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I worry that message boards like this may become a thing of the past if internet communications continue to be disrupted.
I'm finding it's getting more and more difficult to access the Internet because so much "in the background" unwanted communication is going on whenever I dial up connect to the Internet--especially with the Microsoft WindowsXP operating system and it's many components.
The big computer and software companies are no help because many of them are causing the unwanted "background" communications--often called spyware. Whatever it is, it sure slows down the transfer of wanted information--often I have to disconnect and reconnect or rush when writing--often making too many mistakes. Lately, the volume of unwanted background information is reaching a point that I worry that someone could be trying to put porn, viruses or something on my computer. Firewalls may help but things and people can still find ways around them Windows closed source system has so many places to hide things.
I wonder why they want to access my computer? I've known about this for years and simply don't put stuff on ANY computer that I would not want people to see.
I'm not completely sure what you're talking (i've heard about spyware, but am not too familiar). This might be because I use a Mac...... ;)
Macs are definitely a long-hair's type of computer: better, but not more popular.
just kidding, it's only my opinon
I don't remember who it was that told me about this but he was from the board and I think him sincerely. Might have been Ben Blonde. Anywho, www.mozilla.org/products/firefox works fantastically. Holds off all spyware and pop ups and I'm still loving it. Only thing is you have to reconfigure yourself just a schmegult as favorites is now bookmarks and there's a small strech of extra links it puts in there, ie: Bookmarks Toolbar Folder, Mozilla and Firefox Information, &c. but a small price to pay.
Whilst not all of what follows applies to Tim B, I think its time everyone out there on the Internet learned this 5 basic streetwise rules:
LESSON #1: SOFTWARE VENDORS WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOU
Every Software Vendor wants to demographically profile their customers, and also gather your feedback about their products. Many force you accept that their software will use your internet connection to provide this feedback as you install the software. Others will give you to option to provide such feedback, others will just ask you to fill out a product satisfaction survey.
The Installation Program will always encourage you to do what the Software Vendors wants you to do. This is Not alway what you really want to do! You really don't want to register every piece of software you install on your PC, you really don't want spyware sending the Software Vendors information on your personal habits. Start thinking about what you want when installing software rather than going along with the "recommended option" when you install the product.
LESSON #2: IF ITS FREE THERE'S A CATCH!
Think about it, people don't give things away because they want to be popular, they have another motive. If you can't figure out what that motive is, you should be even more skeptical about installing the product. About the only Free Utility I recommend you download and install on your PC is WINZIP. Screw everything else!
LESSON #3: DONT GIVE OUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!
If you give out your email address on the World Wide Web then I can give you a 100% guarantee you will get Spam.
LESSON #4: WINDOWS XP IS MEMORY HUNGRY
Don't install Windows XP unless you have at least 256 MB of RAM and if you're an Advanced User don't consider it without at least 512MB. Windows 2000 is just as stable as XP Pro and more stable than XP home, its also just as secure. But it uses half as much memory. For the benefit of a green start button XP isn't worth it!
LESSON #5: BAD PEOPLE DO BAD THINGS
There are bad people on the Internet trying to do bad things, but they need to take control of other computers to hide their tracks. Don't fall victim to hackers, many will infect your computer with a virus that might steal personal data such as email addresses, bank details rom your computer, and use your computer as a platform from which to attack other computers.
Keep your AntiVirus products upto date (weekly) and check your PC security settings as White Tail Suggested in his post below.
You have a duty to everyone else on the web not to allow your computer to be used towards someone-else's dirty ends.
Sorted.
...WAS HAPPENING TO ME!
And while I did not solve the problem completely, I do have it
pretty well under control.
I used the Spyware Blocker (Free from Earthlink) and disabled
all the spyware it discovered.
I do this often.
Seems, though, that I cannot prevent something from resetting
my 'home page' almost every time I turn on the computer.
So I have to reset it to 'use current' page almost every time!
Does ANYBODY have any additional advice to share with me on this matter?
Try Ad-Aware, which is available free for personal use at the link below. It does a pretty good job of finding spyware and other intrusive programs, etc. on your PC.
Cheers,
JBC
