On Sat, 10 May 2008 00:05:50 -0500, § wrote:

> Kayman wrote:
>> On Thu, 8 May 2008 14:11:07 -0700 (PDT), void.no.spam.com@gmail.com wrote:
>>
>>> If you wanted to be certain that a Windows computer was not infected
>>> with any viruses/spyware/trojans/etc, which scanners would you use?
>>
>> Security software manufacturers tend to overstate their product description
>> to instill fear and uncertainty; After all it's all about the $ almighty.
>> Please step back and try to remove the advertisement hype from your mind.
>>
>> In WinXP the most dependable defenses are:
>> 1. Do not work as 'Administrator'; For day-to-day work routinely use a
>> Limited User Account (LUA).
>> 2. Secure (Harden) your operating system (OS).
>> 3. Keep your OS and all software on it updated/patched.
>> 4. Reconsider the usage of MSIE and MSOE.
>> 5. Review your installed 3rd party software applications/utilities;
>> Remove clutter.
>> 6. Don't expose services to public networks.
>> 7. Activate the in-build firewall and configure Windows not to use
>> TCP/IP as transport protocol for NetBIOS, SMB and RPC, thus leaving
>> TCP/UDP ports 135,137-139 and 445 (the most exploited Windows
>> networking weak point) closed.
>> 7a. If on high-speed internet use a router as well.
>> 8. Routinely practice safe-hex.
>> 9. Regularly back-up data/files.
>> 10. Familiarize yourself with crash recovery tools and re-installing
>> your OS.
>> 11. Utilize a real-time anti-virus (AV) application and vital system
>> monitoring utilities/applications.
>> 12. Keep abreast of latest developments - Sh!t happens...you know.
>> The least preferred defenses are:
>> Myriads of popular anti-whatever things and staying ignorant.
>> Educational Reading:
>> Security @ home
>> http://home20.inet.tele.dk/b_nice/index.htm
>>
>> Good luck
>
> *hands the kayman a brew*

....as a matter of fact, I've got one *right now* (San Miguel-Pale
Pilsen...mmmh :-)