View Full Version : Ugh, Viruses and Spyware
xRyokenx
02-14-2007, 02:35 PM
I freaking despise both, I'm surfing the web, and I accidentally click the wrong link because of this crappy mouse I have (luckily my replacement is coming in either today or tomorrow), and it redirects me to a freakin' porn site that won't let me exit or anything, and I have to reboot my computer. I run AVG, Adaware, and Spybot, and lo and behold, I have like 80 total spyware programs and some viruses. I'm probably going to download another anti-spyware and anti-virus program later and run more scans, these programs seem to know of different viruses and stuff than the others... how inconvenient...
AJ@PR
02-14-2007, 03:29 PM
What the hell?
I'm curious now...
What browser was that?
FireFox?
Internet Explorer?
OPERA???
xRyokenx
02-14-2007, 03:39 PM
I was on FireFox... it does a good job, but this site seems to have found a way around their safeguards. Word of warning: be careful clicking stuff, heh heh... if it was Internet Explorer, I wouldn't have a computer right now.
It's just, ugh, stuff I did not need to see, urgh... luckily, with my two anti-spyware and one anti-virus, I got that crap off... I do have to say though, SpyBot is awesome, if it can't get the **** off, it'll run on reboot when the crap isn't active, and kill it. Adaware picks up what SpyBot doesn't find. AVG Free is nice because they support it, you get updates, and it's FREE.
AJ@PR
02-14-2007, 03:44 PM
Hmmm... I follow what you say about seeing stuff that was un-needed, but to be honest, I've become de-sensitized to it.
The other day, I was @ my mother's house, checking for some programs and stuff on my favorite search engine, and my mother walks in to the room... and goes like:::
AJ- Are you ok? Why are you looking at those things?
(( as in, she knows what porn is, but still... she's my mother ))
And I'm like... what? where? what are you looking at?
And the page has porn banners on top, both sides, etc. etc.
Again, I'm just de-sensitized to them.
And/or, use Opera, turn off images, and press shift+G for "author mode".
xRyokenx
02-14-2007, 03:51 PM
I've been somewhat becoming desensitized to it too, along with "scary" things and to an extent, violence. I use AdBlock on FireFox, it's really helpful. I used Opera for a while because FireFox was screwing up, but all I had to do to fix it was delete the user preferences or whatever it was folder.
What ****ing pisses me off is that they're violating my privacy by installing **** on my hard drive, and they love to show that crap on TV, and in a couple movies I've seen, they'd be classics without it, well... they're still classics, but it's just unnecessary... all of society seems to revolve around drugs, alcohol, unnecessary violence, sex, etc. etc. Well, at least here in the US anyways... and it's freakin' stupid.
(Heh heh, 100th post...)
AJ@PR
02-14-2007, 04:10 PM
In the past, "privacy" was someething you dilluted.
In the present, "privacy" is something you build.
Sucks.
But hey!!!!
Why don't you instal windows Vista???
I've heard it asks for confirmation of everything.
Are you sure you want to delete that file?
Are you sure you want to instal that driver?
Are you sure you want to move that shortcut?
Are you sure you want to move the mouse?
Are you sure you want to click yes?
Are you sure, that you're sure of the sureness of your sureity?
xmastree
02-14-2007, 04:15 PM
You know, if you're bothered by spyware etc. and just want to surf the web, I would recommend setting up a dual-boot system. Windows for your games and linux for web/email. It's a pain if you want to alternate between the two, but if you like to spend just a couple of hours surfing, emailing etc. then it's certainly a better way.
It's not too difficult either. If you can install Windows, then you're easily up to the task.
Apart from gaming, linux can do almost everything windows can. The only problems I have are some video sites don't work (youtube is fine, as is google vids), and the flash 9 is a little buggy, so I use flash 7, which can limit access to some pages.
Still, IMO that's a small price to pay for the security.
xRyokenx
02-14-2007, 04:15 PM
Heh heh heh, I would upgrade to Vista, but I don't have the money for it, or for the RAM upgrade I would need, maybe sometime this summer.
I switch back and forth from gaming to surfing to gaming, etc. quite a bit, but that was one instance, I'ma be more careful now, and I don't go but here, MySpace, Gmail, Homestar Runner, and a couple other places... I don't really feel like going anywhere but those places for now anyway... not after what just happened.
+Rep for the suggestion though, thanks. I might could implement that in the future.
xmastree
02-14-2007, 04:17 PM
Heh heh heh, I would, but I don't have the money for it, or for the RAM upgrade I would need, maybe sometime this summer.
:?
Linux is free. And it needs less RAM than Windows.
Zephik
02-14-2007, 04:20 PM
Try Ubuntu. It's a linux based OS and it is free as well. It's actually pretty fun too, its just that you can't use any windows based things. But they offer tons and tons of programs to suit your needs (other than kick ass games).
AJ@PR
02-14-2007, 04:22 PM
Try Ubuntu. It's a linux based OS and it is free as well. It's actually pretty fun too, its just that you can't use any windows based things. But they offer tons and tons of programs to suit your needs (other than kick ass games).
w00t w00t to that.
And Ubuntu's support forums are... by far, the best IMHO.
xmastree
02-14-2007, 04:24 PM
Yep, and if you bump into some guy calling himself xmastree, say hi...
LOL, I just realised that the post (no money, need more RAM etc.) I replied to earlier, was about vista, not linux...
xRyokenx
02-14-2007, 04:24 PM
I'll have to download that later, I just probably not use it too much... I do have room though, I have like a 200gb HDD, so, no worries there.
AJ@PR
02-14-2007, 04:27 PM
I'll have to download that later, I just probably not use it too much... I do have room though, I have like a 200gb HDD, so, no worries there.
d00dz, th3n 5plic3 ur hdd c4613 2 ur fr33 ram s10t & ull h4v3 200gb of ram!!! 11o!!1onez!!11 h4x0r rul3z!
xRyokenx
02-14-2007, 04:28 PM
d00dz, th3n 5plic3 ur hdd c4613 2 ur fr33 ram s10t & ull h4v3 200gb of ram!!! 11o!!1onez!!11 h4x0r rul3z!
What? Did your keyboard break or something? I have no idea what you just said... Seriously though, 1337 does not work with dyslexia...
...or were you trying to spoof those morons that do crazy crap and make **** up?
xmastree
02-14-2007, 04:30 PM
Do it. and use it. Your opening sentence here says you despise spyware and viruses. Wave goodbye to them with linux.
You'll probably find yourself using it more and more as you learn about it.
I did, and now ubuntu is the only OS on my computer. It runs fine on this 600MHz 384MB, 30GB laptop. According to your sig, your system blows this away.
Did you know you can run it 'live' from the CD? It won't touch your hard disk, but it will give you a taste of how it looks. As it is running from the CD, it will be slower, so bear that in mind while playing with it.
AJ@PR
02-14-2007, 04:31 PM
What? Did your keyboard break or something? I have no idea what you just said... Seriously though, 1337 does not work with dyslexia...
...or were you trying to spoof those morons that do crazy crap and make **** up?
Bahaha....
translation...
d00dz, th3n 5plic3 ur hdd c4613 2 ur fr33 ram s10t & ull h4v3 200gb of ram!!! 11o!!1onez!!11 h4x0r rul3z!
(( c'mon guys!!! Try to figure it out before reading the next lines ;) ))
Dude, then splice your hdd cable to your free ram slot and you'll have 200gb of ram! "h4x0r rules"
:p
xRyokenx
02-14-2007, 04:31 PM
I believe progbuddy was telling me about something to do with this. I'll try it as soon as I'm done with this autobiography I have to finish for my English class.
xmastree
02-14-2007, 04:37 PM
I'll try it as soon as I'm done with this autobiography I have to finish for my English class.
Nah, do it before, then you'll have another chapter to write. The linux years... :p
xRyokenx
02-14-2007, 05:02 PM
Heh heh, my teacher has a guideline thing we have to follow, and it's long enough as it is...
Luke122
02-14-2007, 05:09 PM
Try Ubuntu. It's a linux based OS and it is free as well. It's actually pretty fun too, its just that you can't use any windows based things. But they offer tons and tons of programs to suit your needs (other than kick ass games).
Ubuntu is terriffic.. I've been using it for a couple weeks now. Highly recommended. The best part is that you can boot from the cd, try it out, and if you dont like it you dont have to install it.
Redundant
02-14-2007, 06:35 PM
I use AdBlock on FireFox, it's really helpful.
I addition to Adblock Plus, I use NoScript which will stop all Javascript on sites unless you allow it. I probably would have viruses without it... Once installed, you will want to allow the regular sites like TBCS, NewEgg, etc.
xRyokenx
02-14-2007, 06:41 PM
Okay, is there any chance that you can post a link for me?
monoflap
02-14-2007, 09:06 PM
I'm surprised that Firefox would let that through. But that aside since nobody mentioned it, it's a good idea to make a restore point when your system is "pure" so to speak so that when disaster strikes, all you have to do is revert back to the old image. That way you don't have to waste anytime scanning .:up:
Spawn-Inc
02-14-2007, 09:20 PM
i'm not sure if you have already fixed your problem(s) but i recommend Hijack This
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html
if you get this unzip it in a folder in the main directory like mine is c:\Hijack This.
it will usually find everything wrong but FYI it shows stuff that is safe also, so you have to know what to fix and what to leave alone. when i first started using it i went to www.castlecops.com and just posted a hijack log file and they tell you what programs (if any) you need to fix and how to do it, they're really good at it but i have come to recognize what is good and bad for the most part. i only use that and Norton 2006 soon to be 2007 version and i haven't had any bad virus or spyware *knocks of wood*
I'm surprised that Firefox would let that through. But that aside since nobody mentioned it, it's a good idea to make a restore point when your system is "pure" so to speak so that when disaster strikes, all you have to do is revert back to the old image. That way you don't have to waste anytime scanning .
i have windows xp home edition with sp2 i haven't really looked into doing that do you know if it does that automatically? also how long does it take to make a back up? thx.
xRyokenx
02-14-2007, 11:18 PM
Actually, that's a good idea, when I'm sure my system is clean, I'll have to boot up Acronis and make another backup. I'll go through a good many DVDs though...
Redundant
02-15-2007, 08:57 PM
Okay, is there any chance that you can post a link for me?
Here's your link (https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/722/)...
Best. Add-on. Ever. Period. 8)
.Maleficus.
02-15-2007, 09:15 PM
If you would like to keep using Windows, by all means do so. I understand why people would be reluctant to all of a sudden jump to a new OS (not saying you are). But sadly, with Windows, you will always end up getting viruses. There really is no way around it. There are a lot of good programs that will keep you virus free for a while, but with new tech comes new hacks, and with new hacks comes ****.
I'm in no way a Linux preacher, but I definitely recommend you try it out, just once, and see what you think about it. Besides a lack of software, and the regular(ish) use of the terminal, they are just about equal; ease of use wise.
Ubuntu is a great distro for people new to Linux, as people have mentioned. Get the LiveCD, give it a try, and if you still aren't sold, find an old computer to install it on, and try some software installing and system management, just to get a feel for the main idea of Linux. If you like the idea of open-source software, extreme configurability, then you may be the perfect candidate for a nice, shiny, new OS. And once you have conquered (or at least think you have) Ubuntu, try a new distro. Gentoo is a very popular choice if you want everything your way, and others like Fedora and the Ubuntu father Debian are other great choices.
If you need Windows for gaming, certain apps, etc. (like me) then you can do a dual-boot. Use Linux for everyday work (where viruses are more likely to appear) and use Windows for gaming, etc.
Just a thought (or a few I guess).
xRyokenx
02-15-2007, 09:52 PM
Thanks for the explanation .Maleficus. I just played Supreme Commander (just the demo), and it would be awesome if that ran on Linux. It's a demanding game, resource-wise. Look at my sig for the specs, I think I need more RAM... it won't run but on low graphics in 1280x1024... and on 1024x768 it looks kinda crappy. But yeah, I downloaded the .iso for Ubuntu... I'll burn it to a disk this weekend when I (probably won't) have more time.
.Maleficus.
02-15-2007, 10:09 PM
Looking around, I didn't find anything about a Linux release of Supreme Commander, but hey, what was Wine (http://winehq.com/) made for?
And I also remember a game called TASpring, I think, that was a copy of Total Annihilation but Linux compatible. So who knows, maybe there will be a port or mod of some sort.
xRyokenx
02-15-2007, 11:04 PM
I tried TASpring on my old rig, it's just a 3D remake of Total Annihilation. Seriously though, Supreme Commander is basically a WAY better version of TA, and a lot more fun. I recommend buying it when it comes out, it freakin' pwns, and I don't just say that about any game, most games have me bored quick, but this one'll keep you going and going and going...
Airbozo
02-16-2007, 11:57 AM
What happened with BF2142? You need to get at me tonight or tomorrow night, so I can get you on our server with my gaming clan (although Ithink we are going to be BF2'ing tonight)..
YOU TOO SARGE! GET BF2!
w 00 t.
-Jai
What clan you have Minty? I have been playing BF2 and 2142 since they came out, and feel the next step to leveling would be joining a clan for that added comfort of someone covering my back... Plus the communication makes the game that much easier.
xRyokenx
02-16-2007, 05:09 PM
I went on BF2142 for a few minutes yesterday but got tired of all the servers lagging (yes, I used the ones with good pings) or there not being enough players or room. I'll hopefully be on tomorrow night, but not likely, I haves to work until 9 EST, but if nobody in my family's being evil, I might could get on at around 9:30 EST. I'm working until 10:00 EST tonight, so it's most likely not going to happen. What's the clan name?
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