http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633 Last article we learned of good choices between firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-spyware applications. We also learned that FireFox should be the choice for a web browser no matter what you do online or how experienced you are. Now we are going to cover settings you should apply to those applications, and we'll pickup a few bad software choices aswell. &nbsp; ALL of your security software should be configured to automatically search and download for updates, and many already are. Ad-Aware and Spybot S&amp;D will search for updates atuoamatically. Ad-Aware will search within a longer period, I would recommend setting it to 7 days to wait until searching for updates. Ad-Aware does not run in the background, which means you will need to launch it in order for it to apply the needed definitions. &nbsp; ALL of your security software(besides your firewall) needs to be set to scan automatically. The reason for this is mainly for convenience, if you run your computer all day and go off and on at your pleasure, then setting the software to automatically scan at a given time of the day is essential. It will scan, and quarantine anything malicious it picks up and be finished by the time you return to your PC. Make sure to schedule it for a time when you might think the computer may not be in use(eg. early in the morning or during the afternoon).What does it mean to &quot;quarantine&quot; something?Ad-Aware, SpyBot S&amp;D, SpySweeper, AVG and all security software(besides firewalls obviously) have what is called a &quot;quarantine archive&quot;. When a file or object is placed into the &quot;quarantine archive&quot; it can no longer be used and it cannot function AT ALL. In this case, a malicious file of some sort. Say a scanner tracks the origin of spyware to a file, it will take it and quarantine it, and it then will no longer be able to operate anymore. If it gets removed from quarantine, then there is a chance of it still spying on your activity. &nbsp; Norton Anti-Virus: BAD! Avoid at all possible costs. Sure, Norton Anti-Virus is very good at catching viruses, and spyware, and stopping popup ads, and blocking ad-ware, but come to think of how that is bogging down your system. Norton anti-virus will run your system down and eat up your processes. Many who advertise an anti-virus, anti-spyware/adware, popup blocker, and built in firewall should all be avoided. &nbsp; Why? #1 There is no need to block popup ads because our safe browser that we have been discussing, Mozilla Firefox, does not allow popup ads. AT ALL. Most popup ads are from a website to website basis. Many users get popups unexpectedly, that is what is called adware. Companies are trying to advertise to you their products, after tracking what you surf for. Then they can even spam your email according to what you may have searched for, shopped for, or bought online. AVG is just as good as norton but no as intrusive, constantly bothering you like norton does and running your system down to less than that of a snail. Ad-Aware, Spybot, as well as Windows Defender will be adequate enough to stop about 99% of all spyware you will come across. SpySweeper still sits high above the rest when it comes to catching most of what you will be infected with. Ofcourse, the best defense to stopping spyware and viruses is to not get infected to begin with. &nbsp; Next article we will cover actual &quot;Privacy&quot; software and discuss what type of habits we should change inorder to stop getting infected with malware. We are also going to bring up the two topics which include: Protecting your privacy and being able to safely and permanently deleting files...military grade style. Last article we learned of good choices between firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-spyware applications. We also learned that FireFox should be the choice for a web browser no matter what you do online or how experienced you are. Now we are going to cover settings you should apply to those applications, and we'll pickup a few bad software choices aswell. &nbsp; ALL of your security software should be configured to automatically search and download for updates, and many already are. Ad-Aware and Spybot S&amp;D will search for updates atuoamatically. Ad-Aware will search within a longer period, I would recommend setting it to 7 days to wait until searching for updates. Ad-Aware does not run in the background, which means you will need to launch it in order for it to apply the needed definitions. &nbsp; ALL of your security software(besides your firewall) needs to be set to scan automatically. The reason for this is mainly for convenience, if you run your computer all day and go off and on at your pleasure, then setting the software to automatically scan at a given time of the day is essential. It will scan, and quarantine anything malicious it picks up and be finished by the time you return to your PC. Make sure to schedule it for a time when you might think the computer may not be in use(eg. early in the morning or during the afternoon).What does it mean to &quot;quarantine&quot; something?Ad-Aware, SpyBot S&amp;D, SpySweeper, AVG and all security software(besides firewalls obviously) have what is called a &quot;quarantine archive&quot;. When a file or object is placed into the &quot;quarantine archive&quot; it can no longer be used and it cannot function AT ALL. In this case, a malicious file of some sort. Say a scanner tracks the origin of spyware to a file, it will take it and quarantine it, and it then will no longer be able to operate anymore. If it gets removed from quarantine, then there is a chance of it still spying on your activity. &nbsp; Norton Anti-Virus: BAD! Avoid at all possible costs. Sure, Norton Anti-Virus is very good at catching viruses, and spyware, and stopping popup ads, and blocking ad-ware, but come to think of how that is bogging down your system. Norton anti-virus will run your system down and eat up your processes. Many who advertise an anti-virus, anti-spyware/adware, popup blocker, and built in firewall should all be avoided. &nbsp; Why? #1 There is no need to block popup ads because our safe browser that we have been discussing, Mozilla Firefox, does not allow popup ads. AT ALL. Most popup ads are from a website to website basis. Many users get popups unexpectedly, that is what is called adware. Companies are trying to advertise to you their products, after tracking what you surf for. Then they can even spam your email according to what you may have searched for, shopped for, or bought online. AVG is just as good as norton but no as intrusive, constantly bothering you like norton does and running your system down to less than that of a snail. Ad-Aware, Spybot, as well as Windows Defender will be adequate enough to stop about 99% of all spyware you will come across. SpySweeper still sits high above the rest when it comes to catching most of what you will be infected with. Ofcourse, the best defense to stopping spyware and viruses is to not get infected to begin with. &nbsp; Next article we will cover actual &quot;Privacy&quot; software and discuss what type of habits we should change inorder to stop getting infected with malware. We are also going to bring up the two topics which include: Protecting your privacy and being able to safely and permanently deleting files...military grade style. en-us 35.129776 -118.522227 Msgherzi, I love your articles and always look forward to the next one. I agree with NAV bogging down your system. I have experienced it first hand. I have never tried Firefox. My only concern with it not ever letting popups through is that sometimes you want a popup. &quot;Good&quot; popups can be things like a site needing to load the latest version of something like Flash or Java. Other times site authentication comes in the form&nbsp;of a popup. How does Firefox handle these situations? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_56479 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_56479 Msgherzi, I love your articles and always look forward to the next one. I agree with NAV bogging down your system. I have experienced it first hand. I have never tried Firefox. My only concern with it not ever letting popups through is that sometimes you want a popup. &quot;Good&quot; popups can be things like a site needing to load the latest version of something like Flash or Java. Other times site authentication comes in the form&nbsp;of a popup. How does Firefox handle these situations? Blaze, in the settings of Firefox I'm pretty sure there is an "Allow" list where you can add the websites that you'd like for the popups to appear. I'm not sure because at the moment I'm not working with Windows or FF2, but within the next couple of days I will be. And I'll take a look to confirm that for you. If not, then I'm sure there is an extension or an add-on that you may be able to install within firefox to do that(even if it may happen to be from a third party source). http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_56833 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_56833 Blaze, in the settings of Firefox I'm pretty sure there is an "Allow" list where you can add the websites that you'd like for the popups to appear. I'm not sure because at the moment I'm not working with Windows or FF2, but within the next couple of days I will be. And I'll take a look to confirm that for you. If not, then I'm sure there is an extension or an add-on that you may be able to install within firefox to do that(even if it may happen to be from a third party source). msgherzi, I agree with you about Norton and Firefox. I just recently switched to Firefox after having yet another adware infection and virus from IE. Have you ever heard of an antivirus called Avast? I have it now, and it is really great. It is based in Europe and is free to download if you are running a home computer, as compared to a business. If you have a business, the software is very expensive. Check it out if you have not done so already. I have had it a couple months now and have ZERO adware problems anymore. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57041 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57041 msgherzi, I agree with you about Norton and Firefox. I just recently switched to Firefox after having yet another adware infection and virus from IE. Have you ever heard of an antivirus called Avast? I have it now, and it is really great. It is based in Europe and is free to download if you are running a home computer, as compared to a business. If you have a business, the software is very expensive. Check it out if you have not done so already. I have had it a couple months now and have ZERO adware problems anymore. I'd like to know more about the various spy ware software, and how to know if someone is monitoring. As I understand it, it is not detectable, what say you techno geeks; is this true? How do we truly know? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57211 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57211 I'd like to know more about the various spy ware software, and how to know if someone is monitoring. As I understand it, it is not detectable, what say you techno geeks; is this true? How do we truly know? <p>Programs installed on your computer that collect information on you are called spyware or adware. Most often, the information being recorded is details on your buying or web browsing habits. Generally, sharing this information is not dangerous but is a violation of your privacy unless you have consented. Spyware and adware can do much more invasive things, however. More malicious programs can record what you type, look for information on your hard drive, give away your e-mail address, or read encrypted communications.</p> <p>Spyware, also called adware, is a name used for programs that collect information on you or your computer. These programs do a variety of things. Some simply sit in the background while they collect data and send this information to marketing companies. It is also common for spyware to display unwanted pop-up ads on your computer. Other types of spyware will redirect your web browser to unwanted web sites, or add toolbars and icons to your web browser.</p> <p>Spyware is often bundled with free programs, such as file-sharing programs or programs that offer services to display weather information in your toolbar. The program may even tell you what information it is collecting and how the information is being used when you install it.</p> <p>The bottom line is that it's hard for you to verify if a piece of spyware is as benign as it claims. Often, it is difficult to understand from the license agreement exactly what information they are collecting. For example, Marketscore is a program that offers to speed up your web browsing in return for your permission to monitor what sites you visit. It doesn't make clear that its method of monitoring the sites you visit allows it to read encrypted communications with secure websites, such as your bank's website or OneStop. </p> <p>Be careful what software you install on your computer. This includes free screensavers, weather bugs, games, and file-sharing programs. Do not download software from web sites you don't trust. If you have questions about whether or not to trust a web site, ask for help. Don't click on links inside pop-up windows or ads, including buttons that say 'Close'. Even ads that offer anti-spyware products may install spyware.</p> <p>While most spyware requires you to download or click something before it can be installed, some programs take advantage of security holes in the software on your computer. Keep all software updated with the latest patches available from the vendor.</p> <p>The Firefox web browser is a good alternative to Internet Explorer. Using a personal firewall can also help. A firewall is a program that watches how your computer connects to the Internet and what other computers are trying to connect to your computer. One may be installed by default with your system, Mac OS X and Windows XP come with a built-in firewall. There are also commercial and non-commercial products available.</p> <p>How do I know if I have spyware on my computer?<br /> Common symptoms of spyware are: a computer running slowly, a barrage of pop-up ads, new toolbars or icons in your web browser, your web browser visiting sites you didn't select, or changes in the homepage you set in your browser. Even if you haven't noticed any of these symptoms it is a good idea to scan your computer for spyware on a regular basis.</p> <p>There are a number of tools that can be used to scan your computer for spyware. Products like Ad-Aware, released by Lavasoft, have a version that is free for personal use. SpyBot Search &amp; Destroy is another available product. For Macintosh computers, a product called MacScan is available. As with all software, download only from trusted sites. </p> http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57242 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57242 <p>Programs installed on your computer that collect information on you are called spyware or adware. Most often, the information being recorded is details on your buying or web browsing habits. Generally, sharing this information is not dangerous but is a violation of your privacy unless you have consented. Spyware and adware can do much more invasive things, however. More malicious programs can record what you type, look for information on your hard drive, give away your e-mail address, or read encrypted communications.</p> <p>Spyware, also called adware, is a name used for programs that collect information on you or your computer. These programs do a variety of things. Some simply sit in the background while they collect data and send this information to marketing companies. It is also common for spyware to display unwanted pop-up ads on your computer. Other types of spyware will redirect your web browser to unwanted web sites, or add toolbars and icons to your web browser.</p> <p>Spyware is often bundled with free programs, such as file-sharing programs or programs that offer services to display weather information in your toolbar. The program may even tell you what information it is collecting and how the information is being used when you install it.</p> <p>The bottom line is that it's hard for you to verify if a piece of spyware is as benign as it claims. Often, it is difficult to understand from the license agreement exactly what information they are collecting. For example, Marketscore is a program that offers to speed up your web browsing in return for your permission to monitor what sites you visit. It doesn't make clear that its method of monitoring the sites you visit allows it to read encrypted communications with secure websites, such as your bank's website or OneStop. </p> <p>Be careful what software you install on your computer. This includes free screensavers, weather bugs, games, and file-sharing programs. Do not download software from web sites you don't trust. If you have questions about whether or not to trust a web site, ask for help. Don't click on links inside pop-up windows or ads, including buttons that say 'Close'. Even ads that offer anti-spyware products may install spyware.</p> <p>While most spyware requires you to download or click something before it can be installed, some programs take advantage of security holes in the software on your computer. Keep all software updated with the latest patches available from the vendor.</p> <p>The Firefox web browser is a good alternative to Internet Explorer. Using a personal firewall can also help. A firewall is a program that watches how your computer connects to the Internet and what other computers are trying to connect to your computer. One may be installed by default with your system, Mac OS X and Windows XP come with a built-in firewall. There are also commercial and non-commercial products available.</p> <p>How do I know if I have spyware on my computer?<br /> Common symptoms of spyware are: a computer running slowly, a barrage of pop-up ads, new toolbars or icons in your web browser, your web browser visiting sites you didn't select, or changes in the homepage you set in your browser. Even if you haven't noticed any of these symptoms it is a good idea to scan your computer for spyware on a regular basis.</p> <p>There are a number of tools that can be used to scan your computer for spyware. Products like Ad-Aware, released by Lavasoft, have a version that is free for personal use. SpyBot Search &amp; Destroy is another available product. For Macintosh computers, a product called MacScan is available. As with all software, download only from trusted sites. </p> Sparks, thanks for the info. It's nice to have a geek around! Hee, Hee http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57545 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57545 Sparks, thanks for the info. It's nice to have a geek around! Hee, Hee Christine,&nbsp; anytime, and you are very welcome. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57579 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57579 Christine,&nbsp; anytime, and you are very welcome. Blaze, it seems FF2(Firefox 2) does have what is called an "Exceptions" list for allowing websites to produce popups and or only blocking certain websites that you indicate. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57649 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57649 Blaze, it seems FF2(Firefox 2) does have what is called an "Exceptions" list for allowing websites to produce popups and or only blocking certain websites that you indicate. Mathew... thanks for the info on firefox and popups.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I didn't know the answer to that one.&nbsp;&nbsp; I do however agree with you that Firefox is the best way to go.&nbsp; I feel it is the most secure browser out there.&nbsp; I also agree with you about Norton.&nbsp;&nbsp; Great post, good information here. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57656 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/msgherzi/5633/#c_57656 Mathew... thanks for the info on firefox and popups.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I didn't know the answer to that one.&nbsp;&nbsp; I do however agree with you that Firefox is the best way to go.&nbsp; I feel it is the most secure browser out there.&nbsp; I also agree with you about Norton.&nbsp;&nbsp; Great post, good information here.