yet another spyware question...

[Reverend_Smitty]

I'm trying to decontaminate my aunt's computer because it is swimming in spyware. Does anyone know of a good spyware/pop-up blocker program (that is free) so I don't have to spend a half hour cleaning up her computer every time I visit. I want to prevent the problem, not just fix it every time.

Thanks in advance!

[bluestateguy]

1. Ad-aware

it won't get everything, but it will keep any problems under control.
She may also want a Firewall. I use Zone Alarm.

[NYC Liberal]

2. Yeah....

And DO NOT use Internet Explorer! Download Mozilla FireFox.

[Eurobabe]

8. FIREFOX rocks!

I am a new convert. After using Thinderbird for 5 months, I finally decided to bite the bullet and DL FireFox, and USE IT faithfully.

I am very happy!

[crimson333]

11. I agree

fire fox is great

[Carni]

10. I agree adware has saved my butt

On numerous occasions and it's free!

I think the web address to downlaod is www.lavasoft.com

[salvorhardin]

3. You can use

Spybot Search & Destroy's 'Immunize' feature as well as SpywareBlaster.

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Also... see here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=1827014&mesg_id=1827031

[wyldwolf]

4. Combine Ad-aware with Spybot Search and Destroy

..also, get CWShredder...

[Catch22Dem]

13. I concur

[Eurobabe]

5. maybe get her to use Mozilla FireFox

it has a built in pop-up blocker, I just finally dumped IE and officially adopted FireFox, I LOVE IT!

[azmesa207]

6. Spy bot S&d

Spy bot search and Destroy

[Big Kahuna]

7. Spybot Search and Destroy

http://www.safer-networking.org

It helps, but you need to tell her to stop playing all those stupid "free" online games, and downloading porn. :)

[sugus]

9. Neocon Spies will go on in her server.

It could be difficult.

All the World is full of spy-ware and manipulation

[n2mark]

12. Mac

I have a Mac, do I need spyware?, if so what do I use?

[Peachhead22]

14. Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D will help...

They will help you get rid of spyware once it's on there, and switching browsers is one preventative solution. If you really want to stick with Internet Explorer then search for SpywareBlaster, it's free. It'll prevent you getting most stuff in the first place.

Another thing I do is turn off Java in IE. To do that, go to Tools/Internet Options/Security/Custom Level and check the 'Disable Java' box. I very rarely even notice Java's turned off.

[miss_kitty]

15. Spy Sweeper keeps it out

becareful what you remove or quarantine after the first sweep. I disabled and altered some shit-it digs deep

http://www.webroot.com/

On Edit: I got it after I had Adaware, SpyBot and Firefox. I still have them all

[wyldwolf]

16. Another IMPORTANT comment

If the computer is windows XP, turn off System Restore! These little nasties hide there.

Also, try running these programs in Windows Safe Mode

[Heyo]

17. What I use....

.. is Norton Personal Firewall, which I downloaded from Kazaa, along with the reg key. You need to use 2003 not 2004 if you are going to download it. That is, if you're not squemish about downloading and using software from P2Ps.

It works EXCELENTLY. It blocks anything and everyting you don't want, even ads on web pages, from downloading. I like it because it stops everything before it hits your PC, and blocks popups and pop-unders, as opposed to just cleaning the crap off your system AFTER you get infected, like AdAware and Spybot S&D do.

Or you could try Zone Alarm. But Norton PF 2003 is my favorite.

Heyo

[wyldwolf]

18. I've tried those but find "Panda" works best

IMO...

[Heyo]

20. Never heard of it...

... is it a firewall program?

Heyo

[wyldwolf]

24. yes. Very powerful firewall, virus, and spyware detection

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

19. You want to prevent it?

Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy(with TeaTimer turned on and immunization fully used) and SpywareBlaster.

Between these three, you will get everything and stop new stuff from being installed.

Teach her how to use them as well.

[KT2000]

21. Question about Spybot

The downloads for Spybot are on Mirror sites. I don't know what those are but I am assuming that they are just locations that have the download.
Can we assume that mirror sites are safe? I get a message that it may contain files that can damage my computer if it has malicious code.
Thank you
????

[NYC Liberal]

22. Yep. Just alternate download locations.

[Reverend_Smitty]

23. I just experienced the "joys" of outsourcing first hand

I got rid of 300+ spyware programs and files off of her computer, and one of those nasty little buggers fucked up the internet connection so after an hour of talking to the ISP and then Dell tech support (couldn't understand a word the tech girl was saying!) I finally was able to fix the problem with I'm guessing the IP address.

I didn't plan on drinking anymore tonight but after that ordeal, I need to get drunk...This tech problem was fixed by me after 3 beers, now I need to get 3 more in me to take the edge off.

I'm so downloading firefox on this computer!!! Never again will this happen!!!

[leftyandproud]

25. good lord people!

just get FIREFOX!
Hide the internet explorer icon from her and have her start using FF.

To clean up the computer, download Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. UPDATE both programs and do a complete scan. Then schedule them for regular weekly automatic updates (and scans if possible). You may also want to download A Squared Malware remover (google it)

Update it also, then run it on the thorough setting.

Finally, download SPYWAREBLASTER. It is a program that loads every time she boots up and prevents spyware from being secretly loaded in the first place. It isn't foolproof, but it will catch lots of the junk people try to install in IE and Firefox. Set it for regular updates as well and she will be in much better shape.

Also, if she doesn't have a good antivirus, get AVG and keep it updated too.

[wyldwolf]

26. The Bush administration is doing a study on this...

...the power of prayer on spyware...