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When does it all stop?

W

wslandry

n00b
Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Messages
9
I was reading PCWORLD today and they said it's very important to purchase a Spy Sweeper or a Spyware stopper. It seems like everytime you turn around some company is telling you that your computer is be infected by something and that you need to spend more money to prevent this. Why in the heck I'm I buying Norton 2005 Antvirus and thinking that I'm some what protected? Maybe I'm just bitching but having Norton and if I deceide to purchase spyware will cost me almost $100.00 more a year. I'm new to the PC world and maybe this is just the price you pay for a computer but I think it's a complete scam. 95% of you folks on this site have very impressive computers that you have invest a boat load of money into and I guess you feel good about spending your hard earned money, however for myself trying to make ends meet without any help from friends or family money it's disaapointing. Is there free Spyware out there for us folks or should I just take my chances.? Any advice would be welcome.

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wslandry said:
Is there free Spyware out there for us folks or should I just take my chances.? Any advice would be welcome
Click to expand...

There's plenty of free spyware, just start surfing and you're bound to pick some up. :p
You might try Adaware by Lavasoft (don't be fooled by the many pretenders when you google it) or Spybot: Search and Destroy. Both are free.
By the way, you probably should have posted this in operating systems. ;)
 
I would have posted in General software. Since when is spybot or adaware an OS? :p
 
wslandry,

General Software is the perfect place to learn how to rid a computer of all the nasties. Stick around kid. You'll see. ;)
 
For much of the software that is considered a security necessity, you can generally find a free (legit) alternative.

Lavasoft SE and Spybot Search & Destroy, as have been mentioned, are the standard programs that most of us forum members use.

AVG Antivirus is one of the free versions of antiviruses out there (and is pretty darned good).

Firewall? Well, if you don't want to use the Windows SP2 firewall (you ARE using SP2, right? ;) ), you can select from...Kerio, Sygate, ZoneAlarm Free...

There also used to be a huge freeware software thread somewhere, but I can't seem to find it (thought it ws stickied).
 
Good points, but you forgot Microsoft's freeware program, Antispyware Beta. It works pretty well, and can actually remove the occasional piece of spyware that other programs get stumped on. I run it in conjunction with Spybot (with the exceptions unchecked) and Ad-Aware. Still, other protections are needed. RegProt is a place to start, not to mention browser and media player alternatives, disabling scripts, etc.
 
Perhaps we need to start a new thread for sticky? ;) I think it would be useful for people who want a less vulnerable computing experience

I just got clued into Microsoft Antispyware tonight (waaaay out of the loop in terms of the software lately). It's sitting in my downloads folder but have yet to install it.
 
Maybe an easy to follow, and simple thread is in order. There is a more advanced thread already, but we still see many people who aren't as interested in software as we are, yet they want their machines to work smoothly. We could make a primer, if you will...something for beginners...just a thought.

...not that I'm a pro, or anything. I don't get spyware, however.
 
Hmm, perhaps I'll start a primer on this stuff to get people up to speed with basic things about stuff this.

But not until Friday, I'm up to my ears in work this week. :( :)
 
I hear you. It is more of a weekend project. Maybe we can work through PMs, and submit our ideas to the powers that be.
 
There is No need to pay for any spyware/virus removal software. Just use the free apps listed here, and use safe surfing habbits (mabye this topic could be a sticky????) an ounce of prevention goes a long way.


 
TwiztedFait said:
use safe surfing habbits
Click to expand...

hobbit.jpg



:p :p :p

in truth there no longer are safe surfing habits per se
sure you can reduce the risk,
but an exploited DNS, host server ect redirect can get you never the less
either you eliminate the threat vectors or employ a layered defense (or both)

refering to threat vectors above
1. doesnt use active X & isnt integrated into the OS\shell
2. disables windows script hosting
3. prevents processes attacking processes and requires you to approve any new process
(a firewall for the kernal)

keep your OS and aps (browser) updated
and dont leave your IM always on, thats considered the next big thing in threat vectors
and keep your ear to the ground, when an exploit is discovered be aware of it
when an ap has an update available get to patchin it

The Antivirus Defense-in-Depth Guide

if you want bulletproof
run Knoppix from a CDROM\ RAMdrive
lets see lasting damage done to that :p
 
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