OT:Virus Bites
 

Just had to deal with a NetskyB infection, damn these things are annoying....Thank god for free removal tools...Why would anyone create these viruses??

Sigh...

Any advice from the tech-know-alls on how to avoid these types of things...

Re: OT:Virus Bites
 

Your first line of defense probably has to do with having a firewall. Windows XP has a firewall, but if I remember correctly, it is off by default. You can turn it on, just be sure to adjust it's settings and to get the latest patches.

Also, if I remember correctly, some Internet Service Providers use proxys for further defense. Then you have virus-scan utilities, which can scan files for indications of viruses and the like.

A key rule of thumb is to apply every patch update available. These usually fix weak areas, and may also provide new features. You can usually get patches from the websites of the makers of your software, but not always, since some may terminate old software services due to age. However, alternate sites may provide the patches you require.

Re: OT:Virus Bites
 

I recommend that you do not use the built in XP firewall. If you must get a firewall, get a real one. Norton, McAffee, ZoneAlarm, Black Ice, etc. Of course, hardware firewalls are much stronger than software firewalls. But usually you will have to get one combined with a router, which could be a bit expensive.

Re: OT:Virus Bites
 

Setup a combo firewall/anti-virus, and keep both of them up to date. Then do connect every month to windows update (despite the problems you may get that way).

My favs for a personnal usage :

http://www.grisoft.com/ for the anti virus.
http://www.zonelabs.com/ for the firewall.

Why them ? They are free !

Re: OT:Virus Bites
 

Wasn't NetskyB written to find and clean machines infected with MYDOOM?

Re: OT:Virus Bites
 

don't believe emails like that.

Re: OT:Virus Bites
 

My Norton Firewall worked great on dial up.

I believe that with the "ALWAYS ON" Cable Modem there was a Window of Vulnerability during Win98se startup. Some how, some of the Norton Files would get corrupted (maybe new incoming update), and not starup (show Icons). The worst part is that working offline was near impossible because Norton would mostly hang during boot with the Cable Modem (IE6 LAN) disconnected.

I have not have a problem since I got a router with a hardware fire wall. I think it covers the window of vulnerabiltiy hole by blockng unrequested traffic. I definitly recommend both a hardware and a software firewall.

[ February 23, 2004, 20:05: Message edited by: Wardad ]

Re: OT:Virus Bites
 

Personally, I thing Symantec does pretty well with their Norton Antivirus, but the rest of it, blech.

Re: OT:Virus Bites
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Find the little S***s that make the viruses, gut them old school style and then hang there lifeless bodies fron the nearst tree with a sign around there neck that reads "I Created a Computer Virus" as a warning to all other computer virus makers.

Re: OT:Virus Bites
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Put a webcam next to it so everyone can see it. Then hang Bill Gates next to him with at sign "I Created Programms Promoting Computer Virusses".