PC Performance: Virus Protection

[polopolo]

I have seen some people last times who are not smart with anti-virus protecting and downloads something who not even knows what they are downloading. Viruses, trojan horses etc can be in everything. Something you downloaded from P2P networks, in music (yes, let me remind you back at the time Sony added viruses on youre computer), even in normal programs as Kazaa is spyware.

What does such thing:
If it is synced with MSN, it sends an link to everyone that looks like an .JPG but is actualy an .exe.
Saves everything what you type, and can be used to steal money from youre internet bank system.
Annoys you with ads.
Can delete youre important system files
slows down youre computer by infecting the BIOS.
etcetcetc.

Do you get something like this? Then download: http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis
Install it, when you got installed it, then check one of the next websites:

spywareinfoforum.com
bleepingcomputer.com
or one of the other trusted anti-virus websites at: http://asap.maddoktor2.com/

There many people are for free helping you, to remove the virus and helping to prevent that.

But what if I dont have an virus? but I want to prevent it?

Well, there are many ways to prevent it. Mostly when I help someoen on spyware, and its lost, then I always use an prevention speech, I use this one.

1) Please navigate to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and download all the "critical updates" for Windows. This can patch many of the security holes through which attackers can gain access to your computer. Your current versions are outdated.

Please either enable Automatic Updates under Start -> Control Panel -> Automatic Updates , or get into the habit of checking for Windows updates regularly.  I cannot stress enough how important this is.

2) In order to protect yourself against spyware, you should consider installing and running the following free programs:

Ad-Aware SE
A tutorial on using Ad-Aware to remove spyware from your computer may be found here.

Spybot-Search & Destroy
A tutorial on using Spybot to remove spyware from your computer may be found here.  Please also remember to enable Spybot's "Immunize" and "TeaTimer" features.

SpywareBlaster
A tutorial on using SpywareBlaster to prevent spyware from ever installing on your computer may be found here.

SpywareGuard
A tutorial on using SpywareGuard for realtime protection against spyware and hijackers may be found here.

Make sure to keep these programs up-to-date and to run them regularly, as this can prevent a great deal of spyware hassle.

3) Please consider using an alternate browser.  Mozilla's Firefox browser is fantastic; it is much more secure than Internet Explorer, immune to almost all known browser hijackers, and also has the best built-in popup blocker (as an added benefit!) that I have ever seen. If you are interested, Firefox may be downloaded from here:
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

4)I notice that you do not seem to be running antivirus software.  This is somewhat suicidal in today's digital world.  AVG makes an excellent free antivirus client, as do AntiVir or avast!.

Please make sure to run your antivirus software regularly, and to keep it up-to-date.[/color]

5) Finally, consider maintaining a firewall. Some good free firewalls are ZoneAlarm, Kerio, or
Outpost
A tutorial on understanding and using firewalls may be found here.

Please also read Tony Klein's excellent article: How I got Infected in the First Place

Credits to Swandog46 for that Canned Speech.

I use these software, and if you have an good computer, then you dont need to be afraid to use these software, it makes you and others happy, instead of working to get rid of the virus all day long.
Scan youre computer 1 day a week, and youre computer will be safe, and faster.

[Clooak]

Good article but you should bear in mind that just bcause you have all these programs it doesnt mean that a virus / keylogger what so ever can harm or infect your computer. Since all the virus definiations is sent in from someoen to the antivirus company and tahts why they have the good protection allthough if you make a new keylogger etc it wont be deteced so you can never be safe.

[polopolo]

yes, however:

Please also remember to enable Spybot's "Immunize" and "TeaTimer" features.

Espesily the TeaTimer would protect this, to safe if something will be in the register and startup, if you are not installing something.

But you cant protect you for 100%, thats right.

[lavamike]

Heres a good tip I love theese products

Comodo Firewall Pro - The Best And My Favorite Firewall I Have Ever Used:
Comodo Firewall Pro Is Free & Comodo Firewall Plus Is $39 Per Year For Firewall + AV/All In 1 Security
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

Comodo BoClean - Anti Malware/Spyware etc.
http://www.comodo.com/boclean/boclean.html

I personally Use Comdo Firewall Pro With Comodo BoClean
And I Have Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0 Payed But I Rarely Use It

My #1 Choice For Security Products Has Always Been Comodo:
http://www.comodo.com


-----
Comodo BoClean:

Destroys malware and removes registry entries
Does not require a reboot to remove all traces
Disconnects the threat without disconnecting you
Generates optional report and safe copy of evidence
Automatically sweeps and detects INSTANTLY in the background
Configurable "Stealth mode" completely hides BOClean from users
Update automatically from a network file share
Protects itself from malware tampering or shutdown
FREE daily malware database updates from our web site
Update file can be shared/pushed on a server for easy maintenance
Optional rollback of update to an earlier version
Full spectrum malware coverage and protection

100% FREE

Internet trojan horse programs, spyware, keyloggers, rootkits, pseudorootkits, hijackers, adware, annoyware, email relays, spam proxies, spam relays, scam downloads and email/spam robots ("bots") are perhaps the greatest security threat to individuals and institutional networks in existence. By installing malware (short for MALicious softWARE) on a machine, computer crackers can go anywhere, see and do anything they want with your computer, including banking records and your most intimate and personal documents. In addition to wreaking havoc with your machine and pillaging your personal property, some malware, specifically trojan horse servers, can even record your personal conversations if you have a microphone connected to your computer. Malware can invade your system without you ever knowing it and are designed to elude firewalls by using ports which are not blocked by network "firewall" security software or proxy servers. Many of them disable the most frequently used antivirus and software firewalls

-----
Comodo Firewall Pro:

CNET Download.com 5 Star Editor's Rating

"The program provides a smorgasbord of information and options for advanced users, but it's simple enough for beginners, and runs smoothly and silently in the background. The most obvious new features include support for Windows Vista"

PC Magazine 4-1/2 Star Rating -- Editor’s Choice

The program, "aces all basic personal firewall tasks…Best of all, it's totally free for personal or professional use."

[Brains]

Yes, but if u wanna your PC works fast, except those programs which protects you against viruses and other pests you need to have programs for cleaning registers and HDD because it is other sort of protection and faster work. I point primary on Registry mechanic,Tune up utilities,CCleaner,Raxco etc..I think every modern pc user should have those kind of programs.

[Clooak]

or just simply never download anything and never visit sites that you dont know but I guess noone would be able to follow that

[lavamike]

CCleaner ( Crap Cleaner )

I love that program

[polopolo]

CCleaner ( Crap Cleaner )

I love that program

I use it too sometimes.

[John_Vaughan]

1) Please navigate to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and download all the "critical updates" for Windows. This can patch many of the security holes through which attackers can gain access to your computer. Your current versions are outdated.

Please either enable Automatic Updates under Start -> Control Panel -> Automatic Updates , or get into the habit of checking for Windows updates regularly.  I cannot stress enough how important this is.

Right, But that is NOT Good for those who have a Pirate copy of Windows XP*, Because Microsoft may recognize your illegal copy and It will make your Computer to slow down and laaaaaaag too much, The only way to solve it is by formatting the PC

(* /me coughs: I have a Pirate Copy of Windows XP :roll: :razz:)

[Clooak]

Its just complicates things if you are using ilegeal versions.  Why not tell your school to sign up at a MSDNAA account for all students(its free to use, no cost for school no cost for you) There they have Vista / Xp and alot of other stuff available for free to use.
http://www.msdnaa.net/search/schoolsearchintl.aspx

[polopolo]

The best tip I can give to Pirated Windows XP users:

Use linux
Or search longer then the legnth of youre nose.

More tips I dont give, or below my name is an nice "muted" button.

[Austin]

The best tip I can give to Pirated Windows XP users:

Use linux
Or search longer then the legnth of youre nose.

More tips I dont give, or below my name is an nice "muted" button.

I dont think Linux users are looking here to protect the PC.. If you use Linux your an advanced and well known user of a pc, and know how to protect it.  :devroll:

Good topic. But seriously, you aint 12...

[polopolo]

you aint 12...

Well, if you dont belive me, then dont belive me. But my age is 12, and thats no lie.

[Watti]

OK!!! now

My computer keeps getting infected OVER nd OVER AND OVER!!!

I got Spy ware protections AVG 8.0 avast i put Norton virus scanner on (got it with my sisters computer worth 150$$ or something)

Still over and over Virus...

How do i stop it...

it always Fucks with my explorer.exe and Infects every file on my computer, i cant put any file on my mums computer with out hers going crazy...

tell me how to get it done(dont say buy new shit)

[Custom]

If you need a good Anti-Virus program you should get NOD32. Its the best program I know/tried.