Advice from the IT people sought

[sbranden]

I personally use FreeBSD as my desktop. It is not for everyone though. If I had to use windows, I would make sure:
1. No windows computer directly on the 'net. Instead have it atleast hiding behind an alternative operating system firewall using NAT.
2. Keep the windows box patched and watch security issues
3. Use AVG for anti-virus
4. Use adaware and spybot for spyware and keep them all updated.
5. Use firefox whenever you can
6. Make sure you only share your harddrive with the internal network and only when you have to.

If you are getting sick of doing all this just to browse the 'net, get hold of Mepis or Kubuntu live linux disks and try them out. They just run from your cdrom so do not require installing or changing partitions to have a play.

[Ashore]

Well thanks everyone for the imput, will study it all now and then decide
I already run ad-awear & spybot so that wasn't the problem it was not-on
After reading these posts I may reformat C drive and re-install to make sure I get rid of all the not-on



Thanks Again
Russell

[Auld Bassoon]

I personally use FreeBSD as my desktop. It is not for everyone though. If I had to use windows, I would make sure:
1. No windows computer directly on the 'net. Instead have it atleast hiding behind an alternative operating system firewall using NAT.
2. Keep the windows box patched and watch security issues
3. Use AVG for anti-virus
4. Use adaware and spybot for spyware and keep them all updated.
5. Use firefox whenever you can
6. Make sure you only share your harddrive with the internal network and only when you have to.

If you are getting sick of doing all this just to browse the 'net, get hold of Mepis or Kubuntu live linux disks and try them out. They just run from your cdrom so do not require installing or changing partitions to have a play.

Or Xandros, as it's UI is more like Windon't, so a rather easier learning curve for non techies - and there's a free version too, and it can also run from CD (albeit slowly)

[outback]

I know this is getting on a bit, but ikt shows I've been thinking.

I used to use Zone Alarm, but on the new puter with xp & sp2 it didn't like it at all, caused freezes and all nasty stuff, is all I need a newer version, or what?

I am convinced to dump Norton, so what's the trick to clean up the grunge left behind? Is it as simple as trolling and cleaning the registry or something more sinister?

I also use Adaware, should I add Spybot or what?

There that'll do, you've got me all hot and bothered now. Ignorance truly is bliss.

[Termite]

Definitely add Spybot and be sure to use the "Immunise" function.

[craigb]

I know this is getting on a bit, but ikt shows I've been thinking.

I used to use Zone Alarm, but on the new puter with xp & sp2 it didn't like it at all, caused freezes and all nasty stuff, is all I need a newer version, or what?

I am convinced to dump Norton, so what's the trick to clean up the grunge left behind? Is it as simple as trolling and cleaning the registry or something more sinister?

I also use Adaware, should I add Spybot or what?

There that'll do, you've got me all hot and bothered now. Ignorance truly is bliss.

I have Xpwith SP2 and have no problem running ZA.
I just downloaded the latest update the other day, so I'm now running 6.2.737.000.

I just have the freebie part of it.

I vaguely remember after I put SP2 on I had to uninstall/re-install ZA 'cause I couldn't log on to my ISP. AFter I did that everything was ticketyboo thoiugh.

HTH

PS. Definitely get Spybot and a decent anti-virus package.

[outback]

Freebie zone alarm now downloaded and installed. I guess I just needed an update to suit sp2.
Antivirus will be AVG. Spybot also downloaded and installed. Alls well so far.

[Termite]

Just got back from a computer "repair" at one of my nieces place. Now this is a 31 year old who uses a computer all day at work, but knows less than SFA about them.

Her complaint, "Puter won't work Uncle Bill". Now it's a pretty decent computer and when I booted it took 5 minutes to come to life and it took me 7 minutes to log on to the net.:mad: this thing was as slow as you name it.

When I finally got surfing I downloaded Spybot (can't believe she'd never heard of it) and when I ran the 'Bot I removed 297 yes 297 assorted pop ups, spyware, malware, dialers, you name it. (She's been wondering about excess download charges ) Can you imagine 297 of the buggers fighting over control of the 'puter. :eek:

So now she has a fully funcioning 'puter and all I have to do is get her another 256meg of ram and a slave hard drive, she's an iPod addict and so far has managed to load 27Gig of Mp3 files onto a 40Gig hard drive and is only half way through her CD collection.

The basic point of this whole saga is that the wondrous program "Noton" sic. is about as useless at the proverbial tits on a bull for stopping any of this stuff.