Computer Hope
Software => Computer viruses and spyware => Topic started by: jjp on July 04, 2004, 05:18:52 AM
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hi :)
1. Recently my cd drive has been going in and out of its own accord, popups galore, homepage stuck, and things installed without my asking. Not to mention the machine feels a whole lot slower.
Ive been told i have bugs and/or a trojan? Is this correct?
If so, how can i kill them/prevent against them in future.
2. I have a 80GB harddrive in the NTFS windows XP file system, split into 2 partitions.
Do i need to reformat and install the windows again to make sure im all cleaned? If so, How can i go about reformatting the main boot section (partition 1) only. I dont want to reformat the whole drive. In DOS at bootup via startup disk, its not detecting i have a C drive to be able to format, but when i do it whilst the windows its there.
Also, surely there is a way to combat these evils without always reformatting :'( & how to prevent in future.
I hope you can please help, regards
JJP
p.s. it might be helpful to know that there are 4 users to this pc who don't all behave and feel the same about system security ::)
e.g. my smaller bro has been caught viewing unsuitable websites :o , are these a cause of probs? >:(
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If you wish to learn more about Internet security I suggest you read the following articles:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/firewall.htm - How Firewalls works
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cookie.htm - How Cookies work
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/virus.htm - How Viruses Work
Then; install or use this software:
http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php - virus scan - AVG - Free Edition
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ - Anti virus - freeware - web based
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ - Adaware 6.0 - Ad/malware scanner - Free trial
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download - Spybot S&D - ad/malware scanner - Freeware
http://texturizer.net/firefox - Mozilla Firefox - Internet browser.
I suggest you take these programs into consideration.
http://www.grc.com - Internet Security test and information.
Remember: They are watching you.
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:P
thanks alot pal ill give them a try.
p.s. do u think i shud reformat/install again, or is it a waste of time ???
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With these programs there is no need for formatting. Unless your computer remains slow, uninstall all unnecessary programs and use a program such as Advanced System Optimizer
http://www.systweak.com/asov2/
To clean the registry, cache, cookies, files and more.
If you do format, install these programs from the start. I suggest you install a Firewall such as Zone Alarm that can filter certain websites from being viewed. And, ofcourse, block people from accessing your PC.
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp - Zone Alarm - Free Trial/Edition
I strongly recommend you install a Firewall wheter you format or not.