Sick and tired of viruses,bugs and worms!

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by mizdageeragn, Sep 25, 2009.

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  1. mizdageeragn

    mizdageeragn Medium Load Member

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    Looking for some opinions. Are the tv commercials about pc's vs Macs anywhere near the truth. I'm disgusted having to take my pc every few months for debugging or whatever to get it back up to speed. At a $125 a pop its getting old. I have norton but I often wonder if its doing anything. HELP!
     
    mizdageeragn, Sep 25, 2009
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  2. rookietrucker

    rookietrucker Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    There could be several reasons why this is happening. First I would start by getting rid of norton (just my opinion). I had more issues when I had norton installed and too many headaches. Since the change to another free anti-virus many years ago. I have not had any issues.

    Second, I would question the computer shop your using. They might be doing shaddy work and keep you as a returning customer(if you know what I mean). You did not mention how many times this has happened so I'm assuming here more then twice.

    Third, You need to address all the websites your visiting. One of the biggest sites that people get malware and virus's is from google. When you google something and you get a zillion hits back. I have found links with redirects with malware or a virus. <Including emails with links. Not bashing google either and they have been battling this problem.

    Fourth and last, Address the security of your system. There are many things on the security level that many people don't know about. What OS are you using? What browser are you using? Are you logged in under a admin account when using the web ? Does your system have the current updates ? Do you have a system restore in place? Are you using WIFI or hard wired at home. Are you using wep or wpa ? Are you using a hardware firewall or software ?

    As you can see, many things need to be addressed here. I would take some of the points I made here and address them with the computer shop your using or maybe find another shop. Have them evaluate the whole picture for you. Tell them what is happening and what your needs are.

    As far as the PC and MAC debate, Both get virus's and security can be penetrated period
    :biggrin_2558:
     
    rookietrucker, Sep 25, 2009
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    dancnoone, kajidono and squirrellsgnwild Thank this.
  3. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    Go here, and get a copy of this... the free version.

    http://www.malwarebytes.org/

    It's a nice companion for Norton.

    Buying a new laptop or desktop due to this type of issue, is rather expensive. While Apple has less of an issue, it still has the potential for issues.

    You can try changing some of your internet settings to reduce the chances of picking up bugs. Steering clear of lesser known websites, NOT clicking on links sent to you via e-mail, NOT clinking on anything sent to you through e-mail from people you do not know....helps temendously.

    Changing to Mozilla FoxFire or Opra web browser can also help.

    Paying someone $125 to fix this issue, is nuts. At it's worse, a massive virus/worm/infection should only require a couple of hours of your time....not money.

    Tell us what operating system you are using. (Win98, Vista, XP) And there are a few of us on here that can assist you in tightening up your security.
     
    dancnoone, Sep 25, 2009
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  4. mizdageeragn

    mizdageeragn Medium Load Member

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    We have windows xp,use google,just got firefox,
    I'm a computer dunce with the biggest pointed red witch hat in the whole class!! Love to use em but just not near enough knowledge. ANY help is very appreciated!
     
    mizdageeragn, Sep 25, 2009
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  5. rookietrucker

    rookietrucker Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    OK, Now that we know your not using win98 (which is a good thing). Do you have windows firewall on ? Are you using a computer on a wireless network at home ?
     
    rookietrucker, Sep 25, 2009
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  6. mizdageeragn

    mizdageeragn Medium Load Member

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    hardwired to charter cable but we do have a wireless set-up here for the laptop I take in the truck but haven't used it for 2 years.
    And the dunce doesn't know where to go to see if the windows firewall is on,off or present!
     
    mizdageeragn, Sep 25, 2009
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  7. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    open Control Panel....security center and take a look :D
     
    dancnoone, Sep 25, 2009
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  8. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    .
    Additionally, you didn't say what version of Norton you have.

    The major Norton products are resource hogs...IE they slow your system to a crawl when booting up.

    All you need is the anti-virus, version 2009 preferably. IF you have Norton 360. It will disable Windows Firewall in preferance to it's own firewall.
     
    dancnoone, Sep 25, 2009
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  9. rookietrucker

    rookietrucker Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I'm willing to bet, your wireless is not setup to be secure. Which means, it's wide open for anyone's use even though your not using the wireless. They have control of your router. This is probably your problem, right here.

    If it is setup to be secure, make sure its set on WPA and your password is over 8 charactors long. The longer the password mixed with number, charactors and symbols. The harder it is for someone to crack it.

    Windows firewall is in the control panel.

    Go to> Start
    Scroll down to settings>> click control panel to open up
    In control panel>> click security center to open up
    You should see windows firewall, Is it on or off ? You want it on

    Windows firewall main purpose is to stop ICMP packets
     
    rookietrucker, Sep 25, 2009
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  10. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    You need a beating :biggrin_2559:

    Let's get him past security for the PC, before we confuse him with wireless LOL.

    Since he isn't using it...just disconnect it for now.
     
    dancnoone, Sep 25, 2009
    #10
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