Malware warning

[Brian96]

That is precisely the reason why. When 90%+ of all computers in the world are windows, which would YOU spend your time creating viruses for?
http://www.netmarketshare.com/os-mar...e.aspx?qprid=9

Because Mac useres are assholes?

Similarly, I've always wondered why Linux users brag about no open viruses. It's because NO ONE CARES.

[ITdrummer]

Because Mac useres are assholes?

Similarly, I've always wondered why Linux users brag about no open viruses. It's because NO ONE CARES.

I love Linux.

[Brian96]

I love Linux.

Me, too. But I'm not one of "those" Linux users who hang out near the antivirus section at BestBuy to brag to Windoze users that real OSes don't need AV protection.

[ITdrummer]

Me, too. But I'm not one of "those" Linux users who hang out near the antivirus section at BestBuy to brag to Windoze users that real OSes don't need AV protection.

Ha Ha. The one's wearing a penguin t-shirt?

[hoppinmad]

Most of the guys writing virus' probably run Linux.

[Brian96]

Most of the guys writing virus' probably run Linux.

I don't know about that, but the ones stealing your internet DEFINITELY are. :icon_wink:

[WWDog]

I have used Kaspersky Internet security for several years now and it is very light on CPU usage and I have only once been interrupted by a worm which Kaspersky caught before infection. I used to use Norton's and dumped that hog with a lot of consternation in trying to get it out of the system. I have used spybot in the past and it does a very good job on the malware. Kasperky is not cheap but you can get it for $0 if you look around and get rebates. Another thing I do is ALWAYS get my updates on the OS and related software. Another thing to do is to make sure all the other software on your system is up to date including drivers. For that purpose, I use Secunia which searches my computer for the software I use including many drivers then advises me of which software needs to be updated and even provides a link to update the software. Have you ever updated your BIOS? The best thing about Secunia is that it is free. Another thing I use to keep my computer running smoothly is cleaning out files no longer needed for that I use CCleaner. It cleans out all the areas you designate quickly and efficiently. I also use it to manage my startup programs. It has many other useful functions too many to list here. The only thing I shy away from is messing with the Registry with CCleaner. I have done it in the past but that can get you into a deeper mess than just leaving it alone. One thing CCleaner does do very well is tell you errors in registry, i.e. broken links and such. The last thing to keep your computer running smoothly is to do a defrag occasionally. I have mine scheduled to perform on its own. One last thing I do on occasion is to open task manager and look at the processes running. Google the process or find a page that describes the processes to find out what they are (there are many of them out there and you might want to cross check a couple of them). I have found programs I didn't know were running an eating up CPU and/or memory. Many of these programs are installed with other programs when you forget to opt out on the installation. That is where I use CCleaner to inhibit those programs from running on start up.

I'm always looking for helpful hints. Anybody got any?

[DocMarvin362]

You're way beyond the average user.... WAY...

[ITdrummer]

I have used Kaspersky Internet security for several years now and it is very light on CPU usage and I have only once been interrupted by a worm which Kaspersky caught before infection. I used to use Norton's and dumped that hog with a lot of consternation in trying to get it out of the system. I have used spybot in the past and it does a very good job on the malware. Kasperky is not cheap but you can get it for $0 if you look around and get rebates. Another thing I do is ALWAYS get my updates on the OS and related software. Another thing to do is to make sure all the other software on your system is up to date including drivers. For that purpose, I use Secunia which searches my computer for the software I use including many drivers then advises me of which software needs to be updated and even provides a link to update the software. Have you ever updated your BIOS? The best thing about Secunia is that it is free. Another thing I use to keep my computer running smoothly is cleaning out files no longer needed for that I use CCleaner. It cleans out all the areas you designate quickly and efficiently. I also use it to manage my startup programs. It has many other useful functions too many to list here. The only thing I shy away from is messing with the Registry with CCleaner. I have done it in the past but that can get you into a deeper mess than just leaving it alone. One thing CCleaner does do very well is tell you errors in registry, i.e. broken links and such. The last thing to keep your computer running smoothly is to do a defrag occasionally. I have mine scheduled to perform on its own. One last thing I do on occasion is to open task manager and look at the processes running. Google the process or find a page that describes the processes to find out what they are (there are many of them out there and you might want to cross check a couple of them). I have found programs I didn't know were running an eating up CPU and/or memory. Many of these programs are installed with other programs when you forget to opt out on the installation. That is where I use CCleaner to inhibit those programs from running on start up.

I'm always looking for helpful hints. Anybody got any?

Nope. You've pretty much covered the basics.

#1 rule for keeping your computer infection free, and running smooth:

DON'T GO TO SHADY WEBSITES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (And, no, I'm not specifically talking about porn sites. Although, those are one the most popular ways of infecting pcs.)

Do not click on random links that you have no clue where it will send you. Try to only go to 'legit' sites.

[espnocho]

Kaspersky has a virus removal tool that you can use when all else fails. After that Malwarebytes or Combofix. Another thing to check is under Control Panel\Internet Options\Connections and make sure there's no proxy settings.

http://forum.kaspersky.com/index.php?showtopic=178967

The Kaspersky tool is a one time use thing that uninstalls after completion. I guess after using it you're so impressed with their products you buy one. And yes you do need Anti-Virus and a malware remover. Without both you're a sitting duck.

Here's a reference from two years ago about the need for Anti-Virus for Apple. The "Cool Kids" all run Apple don't cha know!

http://www.scmagazineus.com/apple-re...rticle/138345/

[WWDog]

I have used Kaspersky Internet security for several years now and it is very light on CPU usage and I have only once been interrupted by a worm which Kaspersky caught before infection. I used to use Norton's and dumped that hog with a lot of consternation in trying to get it out of the system. I have used spybot in the past and it does a very good job on the malware. Kasperky is not cheap but you can get it for $0 if you look around and get rebates. Another thing I do is ALWAYS get my updates on the OS and related software. Another thing to do is to make sure all the other software on your system is up to date including drivers. For that purpose, I use Secunia which searches my computer for the software I use including many drivers then advises me of which software needs to be updated and even provides a link to update the software. Have you ever updated your BIOS? The best thing about Secunia is that it is free. Another thing I use to keep my computer running smoothly is cleaning out files no longer needed for that I use CCleaner. It cleans out all the areas you designate quickly and efficiently. I also use it to manage my startup programs. It has many other useful functions too many to list here. The only thing I shy away from is messing with the Registry with CCleaner. I have done it in the past but that can get you into a deeper mess than just leaving it alone. One thing CCleaner does do very well is tell you errors in registry, i.e. broken links and such. The last thing to keep your computer running smoothly is to do a defrag occasionally. I have mine scheduled to perform on its own. One last thing I do on occasion is to open task manager and look at the processes running. Google the process or find a page that describes the processes to find out what they are (there are many of them out there and you might want to cross check a couple of them). I have found programs I didn't know were running an eating up CPU and/or memory. Many of these programs are installed with other programs when you forget to opt out on the installation. That is where I use CCleaner to inhibit those programs from running on start up.

I'm always looking for helpful hints. Anybody got any?

I failed to mention how to update drivers. This is a tricky subject and should be approached carefully. I have Dell computers and occasionally go to the Dell updates and downloads site. For other computers you would go to a corresponding manufacturer. At the Dell site I input the serial number of my computer and then make sure the OS is correct. The site automatically knows what devices I have on my computer and then displays the latest drivers for those chips/devices. I usually look at the date of the driver and only install if the date is recent (newer than the last time I went to the site) and after looking at the information provided about the driver. Sometimes I check the driver in control panel to make sure what I have currently have on the computer along with the device/chip information and match it with what is on the Dell site. Before installation it is probably best if you make a restore point so you can go back if you make a mistake. This is particularly important if you are messing with communications i.e. your internet link. I updated my BIOS form the Dell site and that was a nervous time as I was fearful of what I would do if the update failed. You can go to the manufacturer of the chip/device for updates if you want the latest and greatest or your manufacturer doesn't provide good driver update services.

[Dawgpix]

I use ESET NOD32, it's quick and doesn't bog your system down.
http://www.eset.com/us/

Same here.

[HoDo-Tech70]

What the best FREE program to eliminate/prevent 1) spyware and 2) viruses? Please give a link.

What's the best & cheapest internet based phone service, preferably one that allows me to keep my home phone number.

Thanks

For #2, I like google voice.

This must be where I got the idea to try Google Voice. Thanks, Dan, it's great. No problems so I would highly recommend it.

In my personal/professional opinion:

Spyware/Adware/Malware/Roguewear:
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
-It's free
-It works
-It's very light on computer resources (doesn't bog down your machine when it's running.)

Antivirus
AVG
-There is a free version. (Google "AVG Free")
-It works
-The free version is very BASIC protection. If you want a little more protection, you can upgrade to one of there more comprehensive products.

Thanks, I use these programs. Malwarebytes on my laptop and on my wife's netbook AVG free antivirus.

There is a free version.

http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

And a reminder:

You can have as many anti-malware programs installed, at one time, as you want. It is highly recommended that you only have ONE Antivirus program installed at a time.

Thanks, again. I used both recommendations on my laptop.

I use ESET NOD32, it's quick and doesn't bog your system down.
http://www.eset.com/us/

Is it better than the above mentioned programs that I am currently using?