DSL and endless virus problems 2

[bgolash11]

Hi

Here`s the story for the last 6 weeks I`ve been reinstalling xp as a result of various virus infections.
I have VirusScan 8 and ZoneAlarm but none of these apps made a difference. In the last week I decided to try using a 56k dialup connection. The PC has been working
fine. I`m wondering if changing my dsl email would make a difference. I`ve asked Verizon but for some reason they
won`t let me change the email address.I`d prefer not to use dialup but I`m getting sick of reinstalling my OS endlessly.
I`m looking for some suggestions.
Pleaseeeeeeeeeee

 

[dearingkr]

Sounds like you need a better anti-virus program.

Try AVG. It works great and the price is right...FREE.

http://www.grisoft.com

MCSE CCNA CCDA

 

[vop]

In my opinion DSL without a router is a very risky profile; more especially if all Critical Updates have not been applied. Such profile characteristics can make you a very desirable monitor target especially if 'file and print sharing' is enabled.

Try going to

http://www.pcpitstop.com

and run their wellness test. One of the things that often comes up is ActiveX scripting vulnerability alerts (manual and auto-fix options offered) - such a situation will likely increase the possibility for driveby downloads.

I would also look at scripting filter tools such as 'Script Sentry' (freeware)

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/scriptsentry.html

Prevention tools such as SpywareBlaster (freeware), SpywareGuard (freeware), and SpyBlocker (shareware) also control/neutralize many kinds of potentially harmful scripts.

Also consider the possibility of using a non-HTML email client or email sanitizer (converted text only - exempt of an scripting payloads).

If all else fails, consider changing to a less scripting vulnerable browser such as 'Mozilla'.

 

[jrbarnett]

vop makes a good point: I would ensure that your XP installation is service packed and patched as soon as possible, with the AV and firewall installed and active before you go online to get the latest critical updates.

John

 

[vop]

The following link gives advice on how to secure a newly acquired PC:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1566755,00.asp

It is from 'PC Magazine Tips Of the Day'.

 

[jrbarnett]

The only thing I would add to that article is to use a third party firewall product if the computer runs an operating system other than one of the Windows XP variants.

John