JediSpork@gmail.com wrote:
> I always get stuck fixing family and friends fudged up computers for
> free. Usually it comes to needing a reformat they are so bad. Of
> course they can never have their stuff backed up so I need to deal
> with that also.
>
> Anyway I always make sure windows has all updates and service packs
> and then I install antivir.
> Usually there is a outdated norton doing nothing so I always remove
> that. It just gives people the wrong idea that they are protected. I
> also install firefox and strongly suggest they use that over IE.
> Is there anything else free that I can do? This usually seems to work
> for a while but on the rare occasion I have been called back the next
> day after a complete reformat and update.
>
> I have started to tell people they will always have problems until
> they improve their internet habits.
> Is there anything else I can do to further idiot proof a computer? I
> usually install something like Super Anti Spyware and tell them to use
> that once a week but that doesn't happen. I just dont understand
> because I can go years without needing to reformat.
>
> Are there any real time spyware detection programs that are free that
> could help?


SpywareBlaster is free and it stops a lot of spyware from ever getting
installed in the first place. It is worthwhile as an aid. Check it out.
I use the paid version of SAS for real-time protection.


>I'm thinking of buying SaS for myself because it seems
> they have free upgrades for the life of the product deal going on now.
> I'm also going to suggest this to some family members.
>
> Would that be a good combo to go along with antivir?
>
> Also wondering if there were any firefox extensions that can help? Or
> a program that auto updates the hosts file so I could keep them from
> the crap sites all together.

I think SypwareBlaster uses the hosts file. The free version has to be
updated manually.


> thanks so much for any help you can give.