How to idiot proof a computer?

[Ichibod]

JediSpork@gmail.com wrote:
> Linux would be a great idea but I'm afraid I would get to much
> grumbling. I'm going to try out spyware blaster and train them how to
> update it along with doing a SaS scan once a week.
>
> I intend on purchasing the Pro Version of SaS. Would I still get any
> benefit from using spyware blaster? Is that just basically a program
> that updates your hosts file? If they do a good job updating it sounds
> like that could avoid all the nasty sites

Here's what works for me and it is all free except the router.
Spywareblaster, Spybot S&D, Malwarebytes, Avast anti virus, Windows
Defender, Firefox w/noscript and adblock, Windows Firewall and Firewall
in my router. On my XP box I don't use Windows Defender but you can get
Winpatrol to serve a similar function and I also have Sophos Anti
Rootkit on XP that I run very rarely. I also use limited user accounts
when on the internet, even in Vista.

Now that I look at the above that is a lot of **** to have to run
because of asswipes that think it is cool to infect our computers.
These people have no moral conscience at all and are scum of the earth.

[Ichibod]

JediSpork@gmail.com wrote:
>I tell them you just
> follow the instructions, a few clicks of the mouse and your computer
> is clean.

Well, it may look clean but that doesn't mean it actually is. The people
you mention really need to start with a guaranteed clean PC and that
means a secure wipe (one pass). I wouldn't dare use their PCs for online
banking or online purchases unless you know for certain it is clean.

[Ichibod]

Jon wrote:

> Big mistake.
> Charge them £100 an hour and they're soon learn.
> If they won't pay - tell 'em to **** off.
>
>
>

I got paid fifty bucks to install ram and MS Office once but usually
they are cheap ****s and won't pay a dime. Maybe a free dinner is all I
ever got. Now I just avoid them like the plague.

[Ichibod]

Bit Twister wrote:

> Well, your hosts file could get pretty big, knocking your web performance
> in the head. I quit using a hosts file after it crossed 700 lines.
> Then you have the problem where they hard code the ip address.
> Or maybe, ads are buried in some subdirectory of a site you want to
> read.
>
> Look through here to see some possible combinations.
> http://www.neilvandyke.org/privoxy-r...vandyke.action
>
> Ad servers can have all sorts of node/domain names. I use privoxy which lets
> you have wild cards in the rule/action set. http://www.privoxy.org/
>

If your hosts file is too big it sows down your whole PC and not just
web browsing. The fix is to disable DNS Client service.