computer questions: ethernet, spyware, viruses

[Commie Basher]

(1) What is ethernet? Does it have something to do with internet connections, DSL, etc? Do I need it? I'm looking for a new laptop. Should I care if it has 10/100 or Gigabit Ethernet?

(2) I have a virus/spyware, whatever. How do I get rid of it?

Norton Antivirus finds nothing. SpyCOp finds nothing. I have ZOne Alarm Pro. But I have something. I have to type every other letter two or three times. My computer is slow and doesn't recognize every keystroke. My CAPS lights is always on. My USB port works intermitently.

[sirchtruth]

I wish I could answer your questions but I only know enough to keep me in trouble.

I'm looking for a GOOD quality $200-$400 digital camera. Anyone got suggestions?

[Ronin]

I can't help but I am going to give you a bump because this is the kind of information I like to learn as well.

*bump*

[general_re]

Ethernet is how you communicate with the dead.

[Vigilantcitizen]

"Ethernet is how you communicate with the dead."

It works especially well with the "Pringles can" antenna. :)

[MetalHeadConservative35]

2) I have a virus/spyware, whatever. How do I get rid of it?

go get ad-aware,stingerXE and macafee firewall that will help

also if you use winmx,kazaa and stuff careful what you d/l

[dennisw]

What's with spyware and how harmful is it? I use zone alarm and am careful with updates and e-mail.

[Nataku X]

But I have something. I have to type every other letter two or three times. My computer is slow and doesn't recognize every keystroke. My CAPS lights is always on. My USB port works intermitently.

It sounds like either your keyboard or USB port is thrashed (assuming it's USB keyboard).

[glock rocks]

beef stew cans work better.

[AppyPappy]

Ethernet is basically networking. You only care about 10/100 or Gigabit if your network has them. So if your network is Gigabit, you want Gigabit. I don't even know what I have.

Boot into safe mode (look up "safe mode" in Windows Help). Then run your virus scan.

[palmer]

Ethernet is a simple and cheap way to network computers. If your computer has ethernet you can insert a router between it and the internet (cable modem or DSL modem). That router will protect you from quite a few attacks. On the other hand, nothing can stop you from clicking on an attachment and getting infected. If you did that, you should back up your essential documents and reinstall or restore your OS.

[TommyDale]

Ethernet is the protocol that connects local area networks. Unless you work in an office connected with fiber, you don't need gigabit ethernet, just 10/100. If you are connecting to a cable/dsl modem, 10/100 is what you will use.

For spyware detection, go to Google.com and search for
SpyBot. It is rated the best at detecting spyware. I also use AdAware, as it detects even a few "spyware" files that SpyBot leaves.

As for viruses, just running an anti-virus like Norton AntiVirus does no good unless you update on a weekly basis.
Use the Norton program, and let the software run automatic updates.

As for the CAPS light always on, it sounds like you have
a keyboard problem. The USB port may not be from the drivers not loading properly. You might want to look into how to update drivers.

[LanPB01]

I used to have so much spyware on my computer that it ran slow and didn't recognize every keystroke as well. I downloaded SpyBot S&D (it's free) and Lavasoft's AdAware (also free), and the spyware problem was elminated. You can find both of these by doing a search on Google, or find the links to them by searching other computer related threads on FreeRepublic. The links get posted here all the time.

[Happy Hamster]

The solution to your problem is to dismantle your computer, find and dismantle your hard drive and scrub the glass surface with an industrial strength cleanser. Failing that, buy a Mac! Seriously, just erase your hard drive and install LINUX. Then sue Bill Gates over truth in advertising.

[dennisw]

also if you use winmx,kazaa and stuff careful what you d/l ...........


Should virus scan every Kazaa download you make. Scan the entire "shared folder" if you like. I found out the hard way that Kazaa downloads are rife with viruses. Other file sharing must be as bad.

[per loin]

Ethernet is a system of hooking computers together so that they can communicate with each other or share a connection to the internet. If you have only one computer in your home or office, you will not need or use ethernet.

The cards (Network Interface Cards - NICs) that are used for ethernet have a connection that looks like an enlarged female phone connection on them. On newer computers the connections are built into the motherboards.

The NICs connect together with a wire called CAT5 (Catagory 5) . The 10/100 designation tells the speed that they can operate at.

[TommyDale]

For a good quality digital camera, go to Yahoo, click on "Shopping" and do a search for "digital camera" and enter your price limitations. The higher the pixel count, the better the camera. Make sure you choose one with a name you recognize, and that it has a color viewfinder.
In that price bracket, you should have no problem finding a 3+ megapixel camera that will take perfect 11x14 pictures.

[SubMareener]

Sounds as if the commies have gotten you! Or are you trying to run Windows XP on a 136 MHz Pentium II with 64MByte of RAM?

[mass55th]

"Failing that, buy a Mac!"

LOL! That was going to be my first suggestion!!

[rdb3]

What is ethernet?

This is a LAN, normally in one building or one room.

Does it have something to do with internet connections, DSL, etc?

Nope. Internet and ethernet are two separate things.

Do I need it?

Depends on your needs. If you don't have a home network, you don't need it.

I'm looking for a new laptop. Should I care if it has 10/100 or Gigabit Ethernet?

If you don't have broadband, then it really wouldn't matter since you'll only be connected on a 56K modem. However, if your new laptop already comes with it, that's a good thing. IOW, it doesn't hurt.

(2) I have a virus/spyware, whatever. How do I get rid of it?

Norton Antivirus finds nothing. SpyCOp finds nothing. I have ZOne Alarm Pro. But I have something. I have to type every other letter two or three times. My computer is slow and doesn't recognize every keystroke. My CAPS lights is always on. My USB port works intermitently.

This doesn't sound like virii. It sounds like hardware problems.