Computer Virus and Software :(

[DFX]

You know this thread is going to turn into a flame war between Windows supporters and Linux supporters.

The truth is linux is more secure and if you know what you're doing it's a great choice. It all really depends on the distro you decide upon, however if you're totally new to linux I'd recommend Ubuntu. My personal linux choice is fedora or andlinux, but I was able to successfully teach my 12 year old brother to navigate Ubuntu and use it for day to day tasks. Mind you I installed Crossover which allowed me to install MS office and a couple other Windows apps. The problem with Linix though is that people are stuck in their ways and dislike change.

I personally have no problem with Microsoft, nor do I find their products bad. I'm a windows user and I have no problem with it, save for the occasional hiccup though I kind of expect that using beta software. Microsoft makes fine products and in the beginning they were pretty good IMO. However over the years they have expanded and gained enough marketshare to the point where they are the standard. Then they got complacent and things went to hell. They have a lot of talent, though they don't use it in productive ways. Though now that opensource is gaining on them they're being forced to innovate and create more stable products which can only be good for us, the end user.


Now on topic: Steve stop watching so much internet porn and you shouldn't as many viruses. :3 Most likely now you're going to have to reformat your hard drive.

-Written in IE8 on Windows 7 Beta.

[paulbee]

Last Word:

1) Buy Bit defender or Spyware doctor or Kaspersky

2) Load them on an uninfected Pc and download updates

3) Remove the infected drive from original Pc

4) instal infected drive as Secondary drive in the PC with the Purchased anti-spyware

5) Run full/ deep scan of infected drive from the uninfected Pc

Worked for me.


@DFX

There won't be a flame war, because I don't feel I have to win everytime. Also I trust ans respect thsv. He and I can have a mild discussion/ disagreement, and we'll dfinitely not use this thread for heated arguments. Anyway I'm out of here.

[Jinoh]

Wheres the mac fanboys, mac vs pc is way more fun than linux vs windows.

that's not this thread's purpose, gin [replacer_img] -zid

[Phixion]

A mod trying to start a flamewar :o?
Motion of no confidence!

[thsv]

You know this thread is going to turn into a flame war between Windows supporters and Linux supporters.

The irony in that statement is I'm a windows user.

[Arbitrary]

Dual Booting anyone?

Oh, and I have clean backups so I can just clone 'em back.

Then again, I suggest that you reformat your PC.

Addendum :

I agree that you should not watch porn online, just download them for archiving. Then again, if you're not careful you might acquire more virus. xD

[thsv]

Dual Booting anyone?

Has been suggested. I have looked into it. If I'm not feeling too lazy I might actually get round to doing it one day.

I wouldn't switch to Linux unless you paid me to. Oh yes I've tried it before and maybe it's better now, but not being able to freely access files on my network really irked me.

Well I know what you're saying there.

Also talk about online media.

True. But after dealing with Woofcat on a day to day basis I found there is support if you know where to look. And therein lies the problem. Knowing where to look. Linux will always be the refuge of programmers who have the time and expertise to handle it. The general population will pick up the newest version of Windows every couple of years.

[paulbee]

Has been suggested. I have looked into it. If I'm not feeling too lazy I might actually get round to doing it one day.



Well I know what you're saying there.


True. But after dealing with Woofcat on a day to day basis I found there is support if you know where to look. And therein lies the problem. Knowing where to look. Linux will always be the refuge of programmers who have the time and expertise to handle it. The general population will pick up the newest version of Windows every couple of years.

Sorry to bug back in quickly to say these:-

Windows makes things easier for the general populace, but they keep doing stupid things that my 10 yr old wouldn't do . Why Microsoft would prompt for execution everything put in the DVD drive beats me.

Anyhow back on topic.


One way to avoid viruses completely is to run Virtual PC simulations. Too bad it's not as fast as the real thing.

I currently use vista, but I have XP professional, 2000, and Windows 7 beta, loaded on VirtualPC. If a virus totals your virtual computer, just delete it and be back up again in 5 mins with a copy of the same virtual computer.

[ydoc]

<,< I usually don't reply to virus threads but I felt compelled to this time.

Virus's are in general avenues of attack, however they also generally require your permission to infect your computer.

That being said of course the virus designers are going to make them so they look and act like real windows components.(because they need your permission) They will also pose confusing questions to you like "Are you sure you want to close this window and navigate away to an unsafe website?" "ok or cancel" these questions are posed in a manor to confuse you and in general unless you are tech savvy they will.

Most people who are good with computers will never fall for a virus ploy, because they know the difference between a real system error and a fake one or a real antivirus or a fake one.

Even though most of you may laugh at this one of the most common tricks a virus programmer will use, is to make a website to download a file then name it exactly what you are looking for except make it an .exe file instead of say a .pdf file so as soon as you run it your already infected. This is actually quite popular when you searching for service manuals. One rule of thumb to use is never download accept a download of a file you did not specifically start yourself, and try (I know its hard guys) but actually read an error message before clicking ok or continue. by doing so #1 you will gain knowledge of real legit messages and #2 you will be able to spot fake ones that much easier.


There are however virus's that will get on your computer using exploits in the windows subsystem and there is nothing you can do about those except have a good firewall and antivirus. just visiting the wrong website will get you these. The first attack method for these virus's is to change your internet web settings.

By lowering your Policy on accepting cookies and lowering your security settings under tools internet options, they gain access to your pc more easily just like opening the door.

Other programs that are just as bad with opening doors on your pc are Peer 2 Peer sharing programs such as kazaa and limewire. if you have limewire i can search your hard disk and take any file that is wanted off your pc without you ever knowing. I also can post a game for you to download or a new song and it very well may be the real thing but along with the real deal you also get a new virus or Trojan which allows a virus user to do what they want. What are the chances though of a Virus user targeting you directly in the millions of people that probably have there little backdoor virus? Slim to None But that wont stop there virus from infecting your computer and wreaking havoc.

However let me get the record straight it is not that limewire is that bad, it is because it is popular that it is bad. The more people that gather in one spot the easier it is for hackers/virus makers to do there work. Mainstream programs and operating systems are always targeted. Such as Windows which is as mainstream as you can get.
The people who use firefox know that because firefox was not mainstream it had a lot less vulnerability at the start and made for easy surfing. it is being targeted as of late though and more and more malware programs are being written to exploit firefox.

So in short what really can you do? you have to be InternetWise The same way you would be StreetWise if you were in Newyork city. you dont go down a dark alley in New York with money sticking out your pants pocket(unless your a cop trying to bust someone). Nor would you go into a Iffy website in a back alley of the internet unless you know what you are doing.

[Arbitrary]

Or you could just wait for the virus to infect Skynet and wait for the Terminator to come to our world. Then we'd see the real deal of Mr.-Hasta-la-Vista-Baby.