My privacy

[Jimmy]

I am a very concern and cautious internet surfer. And
occationally, I would download something that I feel safe
doing. I doublethink about the download before I do it.
Other than that, I just go online to get information and
research. But recently, I have just got attacked by
a "spyware" and a toolbar was installed on my computer
without my consent. The spyware was also installed
without my computer. Therefore, I downloaded a software
that is suppose to delete the spyware and parasites.
Parasites? I have heard of viruses, worms, and trojans
but not parasites. I felt like someone just got hold of
all the information on my computer and took it away from
me. The wierd things is that my Win XP firewall was on
at the time and that did not prevent the spyware and
toolbar from being installed on my computer. In short I
have a few questions:

What is a parasite and what can I do about it?

I have suppositily uninstalled the spyware with the
spyware's down load from its site. Do you think I have
successfully deleted the spyware?

Most importantly, what can I do to prevent this and
something similar from happening again?

Thanks...and HELP!!!

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Jimmy;
Spyware and parasites are synonymous.

#5 & #6 on this link refer to a couple spyware removers.
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/Slowcom.htm
You should update it weekly and run it occasionally as well.

Most spyware is not stopped by firewalls.
Normally spyware is installed with your permission (you click an
acceptance and often do not realize it.)

Also see:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/Security.htm

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

How can I harden my computer or server to secure it from hackers?
http://securityadmin.info/faq4.asp#harden

To secure your computer and prevent future security breeches,
consider installing a first-rate internet security program:

Norton Internet Security 2004
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/nis_pe/

-- Includes Norton AntiVirus 2004
-- Includes Norton Personal Firewall
-- Includes prevention of annoying web pop-ups
-- Includes Parental Controls
-- All in one, easy-to-install package


--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

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| I am a very concern and cautious internet surfer. And
| occationally, I would download something that I feel safe
| doing. I doublethink about the download before I do it.
| Other than that, I just go online to get information and
| research. But recently, I have just got attacked by
| a "spyware" and a toolbar was installed on my computer
| without my consent. The spyware was also installed
| without my computer. Therefore, I downloaded a software
| that is suppose to delete the spyware and parasites.
| Parasites? I have heard of viruses, worms, and trojans
| but not parasites. I felt like someone just got hold of
| all the information on my computer and took it away from
| me. The wierd things is that my Win XP firewall was on
| at the time and that did not prevent the spyware and
| toolbar from being installed on my computer. In short I
| have a few questions:
|
| What is a parasite and what can I do about it?
|
| I have suppositily uninstalled the spyware with the
| spyware's down load from its site. Do you think I have
| successfully deleted the spyware?
|
| Most importantly, what can I do to prevent this and
| something similar from happening again?
|
| Thanks...and HELP!!!