GameBanshee Forums

I don't think so. I haven't noticed any slowdowns or strange emails. But my wife and I are relatively new to this high-speed cable internet access, and she's worried that we might get something loaded on without our knowledge. She asked a tech guy she knows, and he recommended Spybot as a good program that we can use to check out our machine every once in a while.

I thought I would open the question up to the experts here in Tech Support. What software is good for checking for spyware, adware, etc?

I'd suggest both Spybot and Ad-Aware. They seem to catch different spyware programs, and (whatever Spybot may say) they work well together on the same computer.

Gidday Gwalchmai,

1) Don't use Internet Explorer, use Firefox.
a) In the options, turn off popups, websites installing software, the advanced components of java scripting, saving form information, saving password information and set all cookies to this session only.
b) If you must use IE, make sure you have all security patches and current updates from Microsoft.

2) Check out http://www.spywarewarrior.com for updates and information regarding spyware and adware, including current threats, problems and how to deal with them.

3) As fable said, Ad-Aware and Spybot are very worthwhile.

4) Finally, browse safely. This means never answering those suspicious emails, never giving out your full details and being very wary about what sites you use the credit card on!

Cheers,
TGHO

Just remember to update the definition files and programs on a regular basis. You'd be surprised how often Ad-aware updates their site, in general try to avoid IE unless your willing to put up with constant security patches.

Also be sensible on the net, avoid dodgy looking URL's as they have a tendancy to use ActiveX to install things onto your PC without your knowledge. ActiveX and MS Java are another reason not to use IE.

Have you got any kind of firewall protection Gwally? A PC jacked into a cable modem powered up 24/7 is easy pickens in my opinion. Adaware and spybot will do some good but without proper protection, it's only a matter of time.

I'd echo using a different browser other than IE unless you need to (i.e. page is unviewable or you are updating MS products).

Don't suppose you'd have the time to construct and configure a Linux firewall.

Internet security

If you can afford it I recommend Nortons Internet Securtiy 2004/5. The 2004 was the first time I experienced a hacker free year. 2003 was easy to bypass or corrupt. No only will Nortons provide internet security but will also protect from viruses, and block all unused ports. And you won't need SP2

Nortons is very good if you are not a power-user. If you are a power-user, Tiny is better (it's more configurable).

I personally use Zone Alarm, which is quite good, although it does tend to eat some packets without giving any warning.

Cheers,
TGHO

Zone Alarm (the free version) is more suited to filtering traffic via a secure intranet or home network. I've tried it and found that it let a few little nasties into my PC. As for Norton's Internet Security, its the best package currently going around. Symantec have one of the best and most comprehensive anti-virus detection sites on the internet and that amount of dedication is reflected in their Norton software. Highly recommended

@ Ned

Sure the best firewall are the wonderful linux firewalls, but I doubt Gwally would want to spend days configuring the blasted things. I have one somewhere around here, currently a work in progress.

I would also suggest using Opera as a browser (IMO it is slightly better than Firefox, though I use both). You can easily customise it to block popups etc. Since using Opera I have not had one virus, and any incidents of spyware, adware etc. have been reduced dramatically. I also use Adaware and Spybot in conjunction with one another, they work great.

You may also want to check out Spyware Blaster (Spybot has a link to this so I'm assuming it is quite good), which apparently prevents spy/ad programmes from installing in the first place.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I have relayed all to my lovely wife, who will sort it all out.

We only turn our computer on when we use it, and only plug in the cable modem when we expect to use that. Even then, we often turn the modem to 'standby' when we are not actively surfing. We use Netscape most of the time, and only IE when we need to access pages that work better with IE. We installed SP2 on our Windows XP, and let it use the default firewall. Cox internet service also blocks popups for us somehow, and may have its own firewall. We run Norton AntiVirus constantly, always updated, and scan the computer weekly. We never give out credit card numbers, SS nos., and I have started using my Yahoo address to register on other website.

Thanks for the advice and all the info about Spybot.

CC#s

Just my 2 cents based on your last comment...

Quite a few people seem to think that CC #s are unsafe to give out over the web... While there is some risk everytime you give it out, there are also built in protections for cc users. You can call your bank to process chargebacks (refunds) for unauthorized purchases...

The main thing that you should NEVER do is give out your Checking Account # and Routing #... Anyone with a halfway decent printer can print out checks using these, and the protections VS fraud are much less...

Windows Messenger

I discovered this morning that "Windows Messenger" (not to be confused with MSN Messenger) had somehow turned itself back on, so I went off to disable it because it provides a backdoor for all kinds of nasty things.

I found the following, and I thought, for those afflicted by those evil grey popups who don't know what to do, it might be helpful to post.

http://www.itc.virginia.edu/desktop/docs/messagepopup/

How to turn off Windows Messenger Service

Windows 2000
Click Start-> Settings-> Control Panel-> Administrative Tools->Services
Scroll down and highlight "Messenger"
Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
Click the STOP button.
Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
Click OK

Windows XP Home
Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
Click Performance and Maintenance
Click Administrative Tools
Double click Services Scroll
down and highlight "Messenger"
Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
Click the STOP button.
Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
Click OK

Windows XP Professional
Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
Click Administrative Tools
Click Services
Double click Services Scroll
down and highlight "Messenger"
Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
Click the STOP button.
Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
Click OK

Windows NT
Click Start ->Control Panel
Double Click Administrative Tools
Select Services-> Double-click on Messenger
In the Messenger Properties window, select Stop,
Then choose Disable as the Startup Type
Click OK
Windows 98 & ME
Windows Messenger Service cannot be disabled