy?
What does scanning my computer mean? I think its a ploy by sygate to get me to "BUY" the pro version.

 

[fishman830]

Update windows frequently.. defraggment your hard drive before you do any searches for viruses.. it makes things alot smoother.. this should keep you from getting many viruses

 

[aarone]

Originally posted by Beth
Ok, now sygate Log view is telling me that someone is scanning my computer. :scared:
Is that you sammy?
What does scanning my computer mean? I think its a ploy by sygate to get me to "BUY" the pro version.
depends...some one could be running a port scan on you to try and find vulnerabilites.. like using NMap and other port scanners.....more than likely another program is searching your ports.

 

[beth]

And what exactly do they see or have access to when they are "searching"?

 

[krowleey]

they can take control of your browser, or your OS in general, you might need a clean install of windows and start over it seems like you been hacked.

 

[nolson]

Sigh* Beth tons of things can be scanning your ports. Programs on your computer scan your open ports. Also your firewall - you said you had one will occasionally scan your ports. Dont worry about your ports getting scanned. Your firewall will block anybody thats trying to scan them that shouldnt be. Look all you need is a good firewall, "norton" theres a few other very good ones out there. A good virus scan, And set your computer to automatically update your windows and you will have no problems.
Case closed lol

 

[aarone]

Originally posted by nolson
Sigh* . Your firewall will block anybody thats trying to scan them that shouldnt be. Look all you need is a good firewall,
Lol well mostly anybody. If someone wanted to get in they could with some persistence.
I would not worry about anything.