On Sat, 10 May 2008 00:25:05 -0800, Craig wrote:

> Kayman wrote:
>> 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 :-)
>
> Well then, a tip o' me pint in your general direction, Kayman. Very
> solid survey.
>
Oh boy, I'd better stop posting....all that kindness is making me
intoxicated :-)