please read about spyware

**forestdale** · 11-11-2004, 11:19 PM

Here is a link about spyware: http://news.zdnet.co.uk/business/0,3...9173000,00.htm
If you do not know what spyware is it is various files that are downloaded to your computer that allow companies to know how you use your computer - what sites you visit, what you buy etc. Some even generate spam. You can get spyware on your computer by downloading almost anything from a site you know nothing about. Now before you panic, this site is completely safe, so are sites for banks, large companies etc. But any site that gives you things free may be a problem. I got my computer tech in a couple of weeks ago and he put PestPatrol on my computer, I had 6,400 files from spyware and adware on my computer. These came from downloading things like screen savers, graphics etc. The tech even told me that the spyware advertisements you see offering to scan your hard drive, actually place spyware on your computer. So be careful.
Please read this link about spyware and all the links on that page, it's important that you know about this.

**kimmee** · 11-11-2004, 11:38 PM

My computer is loaded with spywar and adware - I have tried unsuccessfully to remove it - it has attached itself to Internet explorer and now even when I click on a post here I get links to ads about things in the post like prescriptions and vacations and places to buy Journals - I am so frustrated I am ready to

. I refuse to bring some $80 per hour bonehead in here to clear it up - I feel like they just stick more traps in your system. I have a list of how to eliminate it on my own but it is so emeshed with Microsoft that I can't get rid of it with out shutting down software that I use!

**forestdale** · 11-11-2004, 11:45 PM

yikes, that's scary. Pest patrol is good, I don't know how much it costs because he added it to a bill for fixing three of our computers. My tech told me that's it's extremely difficult to remove. It makes copies of itself and links to lots of files. I've run pest patrol 4 times so far and I'm still finding files, but each time it's much less than before.

**bamamomto4** · 11-11-2004, 11:51 PM

When I had computer problems,the guy working on mine added www.adware.com Not sure what it cost.

**Gabe** · 11-11-2004, 11:53 PM

Quick fix to spyware.
Get rid of internet exploder!

Get Firefox! It rocks!
http://www.mozilla.org/

**kimmee** · 11-11-2004, 11:54 PM

I will have to look into Pest Patrol. Thank you!!

**forestdale** · 11-11-2004, 11:59 PM

lol @ exploder. thanks dodger, I will look into that.

**kimmee** · 11-12-2004, 12:12 AM

How do you get rid of Internet exploder - I have tried to delete and disable it about 1000 times !! It keeps reappearing like some sort of bad dream!!

**Gabe** · 11-12-2004, 12:14 AM

Don't use it!
Use Firefox!
http://www.mozilla.org

For spyware you can use Spy Bot Search and Destroy:

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Searc...ubj=dl&tag=but

**kimmee** · 11-12-2004, 12:17 AM

Ok - its loading as we spe.../type!!

Creepy avatar - like a neopet on drugs!!

**Sara Noel** · 11-12-2004, 12:57 AM

hehehe...It's a Beholder.
Old Dungeon & Dragon monster.

**kimmee** · 11-12-2004, 01:07 AM

Ithink they have something similar on one of the Harry Potter movies!

**forestdale** · 11-12-2004, 01:11 AM

dodger, in another thread would you give us some info on why firefox is better than windows. I will use it if I think it's better and less of a hassle but I've never heard about firefox until you mentioned it before. Thanks IA.

**across_my_Heart** · 11-12-2004, 11:22 AM

Dodger: good advice! I've been using FireFox for a while now and love it.

Forestdale: FireFox is what they consider open-source software. Which means that the code was available to anyone that wanted to look at it, tweak it, improve it, etc. That resulted in a more secure broswer. It has a built-in popup blocker, which can also be disabled if you choose. FireFox uses tabs instead of windows, meaning you can have twenty tabs open in only one window. You can find it on mozilla.com.

For spyware you can try a few programs: Adaware and SpyBot Search & Destroy. Both programs are free. You can find them on downloads.com. You should really try to run them once a month or so- more often if you're on the internet every day like I am. I run mine once a week. It's amazing what sneaks onto your computer without your knowledge.