Re: Computer stuff, possible help

nothermark wrote:
....
Malware is really really a family of problem applications. Few of the
programs supposed to stop them all really do. The one's that really
try to often cause more problems than I want to deal with. The really
big one's are targeted for disabling by much of the malware. The
former is why I won't touch Symantec and the latter is why I don't use
Symantec or McAfee.
Yep. Good points, both. The only Symantec program I use is Stinger. It's
small, simple, fast, and has worked well for me in the past.

Antivirus programs are targeted at certain kinds of embedded code but
not Spyware. Most do that well. Spyware includes cookies and
Yep. Agreed.

programs Microsoft insists your system run without permission so they
can load their crap. If the antivirus companies block those Microsoft
What? Just what does that mean?

will not give them information they need and will bad mouth them in
the industry. Antispyware code does not need the intimate
Nonsense!

relationship with the OS that antivirus programs do so they don't need
the level of code detail Microsoft provides the anti virus companies.
Microsoft bad mouthing them sends the signal that they are really
good. (Look up "Sony root kit" if you want background.)
More rubbish!

To us the end user that means:

1. No single program does it all.
True enough. The wise system user keeps an assortment of previously tested
and trusted tools at hand...one never knows when one might be the answer to
your suspicions. And no, you don't have to buy them. There are many very
good, free tools available.

2. Be suspicious of what programs are used.
Always! Especially after a kid or grandkid has used your machine to
"browse" the internet. They go to all sorts of sites I would never
touch...

3. Run a combination of a good AV plus one or two anti spyware
programs.
I don't know that that's the best way. Too many spyware proggies can clash
and cause other problems. I'd run one...but make it a good one. However,
have another one on standby in case you need a second opinion.

4. Expect to find a few minor hits from the advertising folks as they
may be something you want. Check the cookies you kill as they may be
the one's that remember your login or last item visited, etc. You may
want to keep them.
Yep. Very good advice.

FWIW - Look at the Let's Dance instructions at securitytango.com. I
don't care if you use the site otherwise but it gives you a picture of
what it takes to really clean out a machine. There is more to it than
just running a program.
Certainly true. Cleaning your box can take from a few moments to
days...BTDT...<big sigh!>

Or, switch to Linux, BSD or Unix. These operating systems are not as
susceptible to these problems because of the design of the OS.
That would be rubbish as well. The real reason those OS's are considered
"safer" is because they represent a negligible fraction of operating
systems in use world wide. It's not worth a hackers time to mess with a
system that only a (relative) handful of users are running on.


L8r all,
Dusty


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