There are several copycats out there so be careful where you download. The copycats mimic the name, but once they "locate" spyware ask you to purchase their software before removing it. Spybot S & D by Patrick Kolla is free. Donations are accepted. The above tutorial will explain what it does and how to use it. As stated, if you wish more information click on the link to Net-Integration.
There is always a slim chance of bugs with any program depending on what software is loaded (that's why software authors always have a disclaimer, especially for freeware programs). However, I have used Adaware and Spybot for years with no damage and repaired many problems. So the odds are overwhelming that these repair tools will perform as expected and fix, not create problems.
Hijackthis (to analyse your system and submit a log file to expert forums): http://tomcoyote.com/hjt
(for Hijackthis logs...please copy to and run Hijackthis.exe into a new folder you create in the root level of the C: drive. Name this folder HJT for best and safest results). See this link for graphical instruction: http://russelltexas.com/spywareinfo/createhjtfolder.htm
Forums for help and analysis of your Hijackthis logfile:
First I tried downloading Spybot S&D from the PCWorld site, but the download would never complete. Anyone else have this problem? I ended up going to Download.com and the dl was a piece of cake there.
I prefer the term malware. These programs (adware, spyware, etc..) can degrade your PC and even make it operable online and/or online.
Im guessing one of those online's was supposed to be offline? Um im not clear, What does malware do to your pc so far as performance and privacy issues?
>What does malware do to your pc so far as performance and privacy issues?
Malware can report your private information to companies or hackers. A bad mix of malware can whack your Windows to the point it is totally inoperable. I see it all the time.
I have an older pc (win 98, pentium 3 450mhz, 128 sdram) that is barely operable. The mouse and keyboard often freeze up. When i first got AVG on there it got rid of quite a few viruses, but it still barely runs. Id bet there is a 'bad mix of malware' as you put it, on there. This comp. is only a few months old, i dont notice any performance issues, how exactly do you pick up this malware on your computer? thanks
>I have an older pc (win 98, pentium 3 450mhz, 128 sdram) that is barely operable. The mouse and keyboard often freeze up. When i first got AVG on there it got rid of quite a few viruses, but it still barely runs. Id bet there is a 'bad mix of malware' as you put it, on there. This comp. is only a few months old, i dont notice any performance issues, how exactly do you pick up this malware on your computer?
Email viruses, Internet port attacks (like Blaster worm), downloading and installing programs with spyware attached, popups, drive by whacks by hostile webpages...etc..
fish111
192 Posts
0
April 10th, 2004 12:00
fish111
192 Posts
0
April 10th, 2004 12:00
pskelley
933 Posts
0
April 10th, 2004 12:00
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=tutorial
There are several copycats out there so be careful where you download. The copycats mimic the name, but once they "locate" spyware ask you to purchase their software before removing it. Spybot S & D by Patrick Kolla is free. Donations are accepted. The above tutorial will explain what it does and how to use it. As stated, if you wish more information click on the link to Net-Integration.
Texruss
3.4K Posts
0
April 10th, 2004 13:00
>Can this harm my computer?
There is always a slim chance of bugs with any program depending on what software is loaded (that's why software authors always have a disclaimer, especially for freeware programs). However, I have used Adaware and Spybot for years with no damage and repaired many problems. So the odds are overwhelming that these repair tools will perform as expected and fix, not create problems.
All the best,
Texruss
Try these tools to detect and repair malware:
Spybot Search & Destroy:
http://www.safer-networking.org
Adaware:
http://www.lavasoft.de
Hijackthis (to analyse your system and submit a log file to expert forums):
http://tomcoyote.com/hjt
(for Hijackthis logs...please copy to and run Hijackthis.exe into a new folder you create in the root level of the C: drive. Name this folder HJT for best and safest results). See this link for graphical instruction: http://russelltexas.com/spywareinfo/createhjtfolder.htm
Forums for help and analysis of your Hijackthis logfile:
http://forums.tomcoyote.com
http://www.spywareinfo.com/forums
http://www.computercops.us/forums.html
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums
http://forums.net-integration.net
http://boards.cexx.org
http://www.wilderssecurity.com
Free AVG Antivirus for home users:
http://www.grisoft.com
Windows Live Update Page
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp
Windows Security CD:
www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp
DeeDeeG
15 Posts
0
April 10th, 2004 14:00
First I tried downloading Spybot S&D from the PCWorld site, but the download would never complete. Anyone else have this problem? I ended up going to Download.com and the dl was a piece of cake there.
fish111
192 Posts
0
April 10th, 2004 15:00
Texruss
3.4K Posts
0
April 10th, 2004 16:00
I prefer the term malware. These programs (adware, spyware, etc..) can degrade your PC and even make it operable online and/or [Edit]: offline.
Texruss
Message Edited by Texruss on 04-10-2004 01:09 PM
fish111
192 Posts
0
April 10th, 2004 16:00
Texruss said:
I prefer the term malware. These programs (adware, spyware, etc..) can degrade your PC and even make it operable online and/or online.
Im guessing one of those online's was supposed to be offline? Um im not clear, What does malware do to your pc so far as performance and privacy issues?
Navin kurian
526 Posts
0
April 10th, 2004 17:00
Heres a few links for more info on the subject
http://www.spywareguide.com/
http://simplythebest.net/info/spyware.html
Texruss
3.4K Posts
0
April 10th, 2004 17:00
>What does malware do to your pc so far as performance and privacy issues?
Malware can report your private information to companies or hackers. A bad mix of malware can whack your Windows to the point it is totally inoperable. I see it all the time.
Texruss
fish111
192 Posts
0
April 11th, 2004 18:00
fish111
192 Posts
0
April 11th, 2004 18:00
I have an older pc (win 98, pentium 3 450mhz, 128 sdram) that is barely operable. The mouse and keyboard often freeze up. When i first got AVG on there it got rid of quite a few viruses, but it still barely runs. Id bet there is a 'bad mix of malware' as you put it, on there. This comp. is only a few months old, i dont notice any performance issues, how exactly do you pick up this malware on your computer? thanks
-fish
Texruss
3.4K Posts
0
April 11th, 2004 18:00
>I have an older pc (win 98, pentium 3 450mhz, 128 sdram) that is barely operable. The mouse and keyboard often freeze up. When i first got AVG on there it got rid of quite a few viruses, but it still barely runs. Id bet there is a 'bad mix of malware' as you put it, on there. This comp. is only a few months old, i dont notice any performance issues, how exactly do you pick up this malware on your computer?
Email viruses, Internet port attacks (like Blaster worm), downloading and installing programs with spyware attached, popups, drive by whacks by hostile webpages...etc..
Texruss