A word about spy & ad ware

The amount of computers getting infected by spy and ad ware seems to be growing. I now find I spend about half my time cleaning the worst messes off computers. While a large number of people are infected with these, a small percentage get hit so bad they can no longer use their computers. Usually that's when I come in.

A few words of warning. Don't download anything without thinking twice about it.

Why are people offering you (insert stupid offer here) for free?

They aren't!

Cures. (yes they are free too, but they aren't stupid)

1. Download 'Ad-aware' from lavasoftusa.com
install, update and run

2. Download 'Spybot Search & Destroy' (google it, I'm feeling lazy).
install, update and run

And some precautions.

3. Use a different browser and e-mail client. Mozilla is my favorite - mozilla.org

4. Sill want IE and Outlook Express. Go to Google and then tools and get the free google toolbar. Stop those damndable popups.

5. Use antivirus software. As an alternative go to trendmicro.com and run their free on-line scan.

6. Use a firewall. Zonealarm is as good or better than any (comes with anti-virus now for less than $20). - zonelabs.com - MS will do if you have XP (but ZA is better).

7. If you're on broadband (cable or dsl) get a router - DLink 604 can be had for less then $40.

Be careful out there.