Help a Noob out with Virus Info

[thegemmell]

Hey, Im not a big huge mega computer guy, i have XP and I just downloaded IE7 a few days ago, i know, my freinds keep telling me to go firefox but wtevr, anyway i was just wondering how common is it to get viruses and spyware (realy)

I have Norton Anti-Virus

I Have High-speed cabel

I dont use P2P Networks like limewire

I only use the net for Gamefaqs, Youtube, yahoomail, Myspace, and some videos like diggnation and askaninja

I dont pirate that much, in my whole library there are mabey 30 songs ive downloaded

I Occasionly use E-Bay with my Debit card

I stay away from dodgy pornsites and get "What I Need" from a trusted paysite

[tokenuser]

1. Norton Anti Virus. A lot of people will rant and rave about how bad this is. The fact you ARE running a virus scanner is a good thing. NAV's biggest issue is that it is a resource hog. Keep using it by all means (but keep the virus signature files updated).

2. Highspeed cable. Cool - you can now get infected 10x faster than dialup :)
Many cable companies (RoadRunner - my ISP - for instance) have downloadable virus scanning and spyware checking suite available to subscribers. Check out their home page for those offers.

3. No P2P. Just say no to P2P. It will save you a lot of heartache from spyware/malware attacks. So, another plus for you.

4. Limited sites you visit. Dude ... the is a whole internet out there. We all have our favourites, but spread your wings a little. Try HardOCP, Bit-tech.net, and a slew of other sites out there. Myspace is the work of the devil ... I am surprised someone hasn't injected some trojan into the scripts there by now.

5-7. Everything else. You practice safe net. You are low risk.

Now ... you have a virus scanner (mediocre, but OK), you DON'T mention running any spyware scanners such as Adaware or Spybot S&D. Highly recommend you grab a copy of Spybot and run it regularly. You also don't mention a firewall - either software (such as Windows Firewall that comes with XP, or any number of other software based firewalls) or hardware (does you cable modem run straight into the computer or are you running a router?). A hardware firewall (such as those built into most routers) is the best defense for a home network.

[ryudo]

Dump that pile of shit Norton.

go NOD32 or AVG and DEF get a spyeware scanner.

[starscream80]

Is McAffe better/worse than Norton?? And what do you guys of webroot's spysweeper???

[striker1211]

Just use firefox and you dont have to worry.

[ryudo]

Just use firefox and you dont have to worry.

The very reason I hate firefox is this cult following anyime someone has a problem they bring up firefox GOD it's annoying.

Firefox is nothing more than a overrated browser NOTHING MORE it won't fix everything ****! >_>

[magunwarrior]

Yes but it will protect you a helluva lot more then IE.

[ryudo]

Yeah but still the best way to avoid it is using common sense and being careful.


As a Browser I go with Opera...My browser history goes like this IE then Firefox then Maxthon and now Opera and Opera is the best I have used ..and yes I have FF 2.0 installed but it has nothing to sell me back as my main browser.

[striker1211]

Wow ryudo dont go off on me, the OP brought up FF... damn.

[hoodedrobin]

Alright... Personally from what I can tell is you're doing good... And if your running xp your firewall should be automatically on.

But the only problem you have in terms of getting viruses or bad code, is not having a hardware firewall... You REALLY need one and besides you'll be happy when you do.

What I don't think anyone has mentioned is that firewalls antivirus and spy scanners ie7 firefox opera... can all be compromised and the sad thing is its not very hard if your running windows... a little registry modification here and there and your computer is a robot sending out other bits of bad code to everyone in your contact list/and other forms...

BUT if you have a hardware firewall even a 15-20 dollar linksys 802.11b crap router it cant be hack or atleast not very easily turned off.

*and if you have friends who have laptops you can always turn on the wifi with wpa/wep and they will be very happy*

[hoodedrobin]

Is McAffe better/worse than Norton?? And what do you guys of webroot's spysweeper???

mcaffe eh...

webroot spysweeper pretty good i have it... but uhh if you check certain sites... you can uhh get it for free?