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Spyware and Viruses.



 
 
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  #1  
Old July 25th 04, 07:55 PM
Michael D. Alligood
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car: If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy. Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39 viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI



Ads
  #2  
Old July 25th 04, 07:55 PM
Will Denny
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

Hi

These News Groups are for users who want to ask questions about any prob=
lems they may be having with XP. I can't see a question regarding a pro=
blem in your posting.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message news:e=
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I =

am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for=

about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware =

and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, m=

any
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my c=

ar: If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do n=

ot
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware =

are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy. C=

ookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. Thes=

e are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're no=

t
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in excha=

nge
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third pa=

rty
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information abo=

ut Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you unsol=

icited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such a=

s
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyW=

are
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances =

of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these pro=

grams
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware i=

s very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesig=

ned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter the=

m.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Blas=

ter)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itsel=

f into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a=

lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39 v=

iruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way=

I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI






  #3  
Old July 25th 04, 07:55 PM
Mistoffolees
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.


Will Denny wrote:

Hi

These News Groups are for users who want to ask questions about any problems they may be having with XP. I can't see a question regarding a problem in your posting.


Still, the issues need to be addressed and way too much
bandwidth is being spent by users inquirying at how to
remove the "annoyance of the week", such as the recent
Beagle worm outbreak. An occasional, healthy dose of FYI
posts will definitely not hurt. It could have been done
less obstrusively...such as by more of the MVP's, MSCE's,
etc., perhaps proactively?

  #4  
Old July 25th 04, 08:43 PM
Michael D. Alligood
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

On the contrary, Will. These newsgroups are not only to helps users with
their problems, it to help them avoid problems in the first place. Being an
MVP as yourself, I cannot see the validity of denying users how to avoid
such issues. My intention was not to ask a question, but to post useful
information. If the post offended your or your status, I do apologize and
was not my intention. However, as the saying goes, "An ounce of
prevention..." Well, hopefully you know the rest so should everyone else.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Will Denny" wrote in message
...
Hi

These News Groups are for users who want to ask questions about any problems
they may be having with XP. I can't see a question regarding a problem in
your posting.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for

about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car:

If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.

Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These

are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about

Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you

unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these

programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is

very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself

into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39

viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI







  #5  
Old July 25th 04, 08:44 PM
Will Denny
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

Hi

No need for FAQs. There are plenty of people in the XP NGs to reply to =
the virus/spyware problems that occur. Firewalls - inc. 3rd party ones =
- are there to be used. So are anti-virus programs. The Microsoft web =
site has plenty of advice on it's homepage to that effect.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Mistoffolees" wrote in message news:O25xqincEHA.=
...

Will Denny wrote:

Hi

These News Groups are for users who want to ask questions about any p=

roblems they may be having with XP. I can't see a question regarding a =
problem in your posting.


Still, the issues need to be addressed and way too much
bandwidth is being spent by users inquirying at how to
remove the "annoyance of the week", such as the recent
Beagle worm outbreak. An occasional, healthy dose of FYI
posts will definitely not hurt. It could have been done
less obstrusively...such as by more of the MVP's, MSCE's,
etc., perhaps proactively?




  #6  
Old July 25th 04, 08:44 PM
Will Denny
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

Hi

No need for FAQs. There are plenty of people in the XP NGs to reply to =
the virus/spyware problems that occur. Firewalls - inc. 3rd party ones =
- are there to be used. So are anti-virus programs. The Microsoft web =
site has plenty of advice on it's homepage to that effect.

What PC suppliers ought to be doing is to educate people when they purch=
ase a new machine to make sure that know how to use it properly!!

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message news:O=
...
On the contrary, Will. These newsgroups are not only to helps users wi=

th
their problems, it to help them avoid problems in the first place. Bei=

ng an
MVP as yourself, I cannot see the validity of denying users how to avo=

id
such issues. My intention was not to ask a question, but to post usefu=

l
information. If the post offended your or your status, I do apologize =

and
was not my intention. However, as the saying goes, "An ounce of
prevention..." Well, hopefully you know the rest so should everyone el=

se.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Will Denny" wrote in message
...
Hi

These News Groups are for users who want to ask questions about any pr=

oblems
they may be having with XP. I can't see a question regarding a proble=

m in
your posting.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I=

am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support fo=

r
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware=

and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, =

many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my =

car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do =

not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware=

are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.

Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. The=

se
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're n=

ot
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exch=

ange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third p=

arty
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information ab=

out
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you

unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such =

as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like Spy=

Ware
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances=

of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these

programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware =

is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesi=

gned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter th=

em.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare Bla=

ster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itse=

lf
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharin=

g
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients =

a lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39

viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any wa=

y I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI










  #7  
Old July 25th 04, 08:44 PM
Shenan Stanley
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

Michael D. Alligood wrote:
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for

about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car:

If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

snippage

Will Denny wrote:
These News Groups are for users who want to ask questions about any
problems they may be having with XP. I can't see a question
regarding a problem in your posting.


Mistoffolees wrote:
Still, the issues need to be addressed and way too much
bandwidth is being spent by users inquirying at how to
remove the "annoyance of the week", such as the recent
Beagle worm outbreak. An occasional, healthy dose of FYI
posts will definitely not hurt. It could have been done
less obstrusively...such as by more of the MVP's, MSCE's,
etc., perhaps proactively?



*sigh*
This has come up before. I have seen many of the 'proactive' type posts out
there, and usually, I am only left wondering about their impact.

*If* someone reads the 'proactive posts', then they likely searched as
well - which means they would have surely found posts such as the many by
me, explaining not only how to prevent and get rid of spyware/adware/malware
and immunize against them, but also advice on updating Windows, updating
drivers, using a firewall, spam blocker and AntiVirus applications. I
cannot imagine a search of the Microsoft Newsgroups for spyware or adware or
viruses or worms or most of the stuff we are talking about in this
discussion about 'proactive' posts NOT coming up with at least one instance
of my post or 2-3 dozen other similar responses.

The problem is, most people who come here for these types of issues are
first time visitors, inexperienced in the use of such forums or just plain
lazy. They don't read anything that is not in direct response to them -
some don't even know how to get back to their posts to check for responses.
So the chances of them ever reading the 'proactive' posts like the one above
by Michael A. is slim to none.

I cannot say for certain it does not happen. I cannot say for certain that
someone did not read his post and either emailed him for information on how
to download the applications he spoke of or they did their own search for
them using Google and found them and are using them now. (Although that
last method I have less faith in - if they could search with Google, they
might have searched Google Groups or the Microsoft groups directly for their
answer already and found the 1000's of hits on the subject.)

After seeing the number of posts that usually follow such a post in the days
following a post such as that and how many are around when a 'proactive'
post has not been made in quite some time - truthfully - I see no
statistical decrease with or without the proactive posts. I enjoy reading
them. They help me make sure that my posts (which can be considered
proactive in some ways - although they are usually a direct response to
someone) are not out of date or might be missing some key bit of information
about whatever subject that might help someone so they do not have to visit
this forum again.

As for the MVPs or MSCE's or any other particular group doing this more -
again - in my mind it wouldn't make a difference if Bill Gates posted it -
or even if the forum could read your mind and it picked the name of your
favorite person in the universe and showed the post as being from them -
most people do not seem to read anything that is not in direct response to
them - and if they do - then would have found one of many posts explaining
their delimma (usually) in excruciating detail.

I wish it helped more. I wish more people used Google and Google Groups
searching before posting on these newsgroups. I wish more people realized
that although their computer may be just a tool to them, it requires more
maintenance than just sitting on the shelf and dusting the top of it on
occasion like your television set.

I can wish all day - but I prefer helping those who ask for it - giving them
the help they need and perhaps just a little more in hopes that because I
helped them one way - they may take the further advice to heart and prevent
many other problems.

--
- Shenan -
--
The information is provided "as is", with no guarantees of
completeness, accuracy or timeliness, and without warranties of any
kind, express or implied. In other words, read up before you take any
advice - you are the one ultimately responsible for your actions.


  #8  
Old July 25th 04, 09:46 PM
Michael D. Alligood
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

This is truly unbelievable! A person taking their time to try and help
indivduals is getting this kind of treatment (esp. from an MVP!) Will, again
not wanting to offend you, but whats your problem? My intentions was to help
educate users on spyware. Where is the harm in that?!

You are correct in the fact that Microsoft's website is where users can
educate themselves on this matter. However, the website is static in
converstation. Which is why they use the newsgroups.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Will Denny" wrote in message
...
Hi

No need for FAQs. There are plenty of people in the XP NGs to reply to the
virus/spyware problems that occur. Firewalls - inc. 3rd party ones - are
there to be used. So are anti-virus programs. The Microsoft web site has
plenty of advice on it's homepage to that effect.

What PC suppliers ought to be doing is to educate people when they purchase
a new machine to make sure that know how to use it properly!!

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
On the contrary, Will. These newsgroups are not only to helps users with
their problems, it to help them avoid problems in the first place. Being

an
MVP as yourself, I cannot see the validity of denying users how to avoid
such issues. My intention was not to ask a question, but to post useful
information. If the post offended your or your status, I do apologize and
was not my intention. However, as the saying goes, "An ounce of
prevention..." Well, hopefully you know the rest so should everyone else.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Will Denny" wrote in message
...
Hi

These News Groups are for users who want to ask questions about any

problems
they may be having with XP. I can't see a question regarding a problem in
your posting.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am

a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for

about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue, many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my car:

If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.

Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These

are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about

Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you

unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these

programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is

very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare

Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself

into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a

lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39

viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI











  #9  
Old July 25th 04, 09:46 PM
Malvern
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

The original post does bring up two important points I never knew before and
doubt PC suppliers ever bring up;
1) these programs need updating just like antivirus programs.
2)With one exception, run in Safe Mode.
This IS important information on this subject over which a heck of a lot
more bandwidth has been wasted with criticism than the original.

Malv

"Will Denny" wrote in message
...
Hi

No need for FAQs. There are plenty of people in the XP NGs to reply to the
virus/spyware problems that occur. Firewalls - inc. 3rd party ones - are
there to be used. So are anti-virus programs. The Microsoft web site has
plenty of advice on it's homepage to that effect.

What PC suppliers ought to be doing is to educate people when they purchase
a new machine to make sure that know how to use it properly!!

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups





  #10  
Old July 25th 04, 09:46 PM
Shenan Stanley
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

Michael D. Alligood wrote:
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups.
I am a technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT
support for about 10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service
calls deal with spyware and viruses. Although there are numerous
articles concerning this issue, many users do not care to read
them. They are like me when it comes to my car: If it starts in the
morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not know will
hurt you in the end.

snippage

Will Denny wrote:
These News Groups are for users who want to ask questions about any
problems they may be having with XP. I can't see a question
regarding a problem in your posting.


Michael D. Alligood wrote:
On the contrary, Will. These newsgroups are not only to helps users
with their problems, it to help them avoid problems in the first
place. Being an MVP as yourself, I cannot see the validity of
denying users how to avoid such issues. My intention was not to ask
a question, but to post useful information. If the post offended
your or your status, I do apologize and was not my intention.
However, as the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention..." Well,
hopefully you know the rest so should everyone else.



Will Denny wrote:
No need for FAQs. There are plenty of people in the XP NGs to reply
to the virus/spyware problems that occur. Firewalls - inc. 3rd party
ones - are there to be used. So are anti-virus programs. The
Microsoft web site has plenty of advice on it's homepage to that
effect.

What PC suppliers ought to be doing is to educate people when they
purchase a new machine to make sure that know how to use it properly!!


Michael D. Alligood wrote:
This is truly unbelievable! A person taking their time to try and help
indivduals is getting this kind of treatment (esp. from an MVP!)
Will, again not wanting to offend you, but whats your problem? My
intentions was to help educate users on spyware. Where is the harm in
that?!

You are correct in the fact that Microsoft's website is where users
can educate themselves on this matter. However, the website is static
in converstation. Which is why they use the newsgroups.



I don't see that Will (or anyone else) is giving you any sort of
"treatment". They responded in the 'non-static' enviroment you posted your
semi-FAQ in - making a conversation thread throwing their opinions about
such a posting out into the coversation. I do believe that is how
newsgroups work. Someone posts something, others respond if they are so
inclined. Some newsgroups have more specific purposes (such as the
Microsoft ones are meant to assist people in whatever way possible.)

Again - if you find my original response to this thread - you can read my
opinions on the impact of such posts. I have not seen anyone outright
attacking you in any way, merely stating their opinions. That does not mean
that by the time I post this message, someone will not have outright
attacked you - unfortunately, it is a public forum. heh

--
- Shenan -
--
The information is provided "as is", with no guarantees of
completeness, accuracy or timeliness, and without warranties of any
kind, express or implied. In other words, read up before you take any
advice - you are the one ultimately responsible for your actions.


  #11  
Old July 25th 04, 09:46 PM
Tom
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.


"Will Denny" wrote in message =
...

snipped

"What PC suppliers ought to be doing is to educate people when they =
purchase a new machine to make sure that know how to use it properly!!"

Yea, then we wouldn't need your help then would we? Me thinks you are =
here way to much for your own, almost from the time you wake, until you =
ready yourself for bed. In any case-

Sieg Heil!



  #12  
Old July 25th 04, 09:46 PM
Will Denny
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

Hi

You don't seem to grasp the point. When someone posts a question into a=
News Group, they are looking for a reply to that question. You use OE =
- which is good - but a lot of users don't, and post via the CDO interfa=
ce. It is going to be very difficult for them to find your posting/FAQ hidden under, perhaps, 20 pages!! The=
y wouldn't even know it was there.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message news:u=
...
This is truly unbelievable! A person taking their time to try and help
indivduals is getting this kind of treatment (esp. from an MVP!) Will,=

again
not wanting to offend you, but whats your problem? My intentions was t=

o help
educate users on spyware. Where is the harm in that?!

You are correct in the fact that Microsoft's website is where users ca=

n
educate themselves on this matter. However, the website is static in
converstation. Which is why they use the newsgroups.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Will Denny" wrote in message
...
Hi

No need for FAQs. There are plenty of people in the XP NGs to reply t=

o the
virus/spyware problems that occur. Firewalls - inc. 3rd party ones - =

are
there to be used. So are anti-virus programs. The Microsoft web site=

has
plenty of advice on it's homepage to that effect.

What PC suppliers ought to be doing is to educate people when they pur=

chase
a new machine to make sure that know how to use it properly!!

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
On the contrary, Will. These newsgroups are not only to helps users w=

ith
their problems, it to help them avoid problems in the first place. Be=

ing
an
MVP as yourself, I cannot see the validity of denying users how to av=

oid
such issues. My intention was not to ask a question, but to post usef=

ul
information. If the post offended your or your status, I do apologize=

and
was not my intention. However, as the saying goes, "An ounce of
prevention..." Well, hopefully you know the rest so should everyone e=

lse.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Will Denny" wrote in message
...
Hi

These News Groups are for users who want to ask questions about any

problems
they may be having with XP. I can't see a question regarding a probl=

em in
your posting.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. =

I am
a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support f=

or
about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spywar=

e and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue,=

many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my=

car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do=

not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spywar=

e are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.

Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. Th=

ese
are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're =

not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exc=

hange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third =

party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information a=

bout
Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you

unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such=

as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like Sp=

yWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instance=

s of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these

programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware=

is
very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and redes=

igned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter t=

hem.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare

Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load its=

elf
into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file shari=

ng
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients=

a
lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39

viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any w=

ay I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI














  #13  
Old July 25th 04, 09:46 PM
Michael D. Alligood
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

Will and Shenan,
Both of you have valid points and I respect them both. With that said,
let us then stop chatting about this well-meaning post and answer to users
question. Thank you both for you insight and I apologize for being
defensive.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Will Denny" wrote in message
...
Hi

You don't seem to grasp the point. When someone posts a question into a
News Group, they are looking for a reply to that question. You use OE -
which is good - but a lot of users don't, and post via the CDO interface.
It is going to be very difficult for them to find your posting/FAQ hidden
under, perhaps, 20 pages!! They wouldn't even know it was there.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
This is truly unbelievable! A person taking their time to try and help
indivduals is getting this kind of treatment (esp. from an MVP!) Will,

again
not wanting to offend you, but whats your problem? My intentions was to

help
educate users on spyware. Where is the harm in that?!

You are correct in the fact that Microsoft's website is where users can
educate themselves on this matter. However, the website is static in
converstation. Which is why they use the newsgroups.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Will Denny" wrote in message
...
Hi

No need for FAQs. There are plenty of people in the XP NGs to reply to

the
virus/spyware problems that occur. Firewalls - inc. 3rd party ones - are
there to be used. So are anti-virus programs. The Microsoft web site has
plenty of advice on it's homepage to that effect.

What PC suppliers ought to be doing is to educate people when they

purchase
a new machine to make sure that know how to use it properly!!

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
On the contrary, Will. These newsgroups are not only to helps users with
their problems, it to help them avoid problems in the first place. Being

an
MVP as yourself, I cannot see the validity of denying users how to avoid
such issues. My intention was not to ask a question, but to post useful
information. If the post offended your or your status, I do apologize and
was not my intention. However, as the saying goes, "An ounce of
prevention..." Well, hopefully you know the rest so should everyone else.

--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI


"Will Denny" wrote in message
...
Hi

These News Groups are for users who want to ask questions about any

problems
they may be having with XP. I can't see a question regarding a problem

in
your posting.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Michael D. Alligood" wrote in message
...
Some of you folks recognize me from my posts on various newsgroups. I am

a
technician with "Geeks On Call". I have been performing IT support for

about
10 years now. Nearly two-thirds of my service calls deal with spyware

and
viruses. Although there are numerous articles concerning this issue,

many
users do not care to read them. They are like me when it comes to my

car:
If
it starts in the morning, I do not care how it runs. But what you do not
know will hurt you in the end.

Jerry Honeycutt, MS Expert Zone Columnist states,
"As if spam, viruses, and worms aren't bad enough. Adware and spyware

are
here to sap the remaining life out of your productivity and privacy.

Cookies
are harmless in comparison!

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These

are
ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not
browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in

exchange
for advertising on your display. It's how they make their money.

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third

party
without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about

Web
sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and
password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you

unsolicited
targeted advertisements."

Now I am sure all of you have heard about spyware removal tools such as
SpyBot, Ad-Aware, Pest Patrol, and spyware blocking programs like

SpyWare
Blaster. I ran all four programs on my PC and have had zero instances of
spyware in over a year. The problem occurs when the users of these

programs
forget to update the spyware definitions for these programs. Spyware is

very
similair to viruses in that new spyware is being developed and

redesigned
everyday. If you do not up-to-date definitions, you cannot counter them.

When running any of these programs (with the exception of SpyWare

Blaster)
it is a good idea to do this in Safe Mode. Spyware loves to load itself

into
memory.

A majority of the spyware / viruses cases I see deal with file sharing
programs like Kazaa. This program in particuliar has cost my clients a

lot
of money. I have removed as many as 4,000 articles of spyware and 39

viruses
off one PC.

Anyway, I hope that this helps you out. If you have any questions or
comments, please fill free to post them and I will help out in any way I
can.


--
Best of luck!

Michael D. Alligood
MCSA, MCP, CCNA, A+,
Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI















  #14  
Old July 25th 04, 09:46 PM
Will Denny
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.

Hi

Basic tuition in how to use a PC wouldn't go amiss. A lot of parents ar=
e buying a 1st PC - mainly for their children - and may never used a com=
puter themselves. You seem to disagree - that's you prerogative.

--

Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups


"Tom" wrote in message news:Op5zbLocEHA.2520@TK2MS=
FTNGP12.phx.gbl...

"Will Denny" wrote in message news:%23iERi1ncEHA.71=
...

snipped

"What PC suppliers ought to be doing is to educate people when they purc=
hase a new machine to make sure that know how to use it properly!!"

Yea, then we wouldn't need your help then would we? Me thinks you are he=
re way to much for your own, almost from the time you wake, until you re=
ady yourself for bed. In any case-

Sieg Heil!







  #15  
Old July 26th 04, 12:03 AM
GHalleck
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Spyware and Viruses.


Will Denny wrote:
Hi

No need for FAQs. There are plenty of people in the XP NGs to reply to the virus/spyware problems that occur. Firewalls - inc. 3rd party ones - are there to be used. So are anti-virus programs. The Microsoft web site has plenty of advice on it's home

page to that effect.

What PC suppliers ought to be doing is to educate people when they purchase a new machine to make sure that know how to use it properly!!


No PC supplier taught me. Of course, they did not really
exist way back in 1970. In fact, I learned about PC's from
becoming a hobbyist in the mid-1980's. At that time, there
was plenty of literature, ranging from complete manuals in
paper that came with the applications and to on-line guides.
But still no PC supplier did any education, and I am also
guilty of this since my curiosity and desire to learn made
me into an OEM-VAR. How else can one get to play and learn
at the same time? But what PC supplier has the time to do
the educating when new versions of more bloatware come out
at annual intervals?

The answer is this: Microsoft and all of the other software
houses need to return to developing clean, straight-forward
applications, provide the manuals and, today, with the advent
of the worldwide web, on-line instructional modules prepared
not by engineers or computer programmers but teachers with
interactive experience.

BTW, you're right about FAQ's...who reads them when they are
incomprehensible to the neophyte user.

 




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