Question about spyware (to prevent vs. remove)

[iBook]

How does spyware get on your computer? Do you have to "click" on something or download/open a file? Can you get it simply by visiting a Web site or is it something you have to actively install?

Have my PC coming in a few days, and I will run/regularly update my anti-virus software and maintain a firewall. But will these safeguards protect my PC against spyware?

I know this is my ignorance asking, so please - no beating up on the dumb guy. ;) The info that came up on Google centered on removing spyware vs. avoiding it in the first place.

Thanks!

[absolut_mac]

How does spyware get on your computer? Do you have to "click" on something or download/open a file? Can you get it simply by visiting a Web site or is it something you have to actively install?

Have my PC coming in a few days, and I will run/regularly update my anti-virus software and maintain a firewall. But will these safeguards protect my PC against spyware?

I know this is my ignorance asking, so please - no beating up on the dumb guy. ;) The info that came up on Google centered on removing spyware vs. avoiding it in the first place.

Thanks!

Hahaha - just kidding.

I don't think that Mac users need to worry about spyware.

PC users need to be more careful. Zonelabs keeps most of it out, but you can still get it from sites that you visit often. Most of the time without clicking on anything - be sure to thank Bill for that security loophole.

I run Ad-aware every few days to get rid of the pests. Small and efficient file, updated often, free, and it does seem to do a reasonable job.

www.lavasoft.de

[iBook]

Thanks for the link. It's good software - I've used it in the past and plan to install a copy on my Wintel PC once it arrives.

If you haven't already, go to the Zonelabs web site and watch the demo for their firewall software. The mischievious hacker is wearing a ski mask as s/he breaks into some hapless owner's PC and makes off with the secret to Grandma's oatmeal cookies.

Ha!

Any sense of how this firewall stacks up against Symantec? I've used Symantec in the past for virus and firewall protection, and I was thinking about doing it again. I like Trend Micro, too. Any thoughts on them?

[absolut_mac]

Any sense of how this firewall stacks up against Symantec? I've used Symantec in the past for virus and firewall protection, and I was thinking about doing it again. I like Trend Micro, too. Any thoughts on them?

Zone Alarm is consistently rated the best personal firewall by the various PC magazines year after year.

I have Zone Alarm Pro because I like its extra features - which works out to a paltry $5 per month.

The best thing about Zone Alarm, either the free or the Pro version, is that absolutely NO info goes in or out your comp without your permission :)

[melchior]

don't open attachments, don't use outlook or internet explorer. don't agree to any signed active x unless you REALLY trust them.

oh, and look out for scams and dodgy software like kazaa, gator, search bars, etc...

i am never affected by viruses or worms, simply because i won't run software i don't fully trust. (windows notwithstanding)

[mr_mac]

You want to get rid of Virus and Spywares?

Easy,

Get a Mac... ;-)

Lavasoft's Ad-Aware is pretty good. It cleans most of them in a simple click.

And as far as Anti-Virus goes, i'd stick with Norton's.

It served me well for many years...