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How to use Spybot-Search & Destroy

antivirus — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:32:07 +0000

These days, using only one antispyware program is like playing with fire: sooner or later, you’re going to get burned. Since not all spyware-combat tools share identical databases, we recommend running as many tools as you can get your mitts on–and Spybot – Search & Destroy, a time-tested and free application, should be part of your arsenal. The program might not have as pretty a face as some of its competitors, but it’s certainly adept at eradicating spyware. It also offers a wide variety of settings and tools for maintaining your security and privacy that might not be immediately obvious. Read on to get the lowdown on removing spyware with Spybot, and to get tips for using some of the program’s most important features.

Step 1: Set it up
Some antispyware programs aren’t highly customizable, but Spybot caters to the user by offering a number of tweaks. The app’s primary screen emphasizes scanning your machine for threats and updating spyware definitions. If you switch from the default to the advanced mode from the Mode menu, though, you open up a world of options. The unobtrusive Settings button, located way down in the lower-left corner of the advanced window, contains tons of ways to fine-tune Spybot’s behavior. This screen may at first appear overwhelming, but the Settings window lets you customize the app so it works for you.
Spybot scan

Once you get to the Settings window, click the Settings subsection. You should definitely spend a few moments scrolling through it carefully, especially the part labeled Main Settings. In particular, you’ll probably want to check all the boxes related to backups and system-restore points. This way, if Spybot happens to accidentally remove a key that’s crucial to your PC’s OS, you can easily roll your Registry back to its pre-scan state. From this screen, you also can configure Spybot to automatically start a scan when you launch the program or each time you boot up your machine. Finally, you’ll find check boxes that enable Spybot to search for and download the latest updates every time you fire it up. These automation features not only will save you time, they’ll also help ensure your computer stays safe–even if you tend to be a space cadet.

Step 2: Search and destroy
Once you’ve configured the program to your liking, it’s time to get down to the business of locating and removing any harmful programs that might be hiding in the dark corners of your PC. Head back to the main screen by clicking the tab labeled Spybot-S&D. Once you hit the Check for Problems button, the program will begin scanning your machine for malware. As is the case with many antispyware apps, Spybot may take a while to look through the contents of a large hard drive or an extremely infected Registry, so you may want to take a break while the program plugs away.

When you return, you’ll see a list of all spyware components the program detected on your computer. Clicking the tiny plus-sign icon next to each threat will let you view individual infected Registry keys, but Spybot is configured to eradicate them all by default. Move up to the top of the main window and click the button labeled Fix selected problems, then confirm by answering yes to the pop-up window. Within a few moments, your computer should be free of all the malware Spybot has encountered.

Step 3: Schedule your scans
If your job keeps you so busy that computer maintenance takes a backseat, you’ll appreciate the ability to schedule spyware scans daily, hourly, or even every few minutes. To access the scheduling tool, you’ll need to head back to the Settings tab, then click the diamond-shaped Scheduler icon. To begin configuring this feature, hit Add, then Edit. On the window that pops up, browse over to the Schedule tab and hit New again.

Spybot lets you schedule scans on a weekly or monthly basis by choosing the appropriate option from the drop-down menu (there are seven choices total,) but hard-core downloaders and frequent Web surfers should probably scan their machines at least once a day. If you really want foolproof protection–or you’re just extremely paranoid–you can click the Advanced button, which lets you perform multiple spyware searches in the same day. To do so, check the Repeat Task box, then tell the program how many hours or minutes should pass between scans. After you enter the duration time and hit OK, Spybot will prompt you to enter a password, providing yet another layer of system security.

Step 4: Permanently delete files
If you’re still in a tidying mood after you get rid of any nasty spyware infections, check out Spybot’s file shredder, which destroys documents once and for all. To obliterate your private data, head to the Tools tab, then hit the Secure Shredder button. Adding files you want to shred is a simple matter of right-clicking in the queue and browsing your PC. Unlike specialized data-deletion applications, Spybot’s built-in tool won’t let you choose from a bunch of government-sanctioned algorithms, but you can specify how many times it should overwrite files via a small menu item near the bottom of the interface. Once you’ve taken those steps, just hit the Chop it away! button to initiate the erasing process. Remember, if you’ve chosen to overwrite files 30 or 40 times, you’ll be in for a bit of a wait, but the extra peace of mind may be worth the extra time.

Source: download.com

How Can I Report Spam to Google?

antivirus — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 22:25:42 +0000

If you see spam in Google search results, you can report it to Google using the Report a Spam Result link. Google claims that they take these allegations seriously and investigates them to see if the results are spammy.

A WebProWorld Forums member is wondering, though, if Google is taking heed to his spam report. According to him, there is one company that has multiple websites with duplicate content and they are dominating the front page of the SERPs. How can he report this?

Well, perhaps he cannot. In fact, forum members think that he should focus on "real" spam and not competitive spam, like copyright infringement and trademark issues. Apparently, Google just doesn’t take action on all of these spam requests, because there are probably far too many of them.

How to protect your PC

antivirus — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:01:57 +0000

A House of Lords select committee recently branded the internet a lawless "Wild West". Users must guard against viruses, "spyware" – which allows crooks to access your data or even hijack and use your computer – and a plethora of scams. With a little research, however, keeping safe online is straightforward and free. Here is Times Money’s guide to protecting your pc:
Upgrade your system

The newest version of an operating system is the safest. Windows users with ancient hardware should upgrade to Windows Vista or Windows XP with Service Pack 2. It may be more cost-effective to buy a new computer with this included. All users should download free security updates at www.windowsupdate.com. Set your PC to download them automatically by navigating to "control panel", then "system", then "automatic updates". You should also download the latest version of Internet Explorer or Firefox, which offer some built-in virus protection.

Get a firewall

Mircrosoft gives Windows users a free "firewall", which is an adequate first line of defence for most. This keeps out bad hackers, some viruses and some spyware. Go to "control panel" then "security centre" to activate it.

Use anti-virus and anti-sypyware software

Most new PCs come with a free trial of Symantec’s Norton AntiVirus. Updates cost around £20 a year when this ends. However, Andrew Ferguson, of Thinkbroadband.com, the specialist website, says that free alternatives such as Grisoft’s AFG, available for download at free.grisoft.com, are adequate. Once virus protection is in place, you must tackle spyware. Microsoft’s free Defender software should suffice. Look for this in your PC’s "all programmes" folder. If it is not there, go to www.microsoft.com/download for a free copy. You should set all anti-virus and anti-spyware software to receive "automatic updates". User feedback on security products can be found here.

Secure your wireless network

If you have a WiFi, or wireless, network, secure it by switching on the built-in encryption, renaming the network and switching on "MAC filtering" to restrict access to trusted computers. Get Safe Online, a Government website, has detailed guidance here.

Back-up your data

However well-protected your PC, it is important to back up your data to CD or DVD at regular intervals. This means that you will not lose important files if your computer is stolen or damaged. Keep these discs, as well as the operating system discs which came with your computer and any software discs, in a safe place away from your terminal. For more advice on how to back up your data, click here.

Be savvy

The precautions above should be combined with common sense. You should keep your PC in a secure location – not by an exposed ground-floor window, for example. And once online, be wary of scam emails. If something sounds too good to be true, it is. Likewise, avoid giving out personal details which could facilitate burglary or identity fraud. When you must disclose your address and credit card details to make a purchase, do so over a secure server at a trusted website. Avoiding pornography and offensive material should be straightforward. If you do stumble across content you believe to be illegal, however, report it here. And if your PC is used by children, read these safety tips.

If things go wrong

All PCs connected to the internet are vulnerable to viruses and spyware. These can cause numerous problems, including a general slow-down, or failure, of your system. Firewalls and anti-virus and anti-spyware software cut the risk but cannot remove it. If you suspect your computer is infected, follow this advice or, for £70-plus, call a geek on a scooter to fix it.

See the Metropolitan Police website for advice on reporting internet crime. Be aware, however, that British investigators have no authority to pursue most scammers based overseas. Scambaiting offers some consolation.

Five features

Cyber crime: bigger than drugs and aimed at you
Protect your software for nothing
Secure your WiFi
Be on your guard
Make your tired old PC run like new

Five news stories

Banks let us down on fraud protection
Websites sell bank data and Pins
Careless Facebook users open to identity theft
Cybergang raises fear of new crimewave
Digital mafia threatens internet integrity

Reset Internet Explorer

antivirus — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 19:06:34 +0000

Some spyware and adwares often change your browser’s start and search pages to unwanted web site addresses. If you have removed the infestation responsible, you may still need to reset your web setting. You can find how can you do this in Internet Explorer.

To do List

Do not open Internet Explorer. Make sure all browser Windows and other applications (including email) are closed.
Right-click the Internet Explorer icon on the desktop
Choose ‘Properties’
Click the ‘Programs’ tab
Click the ‘Reset Web Settings’ button
Click ‘Apply’
Click ‘OK’