[GrandpaBlaze]

Originally Posted by Xericx

You've Got Spyware.

What software would you recommend for detecting/removing the spyware? I've got AVG for anti-virus and Zone Alarm for a firewall but don't have any spyware.

Thanks.

Gramps...

[Xericx]

Kaspersky if you want to buy.

Ad-aware and spybot search and destroy for free


Similar thing happened to my boss. Not sure if THAT's the problem, but something when I uninstalled a program for him that was spyware disabled browsers even though things like outlook worked fine. Weird stuff.

[Xericx]

have you tried disabling ZoneAlarm?

See this: http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6142_102...sageID=2713913

[Xericx]

weird...it might be ZONEALARM. From another forum:


I just got back online after 24 hours of trying to figure out what went wrong with my modem. Turns out it wasn't the modem, but a conflict between Zone Alarm (the firewall I use) and the latest Microsoft update that plopped itself onto my pc and then told me repeadtedly to restart my computer to get it to work.
Now apparently if I had been using the new system Microsoft is trying to foist on everyone, Vista, there is no conflict between the update and Zone Alarm. But if you are running XP (like me) or (even more horrified to Microsoft) Windows 2000, then as soon as you reboot, you can't connect to the internet anymore, and the only explanations you get are that a) a cable is unplugged; or b) you need to turn off your modem for 3 minutes, or c) your dsl line is busy.
Anyway, I turned off the zone alarm long enough to get back to the zone alarm website and download a new version, and I'm back.
But I can't help think how curious it is that this conflict only occurs if you have not upgraded from XP to Vista.

[GrandpaBlaze]

Originally Posted by Xericx

weird...it might be ZONEALARM.

BINGO!!!

This morning my normal computer rebooted with the updates and as soon as the reboot was complete, I had the same problem. I disabled ZoneAlarm, downloaded the latest release, installed and all is good now.

Off to the other computer to get it fixed.

Much thanks Xericx!

Gramps...

[Xericx]

that's why i get paid the big dollars! where can I send my invoice to? :smoothcriminal:

[GrandpaBlaze]

Originally Posted by Xericx

that's why i get paid the big dollars! where can I send my invoice to? :smoothcriminal:

Ummm, send it to DaRizzle!

Gramps...

[hasoos]

I work in IT, and generally in IT, if you value your career, you learn not to use certain products. Zone Alarm is one of them. It is a fact a hacker cracked a Zone Alarm firewall in 6 seconds.

[GrandpaBlaze]

Originally Posted by hasoos

I work in IT, and generally in IT, if you value your career, you learn not to use certain products. Zone Alarm is one of them. It is a fact a hacker cracked a Zone Alarm firewall in 6 seconds.

What firewall would you recommend (I'm using the free version of Zone Alarm) but am not averse to purchasing software necessary.

I've heard Kapersky is highly rated but being the frugal type, I'm using free alternatives.

Thanks.

Gramps...

[hasoos]

Originally Posted by GrandpaBlaze

What firewall would you recommend (I'm using the free version of Zone Alarm) but am not averse to purchasing software necessary.

I've heard Kapersky is highly rated but being the frugal type, I'm using free alternatives.

Thanks.

Gramps...

Kapersky if very good, one of the best things about Kapersky is you really don't have to think a lot to use it, it is fairly automatic. Other firewalls always ask you put in rules and such.

I am going to ask you a few questions now about your setup. Are you on a dial up or do you have a DSL or cable modem? Because to be honest, if you have a DSL or Cable modem, I would recommend a hardware firewall. The reasons?

1. No system overhead running a firewall.
2. No program conflicts using a firewall.
3. Hardware firewalls don't require license renewal every year or two.
4. Hardware firewalls are no more expensive than firewall software.

Then you can just run antivirus on your machine. If you have a Fry's nearby, you can purchase Kapersky antivirus and it has a mail in rebate for 70 bucks off, which is the price of it, and you get it for free. I did this myself, the mail in rebate is good.

[GrandpaBlaze]

I have a cable internet connection. I believe my Belkin wireless router has a built-in firewall but just thought I should probably also have a software firewall.

Also, I travel a fair amount so I need to have a consistent firewall on my computer thus the Zone Alarm.

We don't have Frye's here in Boise so I think I'm SOL on the get-it-for-free option (otherwise that sounds like a pretty good deal).

How is Kapersky in regard to system overhead? I had Symantec on a prior machine and it seemed to suck a fair amount of resources.

Thanks Hasoos.

Gramps...

[hasoos]

Originally Posted by GrandpaBlaze

I have a cable internet connection. I believe my Belkin wireless router has a built-in firewall but just thought I should probably also have a software firewall.

Also, I travel a fair amount so I need to have a consistent firewall on my computer thus the Zone Alarm.

We don't have Frye's here in Boise so I think I'm SOL on the get-it-for-free option (otherwise that sounds like a pretty good deal).

How is Kapersky in regard to system overhead? I had Symantec on a prior machine and it seemed to suck a fair amount of resources.

Thanks Hasoos.

Gramps...

Kapersky is good with your system, it doesn't have a big system overhead.

Now for the firewall. If you have your firewall enabled on your internet router, and there are no other unprotected computers on your side of the router, there is no need for another firewall running on your machine. You are just doubling up. The difference being a hacker would have to get through 2 to get to your machine. To be honest, there aren't many folks that are going to take the time for that with your home machine, hackers that are doing that type of crap are hacking large corporations for cash. Having a firewall on each machine on the inside would serve as the additional layer so that if one machine was compromised inside the firewall that they would still have protection. 2 is overkill IMO for a home computer.