need computer help!

[tron1974]

I run the Microsoft Anti-Spyware as a resident in the system tray.

When I run into issues at work with the secretary's installing holiday screensavers and **** like that, I have to disconnect the network cable, run "hijack this" to remove any BHO items I do not recognize, run Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D and the Microsoft Anti-Spyware. If this does not work, I save all files they want and then reformat and reload the system.

You would be surprised at what these people download.

[LiquidBlack]

Here's my basic rules of computer use:

1. Do not click on banner ads or popups. Do not install their software. Google's Ad-Sense ads (text based) are ok because they are pure ads.

2. Use a browser alternative to Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Netscape are prime examples.

3. Use free, well known system utilities that are well known. That is, dont use "Bubba's Antivirus" because they are either malware themselves, or just ineffective. My recommendations are:
*AVG Antivirus - much better than Symantec's Norton Antivirus, doesnt bog down system
*Ad-Aware SE Free Edition. Has always been effective as well free.
*ZoneAlarm - a free firewall, upgradeable to a pro edition. Very effective once you work out some of the kinks.

4. If you are having virus/adware problems, boot into safe mode (rapidly tapping F8 after restarting your computer and choosing Safe Mode) and run your Anti-Adware/Anti-Virus programs from there. Safe mode only allows necessary windows programs to begin at startup.

5. Get rid of Windows visual themes. That is, return the look and feel of windows to how it used to look in Windows 2000 (but with better icons )

6. Press Start. Click Run. Type in MSCONFIG and press ENTER. Click on the startup tab, and remove any processes that you dont NEED to startup when you start your computer.

[Scottwax]

Personally, I like TrendMicro anti-virus. Uses a little more memory than some other anti-virus programs but it nails stuff very quickly.

[sneek]

Originally posted by Scottwax
Personally, I like TrendMicro anti-virus. Uses a little more memory than some other anti-virus programs but it nails stuff very quickly.

what other A/Vs have you compaired it too?

[Scottwax]

Originally posted by sneek
what other A/Vs have you compaired it too?

Norton and McAfee.

[LiquidBlack]

Something I have also noticed about windows viruses is that some of them like to store remnants of themselves into system restore. Turning system restore off completely removes this issue.

[rusty bumper]

Just to add to this thread.

I highly recommend this free program....

http://www.robertenfemke.nl/~diskclean/

It's the best one click temp cleaner out there that I know of, plus it will remove a lot of junk that accumulates in your system over time. You'll be suprised at how much space you can free up with this small tool.

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Another great free tool is Hijack This

This program can tell you what is running on your system....Good or bad.

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Spyware Blaster is a free, small, silent running program that is recommended by SpyBot Search & Destroy. It can stop spyware from being installed, or it can neutralize spyware that is already on a system.

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I also like Microsoft's Anti-Spyware

MS Anti-Spyware can identify and remove browser hijackers and it will let you know if a malicious program tries to install itself, since it monitors in "real time".

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Lastly....EasyCleaner is another free tool that can remove junk files from your pc (.old, .bak, TMP files and other unnecessary stuff) that accumulates over time. Just be sure to download the latest blacklist updates first.



Some of you other guys posted some good links too....I just though that I would add a few of my favorites.

Edit: Course these programs (The ones that require updates) are useless, unless the user does the required weekly definitions updates. I would also recommend daily updates for anti-virus definitions if the AV company issues them that way.....Such as AVG.

[LiquidBlack]

While on this subject, is anybody here shocked about google including norton antivirus in their "google pack"? Doesnt make much sense for them to include a peice of bloatware-rootkit antivirus software when there are so much better/free alternatives.

...IMO...

[Superior Shine]

I think it is fixed now. I used allot of the free spyware programs recommended in this thread. Some were BAD and really messed with my computer.

Other I think helped. They found "TROJAN.PAKES" that norton didn't find.

I uninstalled norton and now run Ewido - I love it!

[6Robert2]

Hey Joe

Ewido is the bomb, But remember its a free 14day trial so if it says its expired just reinstall and update poof all better again lol.

Dean

[Ciscoford23]

I second that...Ewido is the best. I put it in all the PC's that I build. There is a Beta online scan too.

[Superior Shine]

Originally posted by 6Robert2
Hey Joe

Ewido is the bomb, But remember its a free 14day trial so if it says its expired just reinstall and update poof all better again lol.

Dean

Dean, I bought their CD for $70 some dollars. I have the free trail of spyware doctor and ad-adware, But ewido I bought.

[Hitman]

Originally posted by Superior Shine
I think it is fixed now. I used allot of the free spyware programs recommended in this thread. Some were BAD and really messed with my computer.

What ones were bad and messed up your computer?