On 31 Oct 2003 12:58:12 GMT, data64 <me@privacy.net> wrote:

>It seems to me the most often asked question in this group is of the form
>"Help my PC has been infected with XYZ, how do I fix it".
>
>The usual reply to this is tell the op to run AdAware and Spybot Search &
>Destroy. Sometimes the op will go away, but a number of times the op will
>come back saying this did work. The reply to this is to use HijackThis and
>get advice from the SWI forums.
>
>It would be nice if our FAQ captured this. item# 9
>(http://shplink.com/misc/FAQ.htm#nine) asks the right question but the
>answer is not particularly helpful. It certainly does not reflect the
>advice been given out on a daily basis.
>
>my 0.02 CAD
>data64

Hi data64, sounds like a good suggestion to me, but playing devil's
advocate:

Q9 points at the comprehensive links appendix, one or more of which
will take care of the problem; but granted some people may not have
the patience to read through all and decide what will work best.
Also granted, SSD/AA and Hijack This! will not *necessarily* take care
of an infection.
Additionally, I like the idea that we invite a "victim" to post here
for help, so that our experts can help them and invite further
discussion, depending on their individual case.

But it would be nice to have the "easy fix" available first! I could
include a sentence something to the effect of "try this first" ...
Let's see, something like-Q9 revisited:

9. How can I identify, prevent and eliminate spyware in my computer?
---
There is not one fail-safe, guaranteed method of keeping a system
spyware-free. There are too many variables, such as what programs you
commonly use, what your browser of choice is, how you connect to the
internet, etc. In most cases a combination of tools will help reduce
your system's susceptibility to spyware.
Spyware applications can infect a computer in many ways. The potential
for infection while browsing is only one of them. Sometimes spyware is
clandestinely bundled with freeware or shareware programs which are
downloaded from the Internet, included in regular programs that you
buy at a retail store, might come aboard during the use of
file-sharing applications, and so on.
Uninstalling a program which carries offending lateral spyware is
usually only part of the solution. In order to clean up spyware
remnants from the original installation, you will probably need some
software, or at least some expert advice. There are various programs,
a lot of them free, which will help you do that.
The best way to check a computer for infections is to use one or more
of many "spyware sniffer" applications, and to become familiar with
basic firewall terminology. Managing block lists and Hosts files will
protect a computer against infection while browsing the Internet. Keep
in mind that not all spyware eliminator programs are entirely
legitimate. Asking for feedback in this NG will help you choose
programs which are safe.

NEW
If you are are a Windows user, you may want to try downloading and
running Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D before trying anything else. Hijack
This! can also help eliminate a great number of infections. See
Appendix 1 for links to these applications.
/NEW

See Appendix 1 for a list of some applications that are frequently
discussed and used in this NG. (Posting a question here should result
in considerable suggestions and comparisons by regulars.) We recommend
that you do *not* use an adware uninstaller from an adware vendor -
since it could and probably would compound your problem(s)."

Overall, remember that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure."
================
Feedback from anyone and everyone appreciated.... It's been a while
since we've done an update!

the alt.privacy.spyware FAQ:
http://shplink.com/misc/FAQ.htm