Computer Question - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

420benz · #16 05-19-2010, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okyoureabeast

Unlike the days of old where you can get infected just by visiting a site we have a lot of tools now that basically make antivirus software obsolete.

I call it practicing safe computing. Kind of like safe sex, but with more high tech stuff.

For starters if you use Internet Explorer you deserve to get a virus period. IE is by far one of the worst browsers out there in terms of security.

Use a browser that not only supports internet standards, but also has extensions like Firefox's adblock plus or Adblock for Chrome. You can also download a tool like "NoScript" which takes adblock plus to a whole new level of configuration.

Also make sure you are running the latest software. Run Windows Update on a weekly basis and make sure your third party software like Flash, Java, etc are all updated.

Run a firewall and set it up so you have to review every program that wants access to the outside world. You can set up the firewall so once you click yes it will always be able to connect.

Finally, if you don't know what a program is or does do not run it. Do not install a fish tank screensaver, download a program that claims you have a virus and it found all sorts of stuff through an online scanner, etc.

Be smart, safe, and above all vigilant. I treat my computer like I treat my car.

Edit: If you're not as computer savvy as the rest of us, then I recommend you download AVG's free version. There is no sense in paying for antivirus since they will always be a step behind the virus writers. Heck Norton, McAfee, etc have never been able to successfully remove a virus for me.

I am running FF on a 64 bit OS. No Script will not work on a 64 bit OS.I will try Adblock Plus.

420benz · #17 05-19-2010, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

Good luck with getting rid of AGV.

Could you be more specific? If i elect to go with another Anti Virus,must i remove AVG? If so How?

okyoureabeast · #18 05-19-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerpig

Our critical systems are on a closed network. I work for an agency in the DOD.

You sir are super cool

420benz,

That's odd that it isn't working right. Noscript should run on a 64bit version of firefox.

I recommend you try Adblock plus first. The link for their website is here
http://adblockplus.org/en/installation

420benz · #19 05-19-2010, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okyoureabeast

You sir are super cool

420benz,

That's odd that it isn't working right. Noscript should run on a 64bit version of firefox.

I recommend you try Adblock plus first. The link for their website is here
http://adblockplus.org/en/installation

I will try Adblock. Must i remove AVG first? If so is it going to be a difficult task?

powerpig · #20 05-19-2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 420 benz

I will try Adblock. Must i remove AVG first? If so is it going to be a difficult task?

Adblock and AVG are two different animals. Just leave AVG installed and install adblock.

420benz · #21 05-19-2010, 04:42 PM

Just read what Adblock does and it doesn't seem to be an anti virus program. It seem to just block unwanted adds.

420benz · #22 05-19-2010, 05:15 PM

Is this true?

powerpig · #23 05-19-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 420 benz

Is this true?

Yes

cmbdiesel · #24 05-19-2010, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 420 benz

I will try Adblock. Must i remove AVG first? If so is it going to be a difficult task?

Removing AVG is quite easy.
control panel / add or remove programs / click on AVG - click on remove
it will not fight you when you remove it

current build of Avast is getting the ravest reviews from cnet, but if you already have AVG, there is not a big enough difference to trouble yourself with changing, unless you are so inclined

420benz · #25 05-19-2010, 05:53 PM

So how does it protect me from viruses?

raslaje · #26 05-19-2010, 05:54 PM

I downloaded Adblock Plus and now I don't get the etrailer.com ad or whichever one is trying to get in above the Shop Forum page when using the Firefox browser but still get the ad if I open Shop Forum with IE.
So it blocks ads when using Firefox.
I've used AVG for the last couple of months and it has intercepted quite a few Trojan horse viruses. If I understand AVG correctly, it then scrambles the virus code and places it in a vault and gives you the option to unscramble the code back to the original if you feel it was legitimate code.

Da Nag · #27 05-19-2010, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 420 benz

Just read what Adblock does and it doesn't seem to be an anti virus program. It seem to just block unwanted adds.

No, it's not designed as an anti-virus tool. Yes, it absolutely can help keep nasty critters off your PC.

In its default configuration, the Firefox AdBlock extension blocks most advertising scripts out there...many of which are run by large ad delivering companies, not necessarily the website you are visiting. There have been numerous cases where these scripts have delivered malware - and those running AdBlock were unaffected.

420benz · #28 05-19-2010, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Da Nag

No, it's not designed as an anti-virus tool. Yes, it absolutely can help keep nasty critters off your PC.

In its default configuration, the Firefox AdBlock extension blocks most advertising scripts out there...many of which are run by large ad delivering companies, not necessarily the website you are visiting. There have been numerous cases where these scripts have delivered malware - and those running AdBlock were unaffected.

OK.I still need an Antivirus so i will try Avast.

420benz · #29 05-19-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmbdiesel

After many years of AVG, I have switched to Avast!
It seems lighter and less obstrusive than AVG, and is free as well.

Just downloaded Avast FREE and it tells me that it will expire in 30 days?????????.

okyoureabeast · #30 05-19-2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 420 benz

So how does it protect me from viruses?

Flash advertisements as well as their javascripts that run are the largest cause of drive by infections on the internet.

Here are a couple of examples of such an attack
http://mashable.com/2009/09/15/new-york-times-malware/
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/malware-ads-served-from-gizmodo/4734
http://www.zdnet.com/news/drudge-report-techcrunch-hit-by-ad-malware/403673

Googlenews can spit out many more examples of that.

Adblock uses a filter list to block nearly all of them.

A perfect example of this is www.myspace.com .

Myspace is always littered with ads. With adblock on, the site is actually a very well designed site and the clutter disappears.

Finally adblock keeps the flash ads from loading. This will speed up the loading of webpages as well as lower bandwidth which is a plus for all.