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General discussion

OT.... Bob Proffitt

Nov 23, 2003 11:11PM PST

Hi Bob,
I feel at times I've been a thorn in your side, but it seems (and the tech from my ISP validated this) that my new Cable Modem and Ethernet card corrected some of my minor problems and annoyances. A for instance...I haven't had a freeze up even though I've gotten down to, and I'm embarrassed to admit it, to 3% resources, but upon noticing this I've rebooted. There are other things I've noticed, but will not elaborate on all of them. He also did remark that Windows ME stands for Mistake and when I get organized and fearless enough, I may at some time look into upgrading to XP.
Since the new installation of those two items, my computer has been running so smoothly, it's scaring me but have a smile on my face, lol.
Now if that in fact isn't what could have corrected some of my problems, then I must have an angel sitting on my shoulder.
I apologize if this wasn't the way to contact you about this, but hadn't a clue how to do it any other way.
Thanks for your past help on matters and hope they will be far and few between now,
Lee

Discussion is locked

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You may want to not fix this?
Nov 23, 2003 11:25PM PST

It's been my outlook to not fix things unless there's a good reason.

If the resource issues come up and need help, the articles titled Optimizing Windows and Memory at http://www.aumha.org/articles.htm are useful.

If you suspect a (software) pest, then the five scans I note at http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6132-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=1313&start=0 are a grand idea.

My terseness is my downfall, but I do answer a lot of questions and am downright annoyed at the current PLAGUE of Adware, Spyware induced problems. I've had to adopt a more forceful tone as people may not run all five scans or none since "I run an Antivirus." This tone is intentional to push the person into performing scans, doing more research or replying with more information. If I push, its because I find most need it. Not all. Some will find it harsh.

Bob

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Re:You may want to not fix this?
Nov 24, 2003 12:34AM PST

Bob, I've saved the link to aumha and should the occasion arise, I will visit it, but will not promise that I will understand any information supplied there.

I'm doing a lot better than before, thanks to these forums, however, now that I've been using the computer for a little over 3 years now, I still consider myself a "newbie"...the 1st two years were nothing more than playing computer supplied games.

I run Adaware and Spybot daily and come up clean daily, except for a once in awhile, and will add the other 3 you notated.

As far as:
doing more research...I always do a Google search, sometimes it helps, but at other times, what I've found, is way above my comprehension level.
replying with more information...that is understandable
but keep in mind, those of us that need the help aren't at times too sure what or what may not be useful or we just are negligent in this area.

Since we are all unique individuals with different personalities, I will admit that I am one that finds some of your responses, as you called it, harsh.

Thanks for your time,
Lee

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And I got flamed the other day for...
Nov 24, 2003 12:53AM PST

A certain post had left out a tidbit so I asked in my nicest way possible if they had clicked some specific button. Just for clarity. The poster response was "Are you calling me a ____bee?" and then a history was supplied of their computer usage years and more.

Since no one supplies any background, I have to just let such comments stay where they are and try my best to push forward. In that instance, now that I knew more about them and the skill level, I could progress to some registry inspection and keys and pretend they didn't really flame me at all. The next response from them was that they edited the key and it was over. At least they fixed it.

So I can't find one level that will satisfy all and so I just keep at, in hopes that I've saved a few pieces of someone's bacon or money.

In the case of today's Parasites, it appears those who eject them are for the most part happy. No one has really complained bitterly. (Now I've done myself in."

Bob

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MzLee...
Nov 24, 2003 1:56PM PST

3 of the 5 tools are primarily for investigating problems after you suspect you have a problem. CWShredder is a removal tool for a specific piece of malware. Similarly, I wouldn't run an online virus scan daily (once in a while for a second opinion is more than sufficient). Stinger will find/remove only about 45 recent viruses but it is handy when someone calls for help.

For day-to-day operations, you're much better off with an up-to-date onboard AV program, the antispyware programs and possibly a firewall. Check this thread for a discussion about the tools.

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Keith....These are the programs I am currently using......
Nov 24, 2003 8:11PM PST

My AV program is Norton's (Norton System Works 2002), which I update regularly and scan for viruses once a week. I also use The Cleaner once a week. My hotmail is protected in MSN8 Explorer by McAfee and this protection is supplied by MSN.

I have SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard, which I update regularly.
I have Adaware and Spybot, which I run daily or in some cases every other day.

I don't use any firewall.

Thanks for your input,
Lee

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That's more than most people...
Nov 25, 2003 10:01PM PST
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Now, I'm going to sound like the dummy I am.
Nov 26, 2003 6:08AM PST

Keith, I didn't read all in the cnet thread you supplied and if the information may have been there, I apologize if it is.
Please explain what port tests find such as you mentioned, open ports.
Thanks so much for you time,
Lee

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My comment on port tests.
Nov 26, 2003 6:14AM PST

A few port tests are run LOCALLY on the machine. These are interesting but don't validate if said port is exposed to the internet.

It's a fine line, but I will let some port test run locally since its results are not showing what is exposed.

Bob

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Well, an external port test...
Nov 27, 2003 8:39AM PST

like the one at https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 will scan to see which ports are open to the internet. Open is self explanatory (bad). Closed means the port scan got a reply from your PC that the port was closed (okay). Stealth means that the port scan got no reply at all (best).

http://grc.com/faq-shieldsup.htm#STEALTH

Please note that grc.com only scans a subset of the 65536 ports available on your PC.