TexasCHLforum.com

I am happy to be the first to post in the new section. :D

If anyone gets infected with Spyware I may be able to help. Last year I got hit hard with a spyware/adware virus that not even Norton or McAffee had even seen.
In fact they didn't even believe me when I told them what was going on.

Anyway, as a preventative measure, I highly recommend installing either Spy sweeper from webroot.com or Microsofts anti-spyware Beta1 from the windows update website or both.

I have both running and have not had ANY spyware, adware or popup problems in months.
There is no money in it for me, just sharing what I found out the hard way.

-Gary

Also if you are running Windows XP, SP2 (Service Pack 2) has cut down on a lot of the spyware we normally get at our office. SP2 can be a pain, but it does shut down a lot of the spyware headaches.

One other suggestion is to keep your Temporary Internet Files cleaned out. A lot of spyware files like to reside there.

If you have had spyware the ONLY sure cure is a reformat/clean install of XP.

After that, don't install junk and you should be good.

Spyware free for 2 yrs :)

not running IE and using Mozilla Firefox as your browser will help alot. If you need something to clean up your computer you can PM me or contact me on IM for Ad-Aware SE PRO.

8)

Spyware blaster and spybot will help as well. Also use some other browser rather than IE and that cuts out a lot as well.

I've been spyware free for almost a year and virus free almost forever. I've been really lucky and only had one virus in my computing life.

I run Win XP pro, AVG anitvirus, spybot, Spy Doctor, and Microsofts anti spyware. The best thing is they are all free. Well except for Win XP pro.

I can get boxed copies (legal) of XP Pro for about $50. I have a buddy that works for MS and he gets massive discounts at the MS store. FYI

I use Ad-Aware SE and Spybot....both free.

I have the Webroot "SpySweeper" program that backs up my Norton Internet Security program...

If I added insult to injury, the very program that is supposed to protect the machine via a "firewall" is keeping me from accessing the internet and my email server at my ISP...

If I disable the Norton, I can do the things I need to do, minus having the "Norton Anti-Spam" email filter, but I can download the emails, I just have to sort them manually...

And to top off the insult, I get this annoying "pop-up" from the Norton program that tells me the obvious...

"Your Firewall is disabled, your machine is vunerable."

Go figure, how much I'd like to see this issue be resolved and get back to normal operating parameters at Casa Steve...

But do I have problems??? Nahhhh, I have challenges...

This is a cool section here at the site now...

Stevie, dump that Norton crap. There are too many good products out there that are free and work without all of the hastles. Another plus to the free programs is that they are not resorce hogs like Norton.

Did i also mention that they are FREE, unlike Norton.

The main way to avoid such infestations is to not use anything from Microsoft.

I try to not be too big a Mac bigot, but I haven't had a single virus, trojan, or malware since 1990. I use Firefox for MacOS X.

Since I am forced to use a PC at work, and my wife sticks with what she knows (which is Windows), I use Firefox for XP, and periodically sweep those systems with Ad-Aware SE and Spybot S&D.

Kevin

KBCraig wrote:The main way to avoid such infestations is to not use anything from Microsoft.

I try to not be too big a Mac bigot, but I haven't had a single virus, trojan, or malware since 1990. I use Firefox for MacOS X.

I mean this in love

<flame>

You are also paying way too much for older slower hardware in a pretty case! The only reason Windows is hacked the most, is because hackers can make the biggest statement by doing it. Why write a virus that will affect 10% of the computer loving population?

There is a reason the x86 (non Mac) platform is the standard for anything outside of the artsy fartsy. It is the most efficient, and cost effective way of getting things done in a useable way.

OSX is KIND of neat, but integrating it into a network is a joke.

That said - I'm going to get a power book because of music reasons (artsy fartsy see) - they integrate well as a midi controller.

</flame>


But - all in all - its your choice to get a mac and I'm glad you enjoy yours!

gigag04 wrote:

KBCraig wrote:The main way to avoid such infestations is to not use anything from Microsoft.

I try to not be too big a Mac bigot, but I haven't had a single virus, trojan, or malware since 1990. I use Firefox for MacOS X.

I mean this in love

<flame>

That's okay. Any Mitch Hedberg fan can't be all bad!

You are also paying way too much for older slower hardware in a pretty case! The only reason Windows is hacked the most, is because hackers can make the biggest statement by doing it.

Actually, I think they choose that platform because it's so pathetically easy. Hackers (not real hackers, but "h@ckerz" and crackers) start off as codekiddies, who think they've done something cool by writing a script.

In coding reality, writing a Windows virus is akin to kicking a legless dog. It just ain't that big of an accomplishment.

Why write a virus that will affect 10% of the computer loving population?

Companies spend millions developing apps for that 10%, just like companies develop parts and accessories for cars that will never approach even 2% of the automotive market.

When you consider the size of the marketplace, that 10% is a significant market.

OSX is KIND of neat, but integrating it into a network is a joke.

Eh? You just plug it in!

That said - I'm going to get a power book because of music reasons (artsy fartsy see) - they integrate well as a midi controller.

</flame>

Welcome to the light side. :D

But - all in all - its your choice to get a mac and I'm glad you enjoy yours!

For all the talk about how much Macs cost (and they're not cheap!), they last forever. My six year old B&W G3/350 is chugging along just fine. It's never been to the repair shop. I've never had to buy or subscribe to virus protection. It came with OS 8.6; I upgraded to the first Public Beta of OS X, and I'm currently at 10.3. I swapped the CD drive for a SuperDrive, and I've added memory. I'm going to upgrade the processor and add a larger hard drive before upgrading to 10.4, and then I'll have a machine that will stay current for another 4-6 years.

How many x86 boxes do you think I would have to buy during that same timeframe? Add up the hardware cost, repairs, lost data because of complete re-installs, and professional tech support, and wintel is just as expensive as MacOS. Similarly configured high-end wintel systems do cost just as much as a Mac box.

But, no flaming perceived on my end. My wife sticks with her XP box, because that's what she's comfortable with. I still love her anyway. :;

I've used both systems extensively, and I see no reason to put up with the Windows headache if you don't have to.

Kevin

KBCraig wrote: Actually, I think they choose that platform because it's so pathetically easy. Hackers (not real hackers, but "h@ckerz" and crackers) start off as codekiddies, who think they've done something cool by writing a script.

OSX has holes too, but why exploit them when hardly anyone gets affected?

KBCraig wrote: Eh? You just plug it in!

and thenn.... :). How do you get network drives to map and interface with a 2k3 Active Directory domain? Thats the fight I'm having now. I have a G4 on my desk at work trying to get ANY OSX flavor to function like a work environment would need it to.

It can be done, for a $300 piece of software, that disturbs other elements of the OS.

KBCraig wrote: How many x86 boxes do you think I would have to buy during that same timeframe? Add up the hardware cost, repairs, lost data because of complete re-installs, and professional tech support, and wintel is just as expensive as MacOS. Similarly configured high-end wintel systems do cost just as much as a Mac box.

Hardware cost? Macs use the same standards on every aspect other than processors (oh wait...apple is switching to intel too). Same RAM, same HDD, same IDE drives, same fans. Which hardware piece fails on PCs but manages to stay intact on a Mac?

Now - real world problem with mac hardware. Our G4s have integratec network cards so you just plug it into an ethernet jack. Line surge blows the onboard card. $600 to replace the Motherboard (only choice) OR - we could *try* to find a PCI network card for Mac (good luck).



Anyway - this is all done in friendly banter and a discussion that can seperate kin in IT. It's all fun and games. Like I said...I am going to be getting one in a bit. And, I'll still give you that they're sexy.

-nick