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The Royal Archives => The Silver Age => Off-Topic => Topic started by: dew7 on March 29, 2004, 01:10:55 AM

Title: Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on March 29, 2004, 01:10:55 AM
   I thought it might be nice to have a thread where people might address their concerns about computer safety.  The topics could include firewalls, anti-spyware, passwords, virus protection, etc.  Windows XP pro. has been plauged with security problems and I would like your comments about how it stacks up in security compared to other operating systems.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Drunken Chinchilla on March 29, 2004, 06:49:23 AM
I never really care that much about security in windows etc. Theres nothing on my computer worth stealing and so what if someone can read my emails, kinda sad for them to have nothing else to do really. The only things that do annoy me are those stupid pop up ads that get stuck in your registry, they REALLY piss me off.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on March 29, 2004, 06:53:22 AM
pop ups are the most annoying things that u can get off of the net :-\, i remember getting a pop up thing called i-lookup and the only way i could get rid of it was by formatting my computer :-\

So IMHO Windows should have better security than it does at the moment ;D, cos Windows is just like an open field without gates :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Drunken Chinchilla on March 29, 2004, 07:24:38 AM
I always here people saying this but really, what are you saying?? Surely if you download something yourself its your fault and not windows?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Say on March 29, 2004, 08:20:05 AM
Im a bit like dew7 is, I completly hate spyware and everything related, as well as worms, trojans and such, I do have Adware6, Norton and others related :P

and yeah I do monthly mantainance to my pc because I must, sometimes I get like... + 300 m In just weird web junk :(
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Storm on March 29, 2004, 10:03:50 AM
Quote from: dew7 on March 29, 2004, 01:10:55 AMWindows XP pro. has been plauged with security problems and I would like your comments about how it stacks up in security compared to other operating systems.

I don't know enough about OSs or computer security to comment on that. I actually thought XP was supposed to be more secure, what with the built-in firewall it has and all :S
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: B'rrr on March 29, 2004, 10:10:04 AM
hmmm.... I don't have any virusses ever and never been hacked (with actual damage done) yet... never used any protection though.... but then again, I'm not often on internet too ....oh wait, I am!! ; )
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on March 29, 2004, 11:02:22 AM
http://www.eeye.com/html/Research/Upcoming/index.html

This website has many security problems associated with the NT source code.  That is why I am so wary of switching to XP pro.  Plus, as someone who knows some programming, knows how to set partitions, update drivers, flash the Bios, etc. I need the flexibility that Dos allows and that is why I plan to stick with 98SE until somehow it becomes too unstable, is fully unsupported, doesn't work with any new games, doesn't recognize any new hardware, etc.  Let's start with what programs you use to protect yourself from adware.  I use Adaware, CWShredder, PestPatrol, SpySweeper by Webroot, SpywareBlaster, HOSTS files, etc.  If you want to know the whole list I will tell you.  This is just a few of the programs I use to protect my business and personnel PC.  I also use a test PC to test out hotfixes from Microsoft that I need that have not been fully regression tested by Microsoft.  I welcome all comments.  Have a great day!
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on March 29, 2004, 09:32:23 PM
Personally, I'm not that paranoid about security.  I install the patches from Windows Update often enough, use ZoneAlarm for my firewall and Norton AntiVirus 2003 (which is set to auto-update).  

I also have AdAware but don't run it that often cuz I don't get much spyware/adware crap.   ;D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on March 30, 2004, 01:18:06 AM
   My system gets only a little bit of Adware that trickles through.  About once a week I will have one or two adware pieces that got around SpywareBlaster and must be eliminated by Adaware, SpySweeper by Webroot, PestPatrol, etc.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on March 30, 2004, 05:09:34 AM
Hmm. I know you asked about spyware, but I never get any spyware, so I'll just list the whole shebang, since there's not a lot of it anyway. :D

I have ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/) for a firewall. The free version... since I have dial-up, it's more for curiousity than anything. If/when I ever get cable or something like that, I may spring for the Pro version.

For virus protection, I use an "indie" sort of program called NOD32 (http://www.nod32.com/home/home.htm). It has great virus detection, and has the same sort of features as McAfee or Norton... it's just a heck of a lot smaller in disk space and RAM/resource usage, and IMHO is easier to keep updated. (Costs about the same, too.)

I use an ad-blocking HOSTS file (http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/what_is_hosts.html) to, well, block ads. ;D

For my browser I use Opera. I tend to surf with plug-ins and Java turned off, unless I come across a page that really needs it. Then I can just flick them on with a couple button presses. Whee! I keep javascript enabled (because that's ubiquitous enough to be worth leaving on), but I have Opera set to "Open requested pop-ups only".

I use Opera's cookie manager to only let through the cookies I need for my forums and other sign-in thingys, and have it block everything else. Opera allows you to turn off referrer logging, but I do not for the fact that you need it enabled to be able to get past many servers' hotlinking prevention scripts. Such is life.

I don't really keep up with Windows updates much, to be honest. I seldom have any errors, and most of the security stuff has to do with Internet Explorer and Outlook (Express) anyway... and I've uninstalled both IE and Outlook with a program called 98Lite (http://www.litepc.com/). (Great program... makes almost everything in Windows installable/uninstallable, so you can get your Windows setup nice and clean. I very rarely have the BSOD show up anymore. There's a version available for Win XP, too!)

Finally, as I said, I never get spyware. Opera doesn't run Active X and never automatically installs stuff, and I always research a bit whenever I want to download a new utility to make sure it doesn't have any spyware in it.

(I personally feel adware in and of itself isn't necessarily a bad thing... it's basically just a program that displays ads. It's when the program bases those ads off keeping track of your surfing history and other stuff you didn't volunteer that it's an issue, IMHO.)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on March 30, 2004, 10:30:32 AM
Quote from: dew7 on March 30, 2004, 09:27:40 AMWhat risks or danger to security or compatibility does the program pose?  It would be nice to be able to unistall Outlook Express and Internet Explorer, even though I currently use those programs.

It shouldn't pose any risks to security at all that I know of. From what I can tell, the gist of it is that it makes available the built-in install/uninstall options for certain features that Windows usually hides, and ties them in as extra modules in the Windows Setup section of Add/Remove Programs.

It also can "unhook" IE from the OS, leaving just the bare-bones MS HTML engine. You can then reinstall IE as being more "stand-alone" if you really want to keep it. (Personally, seeing as how you're worried about security, I'd switch to Mozilla/Firebird or Opera... not only are they more secure, they're much better browsers, IMHO. But anyhoo...) You can even remove the MS HTML engine altogether, if you like. The problem with removing the MS HTML engine, though, is that you have to make sure you don't have any programs installed that need it.

You can also choose to swap in the Win 95 Explorer shell, while still keeping most of Win 98's other features. I did this myself, and I find the Win 95 explorer shell to be a lot faster to get around, plus it actually remembers the settings I give it. :P

As for compatibility, you do have to keep track of which programs you have installed need which components. But you can always reinstall stuff if you need it, so it's not that big a deal.

If you further want to clean things out, I recommend getting yourself a Registry Cleaning program. Not M$'s RegClean one, but a really good one. RegCleaner and RegSeeker are two nice ones.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on March 30, 2004, 02:29:40 PM
Outpost is the firewall. AVG is the virusscanner, don't get any spy- or adware.
Plus, I can't find the option, but it would seem NS7 replaces ads with the text 'AD-SIZE'. I've got four of them at the bottom of this page. 8)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on March 30, 2004, 02:40:17 PM
I'm not sure if this is really safety related, but I also use Google's popup blocker.  It's my favourite one.  ;D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on March 31, 2004, 08:20:42 AM
I've configured my NS7 to black all unrequested popups. I don't need goggle for that. And to search, I just need to type in the think I'm searching for in the location bar, and move one line down. 8)
Oh and, about that ad-sizing, it would seem that's my firewall, and not the browser. ;-)
For Windows XP updates, I've yet to find out how to let my current firewall allow those connection because I sometimes see messages related to windowsupdate appear in the ' Blocked' menu. :-\
Anyway, this pc is just meant for private pruposes, not for work, I've got a laptop for that. Also, there's ZoneAlarm on the Win98SE-pc that's acting as a server, so I've got two firewalls watching my connection.

EDIT: I just went to grc.com and, while I'm not in 'full stealth' mode, there's just a couple of ports 'closed' (which is still not too bad, I guess, given my situation).
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on March 31, 2004, 09:22:37 AM
Quote from: copycat on March 31, 2004, 08:20:42 AMAnd to search, I just need to type in the think I'm searching for in the location bar, and move one line down. 8)

Yeah, I love that sort of feature, especially when it's built-in! ;D I've got Opera set up for uh... Google, Wikipedia, Opera Forums, Mobygames, and the Internet Movie Database. It's gotten to the point where at work, we have IE5, and I catch myself trying to search by typing in "g "steel bearings" " or whatever. :P (The g is for Google... each search option has its own letter shortcut.)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on March 31, 2004, 08:48:07 PM
   Copycat, you should switch to the free ZoneAlarm which will stealth mode all ports except for one and it stealths that on a as needed basis.  At grc.com read the information about ZoneAlarm.  I do not use a popup block because I do not get any popups because of my all my other programs.  I connect via cox cable and also have a hardware firewall on my router to block out bad traffic.  Hopefully, my system is mostly secure.  I also use a battery back-up for when brownouts (quick black outs) happen.  Thanks for all the posts and have a great night.   :)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on March 31, 2004, 08:53:10 PM
I has Pc-cillin for my virus scanner but it isnt very good so i got avast ;B
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 01, 2004, 01:03:39 PM
Quote from: dew7 on March 31, 2004, 08:48:07 PMCopycat, you should switch to the free ZoneAlarm which will stealth mode all ports except for one and it stealths that on a as needed basis.  At grc.com read the information about ZoneAlarm.
I tried (free) ZoneAlarm before this one, but I couldn't find an option to allow me to access my server. It (ZoneAlarm) kept blocking it. :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on April 02, 2004, 08:13:01 AM
Did you try configuring the two security zones with (free) ZoneAlarm: Internet Zone Security and Trusted Zone Security?  Define only your LAN IP range (i.e. 192.168.x.x) on the Trusted Zone and make sure no incoming/outgoing is being blocked.  I had a LAN last year and this worked fine for me.

Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 02, 2004, 12:48:33 PM
Quote from: Yonkey on April 02, 2004, 08:13:01 AMDid you try configuring the two security zones with (free) ZoneAlarm: Internet Zone Security and Trusted Zone Security?  Define only your LAN IP range (i.e. 192.168.x.x) on the Trusted Zone and make sure no incoming/outgoing is being blocked.  I had a LAN last year and this worked fine for me.
:o I completely overlooked that Trusted Zone Security concept last time. Thanx for the info Yonkey! ;-D

EDIT: Ofcourse, ZoneAlarm doesn't do that fancy ad-blocking, so I'm still not completely sure. It's still undecided for the moment. :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on April 02, 2004, 12:53:22 PM
Hehe, no prob. ;D ZoneAlarm is probably the best free firewall out there right now, IMHO because it's so easy to configure and to see which applications are illegally trying to get access.  :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on April 02, 2004, 12:55:12 PM
Quote from: copycat on April 02, 2004, 12:48:33 PM
EDIT: Ofcourse, ZoneAlarm doesn't do that fancy ad-blocking, so I'm still not completely sure. It's still undecided for the moment. :-\
Yeah, I think the ad-blocking is a part of ZoneAlarm Plus or Pro (both not free).  :'(
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 02, 2004, 01:33:12 PM
   Well a corporation has to make a profit, that is capitalism 101.  I am glad ZoneAlarm offers such a good and free firewall.  For ad-blocking you could always use HOSTS and a utility such as the google toolbar.  I have not installed the google toolbar so I cannot comment on it.  I think Yonkey says he uses it so I will let him or someone else comment on it.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 02, 2004, 01:45:55 PM
Hmmm, grc.com now says I have five closed ports, whereas with Outpost I only had four closed. :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 02, 2004, 06:22:16 PM
   You must have some bad configuration somewhere.  I have checked my PC and all of them are stealth but one.  The one that is not stealth is closed because if it is always in stealth mode you could have internet connection problems.  ZoneAlarm is smart enough to stealth this one port on an as needed basis.   ;-D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Storm on April 02, 2004, 07:52:18 PM
Quote from: Yonkey on April 02, 2004, 12:55:12 PM
Quote from: copycat on April 02, 2004, 12:48:33 PM
EDIT: Ofcourse, ZoneAlarm doesn't do that fancy ad-blocking, so I'm still not completely sure. It's still undecided for the moment. :-\
Yeah, I think the ad-blocking is a part of ZoneAlarm Plus or Pro (both not free).  :'(

Is there a free ZoneAlarm version? I was using a free trial version which expired after 30 days... it did have ad-blocking though.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 02, 2004, 09:57:19 PM
   I use the free ZoneAlarm which is very effective.  It blocks just the same as the paid version but you cannot find out who is trying to hack your computer.  Also, the paid version has ad-blocking and other features to make it worth paying money for.  However, many of these services you can get for free elsewhere.  It is up to you whether you want many free programs protecting your computer with a few paid ones or having to pay for some programs to make your computer secure.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 03, 2004, 08:29:56 AM
  So, did you find the weakness in your configuration settings, Copycat?  Storm, if you have broadband (cable or dsl) without a hardware and/or software firewall you are setting yourself up for trouble.  By the Way, PC World suggests that you use both hardware and software firewalls to protect your computer.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Storm on April 03, 2004, 06:19:05 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 03, 2004, 08:29:56 AMStorm, if you have broadband (cable or dsl) without a hardware and/or software firewall you are setting yourself up for trouble.

Right now I'm using dial-up, but I'll be sure to get the free version of ZoneAlarm once I get back to broadband. Seeing how much traffic the ZoneAlarm blocks is really scary :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 04, 2004, 10:17:37 AM
Quote from: Storm on April 03, 2004, 06:19:05 PMRight now I'm using dial-up, but I'll be sure to get the free version of ZoneAlarm once I get back to broadband. Seeing how much traffic the ZoneAlarm blocks is really scary :P
Those are probably just port scans, not someone trying to hack into your pc. I think the server-ZoneAlarm is not meant to display the 'hits', because no-one's using that pc  directly. We just turn it on, when we want to surf, and we turn it off when we stop surfing. ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Storm on April 04, 2004, 05:29:18 PM
OK, you just lost me there  :S
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: etgadsby on April 04, 2004, 07:55:47 PM
What a mess, all this makes me glad I’m primarily a Mac/UNIX based user.  I’ve got the ports I need blocked and most web pages and spyware just ignore my browser. There’s something to be said for NOT using the most popular OS on the block…

Then again I’m behind a hardware firewall as well but I’ve never had a problem even in the “open internet”.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 04, 2004, 11:30:06 PM
   Windows XP users have the most trouble because Windows XP is the most common operating system available.  In using 98SE, I have avoided some of the viruses that just target XP.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 05, 2004, 10:38:05 AM
   So Copycat, did you ever get your open and vulnerable ports closed to have a more secure PC?  You do not want any ports to be open because this could cause your pc to be port scanned which in turn encourages hackers to try to hack your PC.  FYI, before I had a hardware firewall, ZoneAlarm picked up so many port scans of my PC that it was unreal and caused my PC to slow down a bit.  The worst threat came from China with a score of 17500 and above 1000 is a threat.  I do not fully trust China because I think they are in for their own good and security.  I mean they are developing technologies just to be used in China and not the rest of the world.  Doesn't this raise red flags in your mind.   ???
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 07, 2004, 02:05:28 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 05, 2004, 10:38:05 AMSo Copycat, did you ever get your open and vulnerable ports closed to have a more secure PC?  You do not want any ports to be open because this could cause your pc to be port scanned which in turn encourages hackers to try to hack your PC.  FYI, before I had a hardware firewall, ZoneAlarm picked up so many port scans of my PC that it was unreal and caused my PC to slow down a bit.
Since I'm using NAT, the displayed IP-address of my pc is actually the server's. So I highly doubt the occasional hacker can penetrate the NAT-software and hack into this pc. They might be able to hack into the server-pc, but that one doesn't have any open ports either. Even when I did have a direct connection to the internet (when I was still dial-upping), and had ZoneAlarm I never had so many port scans it slowed down my pc. Whether or not I have a port open or not does not concern port scanners, they just scan an entire range and see where there are ports open. If there's a port open, they would hack into my system, not port-scan it again. But, alas for them, there are no open ports, only a few closed ones (and all the other ones 'stealthed'. 8)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 08, 2004, 06:42:22 PM
   Well you can ignore my other posts then.  I thought you had written previously that you had 4 open ports.  Have a nice day.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 09, 2004, 03:20:19 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 08, 2004, 06:42:22 PMWell you can ignore my other posts then. I thought you had written previously that you had 4 open ports. Have a nice day.
Never rely solely on your thoughts, unless you're absolutely certain. That's why I keep so many written things, becaused I can't rely on my memory or my thoughts deriving from that memory.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 13, 2004, 09:58:10 PM
   You trust RealPlayer when it adds many registry entries and always wants to connect to the Internet?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on April 14, 2004, 09:16:55 AM
Dew's got a point. I know I've heard of a program that can run RealMedia files without installing or spyware connections or anything... I'll have to dig up the link when I get home.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 14, 2004, 01:57:26 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 13, 2004, 09:58:10 PMYou trust RealPlayer when it adds many registry entries and always wants to connect to the Internet?
Correction: I have a RealOne Player.
Registry entries don't bother me, as long as they don't make my system unstable, and Win XP is already doing a good job at that all by itself. What wants to connect to the Internet first has to pass my Firewall. I already said the Event Launcher is blocked, the player itself has to ask permission to connect.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on April 14, 2004, 07:29:46 PM
I personally don't have Real One player installed, cuz it's too bloated IMO.  I also don't find much Real Media-only content anyway, so I have no need for it.  :)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on April 14, 2004, 07:51:38 PM
I seldom watch RealMedia stuff, either... I just have an online audio show I really need to finish listening to.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 14, 2004, 11:23:55 PM
Quicktime and Windows Media Player are much better choices.  Real One player wrecked havoc on my old system and I learned my lesson well.  Hopefully, it will work out for you Copycat.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 15, 2004, 02:20:54 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 14, 2004, 11:23:55 PMQuicktime and Windows Media Player are much better choices.
I've got those two too. I don't encounter too much Realmedia-only content too much either, but just in case when I do... 8)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 16, 2004, 01:49:46 AM
It is all a balancing act between maintaining minimal privacy and having all the programs you want for free and expect them to send nothing to their masters in return.  For instance, I have used instant messaging but I do not plan to use it in the future because of the inherent security risk that it poses to users and corporations. zzzzzzzzz!
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 16, 2004, 03:49:20 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 16, 2004, 01:49:46 AMFor instance, I have used instant messaging but I do not plan to use it in the future because of the inherent security risk that it poses to users and corporations.
Sure IM-ing can cause risks, but IMHO the risk outweighs the gain.
Ack, embedded Windows update just did a short sprint, but it stopped again at 54%. :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on April 16, 2004, 04:21:35 PM
Quote from: copycat on April 16, 2004, 03:49:20 PMSure IM-ing can cause risks, but IMHO the risk outweighs the gain.

Er, don't you mean the other way around? The gain outweighs the risk? ;)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 17, 2004, 02:38:37 PM
Quote from: Jeysie on April 16, 2004, 04:21:35 PMEr, don't you mean the other way around? The gain outweighs the risk? ;)
Oops, :-\ mix-up, you're right.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 21, 2004, 03:24:32 AM
Do you mean Win. 95 osr2 lacks the ability to become faster when you format the op. system or that it does not accumulate useless junk or something else?   ???
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 21, 2004, 01:41:12 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 21, 2004, 03:24:32 AMDo you mean Win. 95 osr2 lacks the ability to become faster when you format the op. system or that it does not accumulate useless junk or something else?   ???
My current installation of Win95OSR doesn't seem to be accumulating useless junk. Nor does it appear to be much slower than when I last re-installed. It may not lack the ability, but it sure isn't showing it at the moment.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 22, 2004, 01:51:17 AM
I guess Windows 95 is way off the hackers list since Microsoft no longer supports this operating system.  Even with 98SE, since it is so old many hackers just tend to ignore it.  They seem to be focused on XP since this operating system comes with many new computers and corporations tend to use it as well.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 22, 2004, 02:06:46 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 22, 2004, 01:51:17 AMI guess Windows 95 is way off the hackers list since Microsoft no longer supports this operating system.  Even with 98SE, since it is so old many hackers just tend to ignore it.  They seem to be focused on XP since this operating system comes with many new computers and corporations tend to use it as well.
Winxows95 does not have file-scripting stuff in its OS, by default (Windows Scripting Host, IIRC), so the viruses using that don't work. The newer the (M$) OS, the more complicated, the more easy it is to find security holes to exploit/hack. Linux is also easy to hack, that is, until you configure the firewall. 8)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 22, 2004, 07:10:37 PM
That is one reason why I did not install the scripting program that helps automate tasks in 98SE.  Copycat do you know if this is this on by default in XP?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 23, 2004, 02:46:41 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 22, 2004, 07:10:37 PMCopycat do you know if this is this on by default in XP?
This (http://www.sophos.com/support/wsh.html#2000Me) says it does.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 25, 2004, 03:20:32 AM
Thanks, Copycat.  I wonder why it is only clearly labeled as an accessory with Windows 98 and 98 SE and not the other operating systems?   ???
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 25, 2004, 09:25:12 AM
Quote from: dew7 on April 25, 2004, 03:20:32 AMThanks, Copycat.  I wonder why it is only clearly labeled as an accessory with Windows 98 and 98 SE and not the other operating systems?   ???
Obviously m$ doesn't see it as anything worthwile mentioning explicitly anymore, like everything that's not new anymore but is included into Win now. :S
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 26, 2004, 01:39:31 AM
I really appreciate the information on this and will keep this knowledge in my head as I try to force Microsoft to release an updated version of 98SE.  I plan to bring a proposal to the shareholder meeting in November about this and I would appreciate as many stockholders support as possible.  If that fails, then I will bring this to the next level.  I am not one who likes to back down without a fight even if I will crash and burn; the experience of it all will last a lifetime.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 27, 2004, 02:14:14 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 26, 2004, 01:39:31 AMI plan to bring a proposal to the shareholder meeting in November about this and I would appreciate as many stockholders support as possible.
AFAIK I'm not a shareholder, and I don't plan to be either, but you have my moral support. 8)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 28, 2004, 12:01:16 PM
Thanks Copycat!  I am amazed I finally broke through and got Microsoft to respond to my e-mails.  They are a tough company to get a hold of in my opinion.  This was after numerous letters and articles to them to show that I care and existed.  I sent them research that I did on spyware, malware and adware and a week later they put some of the information on their website.  I am not interested in any credit for this; My goal was to let users know how serious a problem it was and I was happy that I was able to make Microsoft more aware of the problem so they could put up a website for everyone.  The Microsoft website also has links to Adaware and Spybot -- Search and Destroy which are two free utilities and they work really well.  Be a little more careful with Spybot because it requires a higher level of expertise to use.  The following information is provided as is and shows no endorsement of these products by Microsoft or any other company.  It is in fact, just my opinion and I take no responsibility if in fact using one of these programs makes a bad situation worse which is highly unlikely.  Have a great day, everyone!
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 29, 2004, 03:05:49 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 28, 2004, 12:01:16 PMThe Microsoft website also has links to Adaware and Spybot -- Search and Destroy which are two free utilities and they work really well.  Be a little more careful with Spybot because it requires a higher level of expertise to use.  The following information is provided as is and shows no endorsement of these products by Microsoft or any other company.  It is in fact, just my opinion and I take no responsibility if in fact using one of these programs makes a bad situation worse which is highly unlikely.  Have a great day, everyone!
AFAIK, Ad-Aware does not automatically remove stuff unless you specify it.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on April 29, 2004, 03:15:53 PM
Or you could just run Mozilla/FireFox or Opera, and be cautious in referencing freeware/shareware programs you're thinking of installing against lists of known spyware-containing programs, and not have to bother with Ad-Aware or Spybot. ;)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 29, 2004, 07:32:10 PM
Mozilla costs money to run without ads
FireFox has not reached version 1
I do not know about Opera
Jeysie, please correct me if I am wrong.  I am not sure about the accuracy of these statements.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on April 30, 2004, 05:42:21 AM
You've got it a little backwards.

Opera is the one where the free version has ads. Opera is *not* spyware, though. If you choose the text ads, Opera uses the same Google Adsense version that website authors use. So if you currently block Adsense on webpages, you'll block Opera's text ads. And if you don't mind Adsense, Opera's text ads work the same way.

The ads itself is a part of the main toolbar. The toolbar with ad takes up about as much screen space as IE6 with the main buttons showing pictures and text. Except that with Opera you can put things like the status and address bars into the main bar so that one toolbar will be all you need... can't do that with IE!

I'd urge you not to let the ads keep you from downloading Opera and giving it a try. It's small and fast, has great (X)HTML and CSS support, and tons of customizability and features, both in security and regular browsing. They're very quick about security fixes, too.

Mozilla and FireFox are technically different products by the same company.

Mozilla, IIRC, is sort of the "all-in-one" deal. It's past 1.0 at this stage. It's a nice browser... great (X)HTML and CSS support, and a healthy set of features... definitely also blows IE out of the water. I just personally don't use it because I don't find it as customizable or feature-rich as Opera (plus it's a larger download and IMHO a bit clunkier-feeling), but someone who's less of a tweaker would like it.

FireFox is Mozilla's "browser-only" deal. It's smaller and faster than Mozilla and has the same rendering capabilities, but it's also less feature-enabled at the get-go. To add features, you pick and choose and install add-ons called "extensions". It hasn't reached 1.0 yet, but it's a stable and fully-functional browser. (And still worlds better than IE, IMHO.)

Mozilla is also open-source and freeware. So if you see a fix that needs to be made, and you've got some programming abilities, you can roll up your sleeves and concoct something.

I'd really urge you to download Mozilla and Opera and give them a try, Dew. I have to admit I find it kind of strange that someone so concerned about security uses IE as their main browser... it's like walking around with a target painted on your back. And IMHO there's a whole ton of other reasons to switch from IE, too.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 30, 2004, 10:09:53 AM
It is funny that you mention Target because that is one of my current jobs and like I have mentioned before I really hope and desire to be a third-fifth grade elementary school teacher.  However, the whole experience in 2001 about being forced to quit from an after school program job has soured me somewhat on teaching and now I am much more careful about my actions.  I also really like and enjoy computers and maybe I will try and get a job at Microsoft someday.  However, I like to move around and would not like being stuck in a cubicle.  Decisions, decisions, etc.  I will try one of the browsers.  My thought was actually FireFox because they gave it good reviews in PC World magazine recently.  What do you think?  Thanks for your help.  The following is an excerpt from the microsoft public windows 98 gen_discussion newsgroup
Let me know what you think.

Copy/paste the following line into an IE Addressbar, click on GO, then
> copy/paste the results into your reply:
>
>     javascript:navigator.appMinorVersion

it's too late, I've already gone back to ie4, what info is this going to
provide? I'm haven't put much work into the new instance, so it wouldn't be
much loss to upgrade to ie6 just to give this if it's worthwhile.

I like mozilla, but I don't like not being able to keep up with the
security updates or being able to use the knowledge base.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on April 30, 2004, 11:46:49 AM
I don't know what the NG message means by the javascript thing, but... you don't necessarily have to get rid of IE completely (unless you want to), just don't use it for your main browser. Do most of your surfing with a different browser, and just use IE for the Win Updates and Knowledge Base. (And gripe at M$ for making their WinUpdate portal proprietary.)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on April 30, 2004, 04:27:31 PM
Quote from: Jeysie on April 30, 2004, 11:46:49 AMDo most of your surfing with a different browser, and just use IE for the Win Updates and Knowledge Base. (And gripe at M$ for making their WinUpdate portal proprietary.)
Even better, do all of your surfing with a different browser, except the Win Updates ('cos you can't do that with a non-IE browser, I've learned too. >:()
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on April 30, 2004, 07:59:02 PM
Copycat, which is your favorite browser?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on May 01, 2004, 02:41:07 PM
Quote from: dew7 on April 30, 2004, 07:59:02 PMCopycat, which is your favorite browser?
At the moment, Netscape7, but once I switch over to Linux it'll either be Konqueror or Firefox. Due to the fact my video drivers in Linux aren't video card specific, the resolution is too low, meaning things take up too much space. I've noticed the driver for the ATI 9800 XT-chip is now available from ATI's website, but apparently there's two versions. It depends on your version of X-windows IIRC, to choose the correct version and my first Linux-task is fixing the bootmanager. Everything else Linux-related is put on hold until the bootmanager is fixed.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on May 01, 2004, 11:48:46 PM
I am seriosly considering giving FireFox a try.
Anyone heard about the Sasser worm that affects XP but leaves 98SE alone?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on May 24, 2004, 09:48:05 AM
Anyone out there?  Also, what does everyone think about the Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 that should be released by the end of the year?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on May 24, 2004, 11:46:26 PM
Anything gonna be in it that I haven't already installed from Windows Update?  ???
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: copycat on May 28, 2004, 04:53:40 PM
Quote from: Yonkey on May 24, 2004, 11:46:26 PMAnything gonna be in it that I haven't already installed from Windows Update?  ???
Probably a lot of things you don't actually need. :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on May 30, 2004, 02:22:03 AM
I heard that it may even have compatibility issues because XP SP 2 is supposed to be very different.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 04, 2004, 10:18:31 AM
I would suggest buying the June issue of PCWORLD for an excellent article on the spyware problem.  Spybot -- Search and Destroy and Adaware received top ranking.  Both are free --- however if you want the full version of Adaware which is Adaware Plus then you will have to pay for it ($15 one time fee I think)
You can also due what I due which is get a subscription to this magazine for only $19.95 with free software utilities.  Not a bad deal in my opinion.
(This reflects my own opinion and while it shows an endorsement of PCWORLD the user is not guaranteed the satisfaction that I have reading the magazine -- it depends on user's expertise and whether they have money to burn on a magazine)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 04, 2004, 04:00:52 PM
Maximum PC is a good alternative, if you don't have expertise in computers. They tend to over simplify things though.

Maximum PC (http://www.maximumpc.com/)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 05, 2004, 12:33:31 AM
The site mentions how anyone interested in security needs a third party program to lock 98/98SE/me
but you should not be running 98/98SE/me if you are interested in security -- the lie continue eeye.com currently has two flaws with the NT code -- one only affects XP while the other affects the whole NT source code --- Just Face It Folks if you want a totally secure PC then you must use one that is not connected to the Internet
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 05, 2004, 08:39:30 PM
Well, now that we have an answer, is it time to end this thread?  :suffer:

P.S. I'm going to have to find some laughing smilies.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Storm on June 06, 2004, 07:18:36 AM
It's the "me" tag... it's activated when you write "/me" and turns the rest of the message to red with the poster's name at the begining, like this:

/me finds this very amusing
(here I wrote the tag myself so it would only do the one line).

The parser must have gotten confused when you typed "98/98SE/ME"  :S
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 06, 2004, 03:35:09 PM
So a read only PC is the solution, or one that only uses memory. Actually, I've got one of those around here somewhere.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 07, 2004, 12:34:37 PM
All I am saying is that being off-line will make your PC a lot more secure.  For example, certain pcs in the defense industry are off-line because the information contained in them is highly sensitive information and must be guarded at all costs.  For most users, this level of protection is not needed and and if you are on-line I suggest for a bare minimum level of safety:

Firewall (ZoneAlarm Pro. for 98SE or XP firewall for XP)
Anti-Virus
Anti-Spyware (Adaware by Lavasoft and Spybot)
8)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 12, 2004, 12:11:01 PM
Jeysie was right about IE not being very secure.  Check out the latest hit against Internet Explorer from the folks at eeye.com  It may be time for me to switch to FireFox

http://eeye.com/html/research/alerts/AL20040610.html
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Drunken Chinchilla on June 12, 2004, 12:38:53 PM
Incredible. I hope they fix it soon, I'd feel alot safer if they did. Thank you for the link Dew  ;D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 12, 2004, 08:23:04 PM
You are most welcome!   ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on June 13, 2004, 02:38:02 AM
Quote from: dew7 on June 07, 2004, 12:34:37 PM
All I am saying is that being off-line will make your PC a lot more secure
And if i didnt use the net i would become a mean lean sleeping machine
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 13, 2004, 09:19:05 AM
Before I had the Net, I *was* a sleeping machine, no funny about it. :(

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Storm on June 13, 2004, 10:27:52 AM
I still am! I never let my online activites get in the way of my 12+ hours naps :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on June 13, 2004, 10:30:06 AM
Quote from: Jeysie on June 13, 2004, 09:19:05 AM
Before I had the Net, I *was* a sleeping machine, no funny about it. :(

Peace & Luv, Liz

I slept all day before i had the net and joined this forum :-\, my record was from 12 midnight to 5 pm :o, woke up and had dinner almost right away :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 14, 2004, 08:45:36 AM
Certain places use computers that are not hooked into the internet because they cannot afford to let the information on their computers be stolen.  Has anyone read 1984 by George Orwell?  Also, does everyone think the first Matrix was the best or did you hate the whole triology of the Matrix?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 14, 2004, 01:19:20 PM
I don't really like the Matrix, and I've only seen the first movie.

Will Smith was going to be Neo, but he turned the job down.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 15, 2004, 08:42:13 AM
I've read George Orwell's 1984!  It's a pretty cool book, considering the way technology's advancing these days.  If you want a more modern day adaptation of it, I suggest seeing "Minority Report" or even "Enemy of the State" featuring Will Smith.

I don't think Will Smith would make a good Neo.  Plus, it might have made The Matrix seem like some serious version of Men in Black.  ;P

Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 15, 2004, 10:32:59 AM
Yeah, 1984 by George Orwell really makes one think and the movies you mentioned are good too.  It is amazing how much you and I have in common Neil.  I am glad you have this forum and I consider you an on-line friend.  :> :> :>  8)   ;D   :D   !!!
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on June 16, 2004, 03:12:01 AM
I really liked the first Matrix ;D, the second one was EXCELLENT (but not as good as the first) and the third was the opposite of the first ;D, instead of learning about the actual matrix you learnt about the real world ;)

IMO The first and last Matrix movies were the best ;D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 17, 2004, 03:26:56 AM
IMO, the first Matrix was the best and the other two were okay.  BTW, anyone hear about wireless phones being invaded by viruses in Russia and that the Bluetooth wireless technology made by none other than the Microsoft Corporation is now vulnerable!

http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/industrynews/34542.html
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 17, 2004, 03:27:59 AM
That's news?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Drunken Chinchilla on June 17, 2004, 07:11:17 AM
Bluetooth has never been stable. One of may favourite things to do on long train or bus journies is to set my phone to scan for blutooth enabled devices and send them wierd pictures. Usually freaks them out and they start looking all paranoid hehe.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 17, 2004, 11:50:20 AM
That sounds harmless and I could see how you would think it is funny.  I am starting to think that it will be impossible to ever have any kind of security in e-commerce.  Check out this website about problems with on-line banks.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5184077/
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Say on June 17, 2004, 11:55:43 AM
and its exactly the same "offline" the fact that you can actually be there physically or not doesnt mean absolutly anything hence security also relies on the oportunity factor wheter you could be a potencial or attractive target AT ALL, its pretty pointless to asume that even though your pc could be possible of hacking attempt would be, since, who are you to be hacked anyways, its absurd, and the odds of online or offline situations are pretty much the same IMHO and if that being the case you can pretty much risk your life in a real bank if it got robbed rather than online.

nothing is secure in an absolute level, in case you didnt know
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 17, 2004, 12:00:06 PM
Another thing they didn't mention... judging from the griping I hear online from Mozilla, Opera, and Safari users, many banks lock out anything but Internet Explorer from their websites, whether through accident or design. Having the majority of people using an insecure browser can't help either. ;P

Edit: I disagree that the odds of offline vs. online "hacking" are equal... it's easier to manipulate data than it is to physically set up fake equipment or rob a bank, and there's a lot less risk of getting caught online. I agree you're never totally safe either way, but still.

And you don't have to be "anybody" to get hacked... a hacker can pick on anyone they come across who seems to have open access, to see if they have anything interesting to offer.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 17, 2004, 12:01:51 PM
Thanks Say.  That is why I have my faith.  (no worries this is all I will say about that and you can remove it if needed :>)
Jeysie, you have convinced me to use an alternate browser for my surfing experience.  I am leaning towards Firefox but as of yet am undecided and will only use IE 6 sp1 when absolutely necessary.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 17, 2004, 12:09:00 PM
Dew: That's good to hear. ;)

I'm not going to say that Mozilla/Firefox and Opera don't have any security issues, because they do have bugs of their own. But the security-related bugs, at least, get fixed very quickly after being discovered, plus you don't have to download a large Windows Update to get the fix.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 17, 2004, 12:10:34 PM
Online banking usually requires browsers that support 128-bit SSL encryption.  I'm not sure about Opera and the rest, but I know that MSIE and Netscape support it.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 17, 2004, 12:14:51 PM
Opera supports all the SSL protocols. I don't know off-hand if Mozilla and Safari do, but I don't see why they shouldn't. (In fact, since Safari is the default Mac browser now, I sure hope it does! :P )

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 17, 2004, 12:17:54 PM
But in particular 128-bit?  I know by default IE6 does now, but IE5 and below only had 56-bit.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 17, 2004, 03:09:33 PM
OK, now that I'm home, I can go link diving.

http://www.opera.com/support/search/supsearch.dml?index=59

http://www.mozilla.org/projects/help-viewer/docs/firebird/prefs.html#security

I hear that Opera's pretty nice on the handheld front, since it uses a "small-screen rendering (http://www.opera.com/products/smartphone/smallscreen/)" technology to format webpages for the phones, plus it has support for handheld CSS files.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 17, 2004, 07:50:27 PM
Hmm, so it seems that both browsers are fully capable of doing online banking.  But your bank forces you to use IE?  ??? Hmm, I'm gonna test Opera on three banks over here.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 17, 2004, 07:54:24 PM
My bank's site (Banknorth (http://www.banknorth.com/)) seems to work fine in Opera, although admittedly I've never done anything more complicated on the site than checking my monthly balances and recent transactions. I don't have enough bills in my name or any funds to transfer to bother with online banking.

I've read many accounts here and there around the Net about people using non-IE browsers having issues, though. Like this log entry (http://whatdoiknow.org/archives/001708.shtml), for instance. (shrug)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 17, 2004, 08:00:34 PM
I just tested Opera 7.23 at ScotiaBank (http://www.scotiabank.com), TD CanadaTrust (http://www.tdcanadatrust.com) and President's Choice Financial (http://www.pcfinancial.ca/).  All of them worked, but TD CanadaTrust required cookies.  ;P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 17, 2004, 08:07:38 PM
Unless that guy's bank's site was designed with Frontpage (or Microsoft Word ;P), I don't see why it wouldn't work with Safari.  He doesn't say specifically why his browser wouldn't work, and if Safari has 128-bit encryption, then I don't see why it shouldn't work.   ::)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 17, 2004, 08:42:01 PM
QuoteUnless that guy's bank's site was designed with Frontpage (or Microsoft Word ), I don't see why it wouldn't work with Safari.

Frontpage sites won't work with Safari? I've used Frontpage Express, and I didn't know it had problems with any internet browser(but I can see why it would).
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 17, 2004, 08:43:49 PM
I actually have no idea, but I've heard of pages designed in Frontpage being somewhat IE-specific.  
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 17, 2004, 09:43:12 PM
Makes sense, I'll have to look into it.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 18, 2004, 01:24:22 AM
Jeysie, does FireFox have 128 bit encryption?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 18, 2004, 06:15:38 AM
Yonkey: The encryption doesn't really have anything to do with it, it's more a question if the bank uses things like ActiveX or IE-only javascript, or just simply uses a browser detection script to block out other browsers because they *think* other browsers can't handle it.

I got the feeling that the guy who wrote that post didn't state what was wrong with Safari's handling of the site because he didn't know exactly what was wrong.

Dew: If you dig around on the site, there's spec docs about the Firefox engine that seem to state that it can handle 128-bit encryption, but they're pretty geeky. You could try searching the Mozilla forums, or just asking yourself, that might work. :)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on June 18, 2004, 08:46:50 AM
Nothing wrong with Rants ;D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 20, 2004, 12:25:08 AM
We let the cashier supervisers know right away about problems with the registers at Target so they can be fixed.  The store is way too busy to deal with a mostly broken register.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 20, 2004, 04:15:37 PM
This article (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=77&e=1&u=/mc/20040617/tc_mc/ushousesubcommitteeapprovesspywarebill) about laws to stop spyware may interest a few people.


EDIT (By Yonkey): Forum stretching. :P

Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 21, 2004, 03:58:15 PM
Quote from: Jeysie on June 18, 2004, 06:15:38 AM
Yonkey: The encryption doesn't really have anything to do with it, it's more a question if the bank uses things like ActiveX or IE-only javascript, or just simply uses a browser detection script to block out other browsers because they *think* other browsers can't handle it.

Hmm, isn't this some sort of violation of US Antitrust Law?  Microsoft was sued for creating operating systems with IE-only so if this guy could prove that the bank is forcing its clients to use non-Safari browsers, he might have a case!  :P

Anyway, it's ridiculous to design websites like that.  If the bank doesn't think other browsers can work on their site, they should hire web designers that know how to make it possible, or rethink the way that portion of their site is designed.  I mean, it's obvious that it's possible if so many other banks have no browser compatibility issues.  ::)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Drunken Chinchilla on June 21, 2004, 07:22:56 PM
We dont have signatures any more. Instead shops have a number pad which you have to enter your pin number in that you use to withdraw cash with. Much safer as long as you dont get tailed after the shop and mugged lol.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 21, 2004, 07:24:23 PM
You use that for credit cards or debit cards?  Cuz we have that keypad and pin stuff for debit only.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Drunken Chinchilla on June 21, 2004, 07:33:06 PM
They've just introduced for credit cards too I believe, not sure about the rest of Europe though.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 22, 2004, 12:00:46 AM
QuoteI forget what the main Linux browser is off-hand

It depends. If KDE is the graphical interface being used, it's Konquerer.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 22, 2004, 02:12:31 AM
Thanks for the article, Jeysie.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 22, 2004, 02:19:36 AM
No problem. :)

FWIW, I didn't know about anything outside of IE and NS4 until I decided a couple years ago that IE6 just wasn't cutting it, and I needed to find *something* that actually worked well. And since I refused to go anywhere near NS4 even in it's heyday (because IMHO it was, and still is, a POS), that meant doing some searching. Fortunately I came across Opera... and since then I've been trying to undo my ignorance on matters as best I can.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 22, 2004, 12:49:57 PM
I was a die-hard Netscape fan during the browser wars between IE and Netscape (this was like NS2 & 3).  But when IE4 came out (around the same time as Win95) I switched to it, mostly because it started up faster.  XD

I've heard about Mozilla, then Opera, but I never actually downloaded them myself until we got into the redesign of KQ9.org.  

Since Dreamweaver has a target browser compatibility checker, I use that to ensure that the content on this site will load in Netscape, Opera, Mozilla, Safari and IE.  A lot of the times, if something is incompatible, a simple google search finds you the workaround to make something cross-browser compliant.

Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 22, 2004, 08:58:22 PM
If you like Netscape, you might want to try Mozilla(or something from the Mozilla line).
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 22, 2004, 09:01:18 PM
I liked Netscape 8 years ago.  After Netscape 5 or 6, I so hated it because it became pure crap.  <3

As for Mozilla, I just use it like Opera. That is, I use it as an alternate browser for checking stuff rather than my primpary one (IE 6).
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 22, 2004, 09:18:47 PM
Well, I was just trying to promote Mozilla. I just don't like IE(despite the fact that I use it half the time), or Konquerer for that mattter.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 23, 2004, 01:23:11 AM
LN, is FireFox any good?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 23, 2004, 09:56:21 AM
IE is the bane of my web authoring existence. :P

Seriously, once you get into the otherwise blissful groove of using CSS for all layout, IE is a pain in the ass. Heck, I have a friend who's a die-hard IE nut, wouldn't use anything else no matter how much the rest of us touted Mozilla or Opera. But then he discovered CSS layout and "clean" HTML for his weblog... and soon after downloaded FF and Opera. I think he still mostly uses IE6, but the discontent is there. :P I have another friend who downloaded FF because he's dissatisified with M$ not making any more significant IE updates until Longhorn.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 24, 2004, 01:27:36 AM
Thanks, Jeysie and LN for your opinions.  :>
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 24, 2004, 10:45:51 AM
Yeah, Storm's argument is the same as mine for IE.  I've used it for years, and it's always been fine.  It has its share of security holes and such, but I've never been a target or fallen trap to any.  Plus, it does everything I want in a browser and I don't really worry about sites having compatibility problems with it, ever since it dominated the browser market.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Storm on June 24, 2004, 11:02:21 AM
Yeah, compatibility is another important issue there - I agree that the ideal is for every website builder to have their site tested for every browser out there, and that it isn't fair that the less-popular browser users have to suffer because some sites are only tested for IE.
But the fact remains that as long as no one can guarantee that every site would run on a different browser as well as does on IE, I (and many others, I'm sure) will stick to IE. It's a vicious circle :S

Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 24, 2004, 11:05:09 AM
My main problem with IE6 was that it was slow as molasses on my computer. Slow to start up, slow to render pages, but the worst was that it was slow to even *connect* to pages... the page would just hang there for a minute or more before it finally started to load. I finally got fed up. :P

Opera is fast in rendering, and it's intelligent with caching and connection-managing so it's fast at loading, too. Tabbed browsing is a total must-have... plus the ability to quickly load multiple links. And a built-in download manager. And a built-in pop-up blocker. And a built-in password manager. And one-click access to turning plug-ins, CSS, and images on and off. And a fully customizable toolbar. And a built-in mail client that's lots better than Outlook. And keyboard shortcuts for everything. And built-in customizable searches.

Not to mention that when IE crashes, it always took my OS with it. When Opera crashes, not only does it not take my OS with it, but it remembers what pages I was browsing so I don't lose my place. It's better at "remembering" form data when you leave and return to a page, too.

Not to mention that it has far more CSS and HTML support. There is a *ton* of CSS things, both flashy and useful, that you can do in Opera and Mozilla that IE can't. (Or it can, but you need to add on a crapload of javascript to do it.) And even the stuff it can do, it does differently, so more often than not you end up with a nice, clean-coded design that works great in Opera, Mozilla, and Safari... then you open up IE and you have to add a ton more coding to get it to work. I spend a lot of time swearing at my computer when that happens. :P If you surf some of the "web designer guru" weblogs, you'll see a lot of (justified) pissing and moaning about IE (http://www.stopdesign.com/log/2004/01/26/ie_factor.html).

There's nothing wrong with being content with IE, I guess, but it seems to me like settling for runner-up. ;)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 24, 2004, 12:41:01 PM
I know there's a ton of 3rd party programs you can download to add some functionality onto IE, but I'd rather have just one program to worry about. ;)

FWIW, I don't have that many passwords either, but I like being able to hit one button to sign into things instead of re-typing all the time. And Google's bar only nets you, well, one place to search, doesn't it?

IE's deficiency in CSS support can affect the end user, since there's many design features an IE user will never see that would enhance the experience. (Again, of both the flashy and the useful variety.) In fact, I'm finding that there's a couple things I'll likely end up adding to my design even though they won't work in IE, just so at least somebody can take advantage of them.

Still, I agree, it is a bigger problem on the web developer end... but, oh, what a problem. :P

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 24, 2004, 01:21:20 PM
My biggest problem with IE, is that it's too connected to the OS. If something happens to IE, it's going to affect your whole system. I found that out the hard way.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 24, 2004, 02:22:38 PM
That stops being true in Win2k and XP.  ;P  If they crash, they can be closed safely without affecting the O/S.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 24, 2004, 08:50:46 PM
That's not what I mean, here's an example. I tried a modem accelerator, and it had to update IE to work. Something went wrong, and my PC stopped working correctly(I had to reformat). It was like flashing a BIOS. It's great when it works , but when it doesn't...
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 24, 2004, 09:10:06 PM
Since cable modem accelerators rarely work, (and I think they're illegal too), it's a risk to run them anyway.  It may have even been infected with a virus. :S
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 24, 2004, 10:04:45 PM
QuoteIt may have even been infected with a virus.

No, I got it from Earthlink(my internet provider).
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on June 24, 2004, 10:07:57 PM
And they didn't give you any kind of warning that it could damage your computer?  :o
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 24, 2004, 10:16:17 PM
If they did, they were sure to keep it well hid(just so they could say they warned me, so I couldn't sue them).
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 25, 2004, 01:37:28 AM
I use Cox cable now and I used to use Earthlink but they had terrible customer service.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 25, 2004, 05:40:10 AM
AT&T also has an "Internet Accellerator" program available, which also requires IE. Maybe it's becoming a common offering.

At any rate, ever since I re-installed IE6 for testing, my computer's been a lot more unstable, crashing programs and itself a lot, having issues opening some types of files, etc. I can't wait until I'm done and I can do my "spring cleaning" and reformat and get it off my system again. :P

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 27, 2004, 11:21:31 PM
   I am slowly starting to think that it would be a good thing to even have a tri-boot on my computer with 98SE, XP Pro. and Linux because of the amount of security problems out there in cyberspace.  Anyone ever done this and was it stable or not in the least?  
  I am definately now going to install Mozilla FireFox and use this as my primary browser because of all the attacks and security vulnerabilities of Internet Explorer 6 sp1.  This is in reference to the recent attack that just made visiting certain websites to allow a user using IE 6 sp1 to get a virus!  Yikes the cyber world is getting really dangerous.  Finally, a company now has a firewall that allows the user to attack someone who is attempting to hack in the network with a stronger attack than they launced.  Will this help?  Maybe but I have a feeling that it is a needed step but in the end will force all users to get a clue about basic computing and basic security.  This is probably a good thing.  :>
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 27, 2004, 11:57:51 PM
QuoteI am slowly starting to think that it would be a good thing to even have a tri-boot on my computer with 98SE, XP Pro. and Linux because of the amount of security problems out there in cyberspace.  Anyone ever done this and was it stable or not in the least?

Do you mind using hardware(needs no software), from a company that's out of business? If you don't, get a Trios (http://www.technoyard.com/hardware/miscellaneous/Trios/page_1.html) . I've done something similar, and it's completely stable(compared to the usual way).

QuoteI am definately now going to install Mozilla FireFox and use this as my primary browser because of all the attacks and security vulnerabilities of Internet Explorer 6 sp1.

If I were you, I'd try Firefox, before I decided to make it my main browser. I use it as my main browser(tabs  ;D ), although you might want to give other browsers a try, if you decide you don't like either browser.


P.S. That's the first Trios, there's also a Trios2.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on June 30, 2004, 01:07:33 PM
Thanks LN.  I guess trying Firefox would be better than just jumping in right away.  I plan to have a dual-boot to start with.  Is it okay if I just use the Microsoft setup by installing 98SE first and then XP Pro. on a seperate hard drive or am I setting myself up for problems by not using a third party program?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 30, 2004, 03:35:00 PM
QuoteIs it okay if I just use the Microsoft setup by installing 98SE first and then XP Pro. on a seperate hard drive or am I setting myself up for problems by not using a third party program?

I've never used 98SE and XP on the same hardrive, if that's what you're talking about. It depends, are you planning on using Fat32 or NTFS in XP? Microsoft's software, would probably work better than a third party program. XP is harder to get working with most 3rd-party bootloaders(GRUB/LILO), so if you want it to work, use Microsoft software.

P.S. I installed XP and Redhat9(Linux) on the same hardrive, and XP removed GRUB. I couldn't get into Linux without a boot-floppy.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on June 30, 2004, 05:03:17 PM
Something I came across today:

Pop-up program reads keystrokes, steals passwords (http://news.com.com/Pop-up%20program%20reads%20keystrokes%2C%20steals%20passwords/2100-7349_3-5251981.html)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on June 30, 2004, 09:43:48 PM
I'm glad I don't use online banks. Well, at least internet banks.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on July 01, 2004, 12:32:33 AM
I briefly used bank-online from my bank to check my balances but no more.  It is not safe.  Also, I think the number of digits on a checking card should be increased to 7 digits at least.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Draco9898 on July 01, 2004, 12:36:20 AM
If it hasn't been mentioned before I think everyone should switch to Mozilla...Why? Internet explorer is just a bomb waiting to explode with vulnerability...
Mozilla also AUTOMATICLY blocks popping up windows (if you want it to!)

It also doesn't allow web pages to load un-safe things onto your computer: Java-script vulneriblites and Active -X badness..

It also seems to load most webpages faster
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on July 01, 2004, 12:56:52 AM
QuoteI think everyone should switch to Mozilla

Before I start this post, I'll just mention Mozilla(I'm talking about the Mozilla line) is my prefered browser.

I disagree, no reason for everyone to use the same browser.
there are other options.

Opera
Konquerer(Linux)
Gnome browser(Linux, I don't know the exact name)
There are also a few more in the works, that might become popular/competitive later.
Also, if you're worried about security, use a text browser(there are plenty of them).

P.S. Which version of Mozilla do you use(Phoenix,Firefox,just plain Mozilla, or other)?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on July 01, 2004, 02:40:41 AM
Netscape Navigator was good the last time I used it ;D

BTW where can you download Firefox ???
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Draco9898 on July 01, 2004, 02:50:55 AM
I use firefox...
remember Google is our friend and you can simply type in "firefox" and get exactly what you want:

http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on July 01, 2004, 07:48:43 AM
Quote from: Draco9898 on July 01, 2004, 12:36:20 AM
It also doesn't allow web pages to load un-safe things onto your computer: Java-script vulneriblites and Active -X badness..
Yeah, I hate how there's no option to disable ActiveX by untrusted sources in IE.  I've disabled "unsigned ActiveX" but them being signed or not makes no difference these days.  ::)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Drunken Chinchilla on July 01, 2004, 11:56:53 AM
I use internet banking and I've never had a problem. I think the people who will get hit hard are small business who do money transfers and such all online. Heh but anyway I couldn't really lose much I never seem to have much more than £50 in my bank at any one time!
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on July 17, 2004, 03:45:13 PM
I happened to come across some more fun happy links today:

Internet Explorer. Quick, call security! (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/06/28/ie_is_complex/)

CERT recommends anything but IE (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/06/28/cert_ditch_explorer/)

US-CERT: Beware of IE (http://www.internetnews.com/security/article.php/3374931)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on July 30, 2004, 01:44:01 PM
I thought I would mention there is a critical update for IE on Windows Update today and I heard about a security problem with FireFox recently that was fixed within a few hours.  I guess there really is something to be said for open-source software.  :>
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on July 30, 2004, 03:58:34 PM
Yup, I downloaded it at my "pupil's" house.  The thing's 2.8MB though, so whatever critical update it was, it's a bigge.  ;P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on July 30, 2004, 06:37:22 PM
The patch has to do with hackers remotely accessing your computer through compromised web sites.  
  BTW, going way off topic here,  ;D do you have the picture from the KQ VI introduction as your picture because it was your favorite game?  I use Batman as my picture because I always liked how Batman fought criminals without any special powers and relied on gadgets, his wits and his strength.   8)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on July 30, 2004, 08:10:22 PM
Heh, all the Windows Update critical fixes say it prevents against hackers from accessing your computer.  ::)

When I was a newbie, I first picked the Sonic the Hedgehog avatar.  Then yes, I switched to KQ6 Alex because it was my favourite KQ game (and he's my favourite character).   8)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Grundy on July 30, 2004, 08:33:12 PM
Quote from: Jeysie on July 17, 2004, 03:45:13 PM
I happened to come across some more fun happy links today:

Internet Explorer. Quick, call security! (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/06/28/ie_is_complex/)

CERT recommends anything but IE (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/06/28/cert_ditch_explorer/)

US-CERT: Beware of IE (http://www.internetnews.com/security/article.php/3374931)

Peace & Luv, Liz

Glad I converted to FireFox a while ago!
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on July 31, 2004, 01:58:56 AM
Well I am now trying out FireFox.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on September 15, 2004, 04:25:36 PM
More fun with security issues:

Security vulnerabilities while viewing JPGs. - CNET story (http://news.com.com/Major+graphics+flaw+threatens+Windows+PCs/2100-1002_3-5366314.html)

Security vulnerabilities while viewing JPGs. -M$ update (http://www.microsoft.com/security/bulletins/200409_jpeg.mspx)

Security vulnerabilities while viewing PNGs. - CNET story (http://news.com.com/Image+flaw+pierces+PC+security/2100-1002_3-5298999.html?tag=nl)

Side note: The latest version of Opera actually doesn't have this problem. (http://my.opera.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=63689)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on September 15, 2004, 04:28:05 PM
"Windows XP Service Pack 2, which is still being distributed to many customers' computers, is not vulnerable to the flaw."  

Now that's something you don't hear everyday. ;-D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on September 15, 2004, 04:35:40 PM
Let's just hope everyone knows to upgrade and can upgrade without any problems. :P

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 15, 2004, 07:43:29 PM
Update without any problems -- now in the case of Windows that is iffy at best   :P   ::)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Grundy on September 15, 2004, 08:07:18 PM
If anyone wants to see a world free from microsoft, goto south korea.   ;)    8)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on September 15, 2004, 08:12:34 PM
Quote from: Grundy on September 15, 2004, 08:07:18 PM
If anyone wants to see a world free from microsoft, goto south korea.   ;)    8)

Is there truth in that statment?

If there is, a link with more info would be nice.

*thinks about Lineage*
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 16, 2004, 01:26:30 AM
As if problems were not bad enough . . .

http://eeye.com/html/research/upcoming/index.html

:suffer:  :suffer:  :suffer:   :suffer:   :suffer:

ME, 2000 and XP affected (not 98SE   :pleased:  )
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on September 17, 2004, 06:50:01 AM
I use zone alarm free version for the firewall. For spyware i use Ad-aware, spysweeper, spybot, xblock, and spyware blaster just to name a few. Im using AVG antivirus until i get Pc-ciliin 2004 soon  8).

im running XP pro which is alright  :-\

p.s. SP2 SUXs >:(
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on September 17, 2004, 06:54:40 AM
i dont know if this has been mention previously in this thread, since i didnt read it all. Well, if your getting lots of spyware and popups, its probably because of Microsofts weak and vulnerable internet explorer. Give mozilla a try since its open source, its free.

http://www.mozilla.org

p.s. been using mozilla for 3 months and got my first popup 6 days ago  :o
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on September 17, 2004, 08:19:49 AM
I've been lauding Opera and Mozilla over IE every chance I get. It's good to have some help. ;D

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 17, 2004, 03:52:10 PM
I use FireFox as my primary browser now.  IE is a backup and used for updates.  I have seen that Microsoft's share of the browser market is slowly going down because of IE security issues.   :suffer:   8)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on September 18, 2004, 01:42:09 AM
Well i use Mozilla and IE only exists on my computer because a few programs need it to be installed for them to run :-\

Im also going to try Firefox :D

BTW does anyone know a really good firewall ???, because im sick of ZoneAlarm :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on September 18, 2004, 04:12:16 AM
Ok well i have been using Firefox 1.0PR for about an hour now and i love it :D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on September 18, 2004, 09:48:02 AM
1.0 is out!? :o

*starts downloading*
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on September 18, 2004, 10:23:25 AM
Yeah and IMO its better than the last version :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on September 18, 2004, 10:24:39 PM
Quote from: racx on September 18, 2004, 01:42:09 AM
Well i use Mozilla and IE only exists on my computer because a few programs need it to be installed for them to run :-\

Im also going to try Firefox :D

BTW does anyone know a really good firewall ???, because im sick of ZoneAlarm :P



I love zonealarm 8). makes the net run alot faster.  :P.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 18, 2004, 11:51:51 PM
Perhaps uninstalling and reinstalling Zonealarm would help you with your problem.   :idea:
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on September 19, 2004, 12:55:59 AM
Actually Zonealarm works its just the hacker i picked up got through the firewall :-\, i was just wondering if anyone knew of another firewall that i could run ??? ;D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 19, 2004, 02:11:42 AM
I use a hardware firewall through a router and ZoneAlarm Pro.  I am sorry to here of your problem.  Perhaps, someone can suggest another firewall.  Btw, have you tried testing your ports through Shields Up at grc.com?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on September 19, 2004, 03:16:04 AM
Well i just tested the ports on my computer :D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on September 19, 2004, 05:30:42 AM
Okay, i get alot of internet activity, but I only got one computer :(.

Anyways, is this normal for the ZoneAlarm firewall?

p.s. I had this version of zonealarm since mid July
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on September 19, 2004, 06:48:36 AM
Geez. How the heck do you have 119 internet programs? I don't even have that many programs installed total, let alone ones that access the internet.

Anyhoo. If you have a persistent connection, then yeah, it's pretty normal. Ports get scanned a lot, just for starters.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 19, 2004, 06:44:59 PM
Jason, how did the port scan go on your computer.  Were all the ports stealthed?  You can send me a message if you prefer or you do not have to answer if you do not want to.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on September 20, 2004, 04:12:05 AM
Yeah they were all stealthed :D, i was kinda surprised actually :D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 20, 2004, 03:13:22 PM
I wonder how a hacker got through.  Have you scanned for viruses and spyware recently?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on September 21, 2004, 01:32:10 AM
Well i have a virus scanner that is constantly running, and i check for spyware everyday ;D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 21, 2004, 06:15:47 PM
Well if you are that dillingent then I imagine you have updated Windows 98SE fully through the Microsoft update site.  Also, see firewall thread that I revived for your benefit.   ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on September 22, 2004, 08:36:17 AM
Thanks for reviving :D, i had a read of it ;D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 22, 2004, 07:53:30 PM
Any idea yet how the hacker got through or does anyone else have an idea how it happened.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on September 23, 2004, 03:40:24 AM
I wouldnt have a clue how they got in :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Shadowfax on September 23, 2004, 04:26:38 AM
Blimey govna' You certainly have a little problem on your hands!  ;D

I run a combination of Mcaffee security packages but I have to find ways of updating it manually (I personally know a few computer hackers who are the masters of their art, their nice enough folks and won't do anything truly malicious but are more than capable of doing so. They gave me advice on how to block various new threats and so far it has worked.)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 23, 2004, 05:40:16 PM
Racx, Have you also run Adaware, Spybot -- Search and Destroy and Spy Sweeper by Webroot for problems?  I also like SpywareBlaster that keeps spyware/adware from getting on your computer.  (Maybe the hacker was able to get in through a backdoor that only one of these anti-spyware programs can pick up)  
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on September 24, 2004, 03:21:13 AM
Quote from: dew7 on September 23, 2004, 05:40:16 PM
Racx, Have you also run Adaware, Spybot -- Search and Destroy and Spy Sweeper by Webroot for problems?  I also like SpywareBlaster that keeps spyware/adware from getting on your computer.  (Maybe the hacker was able to get in through a backdoor that only one of these anti-spyware programs can pick up)  

Also try X-block and Spyware Blaster  ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on September 24, 2004, 04:51:56 AM
I use Spy Sweeper, CyberScrub and Spybot :D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on September 24, 2004, 05:01:10 AM
Quote from: racx on September 24, 2004, 04:51:56 AM
I use Spy Sweeper, CyberScrub and Spybot :D

Cyberscrub  ??? havent herd of that one. What exactly does it do  :-\

You should use Ad-aware if that doesnt comflict with your computer  ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on September 24, 2004, 03:38:39 PM
Spyware Blaster also will prevent baddies from getting on your computer.   :D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on November 10, 2004, 12:03:30 AM
NewsFlash:

Bluetooth can be hacked and your cell phone may be vulnerable if it uses Bluetooth technology

Also, phisers are starting to get smarter and having people click on an image that will launch spyware on their computer and also using more than one program to try to prevent anti-spyware programs from eliminating all of the spyware
Finally, some anti-spyware programs actually have installed spyware onto host computers that installed them   :o  :-\  (See December PCWorld for details)  :>
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on November 10, 2004, 12:38:26 AM
Tux and me aren't scared. ;D

Well, at least until it reaches my PC. :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Oldbushie on November 10, 2004, 10:26:34 AM
I'm truly safe, I don't have a cellphone! XB

I'm barely use the phone once a week as it is... :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on November 10, 2004, 10:38:05 AM
All of this kinda reminds me of the movie "Enemy of the State"   :)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: B'rrr on November 10, 2004, 02:30:23 PM
loved that movie btw, really good  :D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on November 10, 2004, 04:35:03 PM
I just noticed the other day that you can report phishing directly from Gmail now! XD
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on November 11, 2004, 12:30:16 AM
Just out of curiousity, how does that work.  Do you just send them an e-mail?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on November 11, 2004, 09:15:42 AM
I haven't tried it yet.  But it's probably the same as reporting spam: sends an e-mail to Gmail and adds that person's IP to a blacklist.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on November 11, 2004, 02:30:19 PM
Thanks!   :D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on November 19, 2004, 11:28:23 AM
Anyone ever heard of      TR/Click.Verzil.A.3

My antivirus program found this and I deleted it.  I was just wondering what it was because I was unable to find information on it.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on November 29, 2004, 08:48:59 PM
Google is your friend  ;)
http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=TR%2FClick.Verzil.A.3&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

EDIT: On Another forum it says it's some sort of trogan-clicker  ???
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on November 29, 2004, 11:53:28 PM
Thanks for the help.  Apparently, other people have had this and like you said it is a trojan clicker --- wilders security website seems to be very helpful -- here is the link for those of you that are interested

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=55347
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on December 03, 2004, 04:35:23 PM
I thought I would mention another utility that I like:

http://pcpitstop.com/

You can test your PC annonymously and run the full battery of tests and it will give you a detailed report about your PC -- only suggestion it gave me was to defrag my hard drive so it sounds like all is good for me   :D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on December 03, 2004, 06:15:24 PM
I always assumed that was spyware so i never used it  :-\  :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on December 03, 2004, 11:41:01 PM
Well it has never given me any problems and I have a fair amount of anti-spyware protection

Spysweeper by Webroot (paid version)
Spybot -- Search and Destroy
Adaware -- latest version
SpywareBlaster
CWShredder
etc.     :P as well as a firewall and an antivirus program
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on December 06, 2004, 12:15:15 AM
FYI:

I just discovered that the latest ZoneAlarm version adds

tvdumpflags=10

to your autoexec.bat.  It had me baffled until I used Google.   ::)

(It would be nice if ZoneAlarm had told me when I updated the firewall -- grrr, Z.A. needs to be more user-friendly to people like me who examine their pcs carefully for signs of mischief and wrong-doing.)
Title: Re Safety on Computers
Post by: Oldbushie on December 07, 2004, 08:49:03 AM
I got a ton of crap on my computer recently, I haven't installed much new or anything. :P I dunno how all that stuff got on my computer as it is usually very clean. :P

And no, it wasnt msn plus, just an old windows media player and divx. :P
Title: Re Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on December 07, 2004, 02:43:13 PM
Well let us help you ---
Possible dangerous downloads
Is your Windows fully updated?
Do you use an updated antivirus program?
Do you use antispyware programs?
Do you browse to unknown sites?
etc.
Title: Re Safety on Computers
Post by: Oldbushie on December 07, 2004, 06:39:36 PM
I've cleaned them with adaware and spybot, it's just that I haven't done anything out of the usual lately is all. ;) It's rare when I get so much stuff on my computer, as I am pretty protective of what I do.
Title: Re Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on December 07, 2004, 08:22:34 PM
Quote from: Oldbushie on December 07, 2004, 08:49:03 AM
I got a ton of crap on my computer recently, I haven't installed much new or anything.

Didn't you mention in another thread that you didnt use a firewall?  ;)
Title: Re Safety on Computers
Post by: Oldbushie on December 07, 2004, 09:53:08 PM
Yeah... ;)

Still, I find that a lot of things suddenly stop working if I turn on a firewall. ;P That and it sucks up too much memory, at least on my old computer.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on December 08, 2004, 02:57:35 PM
Well you have to configure the firewall correctly.   ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Drunken Chinchilla on December 13, 2004, 05:05:39 PM
I dont use a firewall and I dont have an active virus scanner (I do scans weekly though) and I've had no problems with virii at all. As long as you dont download anything from dodgy places I dont see how anything can really get there...
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on December 15, 2004, 01:47:47 PM
People can tap into your computer through open ports and find weaknesses that are part of any operating system especially Windows.   ::)
Check out www.grc.com to see how many open ports you have and how vulnerable your computer really is.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on December 17, 2004, 02:39:03 PM
Quote from: Drunken Chinchilla on December 13, 2004, 05:05:39 PMAs long as you dont download anything from dodgy places I dont see how anything can really get there...

Surprisingly easily... I know of three examples off the top of my head.

First, a personal experience. Way back when Harrison and I were first looking to move to Springfield, we did a whole ton of apartment researching. Since I'm not a big telephone fan, I did a lot of looking through apartment brochures and online listings for websites, and sent out several e-mails to apartment realtor companies with questions. One of the people I e-mailed sent me back a reply with an attachment that was a brochure of info about their apartment blocks... and it turned out to be infected. Nothing dodgy there, but if I hadn't had an A/V scanner...

Then there's two examples that were even less dodgy and more widespread...

The first that comes to mind is back when the game company Electronic Arts released a commercial space sim game, Wing Commander Prophecy. They then later did a big promo where people who owned the game could download free add-on episode missions for the games. And, well, to quote an old article (http://www.wcnews.com/articles/art12.shtml) on the matter:

QuoteLike Ultima Online, Wing Commander: Secret Ops has had to leap an early hurdle. On its debut Thursday, game files were found to be infected with the CIH virus, which can erase a user's hard drive. Origin removed the files after two and a half hours, cleaned them up and reponsted them later that afternoon.

Wow. Buy a commercial game, go to the game company's official website, download a legal free add-on... and get a nasty virus too.

And there's the last incident I remembered (http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/marburg.shtml) off-hand... to quote:

QuoteThe Win95/Marburg virus got widespread circulation in August 1998, when it was included on the master CD of the popular MGM/EA PC CD-ROM game "Wargames".

In this case, you didn't have to download anything... you could get infected just by running a program off a commercial CD!

So you have a choice... run no A/V software at all and take your chances, run A/V software and manually scan everything you put on your computer from an external source... or do what I do, find an A/V program that has an active scan that runs well on your computer and automatically updates, let it do its job, and worry about more fun/useful things.

As for the notion of worrying about open ports... do a Google search on "zombie computers (http://www.google.com/search?q=zombie+computers&num=100)" and read on from there.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on December 18, 2004, 01:21:40 PM
Good points, Jeysie.

In PC World, I was reading how it will be common in future attacks to have spyware change the registry and then have another program monitor to see whether the registry is changed back --- the attacks will be much worse -- as if they are not bad enough already --  :furious:
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on December 29, 2004, 03:14:31 PM
Ah, sweetness!

I fixed and optimized my registry today and repaired IE because it was running slowly and now my net connection using Firefox or IE when necessary runs faster than ever.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on January 12, 2005, 09:05:40 PM
Even more fun with IE6 vulnerabilities:

Extremely High-Level IE6 Vulnerability Found (http://www.jmcardle.com/?postid=77)

Stop using Internet Explorer! Now! (http://www.virtuelvis.com/archives/2005/01/die-msie-die)

Um, ouch.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on January 12, 2005, 09:20:36 PM
AVG Anti-Virus also got a Softy Award ( from MaximumPC). :)

Anyone here ever compared it, to other anti-virus software( as in, anyone have an opinion, if it's better/worse than others )? :-\

AVG Anti-Virus/Grisoft (http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 12, 2005, 10:38:45 PM
Jeysie, I am sure you know by know that I took your advice and am using Mozilla Firefox.   :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 13, 2005, 10:02:22 AM
Quote from: dew7 on December 08, 2004, 02:57:35 PM
Well you have to configure the firewall correctly.   ;)
That doesn't stop it from sucking all the memory out of your computer :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 13, 2005, 11:17:03 AM
Puzzling, my firewall does use up some resources -- it is ZoneAlarm Pro. -- latest version as well as having additional protection of a router firewall and some other protections

I wonder why your uses so many resources, racx?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 13, 2005, 11:21:02 AM
I probably haven't done something right :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Oldbushie on January 13, 2005, 05:51:10 PM
I wonder how it is... my dad's computer has gotten more problems than mine (mostly adware mostly) and my sister had like 200 viruses on her computer recently, yet I've still had the most cleanest computer in the house... ;D

And yes, I still don't use firewalls, I don't care how safe they are. -_- I want as many resources available as humanly possible, which is why at the most I only ever have 12 things running in the background, and this in XP. ;D I have other ways of deterring intruders... muhahahahaha!  :evil:
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 14, 2005, 11:39:21 AM
You are both crazy, imo to not use a firewall.  Listen up to MVP Gary Terhune of Microsoft from 98 general newsgroup if you will not listen to me.  He is pointing out to a user called jane why it is insane not to have a firewall.

Consider yourself "told off". You *can't* keep an eye, strict or otherwise, on most of the things that a firewall protects you against.
They happen invisibly. And, unlike antivirus, you can't just "be good" and avoid getting infected. If you are connected to the internet, or any network for that matter, and you don't have a well-configured firewall,
you are essentially living in a house with hundreds of doors, none of them locked, and all of them invisible to you. You won't know something is wrong until it is *way* too late--in fact, you won't even know it
then.

Special thanks to Gary Terhune MS MVP Shell/User
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 14, 2005, 11:52:37 AM
I have a firewall :P, even though firewalls are crap and useless, I have one XD
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 14, 2005, 12:08:53 PM
I am glad you have one Jason and yes they can be annoying but are okay if you configure them properly.

:P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 14, 2005, 12:27:51 PM
Its configured fine, I just hate ZoneAlarm :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 15, 2005, 10:16:47 AM
Why is that?  I like ZA because I can manually configure everything.  Even programs that are trusted I still have them ask for permission to connect so I can see if a malicious program is piggy-backing on another program in order to download extra bad stuff to my PC or use my PC in Denial Of Service errors (DOS)  Yeah!, this is my interest in computers --- security, security, and even more security  [even then I don't store anything confidential on my on-line PC -- I would have to use an off-line PC for that or just old-school pen and paper]  (No identity theft for me if I can help it)   ;)  8)  :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 16, 2005, 09:08:34 AM
Zone Alarm is easy to hack, thats the main reason I hate it :-\, its an easy firewall to get around :-\, atleast the non-pro version is :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on January 16, 2005, 09:11:02 AM
I just get the Pro 30 day trial every month  ::) Keeps me out of trouble  :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 16, 2005, 09:12:56 AM
I just use the free one :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on January 16, 2005, 07:48:57 PM
I still think Windows is beyond hope...

So I only use a software firewall in Linux ( I have no files of great importance in Windows ).

On a 56k, I even consider the software firewall overkill. :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 18, 2005, 08:28:10 AM
I use ZA Pro. too as well as a router.  Even for dial-up experts now suggest having a firewall.  However, it is still not as critical to have a firewall on a dial-up connection. I will at least grant you that, LN.

:P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on January 18, 2005, 09:43:03 AM
Your definition of a firewall in that post is software, hardware, or both/either? ???

Anyway... that "paranoia" setting( it mostly affects the file permissions ) in Linux(Redhat?), coupled with a software firewall... is all I consider necessary for my 56k connection. :P

If I ever get broadband( ::) ), THEN I'll use a hardware firewall. ;P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 19, 2005, 06:41:08 AM
Yeah I never needed a firewall with dial-up, its not much of a problem not having a firewall with dial-up because you aren't connected to the net 24/7 XD
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 19, 2005, 08:47:06 AM
<sigh to Rac-x>

LN, I use both hardware firewall and software firewall and I am on broadband via cable which is much better than DSL in my opinion.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on January 19, 2005, 10:08:27 AM
That really depends on the area... but I'd say DSL is better during peak hours, and Cable is better when you're the only one in the area online ( unless I misunderstand, your bandwidth is shared with other users, when using cable ) . :P

***goes back to topic

Good decision, in getting a hardware and  software firewall. :)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on January 19, 2005, 11:09:03 AM
*goes off-topic again :D *

I dunno, I guess if you're comparing DSL and cable, cable might be better. But after switching to DSL from dial-up, I sure as heck ain't complaining! ;D

* goes on-topic *

I used to use the free version of ZA, and liked it just fine. But since my router and modem both have built-in firewalls that - according to grc.com - are working just peachy, I uninstalled ZA because I have a geezer computer that needs all the juice it can get. :P

It's not just the question of private files that are important when considering using a firewall, I will say.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 19, 2005, 02:13:53 PM
The problem I had with DSL was too many time-outs and in this way I found it more frustrating than dial-up. I share the cable connection with two other computers and the ability to have one more easily added.  I live in a house with four other guys and we all go to the same Chrisitian church.  This helps to cut down on expenses and it is fun having others around most of the time.  The thing is about privacy and I usually find more time alone when I get out of the house.  LOL  :suffer:

Anyway, back on topic and here is a web-link about why I do not want or need a web-cam. (feel free to shorten it with snip url -- I haven't gotten around to figuring that out yet.  :>)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1093&e=1&u=/pcworld/119340
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 20, 2005, 04:18:59 AM
If someone did record anything they are only gonna see your face, and thats not really a problem unless you really wanna keep your identity secret XD
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 20, 2005, 08:25:55 AM
I understand what you are saying but I still will pass on a web-cam.   :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 20, 2005, 08:36:59 AM
Well it is your money so you should spend it how you see fit ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 20, 2005, 08:46:00 AM
Thanks for the vote of confidence.   ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 28, 2005, 08:28:39 AM
Ok this has nothing to do with safety but, I need help badly :-\

Mozilla and Mozilla Firefox won't connect to the web so I have to use IE to surf the web, and MSN, YIM, AIM and ICQ won't connect either :S

Any Ideas anyone?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jafar on January 28, 2005, 08:32:44 AM
Maybe theres spyware or something...try running a spyware scanner.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on January 28, 2005, 08:39:02 AM
I warned you, racx but no you woudn't listen to my advice and now you have to suffer the consequences.  I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble.  Anyway, I just upgraded my hardware firewall from a $30 D-Link router to an $80 LinkSys router to provide better security.  Stupid F____ing idiots these hackers are sure getting sophisticated.  Sorry for the strong language but I hate that these people and identity thieves sometimes poor people that sneak across the US from Mexico to try to make a better life for themselves need to steal people's identity and make life miserable for people too.  I can understand their plight but I wish they would do unto others as people will do unto them.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 28, 2005, 08:39:12 AM
Quote from: Jafar on January 28, 2005, 08:32:44 AM
Maybe theres spyware or something...try running a spyware scanner.

*slaps forehead*

Thanks XD

Quote from: dew7 on January 28, 2005, 08:39:02 AM
I warned you, racx but no you woudn't listen to my advice and now you have to suffer the consequences.  
Warned me about what?
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on January 28, 2005, 01:50:46 PM
Might have something to do, with you not having a firewall. ::)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on January 28, 2005, 11:22:26 PM
But I have a firewall :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Louisiana Night on January 29, 2005, 02:30:09 AM
Then I don't know what he means. :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on February 03, 2005, 01:31:29 PM
Must have been someone else who did not have a firewall.

Also, see Feb. 2, 2005 Wall Street Journal about problems with web-cameras and how hackers can hack them without safe-guards.  It is in the last section.

I told you some people on this forum that web. cams are a security risk but no one would listen to me and so here is proof.  :<  Anyway, just a quick stop in because I have to get back to Microsoft beta testing and other security considerations.  :suffer:
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on February 04, 2005, 07:31:21 AM
Everyone with a webcam is aware of that and don't really give a s*** :-\, thats a risk you take when getting a webcam

And whats wrong with them seeing your face, they can't identify you or find out where you live because there are so many people in this world :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jafar on February 04, 2005, 07:38:23 AM
Can't you just unplug your webcam when you're not using it? ::)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on February 04, 2005, 08:33:02 AM
I suppose the operative question is, what sort of things can be done after hacking into a webcam?

If all that can happen is that the person can see your picture feed, then yeah, that's a rather frivolous thing to worry about. If you're going to be doing embarrassing, private, confidential, or incriminating things in front of your webcam, then hackers are the least of your worries, IMHO.

There are a number of other perfectly good reasons not to use a webcam, I will say. I'm just a bit dubious about this one.

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Storm on February 04, 2005, 08:30:26 PM
Quote from: Jeysie on January 12, 2005, 09:05:40 PM
Even more fun with IE6 vulnerabilities:

Extremely High-Level IE6 Vulnerability Found (http://www.jmcardle.com/?postid=77)

Stop using Internet Explorer! Now! (http://www.virtuelvis.com/archives/2005/01/die-msie-die)

Um, ouch.

Funny, those vulnerability tests didn't work for me, though I am using both WinXP SP2 & IE6 :S
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: GravityMX on February 05, 2005, 06:24:45 AM
Quote from: Jafar on February 04, 2005, 07:38:23 AM
Can't you just unplug your webcam when you're not using it? ::)

Or just face it away from you (into a wall) like I have always done way before this hacker alert  ::)  :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on February 05, 2005, 10:34:07 PM
Well, my employee id was stolen once from my work and I had to get a new one and so I am done with that. I see our society becoming like 1984 by George Orwell where everyone is told what to do.  If you like being spied upon then fine and to each his own and now moving on because neither of us are going to change each other's mind and so it is pointless to argue anymore. (I hope the Shadow will come and back me up on this but even if he doesn't I am not changing my view on this so there)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on February 05, 2005, 10:43:52 PM
I don't think anyone is trying to change your opinion, we are just trying to explain that we don't give a s*it
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on February 06, 2005, 07:16:03 AM
If you're using a webcam, it's because you *want* people to be able to see you over the Internet. That's a far cry from the *forced* surveillance of 1984. If you really want to be spied upon, just walk into any department store with closed-circuit cameras...

Yeah, the thought that someone other than the person you're chatting with might see you could potentially be embarrassing. But it's not a security risk unless, as I said, you're dense enough to have something private in front of your webcam.

I mean, people offline see you all the time, mostly without you knowing, and they'll have a far easier time getting to you to hurt you if they wanted to. Why get so bent over online people seeing you, especially since you're more in control of when you want to be seen with a webcam?

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jafar on February 06, 2005, 08:52:43 AM
Well put, Jeysie.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on February 07, 2005, 02:53:45 PM
Well neither of us will change our views so forget about it like they say in Donnie Brasco.

FYI:  Patches via Windows Update on 8 February 2005
         Also the Cell (???) :~

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1093&e=16&u=/pcworld/119593


http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1761412,00.asp
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on February 10, 2005, 02:08:34 PM
Not really security-related per se, but a warning about Microsoft's Automatic Updates feature...

Bizarre Windows Behavior (http://photomatt.net/2004/10/15/bizarre-windows-behavior/)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on February 12, 2005, 01:30:03 PM
New attacks on Antispyware tool of Microsoft
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on February 12, 2005, 06:44:13 PM
I forgot that I had found this site the other day:

Parasite (Spyware) information database (http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/database.html)

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Oldbushie on February 15, 2005, 03:21:42 PM
Quote from: dew7 on January 14, 2005, 11:39:21 AM
You are both crazy, imo to not use a firewall.  Listen up to MVP Gary Terhune of Microsoft from 98 general newsgroup if you will not listen to me.  He is pointing out to a user called jane why it is insane not to have a firewall.

Consider yourself "told off". You *can't* keep an eye, strict or otherwise, on most of the things that a firewall protects you against.
They happen invisibly. And, unlike antivirus, you can't just "be good" and avoid getting infected. If you are connected to the internet, or any network for that matter, and you don't have a well-configured firewall,
you are essentially living in a house with hundreds of doors, none of them locked, and all of them invisible to you. You won't know something is wrong until it is *way* too late--in fact, you won't even know it
then.

Special thanks to Gary Terhune MS MVP Shell/User


I'm a masochist. That would explain things. XD

Seriously, I have nothing worth stealing on my computer. ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jeysie on February 15, 2005, 03:58:07 PM
Firewalls don't just protect data, they also protect people from using your computer.

Try doing a Google or Wikipedia search for "zombie computer", and you'll find a large number of explanations of many computers being used as spam relays or for DoS attacks and similar things.

So you always have something worth stealing if you have a computer and a high-speed connection... namely, the sneaky use of that computer and connection for untoward purposes.

Besides, firewalls are easy to deal with. Heck, my DSL modem has one built in that works just fine, according to GRC's test (https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2)...

Peace & Luv, Liz
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Oldbushie on February 15, 2005, 04:20:57 PM
True, but I'm a minimalist computer user; if it's not absolutely necessary it will not be running in my computer's background. :)

Besides, if I do suspect someone's been using my computer (excessive slowdown for no apparent reason) Spybot's pretty good at finding the hidden processes that can't be seen in Task Manager.
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on February 15, 2005, 05:06:48 PM
Quote from: Jeysie on February 15, 2005, 03:58:07 PM
Try doing a Google or Wikipedia search for "zombie computer", and you'll find a large number of explanations of many computers being used as spam relays or for DoS attacks and similar things.

Heh, my next door neighbours had a zombie computer.  They asked if I could help clean up some viruses.  I went there and found out that their system was plagued with spyware, and that their ISP literally cut off their service, because they had some worm that sent massive virii/spam to others, clogging up the ISP's mail server.  :o
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on February 19, 2005, 08:04:18 AM
Thanks for your support, Jeysie and Neil.  Everyone these two people as well as Chris Quirke, Microsoft MVP and Gary S. Terhune, also Microsoft MVP from Microsoft 98 general newsgroup know what they are talking about.  I was stupid and silly when I tried defending Internet Explorer and Jeysie showed me the light and how Mozilla Firefox does not have Active X vulnerability as well as tabbed browsing and I have discovered that you can discover a lot more information through properities and advanced settings of Mozilla Firefox and users can get it at:

getfirefox.com

It is a free browser and based on open-source technology.  I think the latest market share shows Mozilla Firefox at 7% which is an awesome percentage.  In short and I know I will piss people like rac-x and maybe oldbushie as well as some others off by saying this but it must be said.  If you do not use a firewall such as the free software firewall available from ZoneAlarm then you are being selfish by allowing your PC to become a Zombie PC as Neil has graciously given us an example of.  In addition, even dial-up users are now under siege from hackers but if you truly care then get protected now by having a software firewall as a bare minimum.  People it is FREE!!!  Now I will shut up and take the expected abuse that will be hurled at me by the anti-firewall establishment.  I say "BRING IT ON"

Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jafar on February 19, 2005, 08:07:07 AM
QuoteIn short and I know I will piss people like rac-x and maybe oldbushie as well as some others off by saying this but it must be said.  If you do not use a firewall
Uhh...doesn't Racx use a firewall? :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: racx_00 on February 19, 2005, 06:30:16 PM
Ok should I scream or cry ??? :S

I have a friggin firewall, and I have mentioned this atleast 3 times now! Why do you think that I do not have one? >:(
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on February 19, 2005, 08:33:28 PM
I think he's confusing racx with rac-x and rac_x. ;-D
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on February 20, 2005, 04:03:10 AM
My apologies for another time and again, rac-x.  I will just say whoever does not have a firewall in this day and age is really playing with fire and clearly not being safe because their PC will be under constant attack.  Currently, I play it mostly safe by having a LinkSys $80 router in 98SE as well as XP PRO that is a wired router.  Also, in 98SE I use ZoneAlarm PRO. which is a software firewall.  I also disconnect my ethernet cable a little from the internet so the lights go out on my connection when I am not using the internet.  On my old D-Link router ZoneAlarm Pro said I had 304 attacks or just plain port scans that had managed to circumvent the weak hardware firewall.  I have had this new LinkSys hardware firewall for about seven months now and I have had 10 attacks or port scans that have managed to bypass the new LinkSys router.  I see it can still be done and may have to soon upgrade to a better router.  I also use SpySweeper by Webroot for Trojans, Adware, Spyware, Keyloggers or web-redirects which I think is great on 98SE.  I also use SpywareBlaster which helps block spyware and adwareware before it gets on your PC.  SpywareBlaster has thousands of entries for IE and only a few hundred entries for Mozilla FireFox and these entries are spyware/tracking cookies that are not as big a threat as the ActiveX vulnerabilities of IE.  I also use Spybot -- Search and Destroy as well as Adaware but SpySweeper which cost me $20 on sale at Best Buy seems to pick up every danger before these two programs.  I also use a free antivirus program on the 98SE side which is AntiVir and it is made by a German company.  I also use other protections on the 98SE side.  On the XP PRO, side of my dual-boot with its customized boot.ini I use Spyware Blaster, Adaware, Spybot -- Search and Destroy.  These three programs are great and all are free.  So far the Majorgeeks site is fairly safe but I am keeping track of possible hacker activiry in regards to this site.  I also use EZARMOR by Computer Associates E-Trust on my XP-PRO. side.  I like this program since it automatically allows the removal of registry entries which I currently have to do manually when I remove programs.  Folks, do not edit the registry unless you know what you are doing and then always have a back up in case you make a mistake.  I have the complete EZARMOR which I bought for about $25 for a year when they had their promotion of a free lite suite and I bought the complete suite including the software firewall and antivirus program.  Thanks to Gary S. Terhune, MVP for suggesting this awesome E-Trust program.  The software firewall in EZARMOR is an older version of ZA that does not integrate as deeply in your system and thus is easier to remove but still offers great protection.  The antivirus program is awesome and allows complete file sweeps from safe mode as well as sweeping the command.com (cmd.com) prompt for issues.  Anyway, I am not trying to brag.  I am trying to educate the user of the dangers and risks to all of us in cyberspace.  Someday, I may use HiJackThis and post a public log of my system for everyone to analyze for their interest and feedback if in any way I can shore up the security in my system.  Remember, no system is completely secure and after having two different housemates who I go to the same Christian Church with me break my computer before I started again by formatting and reinstalling in January I have completely passworded my computer.  It starts with a password in the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and then has a password in both 98SE and XP PRO.  Anyone I get tired of this long post.  I welcome all replies and again sorry for making a mistake Jason.  You are completely right about having a firewall.  I am glad you have one.  :>

:)  ;)  ;D  8)  :P
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Jafar on February 20, 2005, 04:34:29 AM
QuoteMy apologies for another time and again, rac-x. BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ You are completely right about having a firewall.  I am glad you have one.  :>
:P
Seriously, can you break your post down into paragraphs please? It's hard to read is it is now. :-\
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Oldbushie on February 21, 2005, 12:46:35 PM
Are there firewalls that actually attack back at the original perpetrator? :D If so, I'll get one. ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Yonkey on February 21, 2005, 09:00:11 PM
Instead of "firewalls", those would be more like arsonware. XB
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on February 23, 2005, 09:16:13 AM
Quote from: Oldbushie on February 21, 2005, 12:46:35 PM
Are there firewalls that actually attack back at the original perpetrator? :D If so, I'll get one. ;)

Yes, they are used by the military and United States Government and a few special businesses.  Sorry, you will have to Google for further information.  I am treading on a thin confidentiality line.  Have a great day!!!  ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: Oldbushie on February 23, 2005, 09:56:10 AM
Well, my father works for the Government... ;)
Title: Re:Safety on Computers
Post by: dew7 on February 28, 2005, 09:39:43 AM
Well IM me and I will see what I can do and perhaps you could tell me about this active firewall that tries to hack systems.  We also could trade e-mail addresses and talk more confidentially that way but beware because the communication could be tracked, intercepted and hacked.  Have a nice day, Oldbushie and I look forward to your instant message.