Undetectable viruses and the most brutal ones

[ItwouldRuin]

Hello!

My question is if there are any viruses that can’t be detached from the computer. And what virus is the most vicious? I’ve heard some bringing up “CIH”…

Thanks.

:D

[vecchio]

Hi
You can have the best programs in the machine, but a inviolable group of programs does not exist
In my opinion ,The Boot sector viruses are the most difficult to remove
Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Thanks for the information. In passing, what kind of viruses are these that you're talking about?

[vecchio]

Hi
This kind of viruses stay on the boot sector of the computer. this means the virus can be re activated every time you restart your computer , even if your av have cleaned this
Avast have boot scanner feature and works very very well(sometimes it work better than some paid versions)
You maybe also will wish read about this additional defense program
http://www.threatfire.com/


Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Hi
This kind of viruses stay on the boot sector of the computer. this means the virus can be re activated every time you restart your computer , even if your av have cleaned this
Avast have boot scanner feature and works very very well(sometimes it work better than some paid versions)
You maybe also will wish read about this additional defense program
http://www.threatfire.com/


Hope this helps

Well, how can you get rid of them, then? In passing, is "Threatfire" any good?

[vecchio]

Well, how can you get rid of them, then? In passing, is "Threatfire" any good?
Well, to get rid of viruses, Please read
-DOnt open suspicious mail attachments
-Dont browse suspicious sites(especially porn and crack sites)
-Change your web browser to Firefox
-Use a good av as avast or pctav
Threatfire can block a speciall kind of malware called "rootkits"
This is very hard to be detect by some av programs
Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Well, to get rid of viruses, Please read
-DOnt open suspicious mail attachments
-Dont browse suspicious sites(especially porn and crack sites)
-Change your web browser to Firefox
-Use a good av as avast or pctav
Threatfire can block a speciall kind of malware called "rootkits"
This is very hard to be detect by some av programs
Hope this helps

Is Firefox greater than Internet? Does Threatfire detect all kind of rootkits?

[vecchio]

FIrefox is better than ie in many ways
It does not have the ie security holes
Hence you will have more safety to browse the web using firefox
As i said before you should not imagine to "always" be protected by some program because inviolable program doesn't exist.Then I am not sure that the program detects "everything."But I can say that detects many types of rootkitts
Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

So you can't be entirely safe from viruses. Not even with ten programs installed?

[vecchio]

So you can't be entirely safe from viruses. Not even with ten programs installed?
Yes, Unfortunatelly you are right
Also i sugest you use only one type of program in order to avoid slow downs ,bsod and conflicts
I mean,to use 1 av program 1 antispy program AND Threatfire

Please note,Threatfire should not cause conflicts as it is an complement for your protection
Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Yes, Unfortunatelly you are right
Also i sugest you use only one type of program in order to avoid slow downs ,bsod and conflicts
I mean,to use 1 av program 1 antispy program AND Threatfire

Please note,Threatfire should not cause conflicts as it is an complement for your protection
Hope this helps

Do you think that rootkits will be an enormous problem in the future?

[vecchio]

Hi
Yes . in fact i think rootkts already are a big problem,and as i said,only a few programs can detect it today
So, i sugest to you yes to use Threatfire
Hope this helps

[Phenom]

I would use ESET and Prevx also ThreatFire. :)

[vecchio]

I would use ESET and Prevx also ThreatFire. :)
Good combo,but i sugest to ItwouldRuin use pctav here http://www.pctools.com/free-antivirus/
And Threatfire from here http://www.threatfire.com/
Hope it helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Well, are these rootkits destructive?

[Reodor]

Nothing is 100% secure, whatever people say.
There is only one way to avoid dying - not to be born!
Use a computer, sooner or later You will get some sort of 'infection' and if unlucky - it 'dies'. No 'doctors' may cure everything, no 'medicine' may prevent everything.
Accept the fact that the comps might need a format now and then, and learn 'how to' before You are there.

[ItwouldRuin]

Nothing is 100% secure, whatever people say.
There is only one way to avoid dying - not to be born!
Use a computer, sooner or later You will get some sort of 'infection' and if unlucky - it 'dies'. No 'doctors' may cure everything, no 'medicine' may prevent everything.
Accept the fact that the comps might need a format now and then, and learn 'how to' before You are there.

I’m aware of the safety – nothing is 100 % safe. Well, too bad you can’t be 100 % protected if you’ve got many programs installed. In passing, what, according to you, is the most horrible thing that a virus may do? Formatting the hard rive, stealing passwords?

If I have the greatest antivirus program installed on my computer and visiting risky sites, can’t I be sure that I’m not getting infected?

:)

[Reodor]

If You like the 'risky' places, my suggestion is to buy a 'cheap' comp as a risky-comp. Download the files You want to Your 'safe' comp after scanning. Keep Your safe comp off the risky places. Use multiple e-mail addresses, one for 'safe' contacts, one for the 'fun and risky' ones.
The more You add of security, the slower the comp, or the more 'power' You need to add to make it work. Most security programs offer 3 license version close to the cost of 1, so that is no big deal.
That said, my Compaq presently running PCTIS has been in quite some places it perhaps should not have been, and has been running un-formatted for the last 3 years. The reason for the last 'format' was the hard disk broke down in the middle of Pacific, Marquesas Islands, as I used it for navigation purpose. I guess thunderstorms, saltwater and falling off the chart table too many times was a bit too much!

[ItwouldRuin]

If You like the 'risky' places, my suggestion is to buy a 'cheap' comp as a risky-comp. Download the files You want to Your 'safe' comp after scanning. Keep Your safe comp off the risky places. Use multiple e-mail addresses, one for 'safe' contacts, one for the 'fun and risky' ones.
The more You add of security, the slower the comp, or the more 'power' You need to add to make it work. Most security programs offer 3 license version close to the cost of 1, so that is no big deal.
That said, my Compaq presently running PCTIS has been in quite some places it perhaps should not have been, and has been running un-formatted for the last 3 years. The reason for the last 'format' was the hard disk broke down in the middle of Pacific, Marquesas Islands, as I used it for navigation purpose. I guess thunderstorms, saltwater and falling off the chart table too many times was a bit too much!

That's a good idea, Reodor! :)
However, when you scan a file and it doesn't appear to be any virus in the file, can you be sure that it isn't infected or that it's not a virus? :confused:

[vecchio]

Take ONE (and just one) av program And trust it
If a good Av cant find a infection on the file you not have a virus
You dont need (and dont have) scan your computer with multiple av programs
And as reodor says, keep in mind you WILL have to formatt the machine some day sometime
Hope This helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Take ONE (and just one) av program And trust it
If a good Av cant find a infection on the file you not have a virus
You dont need (and dont have) scan your computer with multiple av programs
And as reodor says, keep in mind you WILL have to formatt the machine some day sometime
Hope This helps

For what reason? :confused:

[vecchio]

The reason why you have to use only one av program (and,in my opinion one antispy program also) using 2 av together will cause bsod and conflicts
The reason why to have to format the machine is the several programs that you install and it uninstalls along the time can make slow computer and sometimes a registry clean tool maybe dont solve your problem,so the only way to fix it is formatt the machine
Also,sometimes if you cannot clean some infection,format is the only way to see your computer work again



Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

The reason why you have to use only one av program (and,in my opinion one antispy program also) using 2 av together will cause bsod and conflicts
The reason why to have to format the machine is the several programs that you install and it uninstalls along the time can make slow computer and sometimes a registry clean tool maybe dont solve your problem,so the only way to fix it is formatt the machine
Also,sometimes if you cannot clean some infection,format is the only way to see your computer work again



Hope this helps

So, is your computer entirely cleaned from viruses after doing that?

[vecchio]

If your question is about if the computer should be clean after a formatt,the answer is yes
Hope this helps

[swannie]

A format may be inevitable but it's good to put it off as long as possible. I have to say that with PCTIS Beta + TF add on everything here is running smoothly and in the last three years or so with SD+AV I haven't had any problem requiring a format. Long may it last!

[ItwouldRuin]

Entirely clean? As if you bought it yesterday?

[ItwouldRuin]

A format may be inevitable but it's good to put it off as long as possible. I have to say that with PCTIS Beta + TF add on everything here is running smoothly and in the last three years or so with SD+AV I haven't had any problem requiring a format. Long may it last!

Nice! :cool:

[Reodor]

Entirely clean? As if you bought it yesterday?

For the moment I would say my Dell works better than when I first started it.
Reason: I have got rid of a lot of bundled software that came with the package!
After almost 2 years with McAfee (Dell suite) and now PCTIS + TF (Beta) still no sign of infections.
'Infections' that slows down Your comp may not only be viruses/Trojans etc but as well remains of old programs, uninstalled programs, old up-dates etc.
Have a look in Your 'installed programs' in controle panel and check how many Java updates and 'old versions, Adobe updates etc that You find. Sometimes it maight pay off to uninstall all Java/Adobe etc, then do a complete cleanup of the comp, (CCleaner??), then reinstall from scratch latest version. What really messes up is old printer software, HP is among the worst!
Sometimes just formatting is the easiest way to 'clean' up.

[swannie]

Agree with you there about HP software! I had to spend a lot of time getting rid of it and it was taking up a lot of space. Then I bought a new printer (again HP) and managed to just download direct from the site the software I needed.
I run CCleaner quite often to get rid of the junk, too.

[jpkones]

I'm just joining the forum here to ask about something else - but I saw this thread and wanted to give you my two cents because I had a similar very annoying problem at the beginning of the year-

Totally agree with what vecchio is saying - however you should also consider "spyware" which frankly is a lot more common than "viruses."

What happened to me is that my computer was SO SLOW I was freaking out :mad: - I mean I literally could not open Firefox without waiting 60 seconds - and this was for a computer I bought in 2007!!! i tried running all this antivirus stuff and it never detected anything and I was going nuts from it...

Finally someone told me about spyware, and when I ran this program from lavasoft - called adalert
it detected all this crap on my system and removed it for me - it was the ONLY thing that worked... good luck, hope it works for you.

jpk

[gringopig]

For the moment I would say my Dell works better than when I first started it.
Reason: I have got rid of a lot of bundled software that came with the package!
After almost 2 years with McAfee (Dell suite) and now PCTIS + TF (Beta) still no sign of infections.
'Infections' that slows down Your comp may not only be viruses/Trojans etc but as well remains of old programs, uninstalled programs, old up-dates etc.
Have a look in Your 'installed programs' in controle panel and check how many Java updates and 'old versions, Adobe updates etc that You find. Sometimes it maight pay off to uninstall all Java/Adobe etc, then do a complete cleanup of the comp, (CCleaner??), then reinstall from scratch latest version. What really messes up is old printer software, HP is among the worst!
Sometimes just formatting is the easiest way to 'clean' up.

I agree!
When I bought my Dell Dimension, I was unaware as to the mess my OS was in 'out the box'. The first thing that happened was that the Norton Internet Security 2005 package that was installed with a 3 yr license broke and reported an error on startup constantly.
I soon learned that a clean install using the XP disk was a necessity - and easy once you know how. It taught me how to install drivers and be VERY careful what software I used. I have had legit applications BSOD Windows: Webroot's SpySweeper most notably! LOL!! This was worse than ANY infection you could pick up...
I would advise anyone to clean install. Pick up all yr chipset, video/sound drivers, network card and any drivers required to access a RAID/SCSI drive and store them on a USB drive. Back up all yr data to an external drive and write down all the programs you want to be installed.
It may take several attempts to get this right but it is really worth it. You also get the opportunity to see in real time how security products slow yr system down. See how quickly Windows boots with default settings! Even Vista is speedy and impressive...
My favourite tools:
Norton Ghost 12, Kaspersky IS 7, Spyware Doctor 5.5.1.322 and Sandboxie.
I use Firefox and Siteadvisor too.

I've not had a problem in years.
:D

[ItwouldRuin]

Is there any virus that may 'kill' a computer? :)

[ItwouldRuin]

For the moment I would say my Dell works better than when I first started it.
Reason: I have got rid of a lot of bundled software that came with the package!
After almost 2 years with McAfee (Dell suite) and now PCTIS + TF (Beta) still no sign of infections.
'Infections' that slows down Your comp may not only be viruses/Trojans etc but as well remains of old programs, uninstalled programs, old up-dates etc.
Have a look in Your 'installed programs' in controle panel and check how many Java updates and 'old versions, Adobe updates etc that You find. Sometimes it maight pay off to uninstall all Java/Adobe etc, then do a complete cleanup of the comp, (CCleaner??), then reinstall from scratch latest version. What really messes up is old printer software, HP is among the worst!
Sometimes just formatting is the easiest way to 'clean' up.

Nice! Do you know how to get rid of them?

[ItwouldRuin]

I'm just joining the forum here to ask about something else - but I saw this thread and wanted to give you my two cents because I had a similar very annoying problem at the beginning of the year-

Totally agree with what vecchio is saying - however you should also consider "spyware" which frankly is a lot more common than "viruses."

What happened to me is that my computer was SO SLOW I was freaking out :mad: - I mean I literally could not open Firefox without waiting 60 seconds - and this was for a computer I bought in 2007!!! i tried running all this antivirus stuff and it never detected anything and I was going nuts from it...

Finally someone told me about spyware, and when I ran this program from lavasoft - called adalert)
it detected all this crap on my system and removed it for me - it was the ONLY thing that worked... good luck, hope it works for you.

jpk

Nice! :cool:

[PJWilkin]

I had a clients laptop that could not run a VPN client
on checking one task was taking a lot of CPU time
it turned out to be a new bit of spyware

Needless to say, stopping the task, deleting the registry keys and files solved the issues

Anti-Spyware and Anti-virus help protect .. As long as your signature files/engines are up to date

The moral is, run upto date A/V and Anti-spyware, and even then it may be you have a "new" infection that is not been "fixed" yet.

A good knowledge of your system, and a quick google can often help

[Ditto]

Back up all yr data to an external drive and write down all the programs you want to be installed.


Make sure to make a backup onto two external HDD if you have really important data at hands. External HDD will FAIL you, I've seen alot of hardware issue with external HDDs. I thought they are fail-safe resolutions...

[Reodor]

Nice! Do you know how to get rid of them?

Use CCleaner, EUsing or similar clean-up programs. Download Belarc or Hi-Jack this and find out what is running. If You find reamains of old uninstalled programs, get rid of it. As mentioned earlier HP is a pain in the xyy, but that even goes for a lot of security programs. McAfee leaves quite a mess and so does Norton. When searching for cleaners on Google, use McAfee site advisor to keep You clear of some of the traps.

[ItwouldRuin]

Use CCleaner, EUsing or similar clean-up programs. Download Belarc or Hi-Jack this and find out what is running. If You find reamains of old uninstalled programs, get rid of it. As mentioned earlier HP is a pain in the xyy, but that even goes for a lot of security programs. McAfee leaves quite a mess and so does Norton. When searching for cleaners on Google, use McAfee site advisor to keep You clear of some of the traps.

So, we need more than just an antivirus program? :confused:

[ItwouldRuin]

I had a clients laptop that could not run a VPN client
on checking one task was taking a lot of CPU time
it turned out to be a new bit of spyware

Needless to say, stopping the task, deleting the registry keys and files solved the issues

Anti-Spyware and Anti-virus help protect .. As long as your signature files/engines are up to date

The moral is, run upto date A/V and Anti-spyware, and even then it may be you have a "new" infection that is not been "fixed" yet.

A good knowledge of your system, and a quick google can often help

Isn't that a bit risky? :confused:

[Reodor]

So, we need more than just an antivirus program? :confused:
What You might need the most is to learn how to behave on the net.
-Don't open 'spam' e-mails and attachments from other than known sources. Remember a lot of 'jokes' from friends might turn out to be 'bad jokes'.
-Don't click on 'good' offers.
-Don't install programs You do not know is secure, which happens quite often.
-Don't allow 'active-x' to be installed to watch video's etc.
Use common sense.

[vecchio]

Hi
And definitively don't use 2 antivirus programs

[ItwouldRuin]

What You might need the most is to learn how to behave on the net.
-Don't open 'spam' e-mails and attachments from other than known sources. Remember a lot of 'jokes' from friends might turn out to be 'bad jokes'.
-Don't click on 'good' offers.
-Don't install programs You do not know is secure, which happens quite often.
-Don't allow 'active-x' to be installed to watch video's etc.
Use common sense.

Hi!

I have knowledge of that. Nevertheless, you know, if you purchase an exceedingly costly antivirus program, don't you suppose that whatever you do online, you'll be guarded? Moreover, how do I not permit "active-x" to be installed? What is it? :)

[ItwouldRuin]

Hi
And definitively don't use 2 antivirus programs

People have given me advice about danger. May I ask you what the authentic reason is? :confused: I mean, by doing that, can my computer crash? :eek:

[vecchio]

This is a specific kind of files which can be dangerous for the computer under some specific circunstances.Normally the page will warning you about the instalation of active x files. You must alow this only if you know the source(microsoft,Mcafee..)
And about the av.Please note,Even you have one of the most respectable av programs you will have your machine infected if you dont browse the web carefully
Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Well, what about these, let us say "disguished" viruses, that aren't able to be discovered? Or is "Windows Task Manager" able to discover all? Or do you need a unique program? What are your thoughts? :D

[ItwouldRuin]

This is a specific kind of files which can be dangerous for the computer under some specific circunstances.Normally the page will warning you about the instalation of active x files. You must alow this only if you know the source(microsoft,Mcafee..)
And about the av.Please note,Even you have one of the most respectable av programs you will have your machine infected if you dont browse the web carefully
Hope this helps

That's, somewhat, fascinating. So, they aren't capable of obstructing everything? :(

[gringopig]

That's, somewhat, fascinating. So, they aren't capable of obstructing everything? :(

Best thing for you to do would be to use sandboxie: http://www.sandboxie.com/ and use a sandboxed browser. All the changes and infections will be discarded afterwards...

The browser will operate in a sectioned off area and when the 'sandbox' is emptied - out go the nasties, if any!
:-)

[vecchio]

A clean computer is the dream of all. But please note ,keep your computer clean,it depends of you use reliable programs and the way of you browse the web
Browse the web carefuly
Hope this helps

[vecchio]

People have given me advice about danger. May I ask you what the authentic reason is? :confused: I mean, by doing that, can my computer crash? :eek:
Using two antivirus programs is dangerous This will not crash your hardware,but it will cause conflicts,bsod and so , eventual lost of data and important files
Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Best thing for you to do would be to use sandboxie: http://www.sandboxie.com/ and use a sandboxed browser. All the changes and infections will be discarded afterwards...

The browser will operate in a sectioned off area and when the 'sandbox' is emptied - out go the nasties, if any!
:-)

That's imposing! What is it? :)

[ItwouldRuin]

Using two antivirus programs is dangerous This will not crash your hardware,but it will cause conflicts,bsod and so , eventual lost of data and important files
Hope this helps

Thanks - it truly did! :)

[ItwouldRuin]

A clean computer is the dream of all. But please note ,keep your computer clean,it depends of you use reliable programs and the way of you browse the web
Browse the web carefuly
Hope this helps

Of course I'm browsing meticulously and carefully! :)
Guys, do you get infected if you download files or when you're visiting sites? :confused:

[vecchio]

Usualy it hapens when you download a file
But some sites are so suspicious that even clicking a link you can got a infection
Hope this helps

[RavenMacDaddy]

At all times, PCTIS and the other products are still normally able to do everything they can in order to prevent this from happening at all, right?

[vecchio]

At all times, PCTIS and the other products are still normally able to do everything they can in order to prevent this from happening at all, right?
Of course,but I maintain my advice:Browse the web carefuly
Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Usualy it hapens when you download a file
But some sites are so suspicious that even clicking a link you can got a infection
Hope this helps

That sounds fairly frightening. :eek: Could you give me an example?

[vecchio]

This is simple
-Dont browse in speciall:Porn sites-crack sites_ as"www.Crackxxx.com" or "www.bestxxxporn.com"
Please note these are not valid address,this is just to show you which sites to avoid
hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

This is simple
-Dont browse in speciall:Porn sites-crack sites_ as"www.Crackxxx.com" or "www.bestxxxporn.com"
Please note these are not valid address,this is just to show you which sites to avoid
hope this helps
I'm aware of that. Are these the only sites that I shouldn't visit? :confused:

[vecchio]

I'm aware of that. Are these the only sites that I shouldn't visit? :confused:

Unfortunatelly no,however this kind of site i gave to you in example is the most common to possibly infect your comp
Also you should to avoid sites with a lot of flash images
The best thing to keep in your mind is "browse the web carefuly "
Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Unfortunatelly no,however this kind of site i gave to you in example is the most common to possibly infect your comp
Also you should to avoid sites with a lot of flash images
The best thing to keep in your mind is "browse the web carefuly "
Hope this helps

Yes, some are dangerous! :(
And Firefox is safer than Internet Explorer?

[swannie]

Firefox is definitely safer than IE but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be very careful.

[vecchio]

Firefox is definitely safer than IE but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be very careful.
Totally agree

[ItwouldRuin]

Firefox is definitely safer than IE but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be very careful.

That's nice to hear! To be sure the virus is completely removed, should you do it manually?

[vecchio]

That's nice to hear! To be sure the virus is completely removed, should you do it manually?
Let this task with the Antivirus
If a good AV "says"your computer is clean,so you can trust it
What av program you currently using?
What antspy program you currently using?
Thanks
vecchio

[frustrated99]

Best thing for you to do would be to use sandboxie: http://www.sandboxie.com/ and use a sandboxed browser. All the changes and infections will be discarded afterwards...

The browser will operate in a sectioned off area and when the 'sandbox' is emptied - out go the nasties, if any!
:-)

I use SandBoxie on occasion but since installing the Google Pack edition of Spyware Doctor, SandBoxie does not load on bootup. I have to disable SDoctor, reboot the computer and then SandBoxie will load fine.

[vecchio]

I use SandBoxie on occasion but since installing the Google Pack edition of Spyware Doctor, SandBoxie does not load on bootup. I have to disable SDoctor, reboot the computer and then SandBoxie will load fine.
I personally have tested SandBoxie and dont liked it
I insist we need to learn how to use the web carefuly
using the web and the own comp on a dangerous way will always increase infections risk

[gringopig]

I use SandBoxie on occasion but since installing the Google Pack edition of Spyware Doctor, SandBoxie does not load on bootup. I have to disable SDoctor, reboot the computer and then SandBoxie will load fine.

I run Sandboxie and Spyware Doctor (full version) and have the former set not to start with windows and the latter starts automatically. I have no conflicts with these two apps...
You don't need Sandboxie to start up as any Sandbox will exist on yr hard drive until you delete it. Go into the scheduling settings and untick the 'Start with Windows' option.

[gringopig]

I personally have tested SandBoxie and dont liked it
I insist we need to learn how to use the web carefuly
using the web and the own comp on a dangerous way will always increase infections risk

What don't you like about it?
I have tested it quite a bit now - installing Spybot and Ad-Aware 2007 for example: two applications I would NEVER foist on my OS for real. Ran scans with them and everything. Deleted the Sandbox and <<POOF>> gone!

I checked the registry for any hint of cross-over to my system and these was absolutely nothing!

This is also true of browsing - cleared cookies and went browsing. I then cleared the Sandbox and rechecked my cookies and there were none.
This is the safest way to use a browser vecchio!

In fact, it would be a great addition to Spyware Doctor if there was some sort of virtual browsing option. The whole point of PC Tools' application is to protect and this is a great way of staying out of trouble on the www.
:)

[ItwouldRuin]

Let this task with the Antivirus
If a good AV "says"your computer is clean,so you can trust it
What av program you currently using?
What antspy program you currently using?
Thanks
vecchio

I'm using Norton Antivirus 2008, but no antispyware - is it necessary?

[ItwouldRuin]

What don't you like about it?
I have tested it quite a bit now - installing Spybot and Ad-Aware 2007 for example: two applications I would NEVER foist on my OS for real. Ran scans with them and everything. Deleted the Sandbox and <<POOF>> gone!

I checked the registry for any hint of cross-over to my system and these was absolutely nothing!

This is also true of browsing - cleared cookies and went browsing. I then cleared the Sandbox and rechecked my cookies and there were none.
This is the safest way to use a browser vecchio!

In fact, it would be a great addition to Spyware Doctor if there was some sort of virtual browsing option. The whole point of PC Tools' application is to protect and this is a great way of staying out of trouble on the www.
:)

I don't get this - what does it do? :confused: :eek:

[gringopig]

Sandboxie is a useful application that will allow you to keep an area of yr computer sectioned off and separate from yr normal computer. You can install (most) programs and browse the internet without affecting the computer upon which it is installed. Once the sandbox is cleared, all the settings/programs and internet history go in the bin!

It's not a replacement for Spyware Doctor tho' but useful nonetheless.

[vecchio]

I'm using Norton Antivirus 2008, but no antispyware - is it necessary?
Yes.Superantispyware is a very good option if you want a free option
Hope this helps

[ItwouldRuin]

Sandboxie is a useful application that will allow you to keep an area of yr computer sectioned off and separate from yr normal computer. You can install (most) programs and browse the internet without affecting the computer upon which it is installed. Once the sandbox is cleared, all the settings/programs and internet history go in the bin!

It's not a replacement for Spyware Doctor tho' but useful nonetheless.

Well, then, you can't get infected? :cool:

[ItwouldRuin]

Yes.Superantispyware is a very good option if you want a free option
Hope this helps

So, Norton Anitivirus isn't good enough? :confused:

[vecchio]

No,you need a antispy program also and i repeat i think superantispyware is good
Hope this helps

[PJWilkin]

Isn't that a bit risky? :confused:

I identified a task eating CPU, a google showed it to be spyware, thus I terminated it and deleted its files and a quick search revealed a registry entry to run it.

The A/V and anti-spyware on the PC had not found it which is why I had to do the manual detection and removal

[ItwouldRuin]

I identified a task eating CPU, a google showed it to be spyware, thus I terminated it and deleted its files and a quick search revealed a registry entry to run it.

The A/V and anti-spyware on the PC had not found it which is why I had to do the manual detection and removal

OK - how did you find it? Did you use "Windows Task Manager"? What name did the process go by? :confused:

[ItwouldRuin]

No,you need a antispy program also and i repeat i think superantispyware is good
Hope this helps

Then, are you capable of detecting everything in your computer that may be malicious?

[RavenMacDaddy]

Then, are you capable of detecting everything in your computer that may be malicious?

No program is perfect, you always have to know that, but it's a fact that SuperAntiSpyware should be very effective when it comes to scanning and removing any threats already residing in your system, and especially spyware obviously.

Hope that helps! :)

[ItwouldRuin]

No program is perfect, you always have to know that, but it's a fact that SuperAntiSpyware should be very effective when it comes to scanning and removing any threats already residing in your system, and especially spyware obviously.

Hope that helps! :)

Is that correct? :) I think that you need a bit more, actually. :D I mean, you need many useful programs like "Process Explorer", you know... Moreover, does this program delete the entries in the registry, as well?

[RavenMacDaddy]

It detects registry entries, yes. I never meant that this would be the only thing you need - not a chance - I'm only taking this as a good choice for a backup scanner of spyware/malware. Just make sure you turn off all things related to running constantly since the free version doesn't provide any real-time protection functionality and therefore makes it kinda useless only wasting resources.

If I go through what I run right now, it would be this:

Main Security: Kaspersky Internet Security 2009/v8 (Still in technical release, mind you!)
Backup AS: SuperAntiSpyware Free (Very infrequently used)
Spyware Immunization: SpywareBlaster (and HitmanPro which among other things provides the protection from SpyBot, but it was long ago an update was released for it, so it's not so useful in its current state; SpywareBlaster works excellent, though :))
Other: Secunia PSI


Hope this helps! ;)

[ItwouldRuin]

It detects registry entries, yes. I never meant that this would be the only thing you need - not a chance - I'm only taking this as a good choice for a backup scanner of spyware/malware. Just make sure you turn off all things related to running constantly since the free version doesn't provide any real-time protection functionality and therefore makes it kinda useless only wasting resources.

If I go through what I run right now, it would be this:

Main Security: Kaspersky Internet Security 2009/v8 (Still in technical release, mind you!)
Backup AS: SuperAntiSpyware Free (Very infrequently used)
Spyware Immunization: SpywareBlaster (and HitmanPro which among other things provides the protection from SpyBot, but it was long ago an update was released for it, so it's not so useful in its current state; SpywareBlaster works excellent, though :))
Other: Secunia PSI


Hope this helps! ;)

Not really? In any event, is there any program that's exceedingly good at identifying emotionally wounded files in the registry? :D