Please follow these simple steps in order to keep your computer clean and secure: 1. *Disable and Enable System Restore.* - If you are using Windows ME or XP then you should disable and re-enable system restore to make sure there are no infected files found in a restore point. You can find instructions on how to enable and re-enable system restore here: *Managing Windows Millenium System Restore<http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial63.html> * or *Windows XP System Restore Guide<http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial56.html> * Re-enable system restore with the instructions from the tutorial above 2. *Make your Internet Explorer more secure* - This can be done by following these simple instructions: 1. From within Internet Explorer click on the *Tools* menu and then click on *Options*. 2. Click once on the *Security* tab 3. Click once on the *Internet* icon so it becomes highlighted. 4. Click once on the *Custom Level* button. 1. Change the *Download signed ActiveX controls* to *Prompt* 2. Change the *Download unsigned ActiveX controls* to * Disable* 3. Change the *Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe* to *Disable* 4. Change the *Installation of desktop items* to *Prompt* 5. Change the *Launching programs and files in an IFRAME*to *Prompt* 6. Change the *Navigate sub-frames across different domains* to *Prompt* 7. When all these settings have been made, click on the * OK* button. 8. If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the *Yes* button. 5. Next press the *Apply* button and then the *OK* to exit the Internet Properties page. 3. *Use an AntiVirus Software* - It is very important that your computer has an anti-virus software running. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future. See this link for a listing of some online & their stand-alone antivirus programs: *Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources<http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict405.html> * 4. *Update your AntiVirus Software* - It is imperitive that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out. 5. *Use a Firewall* - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over. I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below: *Understanding and Using Firewalls<http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial60.html> * 6. *Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently* - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly. This will ensure your computer always has the latest security updates available installed on your computer. If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site until there are no more critical updates. 7. *Install Spybot - Search and Destroy* - Install and download Spybot - Search and Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with this program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here: *Using Spybot - Search & Destroy to remove Spyware , Malware, and Hijackers <http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial43.html>* 8. *Install Ad-Aware* Download and install Ad-Aware. You should also scan your computer with this program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here: *Using Ad-aware to remove Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers from your Computer <http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial48.html>* 9. *Install SpywareBlaster* - SpywareBlaster will add a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here: *Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware <http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial49.html>* 10. *Update all these programs regularly* - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly. Without regular updates you *WILL NOT* be protected when new malicious programs are released.
Follow this list and your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically. Try out EDWIDO SEcurity Suite http://castlecops.com/downloads-file-357.html You can also get a nice list of further information on securing your computer and reducing the threat of Spyware as much as possible here: http://wiki.castlecops.com/Securing_Your_Computer:_Pre-HJT Hope this helps. Thanks to GeeksToGo.com for some of the information. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| Find out how CFTicket can increase your company's customer support efficiency by 100% http://www.houseoffusion.com/banners/view.cfm?bannerid=49 Message: http://www.houseoffusion.com/lists.cfm/link=i:5:171821 Archives: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/threads.cfm/5 Subscription: http://www.houseoffusion.com/lists.cfm/link=s:5 Unsubscribe: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/unsubscribe.cfm?user=11502.10531.5 Donations & Support: http://www.houseoffusion.com/tiny.cfm/54
