Google

[87wildside]

Every time I search now I get a bunch of redirects. I'm getting pissed! haha. WTF could it be and how do I fix it?

I have scanned for viruses, and spy ware but got nothing.

[Mikz86TA]

What programs you use to scan for stuff? And are you searching Google by Exporer? And which Explorer version you have?

[C4Tom]

I use:
http://www.google.com/ie

It's the clean and tidy version. :D

[87wildside]

I use AVG and spy bot. I think it's IE 6.

Tom, I can't use that tool bar...haha, I have 98se.
Maybe I should get a computer but I would rather put the money into the truck.

[TreasonAgainstCaesar]

Try firefox out. www.getfirefox.com (http://www.getfirefox.com)

Even if you don't like it, it's at least one step in troubleshooting.

[chadwick]

have you deleted your cookies???? that might help and try www.avast.com its free and works great

[The Enemy]

i ate some cookies, does that help??

Lee

[Everfalling]

FIREFOX rules....I use it all the time and since I've gotten it I've had ZERO that's (0) to all you illiterates viruses not a single solitary one.....and the porn flows like honey around here....cuz I'm getting devorced so I have nothing better to do with my time

[The Enemy]

i use firefox to download all my porn and s10planet related stuff... it rocks... im single so i haven othing better to do, except eat cookies

LEe

[DMP]

Id try deleting your cookies and temporary internet files. Then reboot and see what happens.


I like dogpile.com the best. Its uses Google, Yahoo, Ask Jeeves...etc. all in one search. AVG is definately one of the best free virus programs that ive used. Ive used Avast, and it slowed my computer down alot. Right now I have Norton 360 which owns all, but the trial just expired. I need to get the real version somehow without buying it. :(

[C4Tom]

Screw toolbars!! Those are just trackers disguised as free gifts. Virus free trojan horse comes to mind.

I refuse to use toolbars because why should someone else make money off of YOUR internet use???

[chadwick]

toolbars=disaster to your computer. never use them. i found firefox is the most reliable engine so far. its a lot faster than Explorer also. and make sure you have something besides windows firewall, try zonealarm and turn windows firewall off. its basically useless. oh and while im on the subject of computers and stuff like that, FOR GOD SAKE DO NOT GET VISTA. windows vista is the worst OS microsoft could ever come up with. yes worse than 2000 and ME

[87wildside]

Thanks guys, for making me feel retarded...haha. I think I'm going to try to get norton and get rid of the tool bar.

Which windows OS should I get, XP?

[The Enemy]

i roll with Linux on my computer, operates similar to windows, plus all mine runs off a CD in the disc drive, because my motherboard is screwed and eats hard drives. so now, if i shut my computer off, it forgets everything, but at least i can cruise the net with this thing,,,

i miss my good laptop, it runs on windows xp. nice program if u got the space...

[chevybrat]

I have windows Vista Business on my new laptop. I like it for the most part..had a few stupid problems with it...some things that weren't compatible and it would crash and what not. Haven't had any problems as of late though ...*knock on wood*

As for programs my boyfriend and I use, we have the McAfee with Comcast, Ad-Aware, Spybot, and then we reguarly delete temporary files/cookies and seems to keep things working fairly well.

Reminds me I need to backup everything on my laptop incase I have MotherBoard problems again like I did a ways back...that sucked.

[The Enemy]

i delete peanut butter cookies into my stomach...

Lee

[C4Tom]

If you really want to know what's going on inside your computer... download and run HijackThis! HERE (http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/programs.php)

There are a few good proggies on the site. After you run HijackThis!, it will show you currently running processes, BHO, and other mischeivous items running on your systems. The problem will be for YOU to decipher good from bad. There are sites that you can post the results and they will let you know which to delete. You can screw up some programs by deleting things you are not sure of, so let the professionals help you.

I bet you have lots of crap on there!! LOL

[Mikz86TA]

X2. Then got to BleepingComputer.com and post the results in a special section on that forum. There will be some people look over it and let you know what and how to properly get rid of unnessesary programs. Also they will direct you to some more free-ware to fix problems and such. Free to sign up and has helped me alot.

[Hammer Head]

i delete peanut butter cookies into my stomach...

Lee


LMAO Lee

[Slaymanic]

Thanks guys, for making me feel retarded...haha. I think I'm going to try to get norton and get rid of the tool bar.

Which windows OS should I get, XP?

Norton maybe a little much on the annoying side for you. The best thing you can do is use Zone Alarm Security Suite since it does IM security (AIM,Yahoo,MSN,ICQ) Ident protection, Spam protection (Outlook and Mozilla's email program), Spyware protection, Virus protection, and works as a firewall protecting both inbound attacks (from hackers) and outbound attacks (you have a virus and it stops it from talking to hacker to take your crap) works very we'll I've been using zone alarm for over 4 years and can help you out with it. Plus it is fully automated just once every few days it will do a scan which will take a while but will clean everything up for you. Also you can set up IE6 to delete all your stored files automaticly when you close the browser by going to tools - internet options - advanced - scroll down to security and check the box next to empty temporary internet files when browser is closed. Those and doing basic windows updates regularly will keep pretty much everything out. I'm a Systems Administrator / Telecommunications Admin as my day job btw =]

[chadwick]

Hijackthis is a great program. and i would recommend XP pro as an OS. and as for norton, i personally dont like it because it does let some things in your computer. i use avast. not only is it on when your computer is running it also does boot up scans to make sure if you do have a virus or a trojan or adware etc...they're not jumping around your system files. thats how most Anti Virus' dont catch all the new virus'

[C4Tom]

Slay and Chad are both good on their info. I will tell you this, 8+ years of using AVG Antivirus & Zone Alarm and I have been VIRUS FREE for that ENTIRE time.

Both are free to use...

That being said...

Just use this philosophy: Nothing on or from the internet is totally free(porn, programs, etc)... you WILL pay for it somehow. Be it by your actions or your information but you WILL pay.

I am also a bit of a techie too so that has helped keep me clean.

[Maximus]

I tell ya I love having Mac OS X,I dont have to worry about none of that crap anymore.But even with my Mac I dont use Safari I use Firefox.Safari is faster than Firefox on a Mac as far as loading pages and web based programs.But I still prefer being able to Customize Firefox to the way I like it to work and look.And there is thousands of add ons for Firefox.There are just endless ways to make Firefox to the way you like it.I cant wait till Firefox 3 comes out here soon.Its supposed to have some surprising new things.Im not talking about Minefield im talking about a all new Firefox release.

[chadwick]

yea im kinda attending school for network security :)

[Jay_Pollard]

AVG for me, and Adaware...havnt had a single problem...delete ur temp internet files and cookies on a regular basis too..helps the net run smoother..pages load faster..

[87wildside]

AVG for me, and Adaware...havnt had a single problem...delete ur temp internet files and cookies on a regular basis too..helps the net run smoother..pages load faster..I delet them every 2 to 3 days.

I started looking for a new computer so get ready for a bunch of stupid questions. :)

[chadwick]

there are no stupid question when it comes to computers my friend

[Slaymanic]

There are only stupid people :P

[87wildside]

There are only stupid people :PMe....haha

[C4Tom]

You could just get a copy of Win XP Pro SP2 for cheap. Reformat your HD and install it fresh and clean. Install AVG, Zone Alarm and Adaware. You'll have a blazing fast system that's fairly secure. :D

[Maximus]

Hell I can give you a copy of XP pro 2 for free if ya want it.

[87wildside]

That would be great!!

[chadwick]

free is always the way to go. my motto is "IF IT'S FREE, IT'S FO ME!!!!" lol

[Maximus]

Just send me a Im and I will either send you the disk with everything you need or I can find other methods to get it to you.XP Pro with service pack 2 van fit on a CDR.So just hit me up and we will find a way to get it to you.

[C4Tom]

He does know how to reformat a hard drive??? He does know it will erase the ENTIRE hard drive and all files contained upon said drive? BACK-UP everything of any value to you. Not programs... those are lost unless you have the original disks. Good luck and have fun!!

[87wildside]

I guess thats one way to clear out my hard drive. All I have are truck pics, no music, nothing. As far as programs I don't know what I would need. I have the disks for my camera and printer. The one for the camera has quick time.

BTW, I have only been using a computer since January of this year...hehe. We have another computer in the house so if I run into any problems I can log on with that one.

[C4Tom]

hehe... then you're all set! Make a cd of all your truck pics. We're here if you need us, don't be afraid to ask. :D

[87wildside]

I don't have a cd burner....hahaha. I have a kodak gallery that I'll up load them too.

[Mikz86TA]

How much pics? If it has a USB port maybe load them to a thumb drive? Not sure how much those things hold.

[TreasonAgainstCaesar]

Just to be sure that XP will run well on your computer, do you know your computer specs? If it can run 98SE, it should be able to run XP, but better safe than sorry.

Flash drives do come as big as 16GB, but your looking at around $200. You can get a 4GB one for around $40 from tigerdirect.com But a better option IMO would be an external hard drive. You can get a 160GB one for $60 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?Recs=10&Nav=%7Cc:136%7C&Sort=4) from tiger direct. Then you have that if you need extra storage on your computer--you can just leave it hooked up and keep files on it. Of course you could spend about $20 less and get one that is half that size or could spend more if you think you're going to want a bigger one. Let us know if you need more help on that area.

[Slaymanic]

Another FYI if you're not very good with computers yet stay away from Vista. I just got it the other day right and it is absolutely annoying and asks for everything you do and is kinda hard to navigate compaired to the older windows styles plus you need a newer computer to handel eveyrthing my little 2 year old top of the line then now 300 dollars worth laptop can bearly handel it =/ Just some advice

[87wildside]

Most of my pics are on various hosting sites, I just keep them stored in case a site goes down or whatever.

As far as the specs of my computer, I dunno...haha. I have been thinking about getting an external hard drive though. I don't run much on it so I don't know if I need one. Originally I thought I would download a bunch of music and movies but it turns out I don't care for that. I check out the video sites a lot (you tube) if that matters.