PC security softwares

[madvlad]

So lately my laptop gets all these unwanted programs installed randomly and without my permission which is the worst of it. I only visit like 4 websites (no, not prono pages). Which software is good to be able to block all this unwanted crap and also anyone here that'd be able to clean up this laptop for me and if so how much? Sick and tired of uninstalling programs everyday that have nothing to do with anything.

[WolFeYeZ]

Hey man, next time we get dinner bring it along... or maybe boba this week? Lauren and I can both take care of it :P

[AOK303]

ad wear antivirus is the most common free one that stops them, if your doing updates and just hit yes to everything you are adding them even java trys to have you add one or two things. soooo yeah let brad fix it if its way out of hand


PS. its ok if its porn thats doing that just clean it before you do let brad touch it =)

[FZRguy]

I used Norton Power Eraser to clean up a similar problem.

https://security.symantec.com/nbrt/npe.aspx

[bulldog]

ad wear antivirus is the most common free one that stops them, if your doing updates and just hit yes to everything you are adding them even java trys to have you add one or two things. soooo yeah let brad fix it if its way out of hand


PS. its ok if its porn thats doing that just clean it before you do let brad touch it =)

Yup, adware for google chrome! Has been best free software to block ads and even blocks those annoying youtube pre ads. I only use it for Google Chrome so not sure on other browsers

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/d.../related?hl=en

[madvlad]

Adware is one thing but there are actual programs that mess with privacy settings and Web settings being installed without my permission. I also caught one of those programs that you can remote control the pc from anywhere hidden and installed as well. I just want to get rid of all this shit, have my pc clean and avoid programs like that to be installed without my permission, getting ridiculous.

[bulldog]

Adware is one thing but there are actual programs that mess with privacy settings and Web settings being installed without my permission. I also caught one of those programs that you can remote control the pc from anywhere hidden and installed as well. I just want to get rid of all this shit, have my pc clean and avoid programs like that to be installed without my permission, getting ridiculous.

I pay for AVG's service for that (AVG 2015); as well as use adblock.

http://www.avg.com/us-en/free-antivirus-download

I used to use the free stuff, but you kind of get what you pay for so if you are really worried I'd pay the fee. I've been doing it for a few years now and do not regret it. I am sure some people will argue, but free was not doing it for me

[bulldog]

Damir, the more I think of this the more I was thinking it may be too late for you already if you are currently having this problem. It is already in your system and these can be hard to get out without reinstalling windows. I had this happen and no software would remove the virus so I had to reimage. Hopefully this is not your case, but maybe someone who knows more can say, but that has been my experience.

[madvlad]

Yea, that's what I'm scared of is that it is too late. I'm IT savvy but not like holy crap, hopefully someone that knows more will be able to give me good news instead of bad.... hate technology

[bulldog]

Yea, that's what I'm scared of is that it is too late. I'm IT savvy but not like holy crap, hopefully someone that knows more will be able to give me good news instead of bad.... hate technology

Re-installing Windows is not that hard as long as you have the disk and backup what you want to save; pretty much put in the disk and follow instructions.

P.S. If you do not have a SSD drive (solid state) you should think of upgrading to one (especially if you have to reinstall Windows anyways); best bag for the buck and your laptop will run so much better.

[Drano]

It's probably not too late if you still have functionality over your PC, but the process can be a little painstaking to remove the resident virus/malware, which is why many just suggest the format/reinstall method. If you want to fix it, you will need to crosscheck the processes and services that are currently running in windows against any known viruses. Usually googling them should provide enough information concerning whether it is good or bad. The removal will be the fun part as you will likely need to boot to safe mode, isolate the suspicious file both in your hard drive directories and in the windows registry. Fortunately, the major antivirus programs like Norton have downloadable removal tools that can do that for you for free.

Without knowing which program is causing the headache, it's hard to be specific regarding a solution. However there are programs, such as web browsers, flash player, java, bittorrent clients, etc. which love to install additional bloatware on the unsuspecting user. Since a lot of users, by default, just select the auto-install feature, they might be inadvertantly installing more than they asked for. Without knowing your level of technical skill, I can't say for sure if that's what is happening, but I wouldn't rule it out.

I used to work in a technical support call center for windows, but that was a long time ago. I'll be glad to help if you need it.

[Woo_Who]

It's probably not too late if you still have functionality over your PC, but the process can be a little painstaking to remove the resident virus/malware, which is why many just suggest the format/reinstall method. If you want to fix it, you will need to crosscheck the processes and services that are currently running in windows against any known viruses. Usually googling them should provide enough information concerning whether it is good or bad. The removal will be the fun part as you will likely need to boot to safe mode, isolate the suspicious file both in your hard drive directories and in the windows registry. Fortunately, the major antivirus programs like Norton have downloadable removal tools that can do that for you for free.

Without knowing which program is causing the headache, it's hard to be specific regarding a solution. However there are programs, such as web browsers, flash player, java, bittorrent clients, etc. which love to install additional bloatware on the unsuspecting user. Since a lot of users, by default, just select the auto-install feature, they might be inadvertantly installing more than they asked for. Without knowing your level of technical skill, I can't say for sure if that's what is happening, but I wouldn't rule it out.

I used to work in a technical support call center for windows, but that was a long time ago. I'll be glad to help if you need it.

Drano has the best suggestion so far , but before going that route, I would try downloading malware bytes (from cnet: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebyte...-10804572.html) and Avast Antivirus (preferably the paid for version) and scan you computer first... before taking the long route.

Once they come back w/ results paste them to this thread.
Also any other info such as your operating sys, and currently installed anti-virus/malware/adware/etc. would be helpful.

[madvlad]

I've been using just the windows defender, the OS is windows 8 (yes worse than Vista imo lol)... I'll try this stuff out and then check back kn, thanks fellas

[FZRguy]

You gotta run virus software like Norton, McAfee, etc. 24/7.

[Woo_Who]

You gotta run virus software like Norton, McAfee, etc. 24/7.

What he said!

Whine-dows undefended is not a good anti-anything... lol

[Kim-n-Dean]

You gotta run virus software like Norton, McAfee, etc. 24/7.

I haven't had any virus protection on my computer for over five years. Not one problem. Well, the only thing that did happen was a bunch of ad crap got installed when I installed Google Chrome. I had to install Chrome so I could download the needed files to side load an Android app on my Kindle. Some of the free scanners would detect it, but not remove it without paying for the scanner, so I just hit the registry and manually removed the Google horse shit! I was very surprised to see Google install adware.

[bulldog]

Drano has the best suggestion so far , but before going that route, I would try downloading malware bytes (from cnet: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebyte...-10804572.html) and Avast Antivirus (preferably the paid for version) and scan you computer first... before taking the long route.

Once they come back w/ results paste them to this thread.
Also any other info such as your operating sys, and currently installed anti-virus/malware/adware/etc. would be helpful.

Malwarebytes seems like a good program. Does anyone use the free version and how good does it work? Reviews seem great.

[WolFeYeZ]

Malwarebytes seems like a good program. Does anyone use the free version and how good does it work? Reviews seem great.

Malwarebytes is amazing at getting rid of viruses in the free version, but offers no active protection. I think that is just in the paid. Its best to run rkill before a scan with malwarebytes too. I run Avast free as my active protection, and have not had a virus in 5-6 years.

[madvlad]

Double post!

[bulldog]

Malwarebytes is amazing at getting rid of viruses in the free version, but offers no active protection. I think that is just in the paid. Its best to run rkill before a scan with malwarebytes too. I run Avast free as my active protection, and have not had a virus in 5-6 years.

Ah, ok, thanks....gets ride of virus's in free version....I better download it now instead of waiting till I get one when my pc is jacked. Thanks for info.

Damir you try this yet?

[Skitz]

I own a small denver MSP. We offer our clients Webroot and GFI Vipre for business class protection. However Webroot is awesome for personal use.

If you don't want to pay for a software, like others have said, use Malwarebytes. If you're PC is infected, I would download a program called Combofix and run that.

Make sure you have a solid backup of your workstation before proceeding.

[madvlad]

How much would someone charge me to look at it and possibly fixing it? I'm gonna need the laptop soon and I don't have time to mess with this thing, I work too much.

[Spooph]

PM'd

[Zanatos]

Norton Security Suite and Google Chrome with AdBlock seems to be a pretty bulletproof combination.