Another Newbie asking "Which Anti-Virus Sofware is the Best?"

[jimrainfordson]

Well, I'm not an internet newbie, but soon I'll be switching to a high
speed connection for the first time. (cable). I've been reading
through old posts in this newsgroup and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed
as if there's no real way to rest assured my PC is protected. I
couldn't find a FAQ for this group, so I'll gladly go do more research
if my questions are too basic. In this case a link or reference is
appreciated along with the flame.

Bascially, what I do on my PC is browse the web and stream online radio
(via WMP) but I have a son who will ocassionally play online games.
Although I've been very strict about pirated sofware, every once in a
while he gives into temptation usually via a friend's CD rather than
directly downloaded from the Internet. I don't think it's an issue
anymore, but there's always that slight doubt with teenagers.
Furthermore, I am not on any kind on LAN. I don't do any kind of
instant messaging. I have occasionally used IE in FTP mode just to
upload images to a personal website. (It's just a basic webpage for
family to see all ISP based). I try to keep plug-ins and 3rd party
apps to a minimum. I'm on XP (regularly updated) and I use M$ software
like Outlook Express, IE6 and WMP. I currently use Zone Alarm. I
haven't consistently used anti-virus software but I ocassionally
download and run anti-spyware and anti-trojain software. So far I've
never had a problem, but I guess I've just been lucky.

While I would hate to have to deal with all the problems of a virus
infection, by far my primary concern is security from someone
discovering the username and password I use to log into financial
websites like my local bank or to check my investments. (I only have a
few thousand invested but it's my money and I'd like to keep it that
way).

To my understanding, due to high encryption, the only practical way for
a hacker to steal my username and password would be for them to install
a text-capturing-application (via some kind of trojain) and have it run
while I log in then phone home later. Is this bascially true?

To my understanding there are other things I can do to promote
security, including:

Get a dynamic IP Address.

Get a router even though I don't have a LAN because the router will
help keep my PC anoynmous, almost like an dynamic IP. Not sure how
this works.

Get a good Firewall. (I currently run Zone Alarm). For best security
is it better to get a hardware Firewall or is an updated software
firewall just as good?

Other than turning the power off, is there a good simple (automated?)
method for turning off internet access during times when there is no
reason to be online? My firewall (ZA) has a panic button to block all
incoming and outgoing transfers. Assuming my firewall hasn't been
compromised, does this offer the same protection as not being online at
all?

I'd rather keep using IE and OE and WMP because they are well supported
and help me to avoid unecessarly hassles with viewing pages or using
the internet. I feel comfortable using these apps so long as I keep
them updated.

I have enough componets to build a second PC. I've been considering
keeping a second PC on hand just for using to check my bank account and
to check my investments. (I would still use my regular PC for internet
shopping. I figure if I get hacked and my credit card is compromised at
least that's fraud protected.)

When I use it I figure I'll directly hook up my secondary PC (rather
than going through a LAN). I'll set it to automatically update my OS
and my firewall, virus checker, etc... and then I'll only go online
long enough to check my account then shut the computer down and
disconnect again. Is is a practical idea or am I just being paranoid?
Will I be able to use anti-virus software on two different PCs in this
manner or will most companies require me to buy to licenses?

Beyond that what does a hacker look for when port scanning or otherwise
invading a PC. Assuming I ever do get compromised is there anything I
can do to make my local computer look less inviting? In other words,
what do hackers look for? How much is protection about keeping
yourself hidden verses protecting yourself AFTER you've been hacked or
been infected with a trojain? If I understand better what Hackers are
looking for I might be able to make myself look like less of a target.

Given my concerns and the old posts I've read from this newsgroup, I'm
leaning towards Kaspersky for an anti-virus program. However, scanning
for trojains every hour seems very excessive and draining to processing
power.

All comments welcome, including those that redirect me to good links
for more homework.

Thanks

 

[Beauregard T. Shagnasty]

Well, I'm not an internet newbie, but soon I'll be switching to a high
speed connection for the first time. (cable).

Start with a router in front of that PC before you ever connect. Keep
the software firewall, too, so you can have a sense of what is trying to
call out as well.

You will have a dynamic IP address, but it may not change often. I've
had my RoadRunner IP since probably February. Nothing wrong with that.

Here's some suggestions:
http://k75s.home.att.net/tips.html

 

[Art]

Well, I'm not an internet newbie, but soon I'll be switching to a high
speed connection for the first time. (cable). I've been reading
through old posts in this newsgroup and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed
as if there's no real way to rest assured my PC is protected. I
couldn't find a FAQ for this group, so I'll gladly go do more research
if my questions are too basic. In this case a link or reference is
appreciated along with the flame.

Bascially, what I do on my PC is browse the web and stream online radio
(via WMP) but I have a son who will ocassionally play online games.

Playing online games is risky since you have to "drop your pants and
bend over to be shafted" no matter how you go about it. Even with
a external router/firewall, you have to lower security via port
forwarding which is not a wise thing to do.

Although I've been very strict about pirated sofware, every once in a
while he gives into temptation usually via a friend's CD rather than
directly downloaded from the Internet. I don't think it's an issue
anymore, but there's always that slight doubt with teenagers.
Furthermore, I am not on any kind on LAN. I don't do any kind of
instant messaging. I have occasionally used IE in FTP mode just to
upload images to a personal website. (It's just a basic webpage for
family to see all ISP based). I try to keep plug-ins and 3rd party
apps to a minimum. I'm on XP (regularly updated) and I use M$ software
like Outlook Express, IE6 and WMP.

Make sure you use the latest XP service pack and install all critical
security patches for Windows, IE and OE. The use of automatic
Windows Update service is a good idea. I hope you know to set
IE security settings options, and I hope you've set OE to work
wiith text-only (no html email).

I currently use Zone Alarm.

Do yourself a favor and purchase a external router/firewall since
it will always be there for you.

I
haven't consistently used anti-virus software but I ocassionally
download and run anti-spyware and anti-trojain software. So far I've
never had a problem, but I guess I've just been lucky.

While I would hate to have to deal with all the problems of a virus
infection, by far my primary concern is security from someone
discovering the username and password I use to log into financial
websites like my local bank or to check my investments. (I only have a
few thousand invested but it's my money and I'd like to keep it that
way).

You are asking newbie type questions which means you are not ready
to not use a good antivirus product running in the background. Also,
since you allow others to use your PC you should have a good av
running set to auto-update. Security is only as good as the knowledge
of the individual in the driver's seat. So you have to do what you
can in the way of good security software and hardware in the
circumstances you describe.

To my understanding, due to high encryption, the only practical way for
a hacker to steal my username and password would be for them to install
a text-capturing-application (via some kind of trojain) and have it run
while I log in then phone home later. Is this bascially true?

You seem to be alluding to infestations of malware such as RATs
(Remote Access Trojans). That sort of thing you prevent by not
allowing malicious code to run on your PC, which requires practicing
"safe hex" ... and in your case using a good antivirus product, a
external firewall/router, and keeping up to date with critical
security patches.

To my understanding there are other things I can do to promote
security, including:

Get a dynamic IP Address.

That's a good idea.

Get a router even though I don't have a LAN because the router will
help keep my PC anoynmous, almost like an dynamic IP. Not sure how
this works.

No, that's not the reason at all. Your IP address must be public or
you wouldn't be able to browse the internet. The reason you use
a firewall is that you will have many open internet ports by default
with XP. That means there are many servers available and you are
a sitting duck for hackers and for internet malware that automatically
seeks out open ports ... open doorways to your machine. The advantage
of dynamic IP is that at least your IP changes once in awhile ... when
you reboot the modem or shut down and boot back up. That means
a dedicated hacker that "has your number" will have more difficulty
pinning you down. But that sort of thing is more of just a theoretical
consideration than anything to be concerned with for home users.

Get a good Firewall. (I currently run Zone Alarm). For best security
is it better to get a hardware Firewall or is an updated software
firewall just as good?

As I've already mentioned, a external appliance is better since it is
"always there" and thus affords much more reliability.

Other than turning the power off, is there a good simple (automated?)
method for turning off internet access during times when there is no
reason to be online?

Power down the modem, but there's no real point in doing so as long
as you use a external router/firewall.

My firewall (ZA) has a panic button to block all
incoming and outgoing transfers. Assuming my firewall hasn't been
compromised, does this offer the same protection as not being online at
all?

No, you should never rely on software since it may have
vulnerabilities which can be exploited. Rely instead on a external
router/firewall.

I'd rather keep using IE and OE and WMP because they are well supported
and help me to avoid unecessarly hassles with viewing pages or using
the internet. I feel comfortable using these apps so long as I keep
them updated.

See above concerning keeping them patched and paying attention to
their optional settings for best security.

I have enough componets to build a second PC. I've been considering
keeping a second PC on hand just for using to check my bank account and
to check my investments. (I would still use my regular PC for internet
shopping. I figure if I get hacked and my credit card is compromised at
least that's fraud protected.)

You might also consider the use of a backup hard drive on a removeable
tray so the backup can normally either be shut off or stored on a
shelf.

When I use it I figure I'll directly hook up my secondary PC (rather
than going through a LAN). I'll set it to automatically update my OS
and my firewall, virus checker, etc... and then I'll only go online
long enough to check my account then shut the computer down and
disconnect again. Is is a practical idea or am I just being paranoid?
Will I be able to use anti-virus software on two different PCs in this
manner or will most companies require me to buy to licenses?

A external router/fw will allow you to share your wideband service
between the two machines, and both will have its firewall protection.
You can elect to have file and printer sharing or not. It would be
a good idea to takes the same security precautions on the second
machine as on the first.

Beyond that what does a hacker look for when port scanning or otherwise
invading a PC.

Open internet ports are the easy targets and your only real concern.

ssuming I ever do get compromised is there anything I
can do to make my local computer look less inviting?

Don't keep any personal information on your PCs such as Social
Security numbers and credit card numbers.

Given my concerns and the old posts I've read from this newsgroup, I'm
leaning towards Kaspersky for an anti-virus program. However, scanning
for trojains every hour seems very excessive and draining to processing
power.

I don't know of any version of KAV that requires such a thing. The new
KAV 6 will nag you initially until you let it do a scan of all your
drives/paritions. Then it "shuts up" and it won't bother you again.

Art
http://home.epix.net/~artnpeg

 

[Art]

On 26 May 2006 07:55:53 -0700, (e-mail address removed) wrote:

BTW, this XP survival guide might be of interest:

http://www.sans.org/rr/whitepapers/windows/1298.php

Art
http://home.epix.net/~artnpeg

 

[Ed]

While I would hate to have to deal with all the problems of a virus
infection, by far my primary concern is security from someone
discovering the username and password I use to log into financial
websites like my local bank or to check my investments. (I only have a
few thousand invested but it's my money and I'd like to keep it that
way).

Start with the biggest risk and work down. Your biggest risk is your
son, so isolate the risk by giving him his own PC.

Next is the outer perimeter. A router will offer you the protection
you require.

Inside the perimeter you have the PCs interface. Software firewalls
will alert you to incoming and outgoing issues, don't forget that you
still need to protect yourself from your son's PC which is also INSIDE
the outer perimeter, hence the software firewall.

On the PCs you will have the usual bunch of anti-virus, anti-spyware
etc. I know it is difficult to move from IE, but I would strongly
recommend going through the pain of swapping to Firefox. It has been
one of the better things that I have done to lessen the chances of
being a browser victim. You *can* secure IE, but just try FF for a
month.

The bottom line is that without going over the top you can be as secure
as is practical, just watch out for that unpredictable human interface
though

 

[Phil Weldon]

'jimrainsford' wrote, in part:
| Well, I'm not an internet newbie, but soon I'll be switching to a high
| speed connection for the first time. (cable). I've been reading
| through old posts in this newsgroup and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed
| as if there's no real way to rest assured my PC is protected. I
| couldn't find a FAQ for this group, so I'll gladly go do more research
| if my questions are too basic. In this case a link or reference is
| appreciated along with the flame.It seems you've done your homework.
_____

Some comments, in no particular order:

#1. A router is a very good idea. These days a router with NAT and a DHCP
server costs a few tens of dollars US. The NAT router can be used to allow
multiple systems to connect to the Internet. The way it does this is to
store the computer source of each outgoing packet and then when replies from
the Internet are returned it can use that stored identity to route the
replying packets to the correct computer. WAN (Wide Area Network - the
Internet) can see only the IP address assigned to the router, not the IP
addresses of any system in the LAN (Local Area Network - perhaps only one
machine.) A router with NAT blocks incoming packets of data that don't
match its record of outgoing packets. A system in the WAN can not even
discover what ports are open on your computer.

a. My (home) routers (now and in the past) log unsolicited attempts
to access my computers (averaging 100 per hour).

b. They are always operating (otherwise no connections are
possible.)

c. The various software firewalls I have tried NEVER report an
intrusion attempts because the attempts are stopped at the router.

e. A router with NAT and DHCP does not inspect outgoing data, so it
does not offer protection against critical information being sent outwards
to the internet nor the use of your system as a 'zombie' by spammers.

f. There are Websites that offer 'port scans' and other tests to
determine how secure your systems are from attack over the Internet
(Symantec, for example, at
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?productid=symhome&langid=ie&venid=sym .


#2. A router can allow more than one computer system to use one Internet
connection. Some ISPs state that multiple computers are not permitted.
Some ISPs will provide you with multiple computer hardware (router) for a
monthly fee. Just ignore these statements. The ISP can't tell if multiple
computers are connected to a router (without more effort than it is worth)
and you don't need their equipment. Usually, when you need support, it
isn't even necessary to bring up that you are using a router than the ISP
did not supply. This is especially true when only one computer is
connected.

Consider a wireless router, even though you may not immediately use the
wireless function.
a.
#3. A software Firewall can keep watch on programs installed in your
computer system that attempt to access the internet, and can be set to allow
only certain programs accessed, and can be set to block types of
information.

#4. Your ISP to be should be able to tell you whether you will get a static
or dynamic IP address, but usually a Static IP address is an added cost
extra. And you likely don't need a Static IP address or the extra cost.

#5. A good up-to-date Antivirus program, always active, and with up-to-date
virus definitions is a must. It must be active ALL THE TIME so that ANY
time an attempt to manipulate (open, save, copy, move, execute) a file it is
scanned. You will see many subjective posts about various brands. Really,
any of a dozen or so Antivirus programs are adequate. There are three main
things to consider.

a. How effective is the program at detecting and blocking the entry
of viruses and other malware?

b. How effective is the program at giving you the protection
choices you want?

c. And less important, how effective is the program at removing
malware that has been activated on your computer system?

#6. Use several additional programs that don't necessarily need to be
continuously active.

a. Anti-spyware (SpyBot Search&Destroy)
b. Anti-adware (AdAware SE by Lavasoft)
Both are well regarded and free.

#7. You may also want to use an ad-blocker, a program that is always active
and stops most ads from appearing on web pages - no pop-up, no banners, no
embedded ads. You will find this improves web surfing quite a bit, both
aesthetically and practically. I like Super Ad Blocker, in part because it
prevents the even the download of an ad, which can reduce the time to
display a web page quite a bit.

#8. As you mention, the KEY is prevention. I haven't had a computer
malware infestation since 1991, and that was transmitted on floppy disk
copies of programs like AutoCAD (bought and used in a country that had no
copyright laws - discarded before leaving), and could have been almost any
type of malware since the programs were deliberately installed.

#9. Keep your Operating System up-to-date, installing all critical security
patches. Don't forget to check for critical security updates for
non-Microsoft applications.

#10. Do NOT log on to your computer with administrator privileges unless
you need to.

#12. Use strong passwords

#13. Require a password to log on to your computer and set up a separate
user accounts for each person.

#14. Things to consider, but that may be too big a pain-in-the-ass to do.
a. Require a boot password
b. Keep your system physically secure
c. Encrypt your sensitive data files

#15. Penultimately, if you are concerned about financial transactions,
contact the financial institutions you use and ask for there policy on theft
from your accounts via stolen passwords and other identification. I don't
think it is necessary to use a separate computer just for financial
transactions; I certainly don't. A better use for your second system-to-be
might be to assign it to your son, along with responsibility for keeping it
malware free. Both systems can be active on the Internet at the same time
through a NAT router. Yes, these days a separate license is required for
each installation of antivirus software, but there are discounted licenses
for 3 copies from Norton Antivirus, for example and also free antivirus
software, AVG, for example.

#16. Ultimately you must determine what balance between comfort and safety
fits your needs.

[You should not use a real email address as your identity to post to Usenet
Newsgroups. Spammers have programs that harvest email addresses from posts
and add this to their lists. Even worse, some Internet Worms (SWEN, for
example) running on infected systems harvest email addresses from Usenet
newsgroup posts and then send infected email to these addresses. Also these
worms use the harvested email addresses as faked 'From:' addresses on the
infected email sent out. Use a domain name that is guaranteed to be invalid
so that neither you nor some innocent (who might have a valid email address
you pick a random) will be hammered by spammers or worms; example.com and
invalid.com are both reserved and cannot be a valid email address.
'(e-mail address removed)' works quite well. If you wish to be contacted
by email, you can place a valid email address in your signature, altered,
but with directions for correction. Example
jimranfordson at yokel.com {replace the ' at ' with '@' and yokel with
yahoo} though this example is self explanatory.



Phil Weldon




| Well, I'm not an internet newbie, but soon I'll be switching to a high
| speed connection for the first time. (cable). I've been reading
| through old posts in this newsgroup and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed
| as if there's no real way to rest assured my PC is protected. I
| couldn't find a FAQ for this group, so I'll gladly go do more research
| if my questions are too basic. In this case a link or reference is
| appreciated along with the flame.
|
| Bascially, what I do on my PC is browse the web and stream online radio
| (via WMP) but I have a son who will ocassionally play online games.
| Although I've been very strict about pirated sofware, every once in a
| while he gives into temptation usually via a friend's CD rather than
| directly downloaded from the Internet. I don't think it's an issue
| anymore, but there's always that slight doubt with teenagers.
| Furthermore, I am not on any kind on LAN. I don't do any kind of
| instant messaging. I have occasionally used IE in FTP mode just to
| upload images to a personal website. (It's just a basic webpage for
| family to see all ISP based). I try to keep plug-ins and 3rd party
| apps to a minimum. I'm on XP (regularly updated) and I use M$ software
| like Outlook Express, IE6 and WMP. I currently use Zone Alarm. I
| haven't consistently used anti-virus software but I ocassionally
| download and run anti-spyware and anti-trojain software. So far I've
| never had a problem, but I guess I've just been lucky.
|
| While I would hate to have to deal with all the problems of a virus
| infection, by far my primary concern is security from someone
| discovering the username and password I use to log into financial
| websites like my local bank or to check my investments. (I only have a
| few thousand invested but it's my money and I'd like to keep it that
| way).
|
| To my understanding, due to high encryption, the only practical way for
| a hacker to steal my username and password would be for them to install
| a text-capturing-application (via some kind of trojain) and have it run
| while I log in then phone home later. Is this bascially true?
|
| To my understanding there are other things I can do to promote
| security, including:
|
| Get a dynamic IP Address.
|
| Get a router even though I don't have a LAN because the router will
| help keep my PC anoynmous, almost like an dynamic IP. Not sure how
| this works.
|
| Get a good Firewall. (I currently run Zone Alarm). For best security
| is it better to get a hardware Firewall or is an updated software
| firewall just as good?
|
| Other than turning the power off, is there a good simple (automated?)
| method for turning off internet access during times when there is no
| reason to be online? My firewall (ZA) has a panic button to block all
| incoming and outgoing transfers. Assuming my firewall hasn't been
| compromised, does this offer the same protection as not being online at
| all?
|
| I'd rather keep using IE and OE and WMP because they are well supported
| and help me to avoid unecessarly hassles with viewing pages or using
| the internet. I feel comfortable using these apps so long as I keep
| them updated.
|
| I have enough componets to build a second PC. I've been considering
| keeping a second PC on hand just for using to check my bank account and
| to check my investments. (I would still use my regular PC for internet
| shopping. I figure if I get hacked and my credit card is compromised at
| least that's fraud protected.)
|
| When I use it I figure I'll directly hook up my secondary PC (rather
| than going through a LAN). I'll set it to automatically update my OS
| and my firewall, virus checker, etc... and then I'll only go online
| long enough to check my account then shut the computer down and
| disconnect again. Is is a practical idea or am I just being paranoid?
| Will I be able to use anti-virus software on two different PCs in this
| manner or will most companies require me to buy to licenses?
|
| Beyond that what does a hacker look for when port scanning or otherwise
| invading a PC. Assuming I ever do get compromised is there anything I
| can do to make my local computer look less inviting? In other words,
| what do hackers look for? How much is protection about keeping
| yourself hidden verses protecting yourself AFTER you've been hacked or
| been infected with a trojain? If I understand better what Hackers are
| looking for I might be able to make myself look like less of a target.
|
| Given my concerns and the old posts I've read from this newsgroup, I'm
| leaning towards Kaspersky for an anti-virus program. However, scanning
| for trojains every hour seems very excessive and draining to processing
| power.
|
| All comments welcome, including those that redirect me to good links
| for more homework.
|
| Thanks
|

 

[YoKenny]

Ed typed:

Start with the biggest risk and work down. Your biggest risk is your
son, so isolate the risk by giving him his own PC.

Next is the outer perimeter. A router will offer you the protection
you require.

Inside the perimeter you have the PCs interface. Software firewalls
will alert you to incoming and outgoing issues, don't forget that you
still need to protect yourself from your son's PC which is also INSIDE
the outer perimeter, hence the software firewall.

On the PCs you will have the usual bunch of anti-virus, anti-spyware
etc. I know it is difficult to move from IE, but I would strongly
recommend going through the pain of swapping to Firefox. It has been
one of the better things that I have done to lessen the chances of
being a browser victim. You *can* secure IE, but just try FF for a
month.

The bottom line is that without going over the top you can be as
secure as is practical, just watch out for that unpredictable human
interface though

PBKAC is the weakest link!
http://www.cryer.co.uk/glossary/p/pbkac.htm

Firefox Myths:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/SupportCD/FirefoxMyths.html

 

[Ed]

Firefox Myths:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/SupportCD/FirefoxMyths.html

I didn't say it was secure, I said it lessens the chances of being a
victim, your average user would be less vulnerable using an alternative
to IE.

 

[Beauregard T. Shagnasty]

I didn't say it was secure, I said it lessens the chances of being a
victim, your average user would be less vulnerable using an
alternative to IE.

From that page:

"All Myths relate to running the default install of Firefox in Windows
with no Extensions."

Is it a myth that a default install of Firefox is less secure than a
default install of IE?

Some of those "myths" are not worth the explanation.

Myth - "Firefox Achieved 10% Market Share in 2005"
and we all know how accurate browser stats are. WebSideStory is used by
my ISP to try to measure stats; it is an intrusive piece of code added
to each page, and doesn't measure anything if JavaScript is off.

Not mentioned is that Firefox can be set to report itself as IE to get
past the clueless browser sniffers on many thousands of web pages. I ran
into one today that rejected Firefox - and Opera - and told me I needed
to *upgrade* to IE 4 or Netscape 4.76.

"Firefox is anything but Secure with multiple unpatched vulnerabilities"

Firefox: http://secunia.com/product/4227/
He says Firefox has 97 vulnerabilities, 63 critical and 1 extremely
critical, while the Secunia page says:
Currently, 4 out of 31 Secunia advisories, are marked as "Unpatched" in
the Secunia database. (3% Extremely Critical)

IE: http://secunia.com/product/11/
Currently, 21 out of 101 Secunia advisories, are marked as "Unpatched"
in the Secunia database. (14% Extremely Critical)

And we know that Firefox issues patches faster than IE.

"Firefox does not Block all Pop-ups."
Well, I just ran through each an every test listed there, and did not
get a single popup window in Firefox. Yes, JavaScript was on. Firefox
was kind enough to place the small bar at the top of the window that
says "Firefox has blocked a popup window" (because I have that option
set).

IE doesn't block any popups.

And the list goes on, but dinner is ready.

 

[someone97]

Well, I'm not an internet newbie, but soon I'll be switching to a high
speed connection for the first time. (cable). I've been reading
through old posts in this newsgroup and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed
as if there's no real way to rest assured my PC is protected. I
couldn't find a FAQ for this group, so I'll gladly go do more research
if my questions are too basic. In this case a link or reference is
appreciated along with the flame.

snip <

Given my concerns and the old posts I've read from this newsgroup, I'm
leaning towards Kaspersky for an anti-virus program. However, scanning
for trojains every hour seems very excessive and draining to processing
power.

I've been using this for six years on W98SE with no problems, including
going from dial-up to broadband. Check it out, it's certainly not
bloatware.

http://www.eset.com/

s97

 

[Offbreed]

"Firefox does not Block all Pop-ups."
Well, I just ran through each an every test listed there, and did not
get a single popup window in Firefox. Yes, JavaScript was on. Firefox
was kind enough to place the small bar at the top of the window that
says "Firefox has blocked a popup window" (because I have that option
set).

IE doesn't block any popups.

I get a couple popups a month with Fire Fox. I can live with that,
especially considering how the blasted things would nearly take over my
old IE install. I had to actually pull the phone cord and reboot, once.

I have not figured out how to deal with that blasted thing to the right
on this site, though:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/mallard.asp

I call that sort of thing a "house cat", because it sort of lays on top
of what I'm trying to look at.

 

[Phil Weldon]

'offbreed' wrote, in part:
| I have not figured out how to deal with that blasted thing to the right
| on this site, though:
|
| http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/mallard.asp
|
| I call that sort of thing a "house cat", because it sort of lays on top
| of what I'm trying to look at.
_____

No pop-ups or ads when I try that site with Internet Explorer. I use an ad
blocker program 'Super Ad Blocker' that so far has blocked all inserted ads
(pop-ups, banners, animation.) Not only does it block ads, it prevents the
ad content from downloading, and thus some pages download quite a bit
faster. A 30 trial is free, after that the cost is $30. It is at least
worth a trial to see what surfing could be like.

Phil Weldon

| Beauregard T. Shagnasty wrote:
|
| > "Firefox does not Block all Pop-ups."
| > Well, I just ran through each an every test listed there, and did not
| > get a single popup window in Firefox. Yes, JavaScript was on. Firefox
| > was kind enough to place the small bar at the top of the window that
| > says "Firefox has blocked a popup window" (because I have that option
| > set).
| >
| > IE doesn't block any popups.
|
| I get a couple popups a month with Fire Fox. I can live with that,
| especially considering how the blasted things would nearly take over my
| old IE install. I had to actually pull the phone cord and reboot, once.
|
| I have not figured out how to deal with that blasted thing to the right
| on this site, though:
|
| http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/mallard.asp
|
| I call that sort of thing a "house cat", because it sort of lays on top
| of what I'm trying to look at.

 

[Beauregard T. Shagnasty]

I get a couple popups a month with Fire Fox. I can live with that,
especially considering how the blasted things would nearly take over
my old IE install. I had to actually pull the phone cord and reboot,
once.

I have not figured out how to deal with that blasted thing to the
right on this site, though:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/mallard.asp

I call that sort of thing a "house cat", because it sort of lays on
top of what I'm trying to look at.

Don't know what you are calling a 'house cat'. On the right of that
seattlepi page, I see a menu of sorts, beginning with "Customize your
content" and "AP: Top Headlines", but it just sits there being
unobtrusive.

You need to be sending the HTTP_REFERER to see the comic (which is a
strange requirement), and with JavaScript either on or off, it's just a
normal page for me. I did refuse the several cookies it wanted to set.

Aside: if you want to disable the HTTP_REFERER (and easily toggle other
stuff), this Moz/Firefox toolbar is very handy.
http://prefbar.mozdev.org/ and a picture of the customize dialog:
http://k75s.home.att.net/images/prefbar.png

 

[Offbreed]

that page (http://img161.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled9jj.png)...
am i simply not recognizing what you're talking about or is it really
not there for me?

It's the "My PI" thing. My screen settings cause it to overlay part of
the last cartoon, sometimes. (This was just the only one I could go back
to quickly as I usually avoid poorly done sites. Gotta get my Duck Fix <G>.)

The computer at work does not even show it, so I sometimes have to use
that one to get the punch line.

 

[Offbreed]

Don't know what you are calling a 'house cat'. On the right of that
seattlepi page, I see a menu of sorts, beginning with "Customize your
content" and "AP: Top Headlines", but it just sits there being
unobtrusive.

That depends on the display settings. I thought it was just a column
width problem that shows up on some of the blogs, but the computer at
work does not show that frame, so I figure it's something else.

You need to be sending the HTTP_REFERER to see the comic (which is a
strange requirement), and with JavaScript either on or off, it's just a
normal page for me. I did refuse the several cookies it wanted to set.

Aside: if you want to disable the HTTP_REFERER (and easily toggle other
stuff), this Moz/Firefox toolbar is very handy.
http://prefbar.mozdev.org/ and a picture of the customize dialog:
http://k75s.home.att.net/images/prefbar.png

That sounds like I'd be getting into something I don't have a clue
about. How long does it take to down load (dial up)? Looks like I can't
down load to install off a flash drive.

 

[kurt wismer]

I get a couple popups a month with Fire Fox. I can live with that,

i don't get any... at all... i suspect because the noscript extension
effectively blocks most if not all popup vectors...

especially considering how the blasted things would nearly take over my
old IE install. I had to actually pull the phone cord and reboot, once.

I have not figured out how to deal with that blasted thing to the right
on this site, though:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/mallard.asp

I call that sort of thing a "house cat", because it sort of lays on top
of what I'm trying to look at.

i don't appear to be seeing that either... here's what i get when i load
that page (http://img161.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled9jj.png)...
am i simply not recognizing what you're talking about or is it really
not there for me?

 

[kurt wismer]

It's the "My PI" thing. My screen settings cause it to overlay part of
the last cartoon, sometimes. (This was just the only one I could go back
to quickly as I usually avoid poorly done sites. Gotta get my Duck Fix
<G>.)

The computer at work does not even show it, so I sometimes have to use
that one to get the punch line.

oh, i see... you want to make it look like this
(http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled23nz.png)

there's an extension called "remove it permanently" that can help with
that... you can right click on it (generally right on the edge, you may
have to experiment a bit to find the spot that will select the entire
thing) and choose the remove it permanently option and it's gone... i
seem to recall there was another one that would actually let you resize
or even move (i think) such elements, but i don't remember what it was
called exactly (maybe platypus?)...

 

[=?ISO-8859-1?Q?=BBQ=AB?=]

oh, i see... you want to make it look like this
(http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled23nz.png)

there's an extension called "remove it permanently" that can help
with that... you can right click on it (generally right on the
edge, you may have to experiment a bit to find the spot that will
select the entire thing) and choose the remove it permanently
option and it's gone... i seem to recall there was another one
that would actually let you resize or even move (i think) such
elements, but i don't remember what it was called exactly (maybe
platypus?)...

Yeah, Platypus in conjunction with Greasemonkey. Greasemonkey allows
you to run your own javascript on a given page, and Platypus provides a
WYSIWYG-ish editor for Greasemonkey scripts. So you can use scripts to
rearrange pages.

Stylish is another extension that can help -- it makes managing user
stylesheets easy.

Offbreed, if that My PI sidebar is the only thing bugging you, you can
get rid of it without messing with extensions. If it's not already
there, add a userContent.css file in the chrome subdirectory of your
Firefox profile, and put this in it:

@-moz-document url-prefix(http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/mallard)
{ #mypi { display: none !important } }

Change the url-prefix part to just http://seattlepi if you never want
to see the My PI sidebar thingy on any of their pages. (Well, it may
come back if there's a site redesign.)

 

[Offbreed]

Yeah, Platypus in conjunction with Greasemonkey. Greasemonkey allows
you to run your own javascript on a given page, and Platypus provides a
WYSIWYG-ish editor for Greasemonkey scripts. So you can use scripts to
rearrange pages.

Stylish is another extension that can help -- it makes managing user
stylesheets easy.

Offbreed, if that My PI sidebar is the only thing bugging you, you can
get rid of it without messing with extensions. If it's not already
there, add a userContent.css file in the chrome subdirectory of your
Firefox profile, and put this in it:

@-moz-document url-prefix(http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/mallard)
{ #mypi { display: none !important } }

Change the url-prefix part to just http://seattlepi if you never want
to see the My PI sidebar thingy on any of their pages. (Well, it may
come back if there's a site redesign.)

Many thanks.

I figure advertising is the cost of reading free content, but I'm seldom
at a site to read the advertising. Sloppy work like that is annoying.

 

[Offbreed]

oh, i see... you want to make it look like this
(http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled23nz.png)

Yes, that's it. (Speaking of popups, Fire fox does not seem to block
that advertising that loads right after imageshack.)

there's an extension called "remove it permanently" that can help with
that... you can right click on it (generally right on the edge, you may
have to experiment a bit to find the spot that will select the entire
thing) and choose the remove it permanently option and it's gone... i
seem to recall there was another one that would actually let you resize
or even move (i think) such elements, but i don't remember what it was
called exactly (maybe platypus?)...

Sounds handy, either way. Thanks.