strange lag after connection + svchost hog(Resolved)

[jholland1964]

Thanks so much Judy! I followed your instructions re: ZoneAlarm and Spybot's Tea Timer, and the computer no longer freezes up after connecting to the internet! Have been considering switching back to AAW SE for some time, but recently heard that Lavasoft is going to stop offering support for it sometime soon. Have you heard anything about this?

Also downloaded SpywareBlaster and Startup Control Panel (disabling quite a few of those listed), as well as updating Java. Thanks

Would you recommend that I add any other anti-spyware or other programs from PhilliePhan's list?

So pleased all worked out so well.
I myself still use AdAwareSE Free version and am able to receive updates without trouble. By stopping support I believe they mean they will not offer support...i.e. if you are having problems with it but for now at least I am certainly able to update the program with new definitions. They also still have support questions and answers for AdAwareSE Free on their website here
I would imagine that sooner or later the newer version will be required but as of yet it is not. I will personally stay with AdAwareSE until they no longer offer definition updates for it, for now they do.
As far as additional anti-spyware programs from PP's list I also use AVG Anti-Spyware version 7.5 for scanning, not background protection and I also use the ATF-Cleaner. Other than that I myself don't use anything else other than those all ready noted. I also keep my browser cache set at no higher than 10 to 50mb. I also use Firefox as my default browser, it is more secure, I only use Internet Explorer for Windows updates, which I do manually not automatically.
Be sure to take a look at ~TL's link on configuring services in Windows XP. There are lots of great tips there for speeding up XP.
Just watch where you surf, use pop up blockers, don't open mail from somebody you don't know and you should continue to have good luck.
Judy

[pheonix73]

After making sure to get rid of everything from the previous installation.I was able to reinstall and have confirmed that adaware works perfectly once again.I am still unaware why the program crapped out in the first place,but that's why call them gliches.They show up and disappear with nary a reason why.Hope all works out on your end of things.

[jholland1964]

pheonix73
I am still unaware why the program crapped out in the first place,but that's why call them gliches.They show up and disappear with nary a reason why.

You probably never will know either unless it should happen again and the occurance triggers a memory about this time. Sometimes as you say, gliches...could be anything. Glad you got it working again. This version has served me very well and I, for one, will continue to use it as long as updates are available.
Judy

[jholland1964]

helpt3hn00b
Would you recommend that I add any other anti-spyware or other programs from PhilliePhan's list?

Don't forget to use a firewall of course. If you don't want to try the Zone Alarm Free again you might look at the other two noted in PhilliePhan's list.

Remember too that XP DOES have it's own built-in firewall if you choose to use it. To be honest, this is what I use.....
Windows Firewall blocks only incoming stuff whereas third-party firewalls (such as Zonealarm, Kerio, Outpost, etal. ) block both incoming and outgoing stuff. This means that were you to inadvertently allow a trojan to be installed, WF would not prevent it from calling home with whatever information it had managed to harvest from your computer (passwords, monitored keystrokes, etc, etc). So, in theory, a third-party utility will offer a greater level of security than WF. However ...

... simply adopting safe surfing practices (not downloading applications from warez sites or via file-sharing utilities, not installing no-cost applications from little-known developers, etc, etc, etc) and running a good antivirus utility should usually be sufficient to prevent any trojans or other unwanted items from finding their way onto your computer and so a bi-directional firewall is, IMO, of less importance than many people seem to think.

Furthermore, look back over old threads and you'll find few (if any) instances of a person being "stung" as a result of using WF - but you'll find significantly more threads relating to problems caused by the use of a third-party firewall (botched updates, etc).

There is, however, no "one size fits all" answer here. Should you use your computer for online banking/shopping and should it be shared with file-sharing children, then it might not be a bad idea to install a third-party firewall. OTOH, if you trust the other users to surf sensibly, then WF may very well be sufficient for your needs. The choice is yours just be sure to make one.
Judy

[helpt3hn00b]

Don't forget to use a firewall of course. If you don't want to try the Zone Alarm Free again you might look at the other two noted in PhilliePhan's list.

Remember too that XP DOES have it's own built-in firewall if you choose to use it. To be honest, this is what I use.....
Windows Firewall blocks only incoming stuff whereas third-party firewalls (such as Zonealarm, Kerio, Outpost, etal. ) block both incoming and outgoing stuff. This means that were you to inadvertently allow a trojan to be installed, WF would not prevent it from calling home with whatever information it had managed to harvest from your computer (passwords, monitored keystrokes, etc, etc). So, in theory, a third-party utility will offer a greater level of security than WF. However ...

... simply adopting safe surfing practices (not downloading applications from warez sites or via file-sharing utilities, not installing no-cost applications from little-known developers, etc, etc, etc) and running a good antivirus utility should usually be sufficient to prevent any trojans or other unwanted items from finding their way onto your computer and so a bi-directional firewall is, IMO, of less importance than many people seem to think.

Furthermore, look back over old threads and you'll find few (if any) instances of a person being "stung" as a result of using WF - but you'll find significantly more threads relating to problems caused by the use of a third-party firewall (botched updates, etc).

There is, however, no "one size fits all" answer here. Should you use your computer for online banking/shopping and should it be shared with file-sharing children, then it might not be a bad idea to install a third-party firewall. OTOH, if you trust the other users to surf sensibly, then WF may very well be sufficient for your needs. The choice is yours just be sure to make one.
Judy

Ah, I've never even thought about the potential dangers of using a third-party firewall. I'll keep your advice in mind, but for now I think I'll stick with ZoneAlarm, just to be "safe" (in regards to a trojan sending sensitive information). Thanks again!

[helpt3hn00b]

So pleased all worked out so well.
I myself still use AdAwareSE Free version and am able to receive updates without trouble. By stopping support I believe they mean they will not offer support...i.e. if you are having problems with it but for now at least I am certainly able to update the program with new definitions. They also still have support questions and answers for AdAwareSE Free on their website here
I would imagine that sooner or later the newer version will be required but as of yet it is not. I will personally stay with AdAwareSE until they no longer offer definition updates for it, for now they do.
As far as additional anti-spyware programs from PP's list I also use AVG Anti-Spyware version 7.5 for scanning, not background protection and I also use the ATF-Cleaner. Other than that I myself don't use anything else other than those all ready noted. I also keep my browser cache set at no higher than 10 to 50mb. I also use Firefox as my default browser, it is more secure, I only use Internet Explorer for Windows updates, which I do manually not automatically.
Be sure to take a look at ~TL's link on configuring services in Windows XP. There are lots of great tips there for speeding up XP.
Just watch where you surf, use pop up blockers, don't open mail from somebody you don't know and you should continue to have good luck.
Judy

One question -- would having two anti-virus programs cause the same (or similar) problems as having two firewalls? Good advice though (again). :P Thanks!

[jholland1964]

Ah, I've never even thought about the potential dangers of using a third-party firewall. I'll keep your advice in mind, but for now I think I'll stick with ZoneAlarm, just to be "safe" (in regards to a trojan sending sensitive information). Thanks again!

Oh Lordy! I wasn't slamming third party firewalls, just trying to also give the option of the Windows Firewall. I have no problem with anyone using a third party firewall.
Yes running having two anti-virus programs would cause the same (or similar) problems as having two firewalls.
Post the log from the other computer in a new thread. That way others viewing and learning won't get confused. Be sure to state any problems experienced.
Judy

[helpt3hn00b]

Haha, sorry that came out wrong. I understand what you mean