Google

This is the standard message I send to the people who post on TomCoyote.com when asked what do I do now you have helped me clean my computer.

 

  1. On a regular basis, please navigate to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and download all the "critical updates" for Windows, including the latest version of Internet Explorer. This can patch many of the security holes through which attackers can gain access to your computer.
  2. In order to protect yourself against spyware, you should consider installing and running the following free programs:
     
    1. Ad-Aware SE. A tutorial on using Ad-Aware to remove spyware from your computer may be found here. You have this installed currently. Please keep it updated and run it on a regular basis.
    2. Spybot-Search & Destroy. A tutorial on using Spybot to remove spyware from your computer may be found here. Please also remember to enable Spybot's "Immunize" and "TeaTimer" features. You have this installed currently. Please keep it updated and run it on a regular basis.
    3. SpywareBlaster. A tutorial on using SpywareBlaster to prevent spyware from ever installing on your computer may be found here.
    4. SpywareGuard. A tutorial on using SpywareGuard for realtime protection against spyware and hijackers may be found here.
       

    Keeping these programs up-to-date and running them regularly can prevent a great deal of spyware hassle.

     

  3. Please consider using an alternate browser. Mozilla's Firefox browser is fantastic; it is much more secure than Internet Explorer, immune to almost all known browser hijackers, and also has the best built-in popup blocker (as an added benefit!) that I have ever seen. If you are interested, Firefox may be downloaded from here.   Opera is also a very good option, free as well!
  4. Also make sure to run your antivirus software regularly, and to keep it up-to-date.
  5. Finally, consider maintaining a firewall. Some good free firewalls are ZoneAlarm and Sunbelt. A tutorial on understanding and using firewalls may be found here.

 You can never have enough security!

© 2005-07  All rights reserved.
 Revised: 01/27/08 01:45:53 -0600.