Re: spyware/ virus protection for new user
From: Kent W. England [MVP] (kwe_at_mvps.org)
Date: 09/28/04
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Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 20:00:43 -0700
Kelly wrote on 27-Sep-2004 7:17 PM:
> Hello, I recently purchased this computer from a friend.. every time I go to
> get on the internet, and am directed to my homepage, the screen changes to a
> search engine and then a spyware message pops up saying that my computer is
> infected. I do not believe that this computer has any spyware or virus
> protection on it, how do I choose which spyware program is best without
> causing any damage to my system? I don't want this computer to crash and
> burn.. I need all the help that i can get with this one... Any suggestions on
> what to use for a Dell PC, used at home and using Windows XP?
Assuming you aren't yet infected, there are Four Things you need to do
to protect your computer. Microsoft advises on the first three:
1) enable Automatic Updates and keep your copy of Windows up-to-date
automatically. If you haven't installed SP2 yet, do so.
2) enable the Windows Firewall. Unblock file and printer sharing only if
you have a cable/DSL router to protect your shares from Internet access.
Otherwise, no need to allow exceptions
3) install and keep up-to-date on a daily basis, a good anti-virus
application. Make sure you enable background scanning. With background
scanning enabled, you don't need any explicit email protection. AVG from
www.grisoft.com is one of the best and it's free for personal use. I
recommend it first.
You also need to take steps to protect Internet Explorer from current
and future exploits. Wesley had some good advice on settings, but I
recommend a more stringent approach, as one option:
4a) Set Internet security zone to HIGH. Download IE5 Powertweaks from
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/previous/webaccess/pwrtwks.asp and
use the new Tools menu items to add sites to the Trusted zone, if you
need to run scripts or active content. This is equivalent to using
Mozilla or alternative browsers by disabling active content, but you can
still use IE in the Trusted zone. Remember the SP2 Information Bar is
your good friend. Learn how to use it.
another option:
4b) Download and install one of several tools to protect IE. I don't
really know which is best, but Merijn has Bugoff!, Quik-Fix from
www.pivx.com, SpywareGuard, SpywareBlaster, or Prevx Home from
www.prevx.com. On the whole, I like the prevx tool, since it has
comprehensive and sensible protections.
There is a step Five, but it doesn't require anything more than a
skeptical attitude in your wetware between your ears. Read up about
phishing and "social engineering" so you don't fall victim to any of
many hoaxes and ruses. A skeptical attitude will save your identity from
theft.
-- Kent W. England, Microsoft MVP for Windows Security
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