Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
so Night poacher whats the dealieo? get anything worked out or what?
so Night poacher whats the dealieo? get anything worked out or what?
- Thread starter slg888
- Start date
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kbrady</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Malicious programmers now use the "Rundll32" hook to hide evil-doing these days. A quick google search will bring up links telling you that there is exactly 1 rundll32 file you need running, and from a very specific location. Others running will be in the wrong location and can be safely deleted. </div></div>
RunDll32 is the heart of all web/mmc based gui's in Windows. IT is a general purpose file, the browser uses it, mmc uses it, a lot of tools use it. Very handy file to access from a coding point of view.
From an attackers point of view too!
There doesn't have to be even one instance of it running, kill them all, let Bill sort them out....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kbrady</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Malicious programmers now use the "Rundll32" hook to hide evil-doing these days. A quick google search will bring up links telling you that there is exactly 1 rundll32 file you need running, and from a very specific location. Others running will be in the wrong location and can be safely deleted. </div></div>
RunDll32 is the heart of all web/mmc based gui's in Windows. IT is a general purpose file, the browser uses it, mmc uses it, a lot of tools use it. Very handy file to access from a coding point of view.
From an attackers point of view too!
There doesn't have to be even one instance of it running, kill them all, let Bill sort them out....
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
Man every time I come to this page I get a pop-up box that says "Error!" wtf!
Man every time I come to this page I get a pop-up box that says "Error!" wtf!
G
Guest
Guest
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Doug.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man every time I come to this page I get a pop-up box that says "Error!" wtf! </div></div>
It's probably the content-based ads trying to give you a virus.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Doug.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man every time I come to this page I get a pop-up box that says "Error!" wtf! </div></div>
It's probably the content-based ads trying to give you a virus.
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kbrady</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Malicious programmers now use the "Rundll32" hook to hide evil-doing these days. A quick google search will bring up links telling you that there is exactly 1 rundll32 file you need running, and from a very specific location. Others running will be in the wrong location and can be safely deleted. </div></div>
RunDll32 is the heart of all web/mmc based gui's in Windows. IT is a general purpose file, the browser uses it, mmc uses it, a lot of tools use it. Very handy file to access from a coding point of view.
From an attackers point of view too!
There doesn't have to be even one instance of it running, kill them all, let Bill sort them out....</div></div>
Gotcha, thanks for the correction.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kbrady</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Malicious programmers now use the "Rundll32" hook to hide evil-doing these days. A quick google search will bring up links telling you that there is exactly 1 rundll32 file you need running, and from a very specific location. Others running will be in the wrong location and can be safely deleted. </div></div>
RunDll32 is the heart of all web/mmc based gui's in Windows. IT is a general purpose file, the browser uses it, mmc uses it, a lot of tools use it. Very handy file to access from a coding point of view.
From an attackers point of view too!
There doesn't have to be even one instance of it running, kill them all, let Bill sort them out....</div></div>
Gotcha, thanks for the correction.
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Doug.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man every time I come to this page I get a pop-up box that says "Error!" wtf! </div></div>
I get taht at work too. It has to do with a certificate error and not showing 3rd party content.
I am on a DOD computer of course so the security is locked down tighter.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Doug.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man every time I come to this page I get a pop-up box that says "Error!" wtf! </div></div>
I get taht at work too. It has to do with a certificate error and not showing 3rd party content.
I am on a DOD computer of course so the security is locked down tighter.
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
Just for future reference for any of you guys having computer virus problems (I am a professional computer repair nerd weenie) - From my experience of fixing many computers, the best antivirus for the price is AVG. AVG is free. AVG runs in the background of your machine and actively blocks potential threats. AVG will not stop every virus though. To supplement AVG, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Superantispyware as well (these are also free). The latter three programs do not actively protect against threats; when your computer feels slow or keeps showing you popups for porn sites, run 'em (remember to update them first).
Be sure to download these programs from www.cnet.com. Go to the downloads section on the site and search for them in the search bar; they will come up. Run them and update them and scan your comp. If your computer is bad enough to where you cannot do anything or open any programs, restart your machine and immediately keep tapping the F8 key until a menu pops up with the option of using "Safe Mode." Choose "Safe Mode with Networking" and wait for the machine to boot. After it gets to the login screen, enter your password and log in. If a message box immediately pops up, click yes. After this, run (or download if you need to) Malwarebytes and update it. Do a full scan. Do the same with Spybot next, then Superantispyware, then AVG. By the way, if you see anything like RunDLL32.exe in task manager (press ctrl-alt-del or ctrl-shift-esc to get to task manager) right-click on it and kill it.
Night poacher, the two main viruses you have are called rogue antimalware and trojan redirect. If you got the good ones, they can be a PITA. By the way, get rid of McAfee, it sucks and do not buy Norton, it sucks even worse. AVG is not only free, it is better at keeping those pesky viruses away.
Good job in spotting the virus, you would be surprised at how many people just buy the software that the virus tries to sell you.
To any fellow Hiders, I would be glad to assist you in basic troubleshooting of your machines provided that I have the time. Just create a topic like this one and I will most likely pipe in. Do not be afraid of attempting to fix your computers; if you guys can replace the air filter and spark plugs on your small block Chevy, you can fix a computer with the proper instruction. The advice that I and the other guys in this thread probably saved (or could have saved) Night Poacher around $100 and a trip to the stupid rip-off nerds at Geek Squad.
Just for future reference for any of you guys having computer virus problems (I am a professional computer repair nerd weenie) - From my experience of fixing many computers, the best antivirus for the price is AVG. AVG is free. AVG runs in the background of your machine and actively blocks potential threats. AVG will not stop every virus though. To supplement AVG, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Superantispyware as well (these are also free). The latter three programs do not actively protect against threats; when your computer feels slow or keeps showing you popups for porn sites, run 'em (remember to update them first).
Be sure to download these programs from www.cnet.com. Go to the downloads section on the site and search for them in the search bar; they will come up. Run them and update them and scan your comp. If your computer is bad enough to where you cannot do anything or open any programs, restart your machine and immediately keep tapping the F8 key until a menu pops up with the option of using "Safe Mode." Choose "Safe Mode with Networking" and wait for the machine to boot. After it gets to the login screen, enter your password and log in. If a message box immediately pops up, click yes. After this, run (or download if you need to) Malwarebytes and update it. Do a full scan. Do the same with Spybot next, then Superantispyware, then AVG. By the way, if you see anything like RunDLL32.exe in task manager (press ctrl-alt-del or ctrl-shift-esc to get to task manager) right-click on it and kill it.
Night poacher, the two main viruses you have are called rogue antimalware and trojan redirect. If you got the good ones, they can be a PITA. By the way, get rid of McAfee, it sucks and do not buy Norton, it sucks even worse. AVG is not only free, it is better at keeping those pesky viruses away.
Good job in spotting the virus, you would be surprised at how many people just buy the software that the virus tries to sell you.
To any fellow Hiders, I would be glad to assist you in basic troubleshooting of your machines provided that I have the time. Just create a topic like this one and I will most likely pipe in. Do not be afraid of attempting to fix your computers; if you guys can replace the air filter and spark plugs on your small block Chevy, you can fix a computer with the proper instruction. The advice that I and the other guys in this thread probably saved (or could have saved) Night Poacher around $100 and a trip to the stupid rip-off nerds at Geek Squad.
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
First thing I recommend is create separate user and admin account. It might be inconvenient at first but if your main user account is type restricted user, you will save a lot of virus headache later on. Of every program you install as admin, do your research on it. Better yet, if possible, install it on virtual machine first to see if it is malicious. The latter might be a little too advanced topic for the average user but it's a good way to stay virus free.
First thing I recommend is create separate user and admin account. It might be inconvenient at first but if your main user account is type restricted user, you will save a lot of virus headache later on. Of every program you install as admin, do your research on it. Better yet, if possible, install it on virtual machine first to see if it is malicious. The latter might be a little too advanced topic for the average user but it's a good way to stay virus free.
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fernandez</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Just for future reference for any of you guys having computer virus problems (I am a professional computer repair nerd weenie) - From my experience of fixing many computers, the best antivirus for the price is AVG. AVG is free. AVG runs in the background of your machine and actively blocks potential threats. AVG will not stop every virus though. To supplement AVG, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Superantispyware as well (these are also free). The latter three programs do not actively protect against threats; when your computer feels slow or keeps showing you popups for porn sites, run 'em (remember to update them first).
</div></div>
AVG was pretty neat a few years ago, but they have "mainstreamed" or sold out as some people put it and it isn't nearly as thorough as it used to be. All an end-user needs, whether they be a novice or computer savvy, is Microsoft Security Essentials (free from Microsoft's website) and Malwarebytes (free from various websites). If you just have to spend money because you think money=protection, then you can get the Pro version of Malwarebytes and have automated protection. As it is currently, the free version of MWB does not offer scheduled updates and/or scanning. Unless you know how to schedule a task through Windows, you need the Pro version to schedule. Spend the time to set up MWB and Microsoft Security Essentials so they update and scan on a regular basis and 99.9% of your computer woes will be solved. For the other .1%, consult a professional lol.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fernandez</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Just for future reference for any of you guys having computer virus problems (I am a professional computer repair nerd weenie) - From my experience of fixing many computers, the best antivirus for the price is AVG. AVG is free. AVG runs in the background of your machine and actively blocks potential threats. AVG will not stop every virus though. To supplement AVG, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Superantispyware as well (these are also free). The latter three programs do not actively protect against threats; when your computer feels slow or keeps showing you popups for porn sites, run 'em (remember to update them first).
</div></div>
AVG was pretty neat a few years ago, but they have "mainstreamed" or sold out as some people put it and it isn't nearly as thorough as it used to be. All an end-user needs, whether they be a novice or computer savvy, is Microsoft Security Essentials (free from Microsoft's website) and Malwarebytes (free from various websites). If you just have to spend money because you think money=protection, then you can get the Pro version of Malwarebytes and have automated protection. As it is currently, the free version of MWB does not offer scheduled updates and/or scanning. Unless you know how to schedule a task through Windows, you need the Pro version to schedule. Spend the time to set up MWB and Microsoft Security Essentials so they update and scan on a regular basis and 99.9% of your computer woes will be solved. For the other .1%, consult a professional lol.
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
I have three discs.
1.Bitdefender rescue disc
2. Panda rescue disc
3. Kaspersky rescue disc
All run in Linux. All run and remove malware that load during windows boot (the hard ones to remove) They work every time, they are free, they update to the latest definitions free, they will work on any machine new or old with any operating system on it. Only thing that is required is internet access, and a properly shut down hard drive.
I have three discs.
1.Bitdefender rescue disc
2. Panda rescue disc
3. Kaspersky rescue disc
All run in Linux. All run and remove malware that load during windows boot (the hard ones to remove) They work every time, they are free, they update to the latest definitions free, they will work on any machine new or old with any operating system on it. Only thing that is required is internet access, and a properly shut down hard drive.
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fernandez</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Just for future reference for any of you guys having computer virus problems (I am a professional computer repair nerd weenie) - From my experience of fixing many computers, the best antivirus for the price is AVG. AVG is free. AVG runs in the background of your machine and actively blocks potential threats. AVG will not stop every virus though.
</div></div>
.
.
AVG is VERY VERY good AV protection, absolutely. Is it the best? eh, very close - Malwarebytes is close, 6 of 1, half dozen of the other.
Hoowever, AVG (I could be mistaken) is no longer free, 30 day trial?0
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fernandez</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
To supplement AVG, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Superantispyware as well (these are also free).
</div></div>
This is where I ABSOLUTELY have to disagree with you - that is half of the trouble with the computers I do work on.
The first thing I do is remove spybot search and destroy, REMOVE IT. It's good for cleaning cookies but not a lot else anymore, AVG, Symantec, Malwarebytes - they do all of that already.
Secondly, running any process that requires a hook into the OS and putting multiple hooks in as these applications/services do is a VERY VERY bad thing to do - it not only diminishes what each one is capable of independenly, it slows your computer down time slicing between them as they fight for control of the hook.
So just trust me, pick ONE really good AV/anti-spy and stick with it, do not install multiple apps for this.
You can install a registry cleaner, or a white space cleaner, but not AV - never never never run more than one AV at a time.
That is all.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fernandez</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Just for future reference for any of you guys having computer virus problems (I am a professional computer repair nerd weenie) - From my experience of fixing many computers, the best antivirus for the price is AVG. AVG is free. AVG runs in the background of your machine and actively blocks potential threats. AVG will not stop every virus though.
</div></div>
.
.
AVG is VERY VERY good AV protection, absolutely. Is it the best? eh, very close - Malwarebytes is close, 6 of 1, half dozen of the other.
Hoowever, AVG (I could be mistaken) is no longer free, 30 day trial?0
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fernandez</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
To supplement AVG, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Superantispyware as well (these are also free).
</div></div>
This is where I ABSOLUTELY have to disagree with you - that is half of the trouble with the computers I do work on.
The first thing I do is remove spybot search and destroy, REMOVE IT. It's good for cleaning cookies but not a lot else anymore, AVG, Symantec, Malwarebytes - they do all of that already.
Secondly, running any process that requires a hook into the OS and putting multiple hooks in as these applications/services do is a VERY VERY bad thing to do - it not only diminishes what each one is capable of independenly, it slows your computer down time slicing between them as they fight for control of the hook.
So just trust me, pick ONE really good AV/anti-spy and stick with it, do not install multiple apps for this.
You can install a registry cleaner, or a white space cleaner, but not AV - never never never run more than one AV at a time.
That is all.
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have three discs.
1.Bitdefender rescue disc
2. Panda rescue disc
3. Kaspersky rescue disc
All run in Linux. All run and remove malware that load during windows boot (the hard ones to remove) They work every time, they are free, they update to the latest definitions free, they will work on any machine new or old with any operating system on it. Only thing that is required is internet access, and a properly shut down hard drive. </div></div>
These disks are awesome - they allow almost anyone to clean a computer.
Unfortunately they will put me out of business LOL, I usually make $100 cleaning a computer for friends etc....
Got a link to the BitDefender ISO???
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have three discs.
1.Bitdefender rescue disc
2. Panda rescue disc
3. Kaspersky rescue disc
All run in Linux. All run and remove malware that load during windows boot (the hard ones to remove) They work every time, they are free, they update to the latest definitions free, they will work on any machine new or old with any operating system on it. Only thing that is required is internet access, and a properly shut down hard drive. </div></div>
These disks are awesome - they allow almost anyone to clean a computer.
Unfortunately they will put me out of business LOL, I usually make $100 cleaning a computer for friends etc....
Got a link to the BitDefender ISO???
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
ArcticLight, what's your opinion of Nortons Internet Security vs AVG?
ArcticLight, what's your opinion of Nortons Internet Security vs AVG?
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is where I ABSOLUTELY have to disagree with you - that is half of the trouble with the computers I do work on.
The first thing I do is remove spybot search and destroy, REMOVE IT. It's good for cleaning cookies but not a lot else anymore, AVG, Symantec, Malwarebytes - they do all of that already.
</div></div>
This^
With the multitude of "spyware" removers out there(and a rising number of them being actual malware in disguise) people go download crazy installing cleaners on their machine and it is nothing but a damn headache.
I ran AVG, Spy-bot S&D, and Ad-aware back in the day before Malwarebytes came out, hell, back before "malware" was even the term to use for malicious software. It provided a good barrier for MOST everything out there on the internet. They eventually started producing "malware" that those programs wouldn't touch. Enter my first introduction to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Friend called me up with a computer problem, I worked on it for hours with no luck. Finally decided to farm the work out to Google and lo and behold, I kept running across post after post about Malwarebytes. Long story short; I downloaded the free copy, it took care of the problem and I have used it every since.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is where I ABSOLUTELY have to disagree with you - that is half of the trouble with the computers I do work on.
The first thing I do is remove spybot search and destroy, REMOVE IT. It's good for cleaning cookies but not a lot else anymore, AVG, Symantec, Malwarebytes - they do all of that already.
</div></div>
This^
With the multitude of "spyware" removers out there(and a rising number of them being actual malware in disguise) people go download crazy installing cleaners on their machine and it is nothing but a damn headache.
I ran AVG, Spy-bot S&D, and Ad-aware back in the day before Malwarebytes came out, hell, back before "malware" was even the term to use for malicious software. It provided a good barrier for MOST everything out there on the internet. They eventually started producing "malware" that those programs wouldn't touch. Enter my first introduction to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Friend called me up with a computer problem, I worked on it for hours with no luck. Finally decided to farm the work out to Google and lo and behold, I kept running across post after post about Malwarebytes. Long story short; I downloaded the free copy, it took care of the problem and I have used it every since.
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
Bitdefender
http://download.bitdefender.com/rescue_cd/
Panda
http://download.cnet.com/Panda-SafeCD/30...&tag=button
Kaspersky
http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208282173
Bitdefender
http://download.bitdefender.com/rescue_cd/
Panda
http://download.cnet.com/Panda-SafeCD/30...&tag=button
Kaspersky
http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208282173
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kbrady</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fernandez</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Just for future reference for any of you guys having computer virus problems (I am a professional computer repair nerd weenie) - From my experience of fixing many computers, the best antivirus for the price is AVG. AVG is free. AVG runs in the background of your machine and actively blocks potential threats. AVG will not stop every virus though. To supplement AVG, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Superantispyware as well (these are also free). The latter three programs do not actively protect against threats; when your computer feels slow or keeps showing you popups for porn sites, run 'em (remember to update them first).
</div></div>
AVG was pretty neat a few years ago, but they have "mainstreamed" or sold out as some people put it and it isn't nearly as thorough as it used to be. All an end-user needs, whether they be a novice or computer savvy, is Microsoft Security Essentials (free from Microsoft's website) and Malwarebytes (free from various websites). If you just have to spend money because you think money=protection, then you can get the Pro version of Malwarebytes and have automated protection. As it is currently, the free version of MWB does not offer scheduled updates and/or scanning. Unless you know how to schedule a task through Windows, you need the Pro version to schedule. Spend the time to set up MWB and Microsoft Security Essentials so they update and scan on a regular basis and 99.9% of your computer woes will be solved. For the other .1%, consult a professional lol. </div></div>
I don't use AVG and yes it isn't 100% thorough. No antivirus is. AVG is, however, COMPLETELY free and meets the needs of those who cannot tell the difference between something that should be running and something that shouldn't. AVG will block most major threats. I recommend it because it does not require any user attention and makes things easier on people. Whenever I have a debilitating virus running in the background, I locate it in task manager, open file location, delete it, run a scan, and check msconfig.
Malwarebytes is actually my favorite program and does remove 95% of viruses, but it does not get them all. That is why I recommended the suite of free programs; with all of the programs I recommended, you have the potential to be pretty much virus free. Superantispyware and Spybot are pretty much for cookies and random sissy viruses, and Malwarebytes is for the heavy-hitters. For the record, Malwarebytes, Spybot, and Superantispyware do not slow your computer down unless you are scanning; they don't automatically run in the background. Well, Superantispyware does until you pull it off the startup list.
I don't use or recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. I have gotten too many machines in the shop that have viruses that are running only Microsoft Security Essentials. It is not very effective. I fix usually around 15-20 machines at once, sometimes more.
I do not understand how anyone could be having an issue with Spybot. I have not seen it conflict with any program, and it isn't an obtrusive program. What's the problem, because I haven't ever seen one, unless your problem is that you consider it useless. It doesn't do much, that's for sure, but I run it in the name of being thorough. By the way, run Malwarebytes, then run Spybot and watch as viruses still pop up. I wouldn't use Spybot if it didn't locate viruses. I want to provide my customers with the most thorough virus removal possible, so I run everything I can. I run about 20 or 25 different scans on each machine with different programs, including ALL of the aforementioned programs (with the exception of Microsoft Security Essentials).
And keep in mind, Norton is horrible; at one time, it was amazing, but has since gone down the tubes. I have seen Norton break machines more times than I can count. Norton can be more of a virus than many viruses are. Keep the Norton Removal Tool handy if you install Norton.
I am not trying to sound rude, but don't just use the ad hominem approach to arguing; provide evidence with your claim; you will become a much better debater.
I do agree with ArcticLight on one thing though, only run one antivirus on your machine.
Have a good one!
-Fernandez
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kbrady</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fernandez</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Just for future reference for any of you guys having computer virus problems (I am a professional computer repair nerd weenie) - From my experience of fixing many computers, the best antivirus for the price is AVG. AVG is free. AVG runs in the background of your machine and actively blocks potential threats. AVG will not stop every virus though. To supplement AVG, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Superantispyware as well (these are also free). The latter three programs do not actively protect against threats; when your computer feels slow or keeps showing you popups for porn sites, run 'em (remember to update them first).
</div></div>
AVG was pretty neat a few years ago, but they have "mainstreamed" or sold out as some people put it and it isn't nearly as thorough as it used to be. All an end-user needs, whether they be a novice or computer savvy, is Microsoft Security Essentials (free from Microsoft's website) and Malwarebytes (free from various websites). If you just have to spend money because you think money=protection, then you can get the Pro version of Malwarebytes and have automated protection. As it is currently, the free version of MWB does not offer scheduled updates and/or scanning. Unless you know how to schedule a task through Windows, you need the Pro version to schedule. Spend the time to set up MWB and Microsoft Security Essentials so they update and scan on a regular basis and 99.9% of your computer woes will be solved. For the other .1%, consult a professional lol. </div></div>
I don't use AVG and yes it isn't 100% thorough. No antivirus is. AVG is, however, COMPLETELY free and meets the needs of those who cannot tell the difference between something that should be running and something that shouldn't. AVG will block most major threats. I recommend it because it does not require any user attention and makes things easier on people. Whenever I have a debilitating virus running in the background, I locate it in task manager, open file location, delete it, run a scan, and check msconfig.
Malwarebytes is actually my favorite program and does remove 95% of viruses, but it does not get them all. That is why I recommended the suite of free programs; with all of the programs I recommended, you have the potential to be pretty much virus free. Superantispyware and Spybot are pretty much for cookies and random sissy viruses, and Malwarebytes is for the heavy-hitters. For the record, Malwarebytes, Spybot, and Superantispyware do not slow your computer down unless you are scanning; they don't automatically run in the background. Well, Superantispyware does until you pull it off the startup list.
I don't use or recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. I have gotten too many machines in the shop that have viruses that are running only Microsoft Security Essentials. It is not very effective. I fix usually around 15-20 machines at once, sometimes more.
I do not understand how anyone could be having an issue with Spybot. I have not seen it conflict with any program, and it isn't an obtrusive program. What's the problem, because I haven't ever seen one, unless your problem is that you consider it useless. It doesn't do much, that's for sure, but I run it in the name of being thorough. By the way, run Malwarebytes, then run Spybot and watch as viruses still pop up. I wouldn't use Spybot if it didn't locate viruses. I want to provide my customers with the most thorough virus removal possible, so I run everything I can. I run about 20 or 25 different scans on each machine with different programs, including ALL of the aforementioned programs (with the exception of Microsoft Security Essentials).
And keep in mind, Norton is horrible; at one time, it was amazing, but has since gone down the tubes. I have seen Norton break machines more times than I can count. Norton can be more of a virus than many viruses are. Keep the Norton Removal Tool handy if you install Norton.
I am not trying to sound rude, but don't just use the ad hominem approach to arguing; provide evidence with your claim; you will become a much better debater.
I do agree with ArcticLight on one thing though, only run one antivirus on your machine.
Have a good one!
-Fernandez
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fernandez</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I do not understand how anyone could be having an issue with Spybot. I have not seen it conflict with any program,
I do agree with ArcticLight on one thing though, only run one antivirus on your machine.
Have a good one!
-Fernandez </div></div>
I have, many times. Not always but I have. I probalby repaired 3-4 personal computers a day for over 10 years until I raised my rates (SO I could have some alone time LOL).
Spybot is the most worthless AV/anti-spy program out there. Not worth the time, effort, or cost to install it.
I have seen it conflict with Symantec Corporate Edition, Macafee, and Norton personal....
It has to do wtih the file hook (api call)...It may vary depending on ot her stuff and service packs installed but again - experience.
I run Symantec corporate edition on this machine, need to get my licensed copy of malwarebytes on the laptop since the g/f paid for it LOL
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fernandez</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I do not understand how anyone could be having an issue with Spybot. I have not seen it conflict with any program,
I do agree with ArcticLight on one thing though, only run one antivirus on your machine.
Have a good one!
-Fernandez </div></div>
I have, many times. Not always but I have. I probalby repaired 3-4 personal computers a day for over 10 years until I raised my rates (SO I could have some alone time LOL).
Spybot is the most worthless AV/anti-spy program out there. Not worth the time, effort, or cost to install it.
I have seen it conflict with Symantec Corporate Edition, Macafee, and Norton personal....
It has to do wtih the file hook (api call)...It may vary depending on ot her stuff and service packs installed but again - experience.
I run Symantec corporate edition on this machine, need to get my licensed copy of malwarebytes on the laptop since the g/f paid for it LOL
Re: Any Computer Gurus here? Need help....
Spybot was decent a few years ago when most attacks were either viruses, spyware or adaware. I've never had it do shit for viruses because it isn't designed for that. It did work for SOME basic spyware issues. Now you have the more advanced Malware which is where malwarebytes shines, naturally.
As far as MSE being crap, I will have to disagree there. The only thing that I've seen get by MSE are the rogue(sneaky) viruses that pose as genuine windows apps and that is because the user isn't knowledgeable enough to not click on it and let it root itself in deep. You may say, well, that is what an AV program is for...to that I would say this: I've not seen ANY AV program that would stop that form of attack. The best protection in my opinion is telling the user that the default answer to the internet is NO.
As far as running more than 1 AV program, you are just asking for a severe windows error until you uninstall one of them.
Kelly
Spybot was decent a few years ago when most attacks were either viruses, spyware or adaware. I've never had it do shit for viruses because it isn't designed for that. It did work for SOME basic spyware issues. Now you have the more advanced Malware which is where malwarebytes shines, naturally.
As far as MSE being crap, I will have to disagree there. The only thing that I've seen get by MSE are the rogue(sneaky) viruses that pose as genuine windows apps and that is because the user isn't knowledgeable enough to not click on it and let it root itself in deep. You may say, well, that is what an AV program is for...to that I would say this: I've not seen ANY AV program that would stop that form of attack. The best protection in my opinion is telling the user that the default answer to the internet is NO.
As far as running more than 1 AV program, you are just asking for a severe windows error until you uninstall one of them.
Kelly
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