MSNBC: Spooked by Spyware, Net users change their ways.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

NEW YORK - Internet users worried about spyware and adware are shunning specific Web sites, avoiding file-sharing networks, even switching browsers.


Many have also stopped opening e-mail attachments without first making sure they are safe, the Pew Internet and American Life Project said in a study issued Wednesday.


"People are scaling back on some Internet activities," said Susannah Fox, the study's main author. "People are feeling less adventurous, less free to do whatever they want to do online."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8488929/

Note: The fix is called Linux.

[napi21]

1. I admit, if I don't know the sender, I don't open any attachments!

I'm not a computer guru, but have been using the internet for a long time! I admit, I won't take un-necessary risks for stupid reasons.

I must add, I have no problem doing a lot of my activities online. I can't even remember when I wrote a check, bought stamps, or even opened a phone book!

[HockeyMom]

2. Neither do I but

I run Anti Spy ware every night before I shut down. I doesn't take very long to run. It's amazing the crap you can get. I have found whenever I go checking items on Ebay I tend to get a lot of Spy ware. I still keep getting those emails about Christian Mortgages and Christian Diets. I sometimes troll those Christian Family Websites to see what they are up to. I guess that stuff must be coming from them.

Get a good Anti Spy ware program, keep it up to date, and run it regularly. It does help.

[napi21]

5. What do you use?

I have tried a few anti spy ware programs, and haen't been happy. They claimes EVERYTHING was spyware!

I am running the new Norton which is supposed to check for spyware too, and seems to do a pretty decent job.

[HockeyMom]

7. McAfee and Microsoft

The McAfee has the anti virus protection and minimal anti ad ware, but that takes a long time to clean. I only have the most basic version, so I don't know how good the advanced versions are.

The Microsoft Anti Spy ware is good and they keep updating it. It's free to download. My computer was so messed up with spy ware I could barely bring it up or shut it down. A programmer friend sent me to the Microsoft site and that completely cleaned everything and got it running again. I had McAfee on at the time which did nothing for the spy ware.

[ConsAreLiars]

8. A good guide to (free) security software is in the Computer Help Forum

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=242&topic_id=1314

[Berserker]

9. Thank You ConsAreLiars

It is SO easy to protect your computer from all the crap it amazes me that people have a problem with it. I surf all over the internet every day and never have a single problem. One of the best way to protect your computer is to STOP all the garbage COOKIES from getting on your machine. I use Firefox and have it set to ask me for every cookie that wants to be installed. If you don't use Firefox you can use a little program called cookiewall http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/network/cookie.htm
This is a great little free program and it works!!
You also need to use Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware which are also free programs and they will keep your computer free of the garbage that gets installed while you surf. Use both programs and STOP all those Cookies from being installed and you will find NO spyware will be on your computer. Another great program thats free is Crapcleaner
http://www.ccleaner.com/ you can clean tons of garbage off you computer with this free program.

[ConsAreLiars]

10. Thank you for compiling that guide.

Most of the software recommended there provide defensive measures as well as "clean-up" utilities. I've gotten a bit lax about running some of them - maybe once a week - since it's been so long since I found any problems, but the first few runs were rather shocking.

Installing those programs is very easy, and anyone who wants to avoid the dangers of infection should do so. It doesn't take any special skills, but if anyone feels insecure that forum is a good place to get advice and guidance.

[Tommymac]

3. Doesn't stop me...

Take the proper precautions and it is fine.

But this sounds like the start of another attack on the 'net....anything to shut down the Voice of the People. Authority can't stand that it cannot really control the beast it created.

[wookie294]

4. I hope everybody has anti-virus software on their computers

I once thought anti-virus software is for paranoid people. But after being attacked a few times, I installed it on my computer. I urge everybody to install it!

[shanti]

6. i agree!

i've had my puter crash a couple of times (once even WITH NAV), but i paid the money and upgraded to NIS. it's money well spent, as i spend way too much time online. i also use ad-aware even tho NIS has antispyware capabilities. you can't be too safe nowadays!

[okieinpain]

11. good more users for du. come on in.