internet tracking

[Guest]

I'm using xp pro fully updated/patched behind a firewall router and ZA latest
version
I have a question about how various web sites get ahold of your e-mail
address.
I don't visit porno sites, nor questionable sites, but still I get filth
spam, and generic spam, I don't use my valid e-mail address for posting
questions, nor answers, so how the blanky blank do these filth spammers get
my e-mail address??
some are broadcast to undisclosed receipent so that I understand, but not
the ones directed to me...
if I do not use my pc for a few days the filth dwindles down, but when I use
the internet for anything, I suddenly get swamped with it.

 

[Poprivet]

I'm using xp pro fully updated/patched behind a firewall router and
ZA latest version
I have a question about how various web sites get ahold of your e-mail
address.
I don't visit porno sites, nor questionable sites, but still I get
filth spam, and generic spam, I don't use my valid e-mail address for
posting questions, nor answers, so how the blanky blank do these
filth spammers get my e-mail address??
some are broadcast to undisclosed receipent so that I understand, but
not the ones directed to me...
if I do not use my pc for a few days the filth dwindles down, but
when I use the internet for anything, I suddenly get swamped with it.

That's a good description, BTW.

You DO just delete the spam, and never resond to it and never use their
Remove links, right?

If it really does increase when you use the net and decrease when you don't,
then it's because you have malware installed on your machine. Something is
reporting your activity somewhere that is triggering the spam. That's also
how your address is getting spread around. It's unusual for spam to come
and go with usage, but it's definitely possible.
Either way:

Your firewall setup is good; I assume you have a NAT router? Even better.
But you don't mention antivirus software. Although this problem likely is
not a virus, you DO still need it, for several reasons. Be sure it's
updated and then run a full scan. AVG is a decent and free one.

What you most likely have though, is malware known as spyware. It's easy to
become infested. To get rid of that, you may need three or four different
but free apps. Try installing these:
Adaware - lavasoft.com
Spybot Search & Destroy spybot.com
Spyware Blaster - forget where; google for it.
Winpatrol - winpatrol.com. Great for lots of things, will monitor for
malware starting up. Very powerful application.
There are many more available; it often takes at least two of these to
find all of the malware on a machine.

Be certain everything is updated and then run each one. Don't be alarmed if
they find quite a few things if you've never used them before.

HTH
Pop`