getting rid of freedom security

[colleen jameson]

i purchased my computer in feb of 2003. several months
after having it something called freedom security popped
up. i never use it. lately when i turn on my computer it
tells me freedom: error loading data file. i contacted hp
support they said it was microsoft product. i called
microsoft support and was told freedom security (zero-
knowledge) was not a microsoft product. my question is can
i delete it and not harm my computer. please respomd
quickly,
colleen jameson
(e-mail address removed)

 

[MCR]

i purchased my computer in feb of 2003. several months
after having it something called freedom security popped
up. i never use it. lately when i turn on my computer it
tells me freedom: error loading data file. i contacted hp
support they said it was microsoft product. i called
microsoft support and was told freedom security (zero-
knowledge) was not a microsoft product. my question is can
i delete it and not harm my computer. please respomd
quickly,
colleen jameson
(e-mail address removed)

Could it be this?

http://www.freedom.net/

If it is, install it (again) and then remove it with the add/remove
tools in control panel

 

[CWatters]

You can find info on "Freedom Security" programs here ...

http://www.freedom.net/

They appear to offer a collection of programs, including antivirus S/W.
Given the date now (feb 04) and the date you purchased your computer (feb
03) it sounds like you were given one years free subscription to this anti
virus programt. Or perhaps someone installed it for you back then? That free
subscription may just have expired hence the error message (although most
anti virus programs give you a more sensible message like "Your subscription
has expired"!).

It might be unwise to uninstall Freedom Security unless you know you have
(or buy) an alternative anti virus program. There are plenty of alternative
anti virus programs around. This free one has had some good reviews..

http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

... although I use the latest version of "Norton Antivirus" myself, It's
available at all good computer stores as they say. Its not free and you have
to buy a subscription to get updates after the initial free period.

Colin (not an MVP)

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

See the AdAware section -

*** Good security housekeeping tips, in no particular order: ***

* See http://securityadmin.info/faq.htm

* Go to www.lavasoftusa.com and download AdAware...install, launch, update &
run it. This will rid your computer of spyware/adware. Also might want to
try SpyBot Search&Destroy as it will sometimes find things AdAware can't
(and vice versa)

* Use antivirus software (www.grisoft.com has a freebie) and update it
regularly - at least once a week; daily if possible.

* Use a good firewall to block access to your computer from the Internet
(www.sygate.com is a decent freebie for a standalone workstation; hardware
appliances are a better choice for networks). For software firewalls, see
BlackIce or the freebie at www.sygate.com - but you do get what you pay for.
For a good hardware firewall, see NetGear or Linksys or DLink - they all
make easy to use products, but make sure they're true firewalls and not just
NAT devices, as those are not going to stop anyone. Expect to pay about
$100-$120 USD for a good hardware firewall.

* Get a popup blocker to stop IE popups, such as www.panicware.com (they
offer a free one) or try the new Google toolbar 2.0 which does the same
thing (and is just plain cool)

* Run Windows Update regularly (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) to get
all the latest patches for your operating system.

* See http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm for lots of information on
browser hijacking and how to stop it

* Do not use Imesh or Kazaa any other peer-to-peer file sharing software,
ever.

* Do not use Hotbar.