Simple Solutions V2.0

**Blitze105** · 04-06-2006, 07:58 PM

Again this fell into many catagories so i just left it here...more updates will be added to this thread later, more info at the bottom on that.

Here are simple solutions to everyday windows problems. Everything in the color blue is nothing you need to read, it is extra information if you are curious. Things in red need to be read!

1) Firewalls
Firewalls are essential to safe surfing on the internet, it will protect you from many things you don't even know are there. It is vital that you only use one Firewall! If you are unsure how to tell if you have one, post or PM me.

Download Zonealarm(free) from the following link.

2) Anti Virus
Anti Viruses are another essential program to keep your computer in tip top condition. It is vital that you only use one anti virus! If you are unsure how to tell if you have one, post or PM me.
Download Avast!
OR
Download AVG

Keep your anti-virus definitions up to date! Many programs like Norton and McAfee (blah at them) charge you while others like Anti-Vir and AVG (yay at them) are FREE to update. (ebackhus)

Anti Spyware, Adware, and Malware
Now more than ever it is becoming a competition to keep malware out of your computer, but that does not mean the spyware and adware is no longer a threat. These vicious software(s) attack your computers privacy and privacy settings, as well as throw the massive amounts of pop ups at your monitor.Not removing spyware, adware, and/or malware is a major invasion of your privacy and it can and will slow down your internet connection. I suggest using all 4 of these programs

Download Adaware Cleans worms and adware off of your computer
Download CWShredder This program cleans your computer of CoolWebSearch, a nasty spyware.
Download Spybot Seach & Destroy This program cleans all kinds of infections
Download SpyWareBlaster This program auto blocks natorious sites

There is no perfect scanner There are, however extra free online scans we can use to make sure our computer is healthy! The following two I highly recommend:

www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Surfing Safer!
I also recomend NOT using Internet Explorer, for various reasons. The main reason is because it has more holes than swiss cheese. In general other browsers are safer than Internet Explorer. The following are safe, effective, and reliable browsers.
FireFox One of my favorite browsers, it is very flexable and easy to customize. If you decide firefox, click tools -> extensions -> get more extensions. Then download what makes u happy.
www.opera.com I do not use opera as much as FX (FireFox) however, that does not mean that it isn't just as fast and reliable.
http://www.avantbrowser.com/download.html This browser i have never used, however; I have heard wonderful things about this browsers effectiveness.

General Problems

Can't get a website to open? Try this:
If u have IE: tools> internet options> you'll see a box labeled temporary files> delete files... (THIS WILL NOT HURT UR COMPUTER)
If u have FX: tools>options...>privacy (on the left)> cache>highlight>clear
=============
Will your computer not boot?
Try safe mode. Hit F8 as u boot up, over and over again. It will have options, highlight SafeMode and hit ENTER.
=============
Want to know if a file is safe?
http://www.fileresearchcenter.com/ap...ALL&category=a Just search for it here.. or you can try this site and send the file to it.
http://www.virustotal.com/flash/index_en.html
=============
Does your computer keep slowing down?
cntrl+alt+del, proccesses, then click two times on CPU and it will the programs taking the most of your CPU at the top. Post the name, PM me, or google it to find out what it is.
=============
Is your computer just slow?
1. Defrag try O&O or diskeeper, or even the default windows one. However, i must include that the the default one provided by windows is junk comparing to the others.
2. Delete your prefetch folder every few months.. mycomputer>c>windows>prefetch (delete whats IN it)
3. You should have bout 512 ram for Windows XP.
4.Do not have an OVERLY crowded desktop. (icon wise)
5.Do the scans and downloads suggested above.
=============
Get a new computer?
Here is the order I install stuff, when i do a format.
Windows -> Drivers -> SP2 -> Updates -> Firewall, antivirus -> Then Misc Stuff (such as games)

Updates for next version will be:
1.Visuals to guide you through installing.
2.How to update and keep updated.
3.Programs to avoid.
4.More information on what infections are.
5.Common reasons for making these infections.
This is not the order i will be using, but it will give a general idea of what to expect.

**forcifer** · 04-06-2006, 08:24 PM

very good guide, but i would have put it in General Security section

**Blitze105** · 04-06-2006, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forcifer

very good guide, but i would have put it in General Security section

Yes.. but some of it (later) may not go under it. But it does mainly go under there, you're correct
-blitze

**Blitze105** · 06-19-2006, 02:00 PM

Keeping Up To Date

Most of the programs listed in Verion 2.0 have auto updates; however, some do not have these features. You should update the following programs weekly.

Ad-aware Personal
The first program that does not auto update is Ad-aware Personal. To update this program, double click on the Ad-aware Personal icon. It will load Ad-aware, find and click on Check for Updates Now. A new window will appear, click on connect and it will ask you to hit OK or cancel. Press OK and it will begin the download and auto install for you.

Spybot Search & Destroy
Next up is Spybot. Once again double click on the Spybot Seach & Destroy icon. Once Spybot loads, look onto the left and click Update, now at the top of the window look for Search for Updates and click it. A list of Updates will appear, click in each box to make them have green checkmarks and click on Download Updates at the top. Once they are finished, look on the left and click on Immunize. At the top once more, click on + Immunie.

Spyware Blaster
Spyware Blaster is another program that is not going to auto update, therefore we will just have to do it ourselves. Double click on the Spyware Blaster icon and look to the left. Click on Update then click on Check for Updates. Once downloads are completed, go back to the left and click on Protection click Enable all near the bottom and you are done!

FireFox
FireFox does update automaticly in a manner of speaking. At teh top you have a circle, it is under the red X. When the cicrle is green click it and it will walk you through the updates.

ZoneAlarm
ZoneAlarm is another program that auto updates in a manner of speaking. It will notify you and ask your permission to download the update, allow it to and then reboot into safe mode. Entereing Safe mode: To enter safe mode, reboot the computer and tap F8 repeatedly until you get the options for booting Windows. Use the up and down arrows to highlight Safe Mode and hit ENTER. Once in safe mode click yes on the question it asks you, welcome to safe mode, it sucks. Double click on the file you previously download and click yes once again. then it will walk you through the updates.

Programs to Avoid

Must read:
Legal Issues: This portion of the guide is to give suggestions of programs to use and not to use. I am in no way stating to use a program for illegalintentions, that a program is of no use (without factual info), or that a program will harm your computer (without factual info).

Programs to Avoid
There are many programs to avoid, do not use this guide for a list of every program. Also, if you don't know what it is, DON'T install it. Things that offer free games and screensavers are also among those to avoid UNLESS you know it's from a reputable source. Even then, something may tag along. (ebackhus)

Norton
Norton is not the best anti-virus. The thing people here is that it is the topseller, which it is. However, that does not mean it is the best. I have only tested Norton one time and i must admit it was enough, here arethe restults. http://www.tech-forums.net/showthrea...ght=avg+norton I highly recommend removing any norton product, and replacing it.

McAfee
This program i have had so many calls about, when i worked on computers as my job. Many times some one goes to uninstall this product is givesthem so many future problems. My suggestion: is to remove it in safe mode, or better yet never have it at all.

Kazaa - vital to read if you have kazaa
Wow.. where to start. Kazaa is the absolute worse P2P (person to person) programs out there. Kazaa's EULA has 182 pages and 22,606 words, but why? It is because Kazaa is one of the most invasive P2P in the registry and on the system it installs (Tested in March 2005) upwards of 900 Registry Keys, 1477Values, 112 folders, and 638 files. The professionalls have even made http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3446.html to remove it.
How to remove: To remove kazaa go to Start -> control panel -> Add/Remove. Once here remove kazaa the normal way, reboot to Safe Mode and run kazaabegone.

Smileys
Most programs that give you extra msn smileys are versions of CoolWebSearch. Which proffessionals have also made a program just to remove this bad boy program. See post #1, CWShreeder.

RogueWare-vital to read
What is rogueware? Rogueware is a fake or failing program to do its job, such as an anti virus program that gives you viruses. And YES there are many more. An excellent list can be found here http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_...pyware.htm#top

Windows Media Player
In my personal opinion this player froze a lot, and had many bugs. I suggest http://www.winamp.com/

P2P - essential to all p2p users
(Again i am in no way suggestion illegal uses for these programs)
Ares Lite: Spyware
Bearshare: Adware, clean version available
BitTorrent Ultra: Spyware
Blubster: Adware, hacked Clean Versions available
eDonkey/Overnet: Adware/Spyware
Exeem: Adware/Spyware(?)
Grokster: Adware/Spyware
Kazaa - everything lol
Imesh: Adware/Spyware, hacked Clean Versions available
MediaSeek: Adware/Spyware
Morpheus: Adware/Spyware
Piolet: Adware
RockItNet: Adware/Spyware
Warez: Adware/Spyware(?)

=============================================

Decent programs to use:
Any program found of the first page is highly recommended, along with these:

Kaspersky
Winamp
Partition Magic
WinRar
Alcohol 120%
Nero
Ewido
HiJackThis (if you know what you are doing)
Azureus

P2P that are safe
ABC
Ares: Uncheck bundled software during install
Azureus
BitComet
BitSpirit
BitTorrent
BitTornado
Burst!
DC++
eMule
FileCroc: Uncheck bundled software during install
Filetopia
Gnucleus
KCEasy
LimeWire Pro
LimeWire
Qnext
Shareaza
Soulseek
TorrentStorm
Waste
WinMX
XBT
XS Client
Zultrax

Infections!
Why are they made? Why is this article important?

First.. Why is this article important?
You may be thinking to yourself that infections simply slow down the computer and annoy you with pop ups. You are in every way wrong. A severe infection can do various things. One of these ‘things’ is to use your computer / e mail address to send copies of the infection to others. It can also be used as ameans to repeatedly send packets or just searches to various sites. Why is that bad... well let’s say they caught the persons ending these files ou tand it just happened to be Blade105@yahoo.com guess who would be blamed for the virus and may be sued for it? (ME!) Finally, not only can an infection slow your computer or do the things mentioned above, it can show the younger people on the computer pop ups and all sorts of things you may not want them to see.

Many people have PM-ed or E-mailedme asking questions or making comments, a few have even commented they do not see why people make viruses and other types of infections.I eventually decided I would direct my opinion / statistics to inform people why others do create maliciou ssoftware.

This information is some what factual and opinionated. If you have disagreements PM or E mail me and we shall talk about them, please do not post them. This way we don’t have hugely over sized threads.

Why are Infections Made?
Statistically viruses are made for three main reasons.

1.“To destroy things” something that many people find an entertainment in.
2.A sense of Power
3.They don’t like Windows.

4. To see if they can do it. - this is less statistical.. but you get the idea

There are over 1,000 viruses created each month. Windows cannot keep up with them all...If you will notice the main word in the previous sentence, Windows. At least 95% of viruses are aimed at Windows, but why? Windows has a bad reputation for not only errors, expensive software, flaws,and needless work but for buying out companies that have a chance to compete. This angers many linux users, and seeing as linux was almost sued for making“Lindows”-a more ‘Windows’ feel for newbie linux users - many users are not happy with the Microsoft Company. Microsoft also has the lovely "activate everything" or we'll shut down your operating system locks. This has made it hard for even the legit customers to buy windows products.

Why is Windows so vulnerable to infection?
In a short answer...Windows is much more vulnerable to viruses and infection because it tries to do everything automatically for the user.[/b]

ebackhus · 06-19-2006, 02:13 PM

A little caution can go a loooooong way.

If you don't know what it is, DON'T install it. Things that offer free games and screensavers are also among those to avoid UNLESS you know it's from a reputable source. Even then, something may tag along...

Keep your anti-virus definitions up to date! Many programs like Norton and McAfee (blah at them) charge you while others like Anti-Vir and AVG (yay at them) are FREE to update.

Firewalls are important, but only use ONE at a time. I don't recommend ZoneAlarm at all. Many routers include a hardware firewall that is often better than a software solution.

**Blitze105** · 06-19-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebackhus

A little caution can go a loooooong way.

If you don't know what it is, DON'T install it. Things that offer free games and screensavers are also among those to avoid UNLESS you know it's from a reputable source. Even then, something may tag along...

I will add that into the speech, thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebackhus

Keep your anti-virus definitions up to date! Many programs like Norton and McAfee (blah at them) charge you while others like Anti-Vir and AVG (yay at them) are FREE to update.

True, i even had it in the post. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebackhus

Firewalls are important, but only use ONE at a time. I don't recommend ZoneAlarm at all. Many routers include a hardware firewall that is often better than a software solution.

Very true, however i did not want to offer a any hardware or money costing solutions. ZoneAlarm is for simple uses in my opinion, and i do not know of another good free one. If you do tell me i would be more than happy to add it. Appreciate your feedback!
~blitze

EDIT: I can't edit that post.. i'll ask a mod to do it later i believe :). See if they'll spare a few moments.

ebackhus · 06-19-2006, 02:54 PM

Tell me the exact changes you want an I can handle that for you.

bry623 · 06-20-2006, 07:52 AM

SImplest solution of all

REBOOT

**Blitze105** · 06-21-2006, 07:18 AM

"where would we be without linux?"

dorts · 06-21-2006, 07:27 AM

Lol. Good work! Keep it up buddy. =)

04-06-2006, 07:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
Blitze105 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 557 OS: XP Pro SP2, FC5	Simple Solutions V2.0 Again this fell into many catagories so i just left it here...more updates will be added to this thread later, more info at the bottom on that. Here are simple solutions to everyday windows problems. Everything in the color blue is nothing you need to read, it is extra information if you are curious. Things in red need to be read! 1) Firewalls Firewalls are essential to safe surfing on the internet, it will protect you from many things you don't even know are there. It is vital that you only use one Firewall! If you are unsure how to tell if you have one, post or PM me. Download Zonealarm(free) from the following link. 2) Anti Virus Anti Viruses are another essential program to keep your computer in tip top condition. It is vital that you only use one anti virus! If you are unsure how to tell if you have one, post or PM me. Download Avast! OR Download AVG Keep your anti-virus definitions up to date! Many programs like Norton and McAfee (blah at them) charge you while others like Anti-Vir and AVG (yay at them) are FREE to update. (ebackhus) Anti Spyware, Adware, and Malware Now more than ever it is becoming a competition to keep malware out of your computer, but that does not mean the spyware and adware is no longer a threat. These vicious software(s) attack your computers privacy and privacy settings, as well as throw the massive amounts of pop ups at your monitor.Not removing spyware, adware, and/or malware is a major invasion of your privacy and it can and will slow down your internet connection. I suggest using all 4 of these programs Download Adaware Cleans worms and adware off of your computer Download CWShredder This program cleans your computer of CoolWebSearch, a nasty spyware. Download Spybot Seach & Destroy This program cleans all kinds of infections Download SpyWareBlaster This program auto blocks natorious sites There is no perfect scanner There are, however extra free online scans we can use to make sure our computer is healthy! The following two I highly recommend: www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/ http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ Surfing Safer! I also recomend NOT using Internet Explorer, for various reasons. The main reason is because it has more holes than swiss cheese. In general other browsers are safer than Internet Explorer. The following are safe, effective, and reliable browsers. FireFox One of my favorite browsers, it is very flexable and easy to customize. If you decide firefox, click tools -> extensions -> get more extensions. Then download what makes u happy. www.opera.com I do not use opera as much as FX (FireFox) however, that does not mean that it isn't just as fast and reliable. http://www.avantbrowser.com/download.html This browser i have never used, however; I have heard wonderful things about this browsers effectiveness. General Problems Can't get a website to open? Try this: If u have IE: tools> internet options> you'll see a box labeled temporary files> delete files... (THIS WILL NOT HURT UR COMPUTER) If u have FX: tools>options...>privacy (on the left)> cache>highlight>clear ============= Will your computer not boot? Try safe mode. Hit F8 as u boot up, over and over again. It will have options, highlight SafeMode and hit ENTER. ============= Want to know if a file is safe? http://www.fileresearchcenter.com/ap...ALL&category=a Just search for it here.. or you can try this site and send the file to it. http://www.virustotal.com/flash/index_en.html ============= Does your computer keep slowing down? cntrl+alt+del, proccesses, then click two times on CPU and it will the programs taking the most of your CPU at the top. Post the name, PM me, or google it to find out what it is. ============= Is your computer just slow? 1. Defrag try O&O or diskeeper, or even the default windows one. However, i must include that the the default one provided by windows is junk comparing to the others. 2. Delete your prefetch folder every few months.. mycomputer>c>windows>prefetch (delete whats IN it) 3. You should have bout 512 ram for Windows XP. 4.Do not have an OVERLY crowded desktop. (icon wise) 5.Do the scans and downloads suggested above. ============= Get a new computer? Here is the order I install stuff, when i do a format. Windows -> Drivers -> SP2 -> Updates -> Firewall, antivirus -> Then Misc Stuff (such as games) Updates for next version will be: 1.Visuals to guide you through installing. 2.How to update and keep updated. 3.Programs to avoid. 4.More information on what infections are. 5.Common reasons for making these infections. This is not the order i will be using, but it will give a general idea of what to expect. Last edited by ebackhus; 06-20-2006 at 11:37 AM.

04-06-2006, 08:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
forcifer ole' Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kansas City kansas Posts: 3,631 OS: Vista Premium 32 My System Blog Entries: 1	very good guide, but i would have put it in General Security section __________________

06-19-2006, 02:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
Blitze105 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 557 OS: XP Pro SP2, FC5	Keeping Up To Date Most of the programs listed in Verion 2.0 have auto updates; however, some do not have these features. You should update the following programs weekly. Ad-aware Personal The first program that does not auto update is Ad-aware Personal. To update this program, double click on the Ad-aware Personal icon. It will load Ad-aware, find and click on Check for Updates Now. A new window will appear, click on connect and it will ask you to hit OK or cancel. Press OK and it will begin the download and auto install for you. Spybot Search & Destroy Next up is Spybot. Once again double click on the Spybot Seach & Destroy icon. Once Spybot loads, look onto the left and click Update, now at the top of the window look for Search for Updates and click it. A list of Updates will appear, click in each box to make them have green checkmarks and click on Download Updates at the top. Once they are finished, look on the left and click on Immunize. At the top once more, click on + Immunie. Spyware Blaster Spyware Blaster is another program that is not going to auto update, therefore we will just have to do it ourselves. Double click on the Spyware Blaster icon and look to the left. Click on Update then click on Check for Updates. Once downloads are completed, go back to the left and click on Protection click Enable all near the bottom and you are done! FireFox FireFox does update automaticly in a manner of speaking. At teh top you have a circle, it is under the red X. When the cicrle is green click it and it will walk you through the updates. ZoneAlarm ZoneAlarm is another program that auto updates in a manner of speaking. It will notify you and ask your permission to download the update, allow it to and then reboot into safe mode. Entereing Safe mode: To enter safe mode, reboot the computer and tap F8 repeatedly until you get the options for booting Windows. Use the up and down arrows to highlight Safe Mode and hit ENTER. Once in safe mode click yes on the question it asks you, welcome to safe mode, it sucks. Double click on the file you previously download and click yes once again. then it will walk you through the updates. Programs to Avoid Must read: Legal Issues: This portion of the guide is to give suggestions of programs to use and not to use. I am in no way stating to use a program for illegalintentions, that a program is of no use (without factual info), or that a program will harm your computer (without factual info). Programs to Avoid There are many programs to avoid, do not use this guide for a list of every program. Also, if you don't know what it is, DON'T install it. Things that offer free games and screensavers are also among those to avoid UNLESS you know it's from a reputable source. Even then, something may tag along. (ebackhus) Norton Norton is not the best anti-virus. The thing people here is that it is the topseller, which it is. However, that does not mean it is the best. I have only tested Norton one time and i must admit it was enough, here arethe restults. http://www.tech-forums.net/showthrea...ght=avg+norton I highly recommend removing any norton product, and replacing it. McAfee This program i have had so many calls about, when i worked on computers as my job. Many times some one goes to uninstall this product is givesthem so many future problems. My suggestion: is to remove it in safe mode, or better yet never have it at all. Kazaa - vital to read if you have kazaa Wow.. where to start. Kazaa is the absolute worse P2P (person to person) programs out there. Kazaa's EULA has 182 pages and 22,606 words, but why? It is because Kazaa is one of the most invasive P2P in the registry and on the system it installs (Tested in March 2005) upwards of 900 Registry Keys, 1477Values, 112 folders, and 638 files. The professionalls have even made http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3446.html to remove it. How to remove: To remove kazaa go to Start -> control panel -> Add/Remove. Once here remove kazaa the normal way, reboot to Safe Mode and run kazaabegone. Smileys Most programs that give you extra msn smileys are versions of CoolWebSearch. Which proffessionals have also made a program just to remove this bad boy program. See post #1, CWShreeder. RogueWare-vital to read What is rogueware? Rogueware is a fake or failing program to do its job, such as an anti virus program that gives you viruses. And YES there are many more. An excellent list can be found here http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_...pyware.htm#top Windows Media Player In my personal opinion this player froze a lot, and had many bugs. I suggest http://www.winamp.com/ P2P - essential to all p2p users (Again i am in no way suggestion illegal uses for these programs) Ares Lite: Spyware Bearshare: Adware, clean version available BitTorrent Ultra: Spyware Blubster: Adware, hacked Clean Versions available eDonkey/Overnet: Adware/Spyware Exeem: Adware/Spyware(?) Grokster: Adware/Spyware Kazaa - everything lol Imesh: Adware/Spyware, hacked Clean Versions available MediaSeek: Adware/Spyware Morpheus: Adware/Spyware Piolet: Adware RockItNet: Adware/Spyware Warez: Adware/Spyware(?) ============================================= Decent programs to use: Any program found of the first page is highly recommended, along with these: Kaspersky Winamp Partition Magic WinRar Alcohol 120% Nero Ewido HiJackThis (if you know what you are doing) Azureus P2P that are safe ABC Ares: Uncheck bundled software during install Azureus BitComet BitSpirit BitTorrent BitTornado Burst! DC++ eMule FileCroc: Uncheck bundled software during install Filetopia Gnucleus KCEasy LimeWire Pro LimeWire Qnext Shareaza Soulseek TorrentStorm Waste WinMX XBT XS Client Zultrax Infections! Why are they made? Why is this article important? First.. Why is this article important? You may be thinking to yourself that infections simply slow down the computer and annoy you with pop ups. You are in every way wrong. A severe infection can do various things. One of these ‘things’ is to use your computer / e mail address to send copies of the infection to others. It can also be used as ameans to repeatedly send packets or just searches to various sites. Why is that bad... well let’s say they caught the persons ending these files ou tand it just happened to be Blade105@yahoo.com guess who would be blamed for the virus and may be sued for it? (ME!) Finally, not only can an infection slow your computer or do the things mentioned above, it can show the younger people on the computer pop ups and all sorts of things you may not want them to see. Many people have PM-ed or E-mailedme asking questions or making comments, a few have even commented they do not see why people make viruses and other types of infections.I eventually decided I would direct my opinion / statistics to inform people why others do create maliciou ssoftware. This information is some what factual and opinionated. If you have disagreements PM or E mail me and we shall talk about them, please do not post them. This way we don’t have hugely over sized threads. Why are Infections Made? Statistically viruses are made for three main reasons. 1.“To destroy things” something that many people find an entertainment in. 2.A sense of Power 3.They don’t like Windows. 4. To see if they can do it. - this is less statistical.. but you get the idea There are over 1,000 viruses created each month. Windows cannot keep up with them all...If you will notice the main word in the previous sentence, Windows. At least 95% of viruses are aimed at Windows, but why? Windows has a bad reputation for not only errors, expensive software, flaws,and needless work but for buying out companies that have a chance to compete. This angers many linux users, and seeing as linux was almost sued for making“Lindows”-a more ‘Windows’ feel for newbie linux users - many users are not happy with the Microsoft Company. Microsoft also has the lovely "activate everything" or we'll shut down your operating system locks. This has made it hard for even the legit customers to buy windows products. Why is Windows so vulnerable to infection? In a short answer...Windows is much more vulnerable to viruses and infection because it tries to do everything automatically for the user.[/b] Last edited by ebackhus; 06-20-2006 at 11:37 AM.

06-19-2006, 02:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,318 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	A little caution can go a loooooong way. If you don't know what it is, DON'T install it. Things that offer free games and screensavers are also among those to avoid UNLESS you know it's from a reputable source. Even then, something may tag along... Keep your anti-virus definitions up to date! Many programs like Norton and McAfee (blah at them) charge you while others like Anti-Vir and AVG (yay at them) are FREE to update. Firewalls are important, but only use ONE at a time. I don't recommend ZoneAlarm at all. Many routers include a hardware firewall that is often better than a software solution. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

06-19-2006, 02:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,318 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Tell me the exact changes you want an I can handle that for you. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

06-20-2006, 07:52 AM	#8 (permalink)
bry623 Manager, The Conversation Pit/Analyst, Security Team Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: NW Territory circa 1787 Posts: 11,717 OS: winxp pro sp2	SImplest solution of all REBOOT __________________ "If you aren't a liberal when you're 20, you have no heart. If you aren't a conservative when you are 50, you have no brain"

06-21-2006, 07:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
Blitze105 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 557 OS: XP Pro SP2, FC5	"where would we be without linux?"

06-21-2006, 07:27 AM	#10 (permalink)
dorts Analyst, Security Team Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,599 OS: Windows XP SP2 My System	Lol. Good work! Keep it up buddy. =) Last edited by dorts; 06-21-2006 at 07:28 AM.