Bah! Spyware. Whinging ahead!

[Inconsequenti-AL]

Tried to log onto the internet about 2 hours ago... for a quick ENWorld browse. My browser collapsed under 200 ft of spyware, spewed forth a couple of pitiful messageboxes and then gave up.

The next hour and a half went something like: spybot, reboot, adaware, reboot, spybot, etc, vomit, etc... until the last persistant little blighter was removed (Huntbar). Can anyone think of a better way to spend a Monday evening?

Here's some sensible options:
1) Get a non microsoft browser.
2) Check for spyware when the thing starts to slow down, rather than when it implodes.
3) Get a non microsoft operating system. One made out of Linux or Wicker or Something.

Although I'm considering plan 3:

Build some really clever tracking software.
Use it to hunt down spyware writers.
Go round their house.
Put piles of MY rubbish on THEIR lawn.
See how much they like it.
Laugh.

Anyway, that's enough whining. I need some sleep!

 

[jaerdaph]

Here's a tip I picked up when cleaning my sister's computer up over Christmas: Disconnect your computer from the Internet (if you have DSL or Cable) and then start Windows in Safe mode. Then run Spybot and Ad-Aware while in Safe mode. That cleans up a lot of stuff you can't get rid of in normal Windows mode.

 

[Inconsequenti-AL]

Here's a tip I picked up when cleaning my sister's computer up over Christmas: Disconnect your computer from the Internet (if you have DSL or Cable) and then start Windows in Safe mode. Then run Spybot and Ad-Aware while in Safe mode. That cleans up a lot of stuff you can't get rid of in normal Windows mode.

Thanks very much! I'm going to try that now. Noticed that one of the little beasties has resurfaced on my toolbar.



I've decided to change my plan.

Instead of dumping my rubbish on their lawn... it's going to be my governments rubbish. Lets see how they like a fun packed dose of radiation poisoning!

 

[Inconsequenti-AL]

I gave it a go... a whole new list appeared.

Just looked again and they're all back. Guess there's something lurking away that my software can't find.

So far, it's been Spybot and Ad-Aware...

Anyone know any other solution I could try?

Anyway, definitely off to bed for me, else I'll turn into a pumpkin.

 

[Krieg]

Anyone know any other solution I could try?

Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta

Spyware Doctor

 

[rushlight]

Hijack This! is also good for finding things that are running or start up on reboot. That stops the proggie from running, so you can kill it eaiser.

 

[GlassJaw]

I won't connect my computer to the internet without a Linsys router/firewall.

I don't even have Ad-Aware on my comp.

 

[Lasher Dragon]

As above, with my router/firewall combo I rarely have spyware anymore. I have a cheapo DLink router and I use ZoneAlarm Pro. However, when I DID have to deal with spyware, I preferred Spysweeper.

 

[Lefferts]

A guy from work told me about this one. It will find viruses and Spyware, but only
disinfect viruses. It found a couple Spyware after I ran Norton, Spybot, Adaware, and
the Microsoft Beta.

http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm

 

[caudor]

Thank goodness my mother has a Mac; she has no spyware problems. It sounds like you already own a PC, so getting a Mac is probably not a cost effective solution for you(especially if you like eTools or PC games).

Short of that, those suggesting a router/firewall for future protection are right on the money. I've read that switching from IE to another browser might help as well.