PC Protection

Rock_dash · Post by **Rock_dash** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:53 pm

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?

DJMayhem · Post by **DJMayhem** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:02 pm

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

Nyke · Post by **Nyke** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:09 pm

Ummm... stop having friends?

Shinyhugh · Post by **Shinyhugh** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:23 pm

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.

Warren · Post by **Warren** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:32 pm

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.

Dr Legostar · Post by **Dr Legostar** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:36 pm

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

DJMayhem · Post by **DJMayhem** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:40 pm

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

Carlin · Post by **Carlin** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:53 pm

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.

McDuffies · Post by **McDuffies** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 4:38 pm

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

Dr Legostar · Post by **Dr Legostar** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 4:46 pm

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.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:01 pm

DarkMagician wrote:Ummm... stop having friends?

Brilliant!

Blackaby · Post by **Blackaby** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 1:57 am

Install an older version of windows.

Toxic · Post by **Toxic** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 2:18 am

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.

Jackhass · Post by **Jackhass** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 3:32 am

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.

Rkolter · Post by **Rkolter** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 4:01 am

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.

Warren · Post by **Warren** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 4:43 am

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

But seriously man... virtual machine.

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:38 am

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.

War · Post by **War** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 6:00 am

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.

Col · Post by **Col** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 11:55 am

Get a Mac.

Warren · Post by **Warren** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 2:03 pm

Get a Commdore 64.

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