In need of suggestions

[Uncle Flo (imported)]

I spent most of last night removing a virus from my (slightly outdated) computer. The damn thing went right for Internet Explorer and kept opening it trying to "call home". It was not successful because I had unplugged my wireless connection. I use Internet explorer as a back up to my primary browser, Firefox. What I need is another browser to use as a back up. I've had enough of Explorer. Suggestions from people that have experience with other browsers would be most welcome. --FLO--

[Dave (imported)]

There is a switch in IE and Firefox that will prevent any website, script or virus from changing your home page or adding an oepning page that you cannot avoid. I search it out for a neighbor over a year ago (I use a Macintosh and haven't looked at Vista or Windows 7) and I don't remember what it is called.

That may help you prevent this from happening again.

[artisticlicense (imported)]

I spent most of last night removing a virus from my (slightly outdated) computer. The damn thing went right for Internet Explorer and kept opening it trying to "call home". It was not successful because I had unplugged my wireless connection. I use Internet explorer as a back up to my primary browser, Firefox. What I need is another browser to use as a back up. I've had enough of Explorer. Suggestions from people that have experience with other browsers would be most welcome. --FLO--

Were you successful in removing the threat?

How 'outdated'?

What is your OS? Only a Linux-based browser will be relatively trouble-free, in the bug department because of their single-line code, but there are some headaches to having them/it. They all have to be managed manually (something most Windows users are not accustomed to doing).

I had trouble with a Trojan that linked to my browser, and then I got the Zombie virus. Had to get a new HD. Big mess. Excruciating headache.

I have gotten to the point of throwing this thing out the door some days, but I like to eat, so I remind myself to keep it a while longer.

If you like Firefox, use it as 'default'. Firefox is compatible with just about anything.

In case you already know all this, please excuse the over-simplicity.

In Win-XP and later Windows editions (Operating Systems), click 'Start', click 'Control Panel', then click 'Internet Options'. In the new pane, click 'General' tab at the top. Under 'Home page' you should see a web address high-lighted. If the high-lighted address is your fav, click the 'Use Default' button under the section. It would be a good idea to copy and paste your fav home page address into this field (complete string from your address bar, left-click to high-light, then right-click, and 'Copy').

Keep this page open.

Under 'Programs' tab at the top of the same Internet Options page, you should see Internet programs, Default web browser and Manage add-ons. The "Default web browser" should be listed as what you told the thing to do, with Icon (Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc).

Then, go to "Start", click "Set Program Access and Defaults". A new pane should open. Go to the right side of the open pane (Arrows), click on the arrows (down, to expand the section) . . . for the radio button that is high-lighted on the left side of the open pane (Custom, Microsoft Windows, Non-Microsoft). This is where you will find your current defaults. Click on the radio button "Use default (Internet Explorer)" or "Use current" (Typically the 'Custom' tab will be the one high-lighted if you've altered the typical Windows settings with Virus Patrol software, or other applications).

I have listed links to a couple of good virus products another posting (I didn't have all these before my last crash). I have been very pleased with the acquisition.

One of my employer uses MalwareBytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) on their server. It is a very good economical solution for owning a Windows-based system. Its widely compatible and very thorough.

I had ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en/zo ... ty-hde.htm) before the crash. It is very good, but they didn't catch the Zombie virus. I have ZoneAlarm® Extreme Security 2010 with DataLock, now, everything is guaranteed . . . Hmm.

SpyZooka (http://bluepenguinsoftware.com/spyzooka/) is very good. Nothing they haven't caught yet. Rated highest is security, and economical to use. Very pleased. This program cleaned up the Zombie mess on my old HD (Through a desk-top dock), and I now use it to store photos. This program's parent company, Blue Penguin, has another highly-rated product worth looking in to, RegZooka.

I also use Advanced System Optimizer (http://www.systweak.com/) for PC maintenance (No, I guess I'm not a real geek ).

Hope this helps, I feel for you.

[PIN-VA24651 (imported)]

I know of three other browsers I use besides IE & Firefox. One is Opera and then Google Chrome followed by Apple's Safari. All are Windows versions although I also run other OS here that have no particular Virus issues. Gee, I guess I use 5 different browsers and IE is used the least.

[Riverwind (imported)]

Try Google Chrome

River

[micropenis (imported)]

Most geeks like Firefox. It has a reputation for being more secure, but no browzer is foolproof. Set it as your default as instructed by an earlier post.

Do not uninstall Internet Explorer! Windows needs it for automatic updates.

Zone Alarm is a great firewall. It can prevent malware from calling out or home. It does take some time to train the settings or you will keep getting pop-up windows constantly. If security is an issue it is well worth you time to use Zone Alarm and take the time to adjust settings.

You will get a pop-up every time a program tries to conect to the internet. Options are 1. allow 2. alow this time only 3. always allow 4. block. It can even prevent Windows from phoning home!!!

A great free antivirus is Avira. It is a Linux based bootable CD that can connect to the internet and update with just a few mouse clicks, or a new updated file is posted several times a day. You can download it at http://www.free-av.com/en/tools/12/avir ... ystem.html. After downloading insert a blank CD into your drive and open the Avira file. It will instruct you on how to burn the disc. Next reboot your computer with the disc in the drive.

The interface is in German by default but can be changed to English by clicking on the flag icon at the bottom left. I have never come across a virus that it could not zap.

I know this all may seem a pain-in-the-ass, and it is, but if you are going to use a computer you must learn at least a few things.

Good Luck.

[Sweetpickle (imported)]

Another choice is to open Internet explorer in the

"No Add ons" mode. It is less dangerous there.

[Uncle Flo (imported)]

First, thanks for all the good advice. My default browser is Firefox. I have not used Explorer except when I mess up my fire fox settings. I run AVG Pro as primary anti-Virus with SpyBot and Ad-Aware on watch behind that. I also run a series of malware and junkware remval programs at intervals. I am firewalled from floor to ceiling. There have only been two viruses that have ever gotten through but they both took what seemed to be forever to track down and remove. No permanent damage was done. Once more, thanks to everyone. --FLO--

[kizahakan (imported)]

Try

Mc-Affee (this sounds like a coffee brand)

Norton

Kapersky (a bit of russian)

use the full versions not the trials as they nearly update themselves every otherday...

To me Norton works the best...

Caveat Emptor

-------------------------------------------

Dorian Gray of Istanbul the addict of eternal youthess and beauty

[fhunter]

Try

Mc-Affee (this sounds like a coffee brand)

Norton

Kapersky (a bit of russian)

use the full versions not the trials as they nearly update themselves every otherday...

To me Norton works the best...

Caveat Emptor

-------------------------------------------

Dorian Gray of Istanbul the addict of eternal youthess and beauty

Kaspersky is really slow on outdated machines. May be this changed, but the versions I have seen were really slow.