Korean Job Discussion Forums

phaedrus · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Location: I'm comin' to get ya.

How can I make my computer cleaner for free?

I currently use Norton 2004 Internet Security, F-Prot, Ad Aware, Spybot, and CCleaner.

I feel quite safe from viruses, but still feel under threat from pop ups, spyware, and ads. Well, more annoyed than threatened.

Before I wasn't running anything, and my computer got sacked. I had to pay to have my data and files saved, and a computer shop cleaned it up.

Now my computer is much more efficient and protected, I just want it to be sparkly clean that's all.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Dalton · Joined: 26 Mar 2003

Research and communication.
Know your PC and what's on it.
Don't install stuff jsut because it's cool.
Install software that protects you from malware.
Bulsajo makes a good point as usual . Re-install occasionally or use softare to maintain an image of your HDD.
Once a week update everything, run everything, defrag and backup what you need to.

Shields up is a site that tests your PC for leaks. Another poster has suggested other sites somewhere on this board.

Some things I have and do:

Spybot S&D's Teatimer option and Sywareguard will both tell you if anyone tries to change your registry or IE settings such as your homepage and search defaults.

HiJack this and others tell you what is running on your PC. Get familiar with that list so you'll recognize changes.

Zone Alarm gives you control over what can access the net from your PC.

If you have to install something off the internet then run AdAware and Spybot afterwards. This will decimate programs like Comet Cursor, DivX, Download Accelerator and Kazaa. So you uninstall this spyware, adware infested crapcrap. You can dl the DivX codec- you don't need the free viewer.

Do a search before installing stuff from the net to see if there are any complaints about it. Even if it's security software for your PC. Go to cexx.org and do some reading and maybe register. You can get lots of info and answers there.

Here's a list of software and links I saved. I haven't checked all the links lately and there is other stuff out there but I think this is a good start:

Free:
This link is to CNets' most popular downloads page. You'll see
AdAware, Zone Alarm, Mozilla Firefox, Spybot Search and Destroy
AdAware and Zone Alarm

Spybot Search and Destroy
Coolweb Shredder

HiJack This
Spyblaster
Spyware Guard

Not:
Window Washer
Scroll down and find Window Washer 5.1 on the right. DL it and open and read the .nfo file(s) with notepad. The rip is built into the program. Just install it. Run it every time you go off line.

Info and help sites:
Prevention article from cexx.org
spywareinfo.com
cexx.org

Maybe it's time that a thread liks this becomes a stcky or a FAQ?

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

bump, because this thread is so useful.

gajackson1 · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 2:12 am Post subject:

In another thread somewhere on the same topic; SpywareBlaster is an excellent innoculation program against spyware, dialers, crap, hijackers, etc. And it is freeware, to boot!

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Regards,

Glen

FYI, I used to be a pretty big Norton SystemWorks fan, but it was a huge resource hog. I found that by adjusting to preventative maintenance with several smaller programs, my system is MUCH cleaner/better.

Finally, take a look at Black Viper's home page, and shut off the services you don't need/use. He has patches on the site that will do just that for you.