Semi-OT: Keeping a wireless Windows laptop Internet Safe?

[hyperstationjr]

I need a really quick fix ASAP.

 

I just started up with in an entry position for a small architecture firm in downtown Manhattan. Because it's a small company, they asked me to bring in my own Laptop (which is a hassle, but no big deal).

 

Problem is, I have a Sony Viao (as opposed to a dreamy Intel Mac...). It's running Windows XP Home Ed. I think it's a 2.5 (in that ballpark) gHz Pentium 4, with 256 MB ram.

 

My brother had so much trouble with it he just bought an iMac G5 and gave it to me. I then cleaned the whole system out, got rid of all web utilities, cleaned out all kinds of unused programs, apps that Sony added, unused files, the works. It runs fine now, perfect for synth editors and things like that, but it's totally internet cripple.

 

Part of my job description is a ton of research, and that means I need the internet.

 

So here is my question (or plea?). What software should I install to keep it safe?

 

I'll be using Firefox, and I'll be controlling all of my own cookies and that sort of thing, but as far as spy-ware and spam blockers and all of that kind of stuff, what route should I go?

 

I don't want like 5 apps running just to keep my computer safe, 2 or 3 at most, and I want to be able to easily disable them when I'm not on the internet. Any suggestions?

 

(I'll be posting this in the computer forum as well.)

[J_tour]

Software firewall.

Registry/process guard resident software.

Spyware Blaster or similar.

Four or five antivirus and anti-spyware programs -- use periodically.

Firefox with NoScript extension.

 

Log in as non-administrator account for work use?

[hyperstationjr]

Is that a joke? That's 8 pieces of software, running at all times, just so my computer doesn't run like {censored}? Meanwhile, between running the software I need to use and the 8 pieces of software I would use, my computer will run like {censored}...

 

Thank You Windows...

[Gunslinger69]

get avg free edition from grisoft.com

 

that in conjunction with firefox should be fine.

 

you do need to update your ram pretty drastically, hough.

[dabowsa]

Just let the router handle all the firewalling and security.

 

Disable the wireless if you're going to be sitting in one spot and just plug in.

 

Maybe click on Internet Connections, select the one you want and enable the Windows Firewall if you're feeling exposed.

 

Other than that, you should be good if you're smart. Just don't install any software, or download any weird attachments.

 

Maybe run SpyBot S&D once a month. Or not.

 

You really shouldn't have any problems if you're just doing normal, day-to-day business things.

[hyperstationjr]

Downloading AVG. Is it Processor friendly?

 

Actually, I double checked the stat's, and ram is at 448MB, which seems like a weird number to me... the Processor is at 2.79gHz though.

 

At any rate this computer is really just to toy around with some Windows apps and freeware, and it just so happens now that I need it for the internet... I don't think the ram is an issue considering the kind of work I'm using it for, or am I underestimating the kind of horsepower I'll really need?

 

I haven't touched Firefox, especially al the properties and options it has. Is there anything in particular I should use, any settings, options, plug-in's?

 

As for the Wireless, I'll have to use that, it's a loft setting and there are computers spread all around so that's just how I'll have to work.

 

As for the computer usage, I will mainly just be researching building codes, material prices, sending out E-mails once in a while, and then stuff like Word documents and that stuff.

 

I just don't want to have to clean out the whole thing again, it was a MESS when my brother had it (then again he went to all kinds of shady sites...).

 

Thanks' for the replies guys. Hopefully this will all go smoothly.

[Gunslinger69]

 

Originally posted by hyperstationjr Downloading AVG. Is it Processor friendly? Actually, I double checked the stat's, and ram is at 448MB, which seems like a weird number to me... the Processor is at 2.79gHz though. At any rate this computer is really just to toy around with some Windows apps and freeware, and it just so happens now that I need it for the internet... I don't think the ram is an issue considering the kind of work I'm using it for, or am I underestimating the kind of horsepower I'll really need? I haven't touched Firefox, especially al the properties and options it has. Is there anything in particular I should use, any settings, options, plug-in's? As for the Wireless, I'll have to use that, it's a loft setting and there are computers spread all around so that's just how I'll have to work. As for the computer usage, I will mainly just be researching building codes, material prices, sending out E-mails once in a while, and then stuff like Word documents and that stuff. I just don't want to have to clean out the whole thing again, it was a MESS when my brother had it (then again he went to all kinds of shady sites...). Thanks' for the replies guys. Hopefully this will all go smoothly.

 

 

AVG is pretty processor friendly.

 

Firefox will prompt for plugins.

 

I think that your 448MB RAM is probably 512MB minus 64MB video RAM.

[J_tour]

 

Originally posted by hyperstationjr Is that a joke? That's 8 pieces of software, running at all times, just so my computer doesn't run like {censored}? Meanwhile, between running the software I need to use and the 8 pieces of software I would use, my computer will run like {censored}... Thank You Windows...

 

 

Sorry, when I said, "run periodically" I meant you can use most tools every so often to clean up the inevitable tracking cookies and such. You don't have to run all programs constantly (although even if you did, you probably wouldn't have any speed problems).

 

AVG has a resident scanner component -- the only reason besides automatic updates you'd want to keep it running all the time. I would only use it (with other virus scanners) as needed, though, provided you're confident in your firewall and the software you're running.

 

In fact, if you're confident your computer doesn't touch corrupt or malicious executables, you might not need to bother with a software firewall either, as others suggested -- the router will stop incoming threats just fine, and if you know what's on your computer, you wouldn't need to check outgoing traffic as scrupulously. I've had a keylogger, though, which made me glad my software firewall was operating fine, given I always disable the outgoing firewall in the router.

 

I would use something like Spyware Blaster and a registry and/or process guard program though -- these are tiny and unobtrusive.

[program_insect]

in my experience, AVG leaves a lot to be desired as far as virus protection.

 

As for spyware, I've actually had some luck with Microsoft's own anti-spyware package, I believe it's still in free beta.

 

But ya know, MacBooks aren't that expensive...

[XorAxAx]

I honestly don't understand what the big problem is. What do you people do to get all this crap on your machines? I've absolutely _never_ had any malware on my Windows boxes. I'm not some hermit that never gets out and sees the Internet, either. Yet I've seen other people's machines infested with tons of crap.

:confused:

 

Here's what I do on my laptop w/wireless:

 

1. Frequent visits to Windows Update

2. Firewall software (e.g. Windows Firewall that comes with XP)

3. Antivirus software (e.g. AVG AntiVirus)

4. Firefox

5. Don't install software that includes malware.

6. Safe browsing practices (e.g. stay away from pr0n and warez sites)

 

Note that the antivirus software is a recent addition for peace of mind. I've never had a virus before or since I started using antivirus software.

[program_insect]

that reminds me....best software firewall is ZoneAlarm (free)...and easiest way to get malware is using peer-to-peer software

[J_tour]

 

Originally posted by XorAxAx I honestly don't understand what the big problem is. What do you people do to get all this crap on your machines? I've absolutely _never_ had any malware on my Windows boxes.

 

 

Javascript crap can screw you over, though, and not just from obvious pimply-teen sources. Block it, but have a quick way to unblock it for the anushole sites which "require" Javascript which are probably, however, clean -- NoScript works great for that in Firefox.

 

If it's your own network, I agree there's little need for resident antivirus or even a software firewall, but if it's on some network with a bunch of jibber-jabber, it's better to at least run some periodic checkups, just to be safe, no? All the moreso if people are trading files with wordprocessing spreadsheet macros, no? Who knows WTH the other people are doing on the web during their lunch hours...

[zarquin]

Originally posted by program_insect that reminds me....best software firewall is ZoneAlarm (free)...and easiest way to get malware is using peer-to-peer software

 

Once apon a time maybe.

 

the last time i saw Zone alarm being used, it was causing more problems that it was solving, and was being a real pig to get working right.

 

I guess it depends on your setup, but if you need to use a VPN, zone alarm doesn't make it easy

 

as for how people get stuff all over their computer?

 

Its easy. they'll use IE, and download those things like "free smilieys for email".. which will then install some spyware program...

 

 

IMO, the things to do are

1) start with a fresh install.

2) have everything updated windows wise.

3) download firefox. (this should be the only time you ever use IE)

4) get ad-aware, spybot search and destroy and the microsoft Beta Defender.

5) switch on the firewall stuff.

 

6) be smart. ie don't go round install random 'useful apps' like weather utilities, etc.

 

point 6 is probably the most important.

don't be stupid.

[hyperstationjr]

Just an update...

 

I finally braved the internet on my Laptop PC for about 45 minutes, downloading the latest version of Firefox (mine was outdated), some extensions like an instant history/cookie/cache deleter and Google SkecthUp.

 

I went to Yahoo (my homepage), Modzilla's website and Google. I spent the next 2 and a half hours trying to clean out my computer, manually deleting files that installed themselves in all corners of my computer.

 

I didn't even have enough time to download the protection software before I got bombarded by popups and people trying to upload software into my computer. I didn't have much in the way of protection, but I fire-walled all of my internet ports and turned all file-sharing off. I was on my girlfriend's brother's network, a small home setup w/ a Linksys, the same one I use at home, but this is really crazy.

 

I've used Zone alarm, Ad-Aware, Spybot, all on this same computer, with the same network I have now, and they didn't do anything. Zone Alarm usually ended up being disabled because as someone said it caused more problems than anything else...

 

I am really at a loss here. I don't even understand how someone can sell a product like this, I have to have like 10 other products just to use the one properly, even though it's bogged down by all of the other software I need to use to prevent it from totally melting down...

 

I've followed all the rules, I didn't go to any shady sites, I don't get it.

 

I'd love to reinstall the whole OS but my brother lost all of the CD's and software... Any way I can get it from Sony, or is that more of a headache than it's worth? Anyone else have any input? As a Mac guy, this is terribly infuriating, I don't see how anyone could deal with this...

[Umbra]

 

I've followed all the rules, I didn't go to any shady sites, I don't get it.

Easy, clean windows install from clean format(not reinstall).

 

First go get all security updates, this will take a while and several visits to the updates site.

Second put signed activex controls in IE on prompt.

Third turn on IE's popup blocker.

Fourth disable downloading unsigned activex controls.

Fifth disable initializing unsigned scripts and activex controls.

Sixth Run ActiveX controls on prompt (99% of these are ads or spyware or viruses) and not something you need to view the site.

Seventh only install commercial software that you paid for, stay away from free stuff and open source. Open source and freeware developers have no stake in your machine running after you download their stuff, when people charge you they do.

 

When you surf if a site prompts you to run activex controls you click NO. Only click yes if you KNOW the site is ok (just because it isn't shady doesn't mean it's ok, some of the worst offenders are yahoo, google and crap like myspace).

 

Only read email in text format and don't open attachments.

 

If you do the above you don't need anti-spyware or anti-virus software. Most antivirus and antispyware software screws up your machine as much as the viruses and spyware do. Also if you do the above and are on top of downloading security updates you can go to shady sites like porn and wares sites and not endup with viruses or spyware. Not that I ah.... suggest that.

 

Seriously, as soon as you start doing things like installing extra browsers and installing loads of crappy anti-popup and anti-spyware and antivirus stuff your just asking for a messed up machine.

[hyperstationjr]

I hate to keep bugging you guys, but here is another update.

 

I downloaded AVG, SpyBot S&D and AdAware from my Mac and installed them into my PC.

 

I found 87 Trojans... 56+ Parasites in AdAware (not sure if they are the same thing just yet... still running).

 

That's great that it can find this stuff now, but I'm unable to do ANYTHING with the files, I can't even find them myself based on the directories given in AVG. AdAware keeps asking me to Register, otherwise it doesn't do anything... what the hell is going on here?!

 

Is there something more powerful I can download (for free...) to clean this computer out?

[XorAxAx]

 

Originally posted by hyperstationjr I've followed all the rules, I didn't go to any shady sites, I don't get it.

 

One key is to perform all the protective measures before exposing the computer to a hazardous network environment.

 

If that's not it, then I don't get it either.

[J_tour]

Run the scans in safe mode with networking. Use AVG, Panda, Trend Micro, "a squared" Trojan detector, plus your other spyware things including ewido. You should really just reformat and reinstall if you can get the install discs for windows.

[manoeuver]

is mentioning Linux verboten around here?

[J_tour]

 

That's 8 pieces of software, running at all times

 

 

Something tells me Linux isn't going to be ideal here...

[hyperstationjr]

I seem to be doing ok with just SpyBot S&D, AdAware and AVG.

 

The problem is there is some infected material still lingering around from when my brother had it. For the most part it doesn't seem to be doing anything, but honestly I don't know.

 

I'm taking all of the precautions, firewalls, periodically checking the system, keeping only on safe sites, little or no Java, screening cookies, all of that stuff...

 

I'd love to clean the computer and reinstall from scratch, any idea's on how to go about that without any system disks?

 

I know this thread has gone on past most thread's expiration date, especially for an OT thread, so thanks for all of your input.

 

P.S.

I was really interested in a Linux machine a while back, but at this point I really need a Windows machine, mainly because of the Windows specific applications (AutoCAD specifically...).

[duva]

If I were in your situation, I would do the following:

 

1. Re-format the hard disk and reinstall windows. There could be rootkits or other undetected malware installed from before.

 

2. Instead of connecting directly to the wireless network, buy a wireless router and keep it on my desk. Use an ethernet cable to connect from your laptop to the router. This way, you get a hardware firewall between you and the outside world.

 

3. Since you are running windows, I would still install antivirus software and probably a software firewall.

[GregCh]

christ, what a disaster

 

Get a Mac with OSX

[hyperstationjr]

I have a mac! That's why this is all so infuriating! All you need to do with a Mac is click "firewall" and all your problems go away...

 

I'd love to reformat and re-install driver by driver (a dream! Windows runs really smooth after you clean up all the crap), but I have NO system disks, nothing, no Windows, no drivers, nada. If you have some idea of where I can get that, I'd love to hear it but at this point that's not an option.

 

At home, using a router is not a problem either, I don't need go go on the net with the Windows machine. The problem is at work, they run a wireless network, so I need to connect to that.

 

As I said, with AVG, Ad-Aware and SpyBoy S&D, internet surfing is fine (for business). It's just there are still some lingering Trojans of the 87 previously on the system...