Comic Genesis Forums

I new a few suggestions for some software to protect a PC. Basically, I have a friend who posseses the power to rape any PC he touches with instant viruses and spyware (I'm sure porn has something to do with it). This is the fifth time I've had to reinstall Windows, and I don't really want to do it again. So basically, I need something, aside from mudering him and stealing his computer, to protect it.

I've already installed Panda Antivirus/Firewall, Firefox, Adaware, and I've done all the Windows updates. Any other suggestions?

1. Put his username as a limited user account, disallowing him from installing anything important.

2. Spyware Search and Destroy has a "Tea Timer" feature- basically, it asks you before doing any changes to the registry or use any ActiveX elements.

All I can think of

Ummm... stop having friends?

Is he still getting spyware etc in Firefox or is he using IE instead of it?

If the former make sure the "allow websites to install software" option is OFF (you may need to turn it back on to install flash & that sort of stuff, or any firefox updates but that's not difficult).

If the latter, and he's not using a seperate computer account (if so use Teammayhem's advice & chop out his ability to change big things) you could create a security profile for him that won't allow him to change anything with IE. Or a reg file which does the same, and one to revert back.

Apparently the Microsoft anti-spyware program is good, I haven't used it & don't know what features it has though, but I've been recommended it by a friend.

The only real ultimate protection is to know what's going on & to recognise any bad surfing vibes (slowing down unnecessarily, java applets, exploding stuff) so you can recognise when a site's doing something it shouldn't be. ...murder may end up being your best option.

Install a virtual machine on his PC and insist he only use that for websurfing to the "cool" sites.

And start charging to fix the computer. That alone will probably solve your headache.

yeah, charge for fixing the computer, take it out of his hide!!!

I already charge my friends... that's one way I got my PS2....

Spyware Blaster is a good one. That prevents the spyware from getting installed on the comp in the first place. Another anti-spyware is Spybot Search and Destroy.

AVG Antivirus is another good one for the viruses. Everything I've linked here is free. (mmm... free)


[edit] Thwack your friend for me. Poor surfing habits are a no-no.

Uh... Ask Rkolter for advice what to do with your friend?

mcDuffies wrote:Uh... Ask Rkolter for advice what to do with your friend?

yeah, he'll give you a long list of torturous things to do.

DarkMagician wrote:Ummm... stop having friends?

Brilliant!

Install an older version of windows.

rock_dash wrote:I have a friend who posseses the power to rape any PC he touches with instant viruses and spyware (I'm sure porn has something to do with it).

That sounds exactly like *certain* members of my immediate family. I just put a passsword on my comp.

I use the NOD32 Antivirus program...it's made by some small company in Canada though, so I'm not sure if you can get it. If you can though, it's a really effective virus protector and it's totally automatic. It downloads updates, scans and does pretty much everything on it's own so you don't have to worry about it.

I use Microsoft's own Anti-Spyware program to deal with Spyware/Adware. It works surprisingly well.

For viruses, I'd suggest McAfee. It's not cheap, but I've always sworn by it.

For spyware, I've had remarkable success with Microsoft's Antispyware.

I'd recommend at least two spyware solutions, run seperately. Each on will catch stuff the other misses.

But seriously man... virtual machine.

Someone may have mentioned this already, but I find that the best solution is to run multiple apps. I use Spyware S&D, Ad-Aware, and AVG Anti-virus. All 3 are free for personal use, and with their powers combined, I am CAPTAIN PLANET!!!

*cough* i mean using these 3 has kept my computer spyware/adware/virus free.

Point all the internet explorer shortcuts at firefox, and make sure firefox is using IEs shortcut. I'm betting he's still using IE and that's where most of the crap is coming from.
I have my whole family using AVG, Ad Aware and Firefox. I haven't had a virus problem since my sisters computer 3 months ago.

Get a Mac.

Get a Commdore 64.