This post originated from an RSS feed registered with .NET Buzz by Mark Levison. Original Post: Surviving on the internet - suggestions for dealing with spyware Feed Title: Mark Levison Feed URL: /WebLog/error.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/WebLog/mlevison/Rss.aspx Feed Description: Musings on No Touch Deployment, .NET development and photography Latest .NET Buzz Posts Latest .NET Buzz Posts by Mark Levison Latest Posts From Mark Levison

Inspired by a number recent problems that various friends have had with spyware, I thought I would make some basic recommendations on what to do. I thought about sending everyone to Brian Livingston's Window Secrets - but most of his recommendations require $$$ - fine for corporate IT environment, but who wants to spend more money on their home computer.

Use a Mac or Linux - there are far fewer viruses & spyware currently targetted at either platform. If you're using Windows then here's what I do (BTW even Mac/Linux users need a hardware firewall and a spam filter):

1. A Hardware firewall like the Linksys BEFSR81 or D-Link DI-604 4-Port Broadband Router - protects your computer from inbound attacks from internet.
2. A Software firewall - Zone Alarm (basic version is free).  Its a pain to setup for the first few days, but it will tell you when a new piece of software is trying to make an outbound connection from your PC.
3. Antivirus software - many excellent products are free for home use, I use AVG from Grisoft. Set it for automatic updates and run at least once a week.
4. Spam Filter - SpamBayes, installation instructions and the FAQ. SpamBayes is better than any of the commercial alternatives that I've tried including Cloudmark.
5. AntiSpyware - None of the tools detect and removing everything. Brian's article shines in documenting the threats. He recommends three tools: Microsoft AntiSpyware beta, Webroot Spy Sweeper, CWShredder - use all of them. Update and run full scans at least once a week. BTW CWShredder exists to defeat just one piece of spyware its noxious variants:  CoolWebSearch
6. Browse the web with Firefox not Internet Explorer (IE). A large amount of the spyware is installed surreptiously on your machine when you browse websites. Firefox doesn't have the same vulernabilities as IE - if only because its been developed since many of the vulernabilities became well know. Firefox obviously has its own weaknesses but with 5-10% of internet users they're not going to be widely exploited for a while. Use IE only when forced by site that won't work in Firefox
7. Updates - run a recent version of Windows (2000 or XP) and either turn automatic updates on or use Windows update (requires IE :-) - look for it at the top of your programs list on your start menu.  BTW never trust a link that you find to Windows Update on the web - it might not take you to the MS site.

If you find your self hit by spyware Brian's article talks about how to use Hijack This and where to ask for help.

Good luck