Adware/Spyware Tracking Cookies...

Question

Ok I have and scan with the following programs Ad-aware, Spybot, and Aol spyware protection. I always get tracking cookies and I enable immunize and block bad addresses with Spybot, I also keep up with the latest definitions. So I then downloaded, installed, and enabled all protection with Javacool's Spywareblaster, that I believe Spybot says it recommends for more protection, which is supposed to stop those tracking cookies and such from getting on the pc in the first place. I still get tracking cookies. I also have my Internet Explorer settings for cookie handling on medium-high. So how can I put an end to having to constantly scan everytime I get done browsing not knowing if there are tracking cookies.

ky331 · Answer

tracking cookies are not necessarily bad.... most sites you go to (including your bank, for example) may place a 'cookie' on your machine... sometimes, this allows you to re-access the site without having to log-in again... which can be helpful.  in fact, some financial sites REQUIRE you accept tracking cookies.  so you WANT 'good' cookies.  the problem is that some cookies collect information from you at one site, but then share the information with other sites.    unfortunately, 'bad' cookies have a way of coming back, over and over again.   if you wish to permanently stop them: in Internet Explorer, click on TOOLS    INTERNET OPTIONS    PRIVACY    EDIT (web sites) and then type-in and BLOCK the 'bad' cookies you want to keep away (e.g., IHateThisSite.NET ) when done, click on OK Just be careful not to block any 'good' sites (like your bank/brokerage, or sites you intentionally log-into regularly, like Yahoo or HotMail).   By the way, I know this cookie-blocking feature is available on win98,  winME, and win2000... i'm not sure about other WIN operating systems.   Alternatively, you can download a program which can monitor cookies (among other things):  WinPatrol 9.0 http://winpatrol.com/

nksocr · Answer

I try to individually block cookies like you described but now when I try to do that the sites I enter dissapear after I go back to sites again. So I disabled all of the spwareblaster and spybot protection but it still doesnt work. What can I do to get this needed feature to work properly again? Can I just change the settings in Internet Explorer to override cookie handling and accept all first party cookies and to block all third party cookies? Message Edited by nksocr on 03-20-2005 12:02 PM

nksocr · Answer

Thank you for that information. As for the current cookies though and the information provided in my last post what can someone tell me about that.

beneteau · Answer

Alot of infections filter through security breaches in ActiveX controls which is utilized by IE.

Click on this link and read about the problems with Activex.

Active X Downloads - Active X Control - Active X Problems

I, like about 25 million others, have switched to a newer browser (Firefox) which does not utilize ActiveX controls. On a recent survey at another forum, Firefox had 65% of the votes for the most favored browser (compared to IE, Netscape, Mozilla and others). Firefox is easy to use, very similar to IE, transfers all your favorites/links to Firefox and has features IE has never thought of. Look at the copyright on IE----dated 1995-----a 10 year old program that has been patched, patched and patched. After downloading Firefox (which is free), you can still use IE whenever you want. I still use IE at particular websites; but, most of the time it's Firefox and Firefox is my default browser.

Nothing is guaranteed safe on the net; however, I have certainly reduced my infections to virtually "nil".

If you wish to try Firefox, click on the following link.

http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

Dimension 8400
1 GB SDRAM
3.4GHz
160GB
Samsung CD-R/RW
Philips DVD+RW
Iomega HDD 80GB USB 2.0
Radeon X300
WinXP w/Service Pack 2

beneteau · Answer

You are not going to completely stop adware/spyware from infesting your computer. If anyone had a "surefire" way, their networth would be more than Bill Gates. You can minimize infections and that's about it. Just take the necessary safeguards----watch the websites you visit and continue to run Ad-Aware/SpyBot, etc.

If I have something (a threat) that shows up after I run Ad-Aware or SpyBot, I just delete it and go on.

Unfortunately, we have idiots "who get off on" placing viruses, adware, etc. on sites to infect us so our lives will be as miserable as theirs.

I visit other forums or the net and everyone is plagued with the same infections.

You never know where a "threat" exists. You just have to be careful when visiting unfamiliar sites, downloading at unfamiliar places and opening unsolicited email.

Good luck----

Dimension 8400
1 GB SDRAM
3.4GHz
160GB
Samsung CD-R/RW
Philips DVD+RW
Iomega HDD 80GB USB 2.0
Radeon X300
WinXP w/Service Pack 2
Firefox browser

nksocr · Answer

Yes, well said. That is all it is. Thanks for the reply.

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Adware/Spyware Tracking Cookies...

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