@XoioX2000









I Hate Spyware... So here is my advice on what to do against it:

STEP 1 The very first step is to download and install SpywareBlaster: The homepage is: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareblaster.html SpywareBlaster actually provides some level of protection against spyware by changing some settings in MS Internet Explorer It stops spyware (well some of them) from installing themselves on your machine. I believe it also works with other browsers, but check before using it, if you are using something else than IE. NOTE: After you have installed the program, make sure you "CHECK FOR UPDATES" BEFORE you use the program (ie just click on the update button while you are connected to the internet) Once you have downloaded the updates, click on "protection" and then on "enable all protections". For a basic tutorial on how to use Spyware Blaster, please click here STEP 2 Install some Spyware cleaners: a) Ad-Aware: The most recent version is: Ad-Aware SE v1.05. The homepage is: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ There is a feature which checks for latest updates when you launch the program. Just follow the instructions. For a basic tutorial on how to use Ad-Aware, please click here b) Spybot Search and Destroy. The latest version is V1.32: The homepage is: http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html Make sure that you click on the "Update" button to update the reference files. For a basic tutorial on how to use Spybot, please click here I recommend that you update these programs and run them on a regular basis, at least once a week. If the kids access games site, then it is a good idea to do it straight after they have finished. If you are about to access bank accounts or order something with your credit card details, run these 3 programs before you do. NOTE Some people will tell you: "Oh I only use Adaware, that's all you need", or worse, "I have an anti-virus on my machine so I am protected". Both statements are total rubbish. 1) Spyware Blaster is currently the only freeware which provides you with some level of protection against spyware: And by that I mean, stop some level of spyware from installing itself on your machine. Adware and Spybot are "cleaners", which means the spyware HAS ALREADY installed itself on your machine. But BOTH AdAware and Spybot need to be used: they both search for slightly different things. 2) Anti-Viruses HAVE GOT NOTHING TO DO with Anti-Spyware. They will not stop it, nor detect it and definetly not help in cleaning it. Anti-Viruses are for Viruses (Worms / Trojan and the rest) and Anti-Spyware are for Spyware. What is the difference between Spyware and a Virus, I hear you ask? Well, a virus infects files on your drive(s) and tries to replicate itself, potentially destroying some data in the process. Spyware installs itself on your machine, spies on what you are doing on a web and sends a report/specific data to a specific party, without you knowing it Spyware also oftens re-directs you to use search pages and services run by the same people or allied parties. They also bombard you with advertisement, ususally pop up windows to force feed you with useless information In the worst case, Keyloggers (also a form of spyware) will record all the keys you type on your keyboard, including username, password, credit card details... STEP 3 Firewall One way to keep the activity of your machine on the internet under control is to install a firewall. This prevents rogue program (such as keyloggers) from sending information, without you knowing it and being able to block it. (Among other very important things, of course). I recomend to use either the firewall from Windows XP SP2 or, if you only buy one thing for your computer, buy one I personnally use ZoneAlarm, but they are plenty of others available. No I have no shares in Microsoft or Zonelab :):) If you want to know a little more about hardware firewall, click here STEP 4 Spoof emails and Phishing... NEVER EVER follow a link from an email which is asking for your registration details, claiming your details have been lost and demanding re-registration. This is a way for someone to obtain your security details and stole your ID for the site concerned. DO NOT DO IT Your bank will NEVER send you such an email asking for your security details. In the extreme rare case that your bank really has lost your information, somebody from the bank will contact you personally, either by phone or by letter, most likely asking you to pop to your branch to regulate the issue. This is called email "phishing" and it is a common form of attack for users of many other sites such as eBay, Paypal, Worlpay and more... Again if you use these services, remember: they will never ask you, by email, to re-enter all your security details. STEP 5 Pop-up windows There is a simple rule: NEVER EVER click on a button in a pop-up window. You have no idea what that button really does. It may say "Close" or "Cancel", but by clicking on it, you may actually giving permission for something to install itself on your machine! Instead make sure the window is active and press <ALT>+<F4> at the same time. This will safely close the window Keep an eye on the task bar: Sometimes some windows hide themsleves there and keep launching pop-ups in another window. STEP 6 Viruses This page is NOT ABOUT viruses. If you are worried about viruses, go and buy an anti-virus such as Norton, McAfee or Dr Solomon. (Search on Google for their respective web sites) If you have a problem and need a quick fix, try: http://www.trendmicro.com Click on the "personal" tab, then follow the link to perform a free PC housecall scan. Note: I will be adding some basic tutorials on how to use the programs discussed above soon. Finally: If you have a serious problem and cannot fix it. I am happy to help. Contact me through the Forum.