Replies

Thanks for the links. I just downloaded adAware -- don't know how to determine what, if anything it has done though. What does Security Test do? Is it an installation, or what?

Appreciate yours and others patience with the computer illiterate like myself.

Security Test is the FIRST and LAST thing to do. You do it FIRST to see how many ways a hacker can get into your computer while you are on line.

Steve Gibson (GRC.com Security Test)has been doing 'miracles' with hard drive maintenance and security since at least since the 1980's (that ages me as well)

The web site will tell you which ports - look at ports as different paths into your computer ... port 80 is the doorway to websites and your computer is set to only accept certain things through that port (I know it's simplistic) When you are on-line that is ithe ONLY port that should be accessable. CHAT & Instant Messenger use different ports which leave your computer highly vulnurable to hack attacks (IMHO).

AdAware - you run this program TWICE the first time - after that at least once/week. EVERY time you run AdAware, you want to check for updates to keep safe.
HOW to use AdAware (quickie lesson)
1. Right above the START button, you'll see "Check for UpDates Now!" DO IT! Follow directions
2. Click the START button - how long depends on drive size and computer speed - make a cup of coffee if you have a large HD
3. Click NEXT (leave it at defaults until you learn more)
....
....
Ooops dinner's ready - I'll finish this lesson after!

Yumm! BBQ Chicken! That hit the spot!

Where was I? Oh yeah We left AdAware scanning so now it's finished.
It will show x Objects recognized, processes, registers, etc.

4(?.) Click NEXT
5. You'll see the list of ALL the spywarez cookies that AdAware has found. 99.9% are innocent (non invasive) tracker cookies. It's the 0.1% that's a danger!
6. Look through the list of files shown, some legitimate programs show here occasionally because they use the same techniques as spywarez. If I remember correctly, most of the accounting programs, some stock programs, etc. go down the list and if recognize the name of the program as one you use, click on the box (left side) next to the file name.
7. After you checked all the ones you recognize as your program, with your cursor still in that box with all the names, RIGHT-CLICK (anywhere) and click on "Add Selected to Ignore List". follow instructions
8. now -- RIGHT CLICK again and "Select all Objects"
9. Click NEXT
REPEAT MINUMUM Once per Week and after visiting a questionable web site (one with a lot of pop-ups qualifies)

You only have to do the "IGNORE LIST" part one time.