I picked up a virus, one of those trojan things that looks like a real update from microsoft and turns out to be a nightmare. So many popups, I couldn't use my computer at all, hardly. It has cost me hundreds of dollars and two days, but the new Windows Live OneCare found it and destroyed it. Dell couldn't do it nor Trend Micro. Back in business, but poorer. I had to pay Dell big bucks for nothing. Hell, they probably sent the damned virus. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Shoot, I got a virus not that long ago, Crap I hate it!
Took it to those geeks.

you should call one of us next time, HD. those dorks on the phone are really just morons reading from a manual. no experts.

I recommend getting Ad-Aware by Lavasoft. It gets rid of tracking bugs that screw with your computer and slow it down, both connection speed to internet, and physical memory. Update it daily to make sure it has the newest list of “bugs”. I’ve run it daily and found 30+ bugs on my computer tracking where I go and selling it to advertisers. My Aunt’s computer got bogged down to where it would barely run, and I ran Ad-Aware on it and found THOUSANDS of bugs. They have a free version, or you can pay like $30 for the registered one, and it will actively block the bugs before they get on your computer.

For a firewall, I like Zone Alarm, you might check them out too.

I may have to do that as well on my computer. I got bit by the Facebook virus.
Usually I am pretty good but it looked like it was from my hot ex girlfriend <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Good to see you back Vic.

Thanks Andy i may do that.

Thanks for the recommendations Andy....any links would help? I had better re-appraise some security upgrade....thinking positive thoughts that it won't happen to you does'nt really work...although half the established internet security companies were founded by the SOB's who created viruses in the first place.....creative marketing like that should be returned in kind ...IMHO..rather than them getting the benefit of my hard earned cash!
Hence my begrudged spending in that direction.....

+1 on the Ad-aware. I've tried both the freeware and bought versions; get the full version from Best Buy, it's so worth the $30 freedom from headaches. Webroot Spy Sweeper is another decent one, not as good as Ad-aware, though.

For firewalls, I've always done a different setup from you Andy. I have a Linksys wired router (with built in firewall). I setup a cheap piece of crap old system on port 1, and all pings, cookies, etc. see that. If it dies, no big deal, it's worth maybe $50. Installed on the back are multiple NIC cards, that outsource the connection to my other equipment; my laptop, server desktop station, and my XBox360. The connection is a little slow (only really notice it when you're doing some hardcore downloading), but the hardware I'm really concerned about is safe, because any downloads are put onto the old crap system, where antivirus softwares just rape the hell out of them to ensure they are safe. Of course, my laptop and good desktop have firewalls, and AVG antivirus on them as well, just to be safe. The point is, from a network side, the only thing seen from the other side of the router is the old crap system, none of my good stuff.

And as a further step, I use Norton Ghost utilities. This is a program that allows you to create an image of your computer onto a CD or DVD. So, if your system crashes or becomes virused, whatever, just format the hard drive, restart the system with the disk in the optical drive, and it rebuilds your system for you. It's a fantastic piece of kit.

Some of you may think that's extreme, but with all the viruses and wannabe hackers out there nowadays, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Am I the only one who shells out the money for Norton Anti-virus? Granted it will cost you $39.99 a year but I've never had a virus, worm or trojan get by it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I realize that now, Magnum, after some girl in the Phillipines with Dell wasted my time and money. Dell's PC Tune-up didn't catch the trojan either. Trend Micros PC-cillin didn't catch it either. I bought the Windows Live OneCare in desperation for $49.95 a year and it spotted and removed the virus immediately.
I figured that since it was a Windows operating system, it might work. I guessed right this time.

I have used Norton and McAffe in the past. All manner of spyware and viruses got past them.

Sorry about your problems HD. I should have known you had already tried Norton. I was never happy with Mcaffe either. I'll have to look into the windows live onecare. I'm not familiar with that one. I'm still running windows 2000 on all my computers (3) and its getting harder and harder to programs still designed to work with it.

Glad your back. We miss your reviews and sharpening tips when your gone <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The frustrating thing about computer virii is that you can't track down the sonuvabitch who made it and straighten them out. You're forced to be on the defensive all the time, waiting for the next attack and hoping your preparations are adequate. I wouldn't mind the occasional viral attack nearly so much if I knew that the person responsible was suitably punished.

I'd like to add my support for the practice of making backups of your hard disk. Not only viruses, but pure mechanical failure can turn a good day into a data-loss nightmare if you don't have backups. I do mine about once a month, dated archive files on an external backup drive, and I cross-populate the most recent backups between my two computers. Bordering on paranoia perhaps, but very good for morale.

Disk space nowadays is so insanely cheap now that in my mind there is no excuse not to have backups. You can a very large disk for the price of a good quality knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />