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What are some things to avoid if you want to keep your computer adware/spyware free?

What are some things to avoid if you want to keep your computer adware/spyware free?

I recently reinstalled the OS (Windows XP Home) on a friend's heavily spyware/adware infected machine. It appears as though his kids (7 and 11 years I believe) were visiting sites that offered downloads for search bars, screensavers, and "cute" cartoony animations that anyone with safety in mind would never download.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 325
Total answers/comments: 5
Guest [Entry]

"Have non-tech users accounts be non-admin
Teach safe browsing habits
Never download anything that isn't from an 'official' source
Use Firefox/Chrome/Safari/Opera instead of Internet Explorer
Run malware scans regularly
Set Windows to update automatically
Install virus protection and scan automatically/regularly
Install a firewall
And again, smart browsing habits.

For firewall, either don't use one (and use Windows Firewall instead) or install one free one, like ZoneAlarm.

Edit: I see in your question you mentioned expired anti virus. Use AVG instead. It's free and will never expire and updates automatically.

Edit2: As others have mentioned, you could install software that basically locks the computer down. I have to disagree with this. I would much rather take the time and teach the users (especially the children) about how to properly use the computer to the fullest, rather than block them out."
Guest [Entry]

If the question is really to help them avoid getting infected again, and it is a computer for the kids, I recommend you to do some research on deploying Windows SteadyState for that particular computer.
Guest [Entry]

"Here is a simple answer:

Avoid using the Internet.

And another simple answer:

Don't install anything."
Guest [Entry]

"The top rated advice here is all good, but there is no perfect solution. Not yet covered:

I would emphasize training above all else. Most spyware / adware is invited into the computer. Whatever your computer / OS & your religious beliefs about them, your web browser is your weakest point in the system. Surfing the web is analogous to driving randomly around town asking strangers if they want a ride. Keep in mind most people using Outlook have HTML mail enabled by default, effectively turning their email client into a web browser.

Consider using Firefox and installing NoScript. It's a solid plugin that by default prevents all scripts running. It's easy to add exceptions for sites you trust.

All the machines in my house were Windows NT / XP / Vista for years. I finally shifted to Ubuntu to simplify my life. I was tired of being the family systems administrator. I picked Ubuntu largely for these reasons:

No root account by default
No open ports by default
Huge software repository
Easy updates with a long support cycle
My favorite price. Free."
Guest [Entry]

"Exactly what do your friend and his family use the computer for? It might be that they can do just fine with Ubuntu or some other user-friendly Linux distro, and that would drastically cut down on these problems.

There are mail clients, web browsers, and office suites suitable for home use included in Ubuntu. It would very likely annoy the children by not running games, but your friend might consider that a good idea.

It's very possible that your friend is using something that won't run on Ubuntu, and that there's no good replacement for, of course, and in that case you shouldn't change the OS. However, I know computer users that would be just as happy with it, and your friend might be one."