Posted on 11/02/2004 9:14:57 AM PST by 4kevin
In less than two years, CoolWebSearch has become the bane of the computing industry. Its programmers have managed to reset Web browsers so that searches get rerouted to the CoolWeb search engine. And any time anti-spyware engineers find a way to stop the hijacking, a new variant pops up, sneakier than its predecessor. There are now dozens. "It's a cat-and-mouse game almost," said Tim Bryan, an InterMute Inc. software developer in charge of fighting CoolWebSearch. There are less pernicious forms of spyware, of course. And there is what's more properly termed adware because many such programs don't actually harvest data from users. Adware is often produced by larger companies, one of which even briefly planned an initial public offering. CoolWebSearch and its ilk are what's most troublesome because they are so stealthy. Investigators are apparently stymied. In its anti-spyware efforts, the Federal Trade Commission has so far managed to file only one lawsuit -- against an American, and in a case unconnected to CoolWeb.
(Excerpt) Read more at edition.cnn.com ...
CoolWebShredder for the win.
Tired of this stuff? Don't use Windows.. Easy...
Really. How long do some people complain about their foot hurting before they stop hitting it with a hammer?
When will the sheeple learn? Dump Windows. Switch to either Linux, or the Macintosh which was just recognized as the most secure operating system.
CoolWebSearch is pushing the industry toward more security, which is a good thing in the long term.
As a tech support desk-jock I pray to God your advice isn't taken. Ever tried supporting a Linux-based user base? That's asking for pain.
Mac not so much of an issue, just less embraced by the software industry on the whole.
I'll take M$ any day in a support environment.
I say we label these scum as terrorists and treat them as such. Boom!
Ever consider that you wouldn't have that Tech job if it weren't for Windows problems? Now what does that say about an operating system.
1. Run Firefox for your browser (it rocks!) instead of IE. 2. Download and install Spybot and AdAware (both freebies). This will help you clean your computer and keep it clean (although it doesn't help w/ this spyware much). 3. Get a new version of antivirus that has spyware protection built-in.
Only if it is Toyota whose security is so crappy that it allows that type of damage. Hondas, Chevys and Dodges don't allow it. They protect their tires better.
So yes. I would advocate that.
1... Toyota doesn't make tires.
2... If people TRIED to slash all kinds of tires and found that CAMRY tires slashed so much more easily than Honda, then what the heck is wrong with switching vehicles?
It's a nasty one, all right. I have removed all sorts of spyware that the children have installed when my back was return, but Coolweb is the worst.
CWShredder is very helpful. Just run it once in a while to check your system. And you may have to go online to read up how to remove some of these things and follow intricate directions. If you do a google search you can often find helpful advice.
In my case, Coolweb had infected and virtually replaced Windows Media Player. I had to remove it, clean the Registry, and download and install a clean version of Media Player.
I spent an hour ridding that insidious infestation from a friend's machine and then I picked it up like stepping in some dog crap while venturing about the web.
Never asked for it, Never wanted it, they never asked if it was okay to install itself....it just appeared as if out of thin air.
Happy to provide it:
http://www.apple.com/switch/
Its a good starting point. If you live in a place that has an Apple Store, go check it out.
Your first sentence seemed to chide me for being willing to reject Windows because of this, yet this statement says that you will, too, if it gets worse.
Seems so me that I just have a lower tolerance for this crap than you, that's all.
Your post #7: Thanks for the link. Nice resource and I've bookmarked for future.
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