Adware, spyware -- How to stop this crap

vanity

[no nau]

My computer is infested with this crap and I can't get rid of it. None of the free services can solve the problem, and I might even pay for such a service, except that all of them seem to be just folks willingly to take advantage of you and charge you more money, and possibly infect you more. Has anyone here seen this? How should I and anyone else deal with this?

[Big Giant Head]

Knoppix, Ubuntu, etc....

PCLinuxOS 2007 changed me. Easier than Ubuntu, Mint, knoppix, and several other distros I tried. I’m no Linux geek, I’ve never OPENED a console, no programming necessary.

Easiest. Windows. Replacement. Available. Period. I don’t run ANY anti-crap at all. Not even a firewall.

[Florida native]

Stinger is updated on Network Associates' website often; if it doesn't work for you, there are others that will. Norton, McAfee, Computer Associates, and others usually have tools to clear specific problem viruses/trojans.

Also, BartPE must be configured (built) by the user - the basic config that you download contains just that - base programs - you can replace them with the latest versions. I rebuild my boot disk often with updated drivers, scanners, etc. The stickler is you must have a license for certain programs that you add - such as Symantec Ghost.

I know that it is not fun to clear viruses/spyware/trojans.

[hiredhand]

PCLinuxOS 2007 eh? I’ll give it a try. Thanks!

[hiredhand]

I’m grabbing a copy of it now. I’ll try it out before end of day if I don’t get swamped again at work. Thanks for the tip!

[Big Giant Head]

You are going to like it. I found Ubuntu really fun and different, but clunky to get around. It took a while to figure out the wireless, I never got the DVD to play, etc. PCLinuxOS is just about self-setting. It set up the wireless during install which just worked.

It’s funny reading these threads. I have windows machines, and yes, one must run 27 different anti-crapware software packages, run registry cleaners, firewall it, and pray to the God of all things digital that they don’t get something. Linux doesn’t have a registry, and doesn’t get nasties unless you install them giving permission three times. I’ve been running PCLOS since november bare naked, and nothing gets in.

The forum is particularly friendly and helpful:
http://www.pclinuxos.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=58

[all_mighty_dollar]

I also have used PCLinuxOS-2007 for the last year and find it did what I needed from the start without having to download new applications.

It was an easy install as I accepted the preset defaults as they came up.

I did have the disk space available to keep XP and do a dual boot set-up.

Kinda nice not to have to worry or update all the anti-everything and still be secure as I tended to worry about those things with WinXP. All my financial stuff is done on Linux side now and therefore WinXP usage is down to almost nothing now.

[Redcloak]

Not meaning to sound like a techno-snob, but have you considered Linux? Most malware is designed to run under Windows. It won’t run on the wrong operating system. Give Ubuntu a whirl and see what you think. It comes on a “Live-CD” meaning that you can run it temporarily just by booting the computer off of the CD-ROM.

If you don’t mind spending money on new hardware, which you’d have to do anyway to upgrade to Vista, go with a Mac.

[Thunder 6]

bttt

[Big Giant Head]

Oh, I forgot to mention that PCLinuxOS is a live CD as well. Try before installation. There’s a whole list of Linux Live CD distributions here:

http://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php

It’s worth a look!

[Petronski]

[goldstategop]

Reinstall Windows. Then install a good anti-virus program, a firewall, HIPS software, a second anti-spyware scanner, Spyware Blaster and IE Spy-ad. All these measures should keep the crapware off the computer. They are all effective in keeping out viruses, trojans and the unwanted scumware spammers try to install in Windows in drive by downloads.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[girlangler]

I posted this same thread when I was having problems about a year ago, and was SO frustrated and unable to meet some article deadlines.

Thank God many great freepers came to my rescue with answers. Freeper Grammy finally sent me a LONG freepmail with a suggestion to download FREE Spybot Search and Destroy.

I had already spent money ordering one program, and it didn’t resolve the problems. So, I took Grammy (and the computer savy Mr. Grammy’s) suggestions, and downloaded Spybot Search and Destroy. It has been wonderful, I haven’t had any problems since, and I scan my computer regularly to make sure. Also, it immunizes your computer to keep new viruses from getting through.

I HIGHLY recommend it, and Grammy as a friend. She saved my neck and I STILL owe her a wonderful trout fishing trip for her efforts, which I hope to repay soon.

[mkjessup]

I have found that the best anti-bug/anti-spy/anti-adware move I ever made was to install a physical (hardware) firewall between my ISP and my machines.

SMC Barricade, it's worth every penny:



http://www.smc.com

[Chickensoup]

Bump for information

[Grammy]

FRiends don’t keep tabs..... but I *will* take the fishing trip anyway.

8-)