Question Regarding Spyware/Adware...

[aramp1]

Just want some opinions here;

Other than not being connected to the internet, what is the best way to stop spyware/adware from being added to your computer? I have a firewall, virus scan, no-adware, and popup blocker and stuff still gets in. I'm planning on building a computer in the next few months and would really like some opinions on what I can do to keep the nonsense to a minimum. Thanks for all the input.

ARAMP1

 

[Cromewell]

adaware is a good adware cleaner, there is also a program called adwatch(something like that anyway) that is part of adawares pay-for program that can block some stuff. spybot has an 'immunizer' that can block some adware programs from installing

 

[red onion]

Use a program called Spyware Blaster, that will block a lot of things.
Regularly run Adaware, Spybot Search & Destroy and update Spyware Blaster.
Use a browser other than IE, such as Firefox, Mozilla, Opera or Netscape. That is the biggest thing. If you insist on using IE, be sure that you upgrade to SP2.
Be sure that your firewall and antivirus are working.
Last of all, use your head, if a program wants to install "helper applications" stop the install and delete the program. Say no to any programs that offer to download while browsing too.

 

[kopanowsall]

I SUperbly recommend Norton Antivirus and fire wall. Very Strong and decent programs. Dl the free trial version. Goes for 3 months. It lets you know every program that tires to acess the internet and asks u if you want to stop it or let it access the internet.


Modzilla Firefox- THis is a msut need. Most programs like cookie trackers target microsoft internet explorer. Modzilla stops a illegal dl of a program into your computer when u enter a site. Say for instance you enter a site and it automatically dl's a spyware into anyone who view the site modzilla will stop that. It'll jsut save the extra virus scan that youd have to do if it installs.

 

[kopanowsall]

Oh yea everytiems you dl a program and install it do a virus check graunteed must of the time spyware or adware will pop up.

 

[S_Doherty]

I agree that Mozilla is a good alternative RIGHT NOW...i stress right now because it is an open sourse browser and that means that and virus writers could manipulate the code in such a was as to take us all down...The other thing about Mozilla vs. IE. is that Mozilla is newer and hasn't been around as long....IE is more susceptible because it has been in use longer.....

 

[Praetor]

is the best way to stop spyware/adware from being added to your computer? I have a firewall, virus scan, no-adware, and popup blocker and stuff still gets in

1. What firewall? ZoneAlarm and Norton dont count (neither does SP2). Firewalls can almost singlehandedly stop any chance for remote spyware infection. I reccomend whitelisting ... its a pain but its pretty damn secure .. you can even get into MAC filtering if you're stupidly paranoid
2. How often do you update your virus definitions? Weekly? Daily? hourly? every 20 minutes?

I agree that Mozilla is a good alternative RIGHT NOW...i stress right now because it is an open sourse browser and that means that and virus writers could manipulate the code in such a was as to take us all down...The other thing about Mozilla vs. IE. is that Mozilla is newer and hasn't been around as long....IE is more susceptible because it has been in use longer.....

Id switch in a heartbeat if (a) i could disable that cursed tabbness and (b) i wouldnt have to redo all the kazillion whitelisted rules i have for ie

 

[red onion]

1. What firewall? ZoneAlarm and Norton dont count (neither does SP2). Firewalls can almost singlehandedly stop any chance for remote spyware infection. I reccomend whitelisting ... its a pain but its pretty damn secure .. you can even get into MAC filtering if you're stupidly paranoid
2. How often do you update your virus definitions? Weekly? Daily? hourly? every 20 minutes?


Id switch in a heartbeat if (a) i could disable that cursed tabbness and (b) i wouldnt have to redo all the kazillion whitelisted rules i have for ie

1.) I use sygate for a firewall, it works great
2.) I use avast for antivirus, it updates automatically each time the cptr wakes up.

 

[dave597]

the best three are giant anti-spyware (now windows anti-spyware), spybot search and destroy, and adaware personal - if you really want security disable cookies as well or allow them temparaliy for one session. and you need a firewall as well - windows firewall works.