p2p viruses & safety

[TiredKat]

Hello all
nice to meet you. I am doing some research for my dad who loves his music. I have recently had to reformat his PC due to numerous viruses and trojans. Most of these I think came from not being properly secured and going to the wrong places. I have him set up with ZAPro and he has Norton. Can you all tell me where he can go that is safer than where he has been? Can you also help with security, like anything else he needs on his PC to avoid the bad stuff?.

Thanks for your help TiredKat

[Omyn]

Alright, well you should start off by telling us more about your computer setup, what file sharing programs you use etc.

I also make it a rule to never ever download cracks or keygens you find on filesharing programs, as they turn up to be viruses and will kill your computer.

Even if it is not "questionable" scan it anyway to be sure.

Also always be sure to have the latest virus definitions and its good to have the latest firewall software too. For Windows Server 2003 I use a combo of eTrust and ZoneAlarm, and for my XP Professional installations I use Norton 2003 and ZoneAlarm.

From time to time I also run other anti-virus applications just to be sure and see if my computer has been compromised in anyway, nothing is a sure thing.

Always update your Windows Security updates, although I have noticed through many upgrades and installations that it can slow down a computer somewhat, it is better than not having one at all :]

You should also be aware of spyware, which is not picked up by virus scanners and can potentially damage your computer and your personal information (two very good programs are ad-aware 6.0 and spybot) which can be downloaded both at download.com

These will protect you from malicious programs that sneak into your computer through software installations or by browser exploits.

I would also tweak out my services and take off stuff you dont need such as remote registry which allows people who are remotely accessing your computer to make changes to your systems registry. Also tweaking your services will speed up your computer a little bit. (you can read more about that at cannedinfo.tripod.com)

Right now Im sick and am going to go to sleep soon, but Ill probably think of more later, if you have any other questions PM me and I will be glad to help.

[TiredKat]

Hello all
nice to meet you. I am doing some research for my dad who loves his music. I have recently had to reformat his PC due to numerous viruses and trojans. Most of these I think came from not being properly secured and going to the wrong places. I have him set up with ZAPro and he has Norton. Can you all tell me where he can go that is safer than where he has been? Can you also help with security, like anything else he needs on his PC to avoid the bad stuff?.

Thanks for your help TiredKat

Hello, thanks for the response. What exactly do you need to know about the PC set up? HE is running XP home and uses Kazaa, Imesh & bearshare. Or he was.
"I also make it a rule to never ever download cracks or keygens you find on filesharing programs, as they turn up to be viruses and will kill your computer." What do you mean by this exactly?
So much to learn so little time, thanks again,

TiredKat

[DampCold]

Make sure the antivirus is continually updated and always set to scan active files when using a P2P program.

[flantanella]

If you download music, then you have no worries for viruses. Except the asshole RIAA trying to sue you.

What is the best thing to do is if you want to download software its best to keep your Norton updated. Mcafee offers an online scanner as well as norton so you can have double security

you can do what i do also. Download software to a source like a usb flash drive or a zip drive, so if viruses are found then its only on the disk that would be affected instead of the whole system