Spywareblaster and Hosts file

Index

• Misc.
• Spywareblaster
• Hosts file

Misc.

Happy Independence Day! I hope everyone has a great weekend! Last month I talked about sites phishing and spoofing. When you really stop and think about it, security would not be an issue if it were not for the Internet and email. However, imagine doing anything without it! Therefore, as long as there are people out there that want your money, you are not safe once you connect. Times have changed. In the beginning, you had to worry about inadvertently installing a script that would render your computer useless (ie your hard drive being erased). It wasn't long until it was realized by attackers that there was no gain in that. The real gain is using your computer as a zombie or a way to get at your information. So, you must always be one step ahead and that means taking all the necessary precautions by using the tools available. It is a forever changing landscape.

All future emails will have links to the most common programs that will aid you in keeping your PC running smoothly. Keep in mind though that all of them require updating and upgrading from time to time to be effective. Most of you are familiar with Spybot Search and Destroy, Ad-Aware SE Personal and AVG Anti-Virus from Grisoft (if not check out the links). Keep in mind if you are the only user on your computer and you only use email and rarely surf, you may find it not necessary to install any of the programs I mentioned. However, if you are having strange issues (such as popups, redirects) I would install and run them. Also, if you use Internet Explorer, I would run them at least once a month anyway.

Spywareblaster

Today, I will mention another overlooked software program called Spywareblaster from Javacool software. I have it on all my machines that are used by my kids. It is extremely easy to use. Just install it, check for updates, enable all protection and that is it! I have used this program for years and it works well. Keep in mind if you are using an All-in-one suite such as Norton Internet Security, there may be a conflict and I would not install Spywareblaster. Unlike most programs that remove spyware/malware, spywareblaster stops it from being installed in the first place. And best of all it does not need to run in the background, it just does its job when you are browsing. Keep in mind as with all programs it needs to be run once in awhile and the definitions need updated. This is a free program. Good Luck! Note: Link at the bottom of this email.

In any case, since setting up TrueCrypt may at first be "a little over your head" (as it was with me in the beginning), you may want to contact me and I can walk you through the installation process as well as it's use (yes, I don't mind).

Remember that TrueCrypt works on Windows XP (Home, Pro or x64 Editions), Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003 and Linux (kernel 2.6.5 or later). Windows 95/98/Me/NT OS's are not supported.

Hosts File

Another topic of interest is the HOSTS file. I first ran into this file years ago when I was setting up a Linux box. It is used however on most if not all operating systems, Windows XP included. Rather then go into detail about what it does, I will tell you that it is yet another (very powerful) tool in keeping your PC clean. I suggest looking at the following web pages which does a great job of explaining what it is and how you can use it to further protect your PC. By the way, the web site is MVPS.org. While the name may ring a bell, they have totally redesigned their site and I personally like it. You will find links to other pages that you might find useful (such as using AVG). That is it for this month and as always, if you have questions, send me an email.

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm