have a virus?, get rid of it now! Options

[sweetxsimplicity]

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>GET RID OF COMPUTER VIRUSES, SPYWARE, ETC...</span>

I've found lots of virus topics lately, so here are some sites that may help to remove them.

Free Online Scans
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ (FAV)

Free Software
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcen...bloodhound.html
http://www.download.com/HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10227353.html
http://www.download.com/TZ-Spyware-Adware-...tml?tag=lst-0-2
http://www.spysweeper.com (FAV)
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/
http://www.geekstogo.com/modules.php?modid...=show&id=17

okay since that topic is closed, i just thought i would post this And should Be ADDED to the FREE SOFTWARE SECTION in the TOPIC...

WINDOWS DEFENDER

its a Program that Scans Your Computer like anyother Scanner...
But you see, This DOES NOT REQUIRE SIGN UPS OR TRIALS!

Heres the Complete Overview on the DOWNLOAD PAGE:

Overview
This is the most current release of Windows Defender. If Windows Defender informed you that an update is available, you are running an older version. We encourage you to upgrade to this version. You can check your version of Windows Defender by clicking the down arrow next to the help icon and choosing 'About Windows Defender'.

This release includes enhanced features that reflect ongoing input from customers, as well as Microsoft's growing understanding of the malicious software landscape.

To download the x64 version of Windows Defender, click here.

Specific features of Windows Defender include:

• A redesigned and simplified user interface Incorporating feedback from our customers, the Windows Defender UI has been redesigned to make common tasks easier to accomplish with a warning system that adapts alert levels according to the severity of a threat so that it is less intrusive overall, but still ensures the user does not miss the most urgent alerts.
  
  
• Improved detection and removal Based on a new engine, Windows Defender is able to detect and remove more threats posed by spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Real Time Protection has also been enhanced to better monitor key points in the operating system for changes.
  
  
• Protection for all users Windows Defender can be run by all users on a computer with or without administrative privileges. This ensures that all users on a computer are protected by Windows Defender.
  
  
• Support for 64-bit platforms and accessibility - Windows Defender supports accessibility and 64-bit platforms. Please be sure to use WindowsDefenderX64.msi for 64-bit platforms.
  
  
• Delta definition updates - Windows Defender now downloads smaller delta definition updates when possible which reduces the time required to download and install definition updates. Customers can expect shorter download times when updating their definition updates.
  
  
• Free Limited Support - As a part of our commitment to the security of our customers, Microsoft is offering two free support incidents relating to Windows Defender on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Examples of valid support scenarios are installation, configuration, definition update, detection and removal errors. Please refer to the Windows Defender support policy[/url] for more information.
  
  
• WGA enforcement - There are significant risks to running non-genuine Windows. Only genuine Windows customers can receive product downloads, Windows updates and special offers. Windows Defender will validate that your copy of Windows is genuine before installation. Furthermore, Windows Defender will only remove Severe threats for machines that are not genuine. Low, Medium and High threats will be detected, but not removed unless your copy of Windows is genuine. For more information, please visit The Windows Genuine Advantage.
  

NOTE*: You Must Have The Following SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS..

Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1; Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2; Windows XP Service Pack 2
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NOT SURE WHAT KIND OF WINDOWS SOFTWARE YOU HAVE? well Heres how you do it..

• click START
• Control Panel
• Performance and Maintenance
• then go to System on the bottom

when you are at the SYSTEM PROPERTIES window, You will see the Software Version that you Currently Have..


^ Im using XP as you can see..



Feel free to post here if you have any other sites to add.

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>PREVENT COMPUTER VIRUSES</span>

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>REGULARLY</span>

Install antivirus software
Good software, like McAfee or Norton, will allow you to scan your computer for viruses, repair infected files, and catch viruses before they can be installed on your PC. Subscribe to the "update" feature and your antivirus software will automatically download the latest virus updates onto your computer. Since it is automatic, you will always have the most up-to-date virus scanning software, though you have to pay a fee for it.

Email Attachments
Do not open email attachments with the following 'file extension': .exe, .pif. If you receive a .zip attachment and open it - make sure it doesn't contain a file with one of those extensions. Don't open attachments you haven't requested, even if they appear to be from people you know.

Disable the Windows Scripting Host.
Recently, Microsoft introduced a "macro" programming language into the core of Windows and IE browsers, which allows Visual Basic scripts to run without the need for specialist software. Although this can make your computer easier to use (being able to program shortcuts, or use third-party VB scripts) it is also a security risk. A typical PC does not need Windows Scripting Host to function correctly, and it should be safe to disable it. To remove Windows Scripting Host from your computer, open up your Control Panel and select the Add/Remove Programs icon. Select the "Windows Setup" tab, double-click the Accessories section and untick the box next to "Windows Scripting Host".

Back up your files on a regular basis.
If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.

Educate yourself as to the latest viruses.
There are many websites that keep a list of all old and new viruses.

Don't boot from a floppy disk.
Floppies are a common way viruses are transmitted. If you are using a floppy while working on your computer, remove it when you shut the machine off or the computer will automatically try to boot from the floppy, perhaps launching any viruses on the disk.

Scan floppies before using them.
This is always important, but especially if you are using the disk to carry information between one computer and another. You could easily pick up a virus from an insecure network and introduce it into your system. Running a virus scan before launching any of the programs on the disk will prevent infection.

Make sure the "automatic preview" feature is disabled.
If you use Microsoft Outlook (not Express) for e-mail, make sure that the "automatic preview" feature is disabled. You can find this option under the "View" menu.

Consider using a different e-mail program.
Outlook and Outlook Express users are the most targeted.

Computer viruses are often spread by accident.
Keep in mind that often computer viruses are spread by accident, so files you get from a friend who would not purposely infect you still might inadvertently give you a virus.

Update your Windows software. Visit Windows Update to scan your computer and install any high-priority updates that are offered to you. If you have Automatic Updates enabled, the updates are delivered to you when they are released, but you have to make sure you install them. For more information, visit the Protect Your PC site.

Avoid file sharing
Although a dip in MP3 swapping is occurring with the recent music industry crackdown, it's important that you stay away from these sharing programs. Not only can you inadvertently download a virus, but you make your computer vulnerable to anyone who may want to infect you with one. Many downloads now come disguised as legitimate files when in fact they contain viruses.

Kill your connection
If you have access to broadband Internet, sever the link whenever you're not using it. You certainly don't want to make it easy for hackers to crawl into your system and leave booby-traps. Many ISPs give customers static IP addresses. An experienced hacker can trace the IP address to a specific address and use your computer as a springboard to break into other computers.

Clear your cache
Many viruses maybe saved on your cache. To delete them, go to Tools > Options > Delete Files. Or go to Computer > C: > Documents and Settings > Your User > Local Settings > Temporary Internet Files and delete everything in that folder.

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>OVER IM</span>

Be careful downloading files in IM.
Never open, accept, or download a file in IM from someone you don't know. If the file comes from someone you do know, don't open it unless you know what the file is and you were expecting it. Contact the sender by e-mail, phone, or some other method to confirm that what they sent was not a virus.

Make sure you're using an updated version of your IM software.
Using the most up-to-date version of your IM software can better protect your computer against viruses and spyware. If you're using MSN Messenger, install the updated version by visiting the MSN Messenger Web site and clicking the Download Now! button.

Use anti-spyware software and keep it updated.
Some IM viruses may install spyware or other unwanted software on your computer. Anti-spyware software can help to protect your computer from spyware and remove any spyware you may already have. If you don't have anti-spyware software, you can download the new Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) or another spyware removal tool.

Use antivirus software and keep it updated.
Antivirus software can help to detect and remove IM viruses from your computer, but only if you keep the antivirus software current. If you've purchased a subscription from an antivirus software company, your antivirus software may update itself when you're connected to the Internet.