Re: Spyware/Adaware infestation

From: DougM (DougM_at_discussions.microsoft.com)
Date: 03/25/05

  • Next message: ararino: "System Restore" 
    Date: Fri, 25 Mar 2005 09:11:02 -0800

    The safe-mode remark resulted from a misreading of the Help Manual...sorry. I
    am so frustrated that when the lights blink in the house I think that the
    spyware has gotten into my home's wiring. Thank you for your suggestions. I
    will continue to research this problem.

    "Shenan Stanley" wrote:

    > DougM wrote:
    > > A Dell computer, running XP Home, is infested with spyware to the
    > > point that it is practically useless. Spybot and Ad-Aware will not
    > > touch them. Webroot's SpySweeper does little good, they keep comming
    > > back. I tried to boot the computer to Safe-Mode (F8) to run the above
    > > and found I could not get Safe-Mode up. I finally noticed that each
    > > time the computer started booting up the Num/Lock key on the keyboard
    > > lit up which stops my booting to Safe-Mode. This is really scary.
    > > Can anyone offer some suggestions on where to go from here.
    >
    > CWShredder, Bazooka Scanner, MS AntiSpyware BETA (testing, but works well),
    > and HijackThis are a place to start.
    > Make sure that with LavaSoft Ad-Aware, you are running SE, not 6. Also make
    > sure you do a FULL System Scan, not smartscan.
    >
    > Otherwise you may consider backing up and redoing your system if you cannot
    > get it clean and you have no friend (locally) who can help you out with the
    > cleanup.
    >
    > You said you could not get into Safe Mode - why not?
    >
    > And Num-Lock - that is not really an issue. That could be a registry
    > setting or a BIOS setting.
    >
    > Tip 10 lists AntiSpyware apps. Tip 9 lists AntiVirus. Do a full scan with
    > some of the online antivirus softwares too. Make sure your FIREWALL is
    > enabled during all of it and leave NO exceptions.
    >
    >
    > Microsoft has these suggestions for Protecting your computer from the
    > various "bad things" that could happen to you/it:
    >
    > Protect your PC
    > http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
    >
    >
    > Although those tips are fantastic, there are many things you should
    > know above and beyond what is there as well as other methods and
    > applications you can use to protect yourself. Below I have detailed
    > out many steps that can not only help you cleanup a problem PC but
    > keep it clean and secure as well as running at its top performance mark.
    >
    > I know this list can seem intimidating - it is quite long and a lot
    > to take in for a novice - but I assure you that one trip through this
    > list and you will understand your computer and the options available
    > to you for protecting your data much better and that the next time
    > you review these steps, the time it takes will be greatly reduced.
    >
    > Let's take the cleanup of your computer step-by-step. Yes, it will take
    > up some of your time - but consider what you use your computer
    > for and how much you would dislike it if all of your stuff on your
    > computer went away because you did not "feel like" performing some
    > simple maintenance tasks - think of it like changing the oil in your car,
    > changing the air filter on your home A/C unit, paying your bills on time,
    > etc.
    >
    > Let's go through some maintenance first that should only have to be done
    > once (mostly):
    >
    > Tip (1):
    > Locate all of the software (the installation media - CDs, etc) that you
    > have installed on your computer. Collect these CDs into a single pile
    > and locate the original installation media (CDs, disks) in a central and
    > safe place along with their CD keys and such. Make backups of these
    > installation media sets using your favorite copying method (CD Burner and
    > application, Disk copier, etc.) You'll be glad to know that if you have
    > a CD burner, you may be able to use a free application to make a
    > duplicate copy of your CDs. One such application is ISORecorder:
    >
    > ISORecorder home page (with general instructions on use):
    > http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm
    >
    > Pre-SP2 version:
    > http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/IsoRecorder/download.asp
    >
    > Post-SP2 beta version:
    > http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/download/ISORecorderV2B2.zip
    >
    > More full function applications (free) for CD/DVD burning would be:
    >
    > DeepBurner Free
    > http://www.deepburner.com/
    >
    > CDBurnerXP Pro
    > http://www.cdburnerxp.se/
    >
    > Another Option would be to search the web with Pricewatch.com or
    > Dealsites.net and find deals on Nero and/or Roxio.
    >
    >
    > Tip (2):
    > Empty your Internet Explorer Temporary Internet Files and make sure the
    > maximum size for this is small enough not to cause trouble in the future.
    > Empty your Temporary Internet Files and shrink the size it stores to a
    > size between 128MB and 512MB..
    >
    > - Open ONE copy of Internet Explorer.
    > - Select TOOLS -> Internet Options.
    > - Under the General tab in the "Temporary Internet Files" section, do the
    > following:
    > - Click on "Delete Cookies" (click OK)
    > - Click on "Settings" and change the "Amount of disk space to use:" to
    > something between 128MB and 512MB. (Betting it is MUCH larger right
    > now.)
    > - Click OK.
    > - Click on "Delete Files" and select to "Delete all offline contents"
    > (the checkbox) and click OK. (If you had a LOT, this could take 2-10
    > minutes or more.)
    > - Once it is done, click OK, close Internet Explorer, re-open Internet
    > Explorer.
    >
    >
    > Tip (3):
    > If things are running a bit slow or you have an older system
    > (1.5GHz or less and 256MB RAM or less) then you may want to look into
    > tweaking the performance a bit by turning off some of the memory
    > using Windows XP "prettifications". The fastest method is:
    >
    > Control Panel --> System --> Advanced tab --> Performance section,
    > Settings button. Then choose "adjust for best performance" and you
    > now have a Windows 2000/98 look which turned off many of the annoying
    > "prettifications" in one swift action. You can play with the last
    > three checkboxes to get more of an XP look without many of the
    > other annoyances. You could also grab and install/mess with one
    > (or more) of the Microsoft Powertoys - TweakUI in particular:
    >
    > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
    >
    >
    > Tip (4):
    > Understanding what a good password might be is vital to your
    > personal and system security. You may not need to password your home
    > computer, as you may have it in a locked area (your home) where no
    > one else has access to it. Remember, however, that locked area is
    > unlocked when you access the Internet unless you are taking proper
    > precautions. Also, you aren't always "in that locked area" when using
    > your computer online - meaning you likely have usernames and passwords
    > associated with web sites and the likes that you would prefer other
    > people do not discover/use. This is why you should understand and
    > utilize good passwords.
    >
    > Good passwords are those that meet these general rules
    > (mileage may vary):
    >
    > Passwords should contain at least six characters, and the character
    > string should contain at least three of these four character types:
    > - uppercase letters
    > - lowercase letters
    > - numerals
    > - nonalphanumeric characters (e.g., *, %, &, !)
    >
    > Passwords should not contain your name/logon name. Passwords should
    > be unique to you and easy to remember. One method many people are
    > using today is to make up a phrase that describes a point in their
    > life and then turning that phrase into their password by using only
    > certain letters out of each word in that phrase. It's much better
    > than using your birthday month/year or your anniversary in a pure
    > sense. For example, let's say my phrase is:
    > "Moved to new home in 2004"
    > I could come up with this password from that:
    > "Mv2n3whmN04"
    >
    > The password tip is in the "one time" section, but I highly
    > recommend you periodically change your passwords. The suggested time
    > varies, but I will throw out a "once in every 3 to 6 months for
    > every account you have."
    >
    >
    > Tip (5):
    > This tip is also "questionable" in the "one time" section. However,
    > if properly setup, this one can be pretty well ignored for most people
    > after the initial "fiddle-with" time.
    >
    > Why you should use a computer firewall..
    > http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/fwbenefits.mspx
    >
    > You should, in some way, use a firewall. Hardware (like a nice
    > Cable Modem/DSL router) or software is up to you. Many use both of
    > these. The simplest one to use is the hardware one, as most people
    > don't do anything they need to configure their NAT device for and
    > those who do certainly will not mind fiddling with the equipment to
    > make things work for them. Next in the line of "simplicity" would
    > have to be the built-in Windows Firewall of Windows XP. In SP2 it
    > is turned on by default. It is not difficult to turn on in any
    > case, however:
    >
    > Enable/Disable the Internet Connection Firewall (Pre-SP2):
    > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283673
    >
    > More information on the Internet Connection Firewall (Pre-SP2):
    > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320855
    >
    > Post-SP2 Windows Firewall Information/guidance:
    > http://snipurl.com/atal
    >
    > The trouble with the Windows Firewall is that it only keeps things
    > out. Truthfully, for most people who maintain their system in other
    > ways, this is MORE than sufficient. However, you may feel otherwise.
    > If you want to know when one of your applications is trying to obtain
    > access to the outside world so you can stop it, then you will have to
    > install a third-party application and configure/maintain it. I have
    > compiles a list with links of some of the better known/free firewalls
    > you can choose from:
    >
    > ZoneAlarm (Free and up)
    > http://snipurl.com/6ohg
    >
    > Kerio Personal Firewall (KPF) (Free and up)
    > http://www.kerio.com/kpf_download.html
    >
    > Outpost Firewall from Agnitum (Free and up)
    > http://www.agnitum.com/download/
    >
    > Sygate Personal Firewall (Free and up)
    > http://smb.sygate.com/buy/download_buy.htm
    >
    > Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall (~$25 and up)
    > http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/
    >
    > BlackICE PC Protection ($39.95 and up)
    > http://blackice.iss.net/
    >
    > Perhaps you can find the right firewall for your situation in that
    > list and set it up/configure it. Every firewall MAY require some
    > maintenance. Essentially checking for patches or upgrades (this
    > goes for hardware and software solutions) is the extent of this
    > maintenance - but you may also have to configure your firewall to
    > allow some traffic depending on your needs. Also, don't stack these
    > things. Running more than one firewall will not make you safer
    > - it would likely (in fact) negate some protection you gleamed
    > from one or the other firewalls you run.
    >
    >
    >
    > Now that you have some of the more basic (one-time) things down..
    > Let's go through some of the steps you should take periodically to
    > maintain a healthy and stable windows computer. If you have not
    > done some of these things in the past, they may seem tedious at
    > first - however, they will become routine and some can even be
    > automatically scheduled.
    >
    >
    > Tip (6):
    > The system restore feature is a new one - first appearing in Windows
    > ME and then sticking around for Windows XP. It is a VERY useful
    > feature - if you keep it maintained and use it to your advantage.
    > However, remember that the system restore pretty much tells you in
    > the name what it protects - "system" files. Your documents, your
    > pictures, your stuff is NOT system files - so you should also look
    > into some backup solution.
    >
    > I'll mainly work around Windows XP, as that is what the bulk of this
    > document is about. I will, however, point out a single place for you
    > poor souls still stuck in Windows ME where you can get information on
    > maintaining your system right now:
    >
    > Windows ME Computer Health:
    > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsME/using/computerhealth/articles/
    >
    > Pay close attention to the sections:
    > (in order)
    > - Clean up your hard disk
    > - Check for errors by running ScanDisk
    > - Defragment your hard disk
    > - Roll back the clock with System Restore
    >
    > Now back to the point at hand - maintaining your system restore in
    > Windows XP SHOULD be automatic - but I have seen the automatic go wrong
    > too many times not to suggest the following.. Whenever you think about
    > it (after doing a once-over on your machine once a month or so would
    > be optimal) - clear out your System Restore and create a manual
    > restoration point. Why? Too many times have I seen the system restore
    > files go corrupt or get a virus in them, meaning you could not or
    > did not want to restore from them. By clearing it out periodically
    > you help prevent any corruption from happening and you make sure you
    > have at least one good "snapshot".
    > (This, of course, will erase any previous restore point you have.)
    >
    > - Turn off System Restore.
    > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310405
    > - Reboot.
    > - Turn on System Restore.
    > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310405
    > - Make a Manual Restoration Point.
    > http://snipurl.com/68nx
    >
    > That covers your system files, but doesn't do anything for the files
    > that you are REALLY worried about - yours! For that you need to look
    > into backups. You can either manually copy your important files, folders,
    > documents, spreadsheets, emails, contacts, pictures, drawings and so on
    > to an external location (CD/DV - any disk of some sort, etc) or you can
    > use the backup tool that comes with Windows XP:
    >
    > How To Use Backup to Back Up Files and Folders on Your Computer
    > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308422
    >
    > Yes - you still need some sort of external media to store the results
    > on, but you could schedule the backup to occur when you are not around,
    > then burn the resultant data onto CD or DVD or something when you are
    > (while you do other things!)
    >
    >
    > Tip (7):
    > You should sometimes look through the list of applications that are
    > installed on your computer. The list MIGHT surprise you. There are more
    > than likely things in there you KNOW you never use - so why have them
    > there? There may even be things you KNOW you did not install and
    > certainly do not use (maybe don't WANT to use.)
    >
    > This web site should help you get started at looking through this list:
    >
    > How to Uninstall Programs
    > http://snipurl.com/8v6b
    >
    > A word of warning - Do NOT uninstall anything you think you MIGHT need
    > in the future unless you have completed Tip (1) and have the installation
    > media and proper keys for use backed up somewhere safe!
    >
    >
    > Tip (8):
    > Patches and Updates!
    >
    > This one cannot be stressed enough. It is SO simple, yet so neglected
    > by many people. It is especially simple for the critical Windows patches!
    > Microsoft put in an AUTOMATED feature for you to utilize so that you do
    > NOT have to worry yourself about the patching of the Operating System:
    >
    > How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP
    > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
    >
    > However, not everyone wants to be a slave to "automation", and that is
    > fine - as long as you are willing to do things manually. Admittedly, I
    > prefer this method on some of my more critical systems.
    >
    > Windows Update
    > http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
    >
    > Go there and scan your machine for updates. Always get the critical ones
    > as you see them. Write down the KB###### or Q###### you see when
    > selecting the updates and if you have trouble over the next few days,
    > go into your control panel (Add/Remove Programs), match up the latest
    > numbers you downloaded recently (since you started noticing an issue) and
    > uninstall them. If there was more than one (usually is), uninstall them
    > one by one - with a few hours of use in between, to see if the problem
    > returns. Yes - the process is not perfect (updating) and can cause trouble
    > like I mentioned - but as you can see, the solution isn't that bad - and is
    > MUCH better than the alternatives.
    >
    > Windows is not the only product you likely have on your PC. The
    > manufacturers of the other products usually have updates as well. New
    > versions of almost everything come out all the time - some are free, some
    > are pay - some you can only download if you are registered - but it is best
    > to check. Just go to their web pages and look under their support and
    > download sections. For example, for Microsoft Office update, you should
    > visit:
    >
    > Microsoft Office Updates
    > http://office.microsoft.com/
    > (and select "downloads")
    >
    > You also have hardware on your machine that requires drivers to interface
    > with the operating system. You have a video card that allows you to see on
    > your screen, a sound card that allows you to hear your PCs sound output and
    > so on. Visit those manufacturer web sites for the latest downloadable
    > drivers for your hardware/operating system. Always (IMO) get the
    > manufacturers' hardware driver over any Microsoft offers. On the Windows
    > Update site I mentioned earlier, I suggest NOT getting their hardware
    > drivers - no matter how tempting. First - how do you know what hardware
    > you have in your computer? Invoice or if it is up and working now - take
    > inventory:
    >
    > Belarc Advisor
    > http://belarc.com/free_download.html
    >
    > EVEREST Home Edition
    > http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en
    >
    > Once you know what you have, what next? Go get the latest driver for your
    > hardware/OS from the manufacturer's web page. For example, let's say you
    > have an NVidia chipset video card or ATI video card, perhaps a Creative
    > Labs sound card or C-Media chipset sound card...
    >
    > NVidia Video Card Drivers
    > http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp
    >
    > ATI Video Card Drivers
    > http://www.atitech.com/support/driver.html
    >
    > Creative Labs Sound Device
    > http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/
    >
    > C-Media Sound Device
    > http://www.cmedia.com.tw/e_download_01.htm
    >
    > Then install these drivers. Updated drivers are usually more stable and
    > may provide extra benefits/features that you really wished you had before.
    >
    > As for Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP, Microsoft has made this
    > particular patch available in a number of ways. First, there is the
    > Windows Update web page above. Then there is a direct download site
    > and finally, you can order the FREE CD from Microsoft.
    >
    > Direct Download of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP
    > http://snipurl.com/8bqy
    >
    > Order the Free Windows XP SP2 CD
    > http://snipurl.com/8umo
    >
    >
    > Tip (9):
    > What about the dreaded word in the computer world, VIRUS?
    >
    > Well, there are many products to choose from that will help you prevent
    > infections from these horrid little applications. Many are FREE to the
    > home user. Which one you choose is a matter of taste, really. I wouldn't
    > list one here I had not personally used - and they all work. Many people
    > have emotional attachments or performance issues with one or another
    > AntiVirus software. Try some out, read reviews and decide for yourself
    > which you like more:
    >
    > avast! (Free and up)
    > http://www.avast.com/
    >
    > AVG Anti-Virus System (Free and up)
    > http://www.grisoft.com/
    >
    > AntiVir (Free and up)
    > http://www.free-av.com/
    >
    > RAV AntiVirus Online Virus Scan (Free!)
    > http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/
    >
    > Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus (~$11 and up)
    > http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/
    >
    > Kaspersky Anti-Virus (~$49.95 and up)
    > http://www.kaspersky.com/products.html
    >
    > Panda Antivirus Titanium (~$39.95 and up)
    > http://www.pandasoftware.com/
    > (Free Online Scanner: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/)
    >
    > McAfee VirusScan (~$11 and up)
    > http://www.mcafee.com/
    >
    > Trend Micro (~$49.95 and up)
    > http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/personal.htm
    > (Free Online Scanner:
    > http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp)
    >
    > Untested (by me):
    > eTrust EZ Antivirus ($29.95 and up)
    > https://www2.my-etrust.com/commerce/buy.it.cfm
    >
    > Most of them have automatic update capabilities. You will have to
    > look into the features of the one you choose. Whatever one you finally
    > settle with - be SURE to keep it updated (I recommend at least daily) and
    > perform a full scan periodically (yes, it protects you actively, but a
    > full scan once a month at 4AM probably won't bother you.)
    >
    >
    > Tip (10):
    > The most rampant infestation at the current time concerns SPYWARE/ADWARE.
    > I hate this stuff. It has no purpose. I have seen people try to justify
    > it over and over - it's worthless. It slows down your PC, it can send
    > your private information to people you'll never meet and did I mention,
    > it's worthless. You need to eliminate it from your machine.
    >
    > If you use P2P software, this COULD make that stop working. Find some
    > decent software to do the same thing - what you are currently using is
    > crap.
    >
    > Anyway - there is no one software that cleans and immunizes you against
    > everything. Antivirus software - you only needed one. Firewall, you
    > only needed one. AntiSpyware - you may need several. I have a list and
    > I recommend you use at least the first 5. I know that sounds like a lot,
    > and you may be saying "But you said earlier that I should clean my system,
    > now you are telling me to install more software - 5 pieces in fact!" Okay,
    > I get your point, but please consider that this stuff has prevented the
    > install of the latest service pack for some people, it has the potential
    > to slow and crater your PC, it can send your private information around
    > the world to people you do not know - it is all around BAD.
    >
    > First - make sure you have NOT installed "Rogue AntiSpyware". There are
    > people out there who created AntiSpyware products that actually install
    > spyware of their own! You need to avoid these:
    >
    > Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
    > http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
    >
    > Also, you can always visit this site..
    > http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
    > For more updated information.
    >
    > Then, my suggestion again is that you at least install the first five of
    > these: (Install, Run, Update, Scan with..)
    >
    > Lavasoft AdAware (Free and up)
    > http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/
    > (How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdn )
    >
    > Spybot Search and Destroy (Free!)
    > http://www.safer-networking.net/en/download/index.html
    > (How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdk )
    >
    > Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner (Free!)
    > http://www.kephyr.com/spywarescanner/
    > (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate3 )
    >
    > SpywareBlaster (Free!)
    > http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html
    > (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate6 )
    >
    > IE-SPYAD (Free!)
    > https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
    > (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate7 )
    >
    > CWShredder (Free!)
    > http://www.softbasket.com/download/s_8114.shtml
    >
    > Hijack This! (Free)
    > http://mjc1.com/mirror/hjt/
    > ( Tutorial: http://hjt.wizardsofwebsites.com/ )
    >
    > ToolbarCop (Free!)
    > http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
    >
    > Browser Security Tests
    > http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
    >
    > Popup Tester
    > http://www.popuptest.com/
    >
    > The Cleaner (49.95 and up)
    > http://www.moosoft.com/
    >
    > If used properly, you should have a malware free system now. The last
    > two of the first five I suggest you install are immunization applications.
    > None of these programs (in these editions) run in the background unless you
    > TELL them to. The space they take up and how easy they are to use greatly
    > makes up for any inconvenience you may be feeling.
    >
    > Unfortunately, although that will lessen your popups on the Internet/while
    > you are online, it won't eliminate them. I have looked at a lot of options,
    > seen a lot of them used in production with people who seem to attract popups
    > like a plague, and I only have a few other suggestions that should help.
    > This
    > one ends up serving double duty (search engine and popup stopper in one):
    >
    > The Google Toolbar (Free!)
    > http://toolbar.google.com/
    >
    > Yeah - it adds a bar to your Internet Explorer - but it's a useful one. You
    > can search from there anytime with one of the best search engines on the
    > planet (IMO.) And the fact it stops most popups - wow - BONUS! If you
    > don't like that suggestion, then I am just going to say you go to
    > www.google.com and search for other options.
    >
    > Please notice that Windows XP SP2 does help stop popups as well.
    >
    > Another option is to use an alternative Web browser. I suggest
    > "Mozilla Firefox", as it has some great features and is very easy to use:
    >
    > Mozilla Firefox
    > http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
    >
    > One more suggestion is to disable your Windows Messenger service. This
    > service is not used frequently (if at all) by the normal home user and
    > in cooperation with a good firewall, is generally unnecessary. Microsoft
    > has instructions on how to do this for Windows XP here:
    >
    > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
    >
    >
    > So your machine is pretty clean and up to date now. If you use the sections
    > above as a guide, it should stay that way as well! There are still a few
    > more
    > little things you can do to keep your machine running in top shape.
    >
    >
    > Tip (11):
    > You should periodically check your hard drive(s) for errors and defragment
    > them. Only defragment after you have cleaned up your machine of
    > outside parasites and never defragment as a solution to a quirkiness in
    > your system. It may help speed up your system, but it should be clean
    > before you do this.
    >
    > How to use Disk Cleanup
    > http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310312
    >
    > How to scan your disks for errors
    > http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315265
    >
    > How to Defragment your hard drives
    > http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314848
    >
    > I would personally perform the above steps at least once every three months.
    > For most people this should be sufficient, but if the difference you notice
    > afterwards is greater than you think it should be, lessen the time in
    > between
    > its schedule.. If the difference you notice is negligible, you can increase
    > the time.
    >
    >
    > Tip (12):
    > SPAM! JUNK MAIL!
    > This one can get annoying, just like the rest. You get 50 emails in one
    > sitting and 2 of them you wanted. NICE! (Not.) What can you do? Well,
    > although there are services out there to help you, some email
    > servers/services that actually do lower your spam with features built into
    > their servers - I still like the methods that let you be the end-decision
    > maker on what is spam and what is not. I have two products to suggest to
    > you, look at them and see if either of them suite your needs. Again, if
    > they don't, Google is free and available for your perusal.
    >
    > SpamBayes (Free!)
    > http://spambayes.sourceforge.net/
    >
    > Spamihilator (Free!)
    > http://www.spamihilator.com/
    >
    > As I said, those are not your only options, but are reliable ones I have
    > seen function for hundreds+ people.
    >
    >
    > Tip (13):
    > ADVANCED TIP! Only do this once you are comfortable under the hood of your
    > computer!
    >
    > There are lots of services on your PC that are probably turned on by default
    > you don't use. Why have them on? Check out these web pages to see what all
    > of the services you might find on your computer are and set them according
    > to
    > your personal needs. Be CAREFUL what you set to manual, and take heed and
    > write down as you change things! Also, don't expect a large performance
    > increase or anything - especially on today's 2+ GHz machines, however - I
    > look
    > at each service you set to manual as one less service you have to worry
    > about
    > someone exploiting. A year ago, I would have thought the Windows Messenger
    > service to be pretty safe, now I recommend (with addition of a firewall)
    > that most home users disable it! Yeah - this is another one you have to
    > work for, but your computer may speed up and/or be more secure because you
    > took the time. And if you document what you do as you do it, next time, it
    > goes MUCH faster! (or if you have to go back and re-enable things..)
    >
    > Task List Programs
    > http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm
    >
    > Black Viper's Service List and Opinions (XP)
    > http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
    >
    > Processes in Windows NT/2000/XP
    > http://www.reger24.de/prozesse/
    >
    > There are also applications that AREN'T services that startup when you start
    > up the computer/logon. One of the better description on how to handle these
    > I have found here:
    >
    > Startups
    > http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php
    >
    >
    > If you follow the advice laid out above (and do some of your own research as
    > well, so you understand what you are doing) - your computer will stay fairly
    > stable and secure and you will have a more trouble-free system.
    >
    > --
    > <- Shenan ->
    > --
    > The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
    > yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
    > responsible for your actions/problems/solutions. Know what you are
    > getting into before you jump in with both feet.
    >
    >
    >

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