I am Sick of Spyware please help.

[Rakkasan]

You think people would have better things to do than to spread junk on the internet . I am running Norton that I update every day, Spybot, and Adaware (free version) and I am using the windows firewall.

I have ran everything is safe mode (recommended by IT'S at work) and have done everything I can.

What! can I do to keep this junk off of my computer.

I have thought about reformatting my HD since it has not been done since I have owned this computer (three year old Dell)

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

David Banaka

[Pete]

Two things I can think of to help. 1) Be more discriminating in the web sites you visit. Neat videos and fun games are not on the "clean diet" plan. 2) Load and use Mozilla Firefox browser instead of Internet Explorer.

[DB_Cooper]

Reformatting and starting over is a very good idea. Once everything is back up and running, avoid IE like the plague. Use Firefox as your browser. Use a good SPI hardware firewall/router like SMC, Linksys etc. Also use a good software firewall like Sygate. Do not open unexpected, suspicious emails with or without attachments. Use the best Antivirus software available, NOD32 (do a search), and not the store bought Norton or McAfee junk that usually comes with a new puter. Do these things and you'll be trouble free.

[Quick Fish]

I'm running the same things you are with one additional freeware program: Spywareblaster. It blocks malware before it gets downloaded on your computer. I had some bigtime problems before I got my system cleaned up and started using this. Been working great since I added it to the rest of the arsenal. Good luck!

[gimmeumpqua]

Only way is to switch to a Mac. According to the Mac Store in Eugene, when I inquired about possibly needing this....There has been no spyware written for a Mac to date. (and very few viruses)
I love mine....switched from a PC 2 years ago and would never go back....


Kurt

[Zodiac-Fisherman]

Switch to MAC..

Mac's are virus and spyware free...

[Rakkasan]

Ok I know macs are good but the pocket book just upgraded, and to switch not only personal but my business over is just not going to happen. Thanks for the advice though :smile:

I appreciate the input and I have heard of not using the IE anymore.

I will try the other programs as suggested. Is Spy doctor any good?

Thanks again folks!

David Banaka

[Skipper Cole]

Use the firefox DS, I cant say what a good thing it is.

[Rock Stick or Fish]

A lot of spyware has actually staggered over into Worm-virus territory anymore. There are four things you need to do to be relatively safe.

1) Windows Updates. These must be done. Many of the viruses are spreading through known vulnerabilities to Windows that Microsoft has already prepared a fix for. There have been at least 15 patches since SP2 came out, many people with problems don't even have that.

2) An antivirus. McAfee and Symantic(norton) both provide a good product. When I've had to submit virus samples McAfee is typically some ahead of Symantec, but if any mfg. ever got even a slight advantage over the others they'd crush the competition. They are all good.

3) A firewall. SP2's firewall is okay. I'm still a fan of the free zonealarm firewall.

4) Use discretion when browsing. Never ever click a popup.

Those are the big four. In your specific case I'd try running MS antispyware as its available free and has been doing a good job on a lot of stuff. Firefox is good.

RSF

[Mtn Man]

Maybe it's overkill, but I use the sp2 firewall and spyware blockers, ZoneAlarm, Pop-up Blocker and AVG and Norton Anti-Virus. I also have Norton Personal Firewall loaded, but not running. They all update and run regularly. So far so good. I would hope with all of that nothing would get through. I have been very impressed with the stuff from MS.

MM