The problem is that somewhere along the way, ad companies installed spyware
on your PC (while you were using IE). It frequently happens during a "free"
product download.
You are not alone.
There are a number of insidious ways these creeps get into your system.
1. - The winpop messenger back door. This is the plain messenger type pop up
(black type on a gray message box) this is actually a "trojan" hijack type
event (invasion) and not a traditional pop-up ad. For this you will need a
fire wall. If you have high speed Internet access, your ISP may have one
built into your router which may only need to be updated, a free solution.
Otherwise, there is software. I have had great success using Norton Personal
Firewall by Symantec, available everywhere. I think it's about $75, but well
worth it. Nobody gets in. There may be some cheaper firewall solutions out
there.
2. Pop-up ads are different. The colorful HTML ads jump out constantly as
you browse. For that, I use a product you will find all over this newsgroup
called adaware. It is highly effective at removing spyware (which generates
the bulk of pop up ads). The basic version is free from Lavasoft
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/. It works.
3. Email SPAM. The worst for me. Until now. If you are having a fit with
spammers too, I am VERY happy with spamfighter, also free. Available at
www.spamfighter.com.
Knock 'em dead!
Regards,
Greg Miller
(e-mail address removed)
