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periwinkle
Joined: 08 Feb 2003
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 Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:53 pm Post subject: Computer idiot seeking advice... |
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My computer had to be re-formatted because it was infected with a virus (or something). While programs were being installed, it crashed again, and the sreen said no operating system could be located- WTF? Well, my company decided to give me a different computer. Anyway, I lost 2 days of work and now I have to install the programs I lost. Well, I don't want this to happen again, so I downloaded AVG. What other programs do you guys recommend (that are free!!)? I want my computer protected like Fort Knox. Also, can I get viruses by clicking on links or just by accessing a website (can websites be infected?)? It was weird- I had no problems with the computer, and the next time I came to work, my computer wouldn't boot- I got the infamous Blue Screen(shudders anew with fear and dread)  |
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hypnotist
Joined: 04 Dec 2004
Location: I wish I were a sock
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| Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 12:02 am Post subject: |
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Don't use Outlook Express. Firefox is safer than IE but not by much, these days. Learn how to recognise dodgy attachments. Keep Windows up to date.
But most of all.. back up your data! Regularly... if it's very important, do it once a day at least. |
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The Lemon
Joined: 11 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 1:58 am Post subject: |
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| Also, can I get viruses by clicking on links or just by accessing a website (can websites be infected?)? |
Yes to both- you can inadvertently install very very bad malware/spyware/adware on your computer just by visiting a website. Want to see it happen? Using IE on an unprotected, not-updated computer, visit a whole bunch of sites that catalog song lyrics, or claim to offer illegal software downloads. That's all you have to do. No clicking yes to approve anything. I guarantee that after a few hours (minutes?) your machine will have acquired all kinds of cooties.
I ran across the worst one I've seen yet about two months ago in a publicly accessable computer at my school's library. The bug puts an "Uninstall" entry into the "Add/Remove Programs" thing in Windows Control Panel, but when you choose "Uninstall" it deletes all copies of your Windows registry as well as other essential files, and then crashes your computer. Reformatting/reinstalling Windows is the only realistic solution, if you don't have backups.
What to do: short of switching to a Mac or Linux (not a viable option for most normal humans), you can help yourself by having a fully updated XP SP2 installation, with the builtin firewall enabled (ignore those who put it down - it's very good) and a good recent virus scanning program installed. Next, download the new Microsoft Anti-Spyware program, which while still in beta, is a mature, developed program. Even better, also download Ad-Aware SE and use them both to make sure all nasties from the "downloaded bug" genre are removed. |
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Giant
Joined: 14 May 2003
Location: South Korea
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| Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 12:22 am Post subject: |
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| You can also use ZoneALarm |
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