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Questions about Internet security
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1. Well, we got virus, trojans, malware, etc. I only see virus/trojan when I access to the "dark" websites. I'm just wondering are there really that many evil scripts and hackers out there? 2. If someone hacks into my PC from a remote location. Is there a possibility of he seeing my activity right on his screen? Also, can he peek into my C drive, etc? 3. I have Ad-Aware scanning my PC from times to times. Those tracking cookies are really bothering me. They have my name in front of them. (ex.{my name}@doubleclick.net> or something like that) What else can these cookies actually do? Do they just keep track of where I go online? 4. Some people said that Ad-Aware is getting weaker these days. Is it really true? 5. What are your recommended programs for 100% security and privacy? |
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Re: Questions about Internet security
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by
on 2007-01-27 01:30:34 |
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1. plenty. one born everyday. if only i had the opportunity to shoot one in the face every day. 2. if you have windows remote desktop or equivalent installed on your computer, someone could always brute force or otherwise gain the password. if you have half a brain-cell, you won't let this happen by choosing a safe password and never using it twice. there are plenty of ways someone can go poking around your filesystem. any program can make system calls to access the filesystem, where privileges do not prevent that program form going (on windows, any EXE you run will have access to most files on C). again, never open any EXE you aren't 99.9% sure about. 3. A cookie is a file sitting on your computer that your browser shares with the website(s) associated with it. cookies are how a website knows who you are. this website uses cookies to keep track of logins. doubleclick.net uses it to sell your personal information. delete the later. 4. i have no idea. i use Linux and MacOSX so i never have to deal with viruses. :D 5. there is no such thing as 100% anything. most flavors of linux 99.9% safe, by agreeable measure. stop using windows. now. forever. 
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Re: Questions about Internet security
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For a safe OS, try either OSX, Vista, or if you are willing to give up ease of use and a software library, OpenBSD. In ten years, they have only discovered one security hole in OpenBSD as opposed to Windows hundreds. I would suggest not using IE6 and using Opera or Firefox instead. IE6 is the shittiest browser ever created. Since you use Windows and thus, must have IE installed, at least install IE7 to help protect yourself. I would suggest downloading avast! antivirus (it's freeware) or Avira Antivir personal edition (also free but don't install both) but make sure to uninstall your old antivirus and clean your registry with a program like RegscrubXP before installing a new antivirus. I would suggest a good firewall. If you want to use Linux and use dial-up, you will need to install a hardware modem since you can't use a Winmodem in Linux unless it is made to do so. I wish that I could get rid of Windows but my printer requires it as does my modem so I am stuck because of vendor lock-in. For an anti-spyware program, try Windows Defender and Spybot. It appears that MS is trying to make Vista more secure. It is annoying because every program that can possibly carry out a malicious task needs your permission but it helps.
Please visit my message board, I only have 3 members now and I would appreciate it. It is at s10.invisionfree.com/the_world_2.
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Re: Questions about Internet security
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@Untitled: 1. Yes they are. Including me. 2. Yes they can. Including me. 3. Well, to be honest, cookies aren't for tracking activities. Cookies and browser session are stored in our computer, usually when we logged in to a website, and it helps to remember the previous visitor settings, unless it has been removed. 4. In some points, I think yes. 5. There is no stuffs that is 100% safe and private, and even the best encryption system too. And note, Linux aren't (because there are many distros around) 99.9 safe too. It's just about 78%-85% safe I say... But if you're asking the best AV or security suite I know, I prefer: -G-Data Antivirus -McAfee Intenet Security -F-Secure Internet Security Suite. @Janus: Oh really? IE7 already has a lot of bug fixes, though there are many bugs there, still. Yes Firefox is the best. Opera is the second best. Because it has errors on some AJAX and Javascript scripts. I don't like avast! AV. It doesn't powerfull enough. And I don't like Avira Antivir too. It's like a nightmare for me... It thinks my prorgams (Macromedia Fireworks, Macromedia Freehand, etc.) are a trojan! For that price class, I prefer Grisoft's AVG. It has free edition and paid edition. It's very good, and powerful at its price. Oh yes, Spybot Search and Destroy eh? I don't recommend it. I recommend McAfee AntiSpyware or Windows Defender (yes I know you've mentioned it). For firewalls, I prefer: -F-Secure -McAfee -Sygate That's all. The codename's r3ck0rd. Find me in my Facebook Profile Page, or in my blog.
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Re: Questions about Internet security
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by squishy11114
on 2007-02-01 20:17:45
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1. Yes there are there are too many to count. Blieve me i've tryed. 2.Yes to both questions. but all you need is a semi-decent firewall and you should keep most people out. Unless you have sensitive CIA info on your computer. 3. i don't know listen to Gendou. 4. no if anything it is getting better(not in a good way) and Ad-Aware isn't really a virus it is more of an annoyance that kills computer speed. 5. more then one firewall preferably 3 to 4 that costs $150-$300 a piece. this is not realistic so listen to Gendou.  |
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Re: Questions about Internet security
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Don't use more than one firewall because (according to M$), they will conflict just like two antivirus programs. Like Gendou said, there is no such thing as one hundred percent safe unless the OpenBSD project manages to patch the one security hole that they have. Adware is a nightmare, to deal with it, use something like Windows Defender or some other program with resident protection (aka auto-protect) or a decent antivirus (like antivir) that blocks the installers for adware. If it is possible, rip IE out of your WinDohs installation to improve system security (and as a side effect, speed up your PC, use XPLite to remove it since you can't do it through the add or remove programs menu.
Please visit my message board, I only have 3 members now and I would appreciate it. It is at s10.invisionfree.com/the_world_2.
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