Possible spyware infection

[Guest]

I am currently running windows/xp home edition w/service pac2. I was once
told by a Dell techician upon checking my IP address:

Ethernet Adapter Local area connection: in submask colume, 255.255.0.0.
P.P.P. adapter Verizon: submask, 255.255.255.255. She said that these
numbers represent spyware in the system. They are not supposed to be of the
same sequence of #'s as stated above. Can anyone shed some light on this
matter. and what measures can be taken to get rid of it? Thanks to any valid
help, it would be greatly appreciated.

p.s. I have: CNET PRO200WL FAST ETHERNET ADAPTER

 

[Guest]

Forget what urban wyths may have been espoused. Basically:

1. The IP address / subnet mask for most home users is pretty much standard
if you have set up a small office or home network using XPs Network Setup
Wizard.

or

2. If you use an ethernet cnnection between the PC and DSL or Cable modem,
then the IP address / subnet mask for that connection is assigned by the ISP.

To be sure that you are kept free and safe from Spyware, Scumware, Adware or
whaterver else you wish to call that range of nastieness, get hold of Spybot
Search and Destroy.