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Posted by Webmaster on February 04, 2003 at 09:45:08: Previous Next
All,
I have just added an advertisement to the top of this board. For several years, this board has run without advertisements. In general, I would like to keep it that way. However, I've found a product that I think would be valuable to most of the members here (even the free version). I've added an unobtrusive ad to the top of the board that will direct you to an editorial on the product that I wrote.
If anyone has any feedback on this change, I welcome it on this thread only.
Re: Advertisement
Posted by FITMUS on February 04, 2003 at 11:09:24: Previous Next
In Reply to: Advertisement posted by Webmaster on February 04, 2003 at 09:45:08:
Probably a silly questions, but what is "spyware"?
Re: Advertisement
Posted by Webmaster on February 04, 2003 at 13:23:41: Previous Next
In Reply to: Re: Advertisement posted by FITMUS on February 04, 2003 at 11:09:24:
: Probably a silly questions, but what is "spyware"?
Spyware is software installed onto your computer, usually without your knowledge, that reports back to a centralized server what your online activities are. Some of them (most?) display popup advertisements to you.
Sometimes the spyware is installed on your computer when you click on some portion of a popup ad. Sometimes, it is installed when you purposely install software (such as Kazaa file sharing software). I've included a link here with more detail.
197 and counting!
Posted by Rokker on February 04, 2003 at 17:08:26: Previous Next
In Reply to: Re: Advertisement posted by Webmaster on February 04, 2003 at 13:23:41:
My PC has 197 spyware components. And the program is still counting!
Dayum! This sucks!
Re: 197 and counting!
Posted by RedRocker on February 04, 2003 at 22:30:11: Previous Next
In Reply to: 197 and counting! posted by Rokker on February 04, 2003 at 17:08:26:
Your PC was probably running slow and prone to crashes because of the spyware. Keep in mind that once the spyware is removed, many programs will no longer work (these are basically crap like Gator, Bonzi Buddy, Kazaa, Imesh [very bad], etc.). Your internet connection will probably respond much faster with all that junk gone.
I haven't tried the SpywareNuker (I've heard of it); but I use two other programs -- AdAware and Spybot - Search and Destroy (both are free). Both are very good as well.
To those of you that do use a file sharing program -- get Kazaalite. The spyware has been removed + it's the best (I've seen 4.5 million users online at once).
I'd also like to add, that ALL of you should be using a firewall. A firewall will block anyone who tries to access your PC while online. I use ZoneAlarm (free). ZA also has the ability to alert you anytime a program tries to access the internet from your PC (i.e. spyware).
Those of you with Windows XP (prior to the Service Pack 1 "upgrade") should definitely be using a firewall. For more information visit: www.grc.com
Here is a link to ZoneAlarm:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/zap_za_grid.jsp
Anyway -- safe computing AND KEEP ON GROWING!!
Re: 197 and counting!
Posted by FITMUS on February 04, 2003 at 22:44:02: Previous Next
In Reply to: Re: 197 and counting! posted by RedRocker on February 04, 2003 at 22:30:11:
Interesting...thanks for the info guys...
219 Total
Posted by Rokker on February 05, 2003 at 08:39:24: Previous Next
In Reply to: Re: 197 and counting! posted by RedRocker on February 04, 2003 at 22:30:11:
: Keep in mind that once the spyware is removed, many programs will no longer work (these are basically crap like Gator, Bonzi Buddy, Kazaa, Imesh [very bad], etc.).
I'm not a computer genius by any means, so can you tell me exactly what Gator is? It was there, as was comet and some other stuff.
: I'd also like to add, that ALL of you should be using a firewall. A firewall will block anyone who tries to access your PC while online. I use ZoneAlarm (free). ZA also has the ability to alert you anytime a program tries to access the internet from your PC (i.e. spyware).
We have a firewall here at work. Why didn't it stop the spyware?
: AND KEEP ON GROWING!!
No doubt!
:-)
Re: 219 Total
Posted by Victor on February 05, 2003 at 09:39:25: Previous Next
In Reply to: 219 Total posted by Rokker on February 05, 2003 at 08:39:24:
: I'm not a computer genius by any means, so can you tell me exactly what Gator is? It was there, as was comet and some other stuff.
See this page on Gator for a good explanation.
: We have a firewall here at work. Why didn't it stop the spyware?
Because the firewall only stops activity initiated from OUTSIDE your internal network. These things are installed by YOUR activities, whether they be browsing to particular websites with Gator installation modules embedded, or whatever.
Re: 219 Total
Posted by RedRocker on February 05, 2003 at 22:04:23: Previous Next
In Reply to: 219 Total posted by Rokker on February 05, 2003 at 08:39:24:
Victor is correct. Some programs that you install add the spyware. Usually you don't know about it. It can cause your PC to be very unstable and can make your internet crawl. Glad you got it out of there (bet you are too).
Rock on!
Re: 197 and counting!
Posted by Rusty on February 15, 2003 at 13:29:14: Previous Next
In Reply to: Re: 197 and counting! posted by RedRocker on February 04, 2003 at 22:30:11:
: Your PC was probably running slow and prone to crashes because of the spyware. Keep in mind that once the spyware is removed, many programs will no longer work (these are basically crap like Gator, Bonzi Buddy, Kazaa, Imesh [very bad], etc.). Your internet connection will probably respond much faster with all that junk gone.
I just wanted to add that when I used system restore on XP and went back to December, my pc began running great...but I wonder about all the spyware and other junk that still resides on my system? Is there some smart way to get rid of it all? Complicating matters, my norton's found a virus in my february activity, thus it is quarantined out there also.
Any ideas would be appreciated..tks, Rusty