Here's my little editorial/guide :-)
I find the amount of crap that people put up with when using their computers to be truely amazing. I mean, think about it. You spend, say, a grand on a new PC, only to have it loaded up with malware and running at a tenth of the original speed within a month. After spending so much money, should you really have to deal with all that?
The thing is that most people are simply uninformed when it comes to such things. They don't take the time to learn how to deal with malware and protect against it in the first place, so when it hits, it keeps on a comin'. Around 90% of all PCs are infected with some sort of Spyware.
What I want to do here is make a list of things people should know. I'll try to explain them all as simply as possible if you don't consider yourself to be very computer literate. Even if you do, you may still learn something!
[Disclaimer] to make this look more professional
I'm still learning myself, so if any of this information is innaccurate, I left out something important, or anything needs clarifying, please let me know!
[Note] some additional stuff about this guide to keep in mind
Most of these links link to Wikipedia for more information.
All programs linked to are Freeware.
[A Few Things You Should Know] very important stuff, trust me
- Internet Explorer (IE) sucks. Don't use it. Use Firefox instead. "All the spyware companies exploit bugs in Internet Explorer, so if you use FireFox, there's less of a chance of you getting spyware." - Greg
- Norton sucks. Uninstall it.
- WeatherBug is adware, not something that came with your computer. Uninstall it.
- You're not supposed to have forty million tool bars (such as Hotbar) at the top of your web browser. If you have any that you didn't specifically install yourself, you have adware. See this? And this? Everything below the Address box shouldn't be there. Then again, you shouldn't be using IE anyway.
- If you have Windows XP, install Service Pack 2. It has better malware protection and a fairly decent firewall which is good enough for most people's needs.
[The programs you need] trust me, if you have a PC with an internet connection, you need this stuff
Typically, you need one program for viruses and three for spyware.
[Browser] IE is a horrible browser, and should never be used unless absolutely necissary.
Firefox is where it's at. Trust me. Ditch IE now, and never use it again. No more popups, no more spyware. Just because IE comes with your computer doesn't mean you have to use it. There are always alternatives.
[Virus] pick one
Avast! Antivirus *OR* AVG
Pick your favorite...personally, I like Avast! better, as it has more features.
[Spyware/Adware] use all of them
SpywareBlaster
Ad-Aware
Spybot Search & Destroy
[Additional Programs] if the above just aren't enough
Microsoft AntiSpyware
AIMFix
Download them. Install them. Use them.
[How to Use the Above Programs] if you can figure them out, skip this section
[Avast! Antivirus] When you download it, they will email you a product key (which you don't have to enter until you open the main program.) Install Avast!, restart your computer, and you'll see two new system tray (bottom right of screen) icons - an 'i' and an 'a'. Right click on the 'i', and click on "Merge with main Avast! icon". (You don't need to do this, but having one icon is much cleaner than two.) Avast! will, by default, scan for new viruses in the background. However, to do a full system scan, right click on the 'a', go to "Start Avast! Antivirus", wait for it to finish performing the memory test, click "Continue", select the areas you want to scan (usually your C drive), and start the scan! Once you know the basics, Avast! will guide you through just about all of its features.
[AVG] I don't actually have this installed on any of my computers anymore, so I can't give a very detailed walkthrough. If you need any help with it though, let me know!
[SpywareBlaster] The purpose of this program is to fix web browser vulnerabilities (in Firefox and IE), which is how spyware typically gets in. Install it. Run it. Click on "Updates" (bottom left) then "Check for Updates" (bottom center). When that is complete, click on "Protection" (top left), then "Enable All Protection" under Quick Tasks at the bottom. For now, you're all set with this program.
[Ad-Aware] As opposed to SpywareBlaster, Ad-Aware can not prevent spyware and adware - instead it scans your computer and deletes any that it finds. Install it. Run it. Click on "Check for updates now" (bottom right, above Start) every time you run the program and update it. When you're done with that and back to the main screen, click on "Start", and then "Next" to perform a Smart System Scan. When it is completed, select all of the found items (right click, there's an option in there for it), then delete them.
[Spybot Search & Destroy] Spybot is like SpywareBlaster and Ad-Aware combined. It has a feature called "Immunize" that blocks spyware and it can also scan your computer.
[Microsoft AntiSpyware] Still in Beta, but it can sometimes catch things that Ad-Aware and Spybot miss. Another nice feature of this program is that it takes care of a lot of things automatically. It'll detect attempted browser hijacks and spyware trying to install as they occur and block them. AntiSpyware has a lot more automated features than the others, but unless your computer gets really bad, you won't need it, and it'll just be taking up space.
[AIMFix] Fixes all known viruses affecting AOL Instant Messanger. All you do is run it, it'll shut down AIM, kill virus processes, remove them, and display a list of all the problems it fixed. Very simple to use, no options or anything to mess around with.
[When to Use the Above Programs] what's the point of having them if you don't use them?
If your PC is in good running order, this is when you should run these programs.
[Avast! Antivirus] Runs all the time in the background, but once a month or so, you should run a full scan.
[AVG] Same as Avast!
[SpywareBlaster] I would recommend updating and enabling all protection every two weeks, maximum.
[Ad-Aware] You should perform a Smart Scan every several weeks.
[Spybot Search & Destroy] Update, Immunize and scan every few weeks.
[Microsoft AntiSpyware] Should automatically update, so just run a scan every few weeks or so.
[AIMFix] If you have an AIM virus, run this.
[Things You Should Avoid Doing] you know, like don't open email attachments from people you don't know
- First of all, don't open email attachments from people you don't know. This is obvious.
- If someone messages you on AIM with something like "Check out these pics from the beach!" And one of the words links somewhere, DON'T CLICK IT. Another good one is when it's something like "haha, this is hiliarious: http://www.funnystuff.com/crowbar.jpg". Looks like it links right to that, doesn't it? WELL IT DOESN'T. All they did was use a seemingly harmless URL as the text for another link. If you see anyone who sends you something like that, or you see it appear in their away message, message them and recommend that they run AIMFix before infecting other people. That's how these things spread.
- For the love of God, don't click on anything inside of popup windows. I don't want to see any of this, "Oh hey! Shoot the monk, get an iPod!!! Sounds like my kind of game!!!" Of course, if you use Firefox, you won't get popup windows.
- Don't scan with more than one Spyware/Adware type program at the same time. Use one at a time. It doesn't hurt anything, it's just inefficient.
[Common Definitions] you should know what terms such as spyware mean, but definitions are boring, so I put these last
[Virus] A big deal, but overhyped as to how much they'll slow your computer down. Instead, they tend to spread quickly and destroy data on your hard drive. They'll typically come in through open ports (non-firewalled), email attachments, or your internet browser (ie. IE).
[Firewall] Protects your computer from external sources gaining access.
[Spyware] Runs in the background on your computer (which in turn slows it down a bit), collecting and sending personal information back to whoever deployed it. 'Personal information' typically includes things such as browsing habbits and general computer usage habbits, not things such as credit card numbers, etc. "Spyware is a broad category of malicious software intended to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the user's informed consent."
[Adware] Less intrusive but more annoying than spyware. "These applications often present banner ads in pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen." Adware also slows down the computer quite a bit.
[Malware] "malicious software" - The collective term for all types of harmful programs.
[In Conclusion] so I can wrap this up before I go to work
Ok, so what do I do when I fix someone's computer from malware? All I do is install either Avast! or AVG, SpywareBlaster, Ad-Aware, Spybot, and MS AntiSpyware and AIMFix if need be. Then I just run them all. Most of the time this is all that needs to be done. Sometimes there's really nasty things like viruses running in pairs that if you end one the other restarts the process and you can't kill both at the same time. And sometimes, the whole system is just so far gone that what it really needs is a fresh installation of Windows and a new start. Anyway, I hope this guide helps, and I'm sure I'll update it sometime!
The thing is that most people are simply uninformed when it comes to such things. They don't take the time to learn how to deal with malware and protect against it in the first place, so when it hits, it keeps on a comin'. Around 90% of all PCs are infected with some sort of Spyware.
What I want to do here is make a list of things people should know. I'll try to explain them all as simply as possible if you don't consider yourself to be very computer literate. Even if you do, you may still learn something!
[Disclaimer] to make this look more professional
I'm still learning myself, so if any of this information is innaccurate, I left out something important, or anything needs clarifying, please let me know!
[Note] some additional stuff about this guide to keep in mind
Most of these links link to Wikipedia for more information.
All programs linked to are Freeware.
[A Few Things You Should Know] very important stuff, trust me
- Internet Explorer (IE) sucks. Don't use it. Use Firefox instead. "All the spyware companies exploit bugs in Internet Explorer, so if you use FireFox, there's less of a chance of you getting spyware." - Greg
- Norton sucks. Uninstall it.
- WeatherBug is adware, not something that came with your computer. Uninstall it.
- You're not supposed to have forty million tool bars (such as Hotbar) at the top of your web browser. If you have any that you didn't specifically install yourself, you have adware. See this? And this? Everything below the Address box shouldn't be there. Then again, you shouldn't be using IE anyway.
- If you have Windows XP, install Service Pack 2. It has better malware protection and a fairly decent firewall which is good enough for most people's needs.
[The programs you need] trust me, if you have a PC with an internet connection, you need this stuff
Typically, you need one program for viruses and three for spyware.
[Browser] IE is a horrible browser, and should never be used unless absolutely necissary.
Firefox is where it's at. Trust me. Ditch IE now, and never use it again. No more popups, no more spyware. Just because IE comes with your computer doesn't mean you have to use it. There are always alternatives.
[Virus] pick one
Avast! Antivirus *OR* AVG
Pick your favorite...personally, I like Avast! better, as it has more features.
[Spyware/Adware] use all of them
SpywareBlaster
Ad-Aware
Spybot Search & Destroy
[Additional Programs] if the above just aren't enough
Microsoft AntiSpyware
AIMFix
Download them. Install them. Use them.
[How to Use the Above Programs] if you can figure them out, skip this section
[Avast! Antivirus] When you download it, they will email you a product key (which you don't have to enter until you open the main program.) Install Avast!, restart your computer, and you'll see two new system tray (bottom right of screen) icons - an 'i' and an 'a'. Right click on the 'i', and click on "Merge with main Avast! icon". (You don't need to do this, but having one icon is much cleaner than two.) Avast! will, by default, scan for new viruses in the background. However, to do a full system scan, right click on the 'a', go to "Start Avast! Antivirus", wait for it to finish performing the memory test, click "Continue", select the areas you want to scan (usually your C drive), and start the scan! Once you know the basics, Avast! will guide you through just about all of its features.
[AVG] I don't actually have this installed on any of my computers anymore, so I can't give a very detailed walkthrough. If you need any help with it though, let me know!
[SpywareBlaster] The purpose of this program is to fix web browser vulnerabilities (in Firefox and IE), which is how spyware typically gets in. Install it. Run it. Click on "Updates" (bottom left) then "Check for Updates" (bottom center). When that is complete, click on "Protection" (top left), then "Enable All Protection" under Quick Tasks at the bottom. For now, you're all set with this program.
[Ad-Aware] As opposed to SpywareBlaster, Ad-Aware can not prevent spyware and adware - instead it scans your computer and deletes any that it finds. Install it. Run it. Click on "Check for updates now" (bottom right, above Start) every time you run the program and update it. When you're done with that and back to the main screen, click on "Start", and then "Next" to perform a Smart System Scan. When it is completed, select all of the found items (right click, there's an option in there for it), then delete them.
[Spybot Search & Destroy] Spybot is like SpywareBlaster and Ad-Aware combined. It has a feature called "Immunize" that blocks spyware and it can also scan your computer.
[Microsoft AntiSpyware] Still in Beta, but it can sometimes catch things that Ad-Aware and Spybot miss. Another nice feature of this program is that it takes care of a lot of things automatically. It'll detect attempted browser hijacks and spyware trying to install as they occur and block them. AntiSpyware has a lot more automated features than the others, but unless your computer gets really bad, you won't need it, and it'll just be taking up space.
[AIMFix] Fixes all known viruses affecting AOL Instant Messanger. All you do is run it, it'll shut down AIM, kill virus processes, remove them, and display a list of all the problems it fixed. Very simple to use, no options or anything to mess around with.
[When to Use the Above Programs] what's the point of having them if you don't use them?
If your PC is in good running order, this is when you should run these programs.
[Avast! Antivirus] Runs all the time in the background, but once a month or so, you should run a full scan.
[AVG] Same as Avast!
[SpywareBlaster] I would recommend updating and enabling all protection every two weeks, maximum.
[Ad-Aware] You should perform a Smart Scan every several weeks.
[Spybot Search & Destroy] Update, Immunize and scan every few weeks.
[Microsoft AntiSpyware] Should automatically update, so just run a scan every few weeks or so.
[AIMFix] If you have an AIM virus, run this.
[Things You Should Avoid Doing] you know, like don't open email attachments from people you don't know
- First of all, don't open email attachments from people you don't know. This is obvious.
- If someone messages you on AIM with something like "Check out these pics from the beach!" And one of the words links somewhere, DON'T CLICK IT. Another good one is when it's something like "haha, this is hiliarious: http://www.funnystuff.com/crowbar.jpg". Looks like it links right to that, doesn't it? WELL IT DOESN'T. All they did was use a seemingly harmless URL as the text for another link. If you see anyone who sends you something like that, or you see it appear in their away message, message them and recommend that they run AIMFix before infecting other people. That's how these things spread.
- For the love of God, don't click on anything inside of popup windows. I don't want to see any of this, "Oh hey! Shoot the monk, get an iPod!!! Sounds like my kind of game!!!" Of course, if you use Firefox, you won't get popup windows.
- Don't scan with more than one Spyware/Adware type program at the same time. Use one at a time. It doesn't hurt anything, it's just inefficient.
[Common Definitions] you should know what terms such as spyware mean, but definitions are boring, so I put these last
[Virus] A big deal, but overhyped as to how much they'll slow your computer down. Instead, they tend to spread quickly and destroy data on your hard drive. They'll typically come in through open ports (non-firewalled), email attachments, or your internet browser (ie. IE).
[Firewall] Protects your computer from external sources gaining access.
[Spyware] Runs in the background on your computer (which in turn slows it down a bit), collecting and sending personal information back to whoever deployed it. 'Personal information' typically includes things such as browsing habbits and general computer usage habbits, not things such as credit card numbers, etc. "Spyware is a broad category of malicious software intended to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the user's informed consent."
[Adware] Less intrusive but more annoying than spyware. "These applications often present banner ads in pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen." Adware also slows down the computer quite a bit.
[Malware] "malicious software" - The collective term for all types of harmful programs.
[In Conclusion] so I can wrap this up before I go to work
Ok, so what do I do when I fix someone's computer from malware? All I do is install either Avast! or AVG, SpywareBlaster, Ad-Aware, Spybot, and MS AntiSpyware and AIMFix if need be. Then I just run them all. Most of the time this is all that needs to be done. Sometimes there's really nasty things like viruses running in pairs that if you end one the other restarts the process and you can't kill both at the same time. And sometimes, the whole system is just so far gone that what it really needs is a fresh installation of Windows and a new start. Anyway, I hope this guide helps, and I'm sure I'll update it sometime!