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computer adware?   
SlimeTV

SlimeTV
United States  


  6/30/2015

i keep getting adware on my pc and for some reason it keeps coming back. I used windows defender to get rid of it, and it did, it got rid of things like zoomylib, and ophracrack. But things like that keep coming back right after i get rid of it, i preform pc checks everyday and each time its something new, like search protect, shopperz, bubble dock, things like that. can any one help?

"Nuh-uh-uh girl, you do NOT need another pet simulator-"

 
Papriko
Peppery One

Papriko



  6/30/2015

Not sure if it is much of a help, but do you monitor the things you download? E.g. checking every single file you download with your antivirus? Or making sure things you install (or have installed) have legit licenses and all?

Lets play plants! Photosynthesis... Photosynthesis... Photosynthesis...
 
SlimeTV

SlimeTV



  6/30/2015

i don't have an antivirus software, i just download from places i trust

"Nuh-uh-uh girl, you do NOT need another pet simulator-"

 
SpaceShipRat

SpaceShipRat



  6/30/2015

I see your problem, try getting some antivirus software.

(jokes aside, you probably have some trojan that's getting your computer reinfected, and that windows defender can't spot. do get an antivirus, at least to do a proper scan.)

 
Laura
Tea Queen

Laura


 visit Laura's website: CC Chat
  6/30/2015  1

I recommend Avast Free Antivirus. I've used it for a long time now and have never had any issues.
 
jcnorn

jcnorn



  6/30/2015

I use AVG free, works like a charm :)
 
Ghosthande
Prodigal Sock

Ghosthande


 visit Ghosthande's website: Breeders Beware
  6/30/2015

I second Avast; that's what I use.

You might also look into an ad blocker; some Flash ads that just run on the page will silently download garbage onto your computer. That's how I used to get infected before I had Avast--not because of what I was downloading, but because of the "innocuous" ads running in the margins of pages.

Between AdBlocker and Avast I haven't had an infection in... upwards of three years, at least.



 
Doringo
Lodestar

Doringo


 visit Doringo's website: Abacus & Ettinus
  6/30/2015

It may help to remove it in safe mode, to prevent it from coming back but that's just a tip.
 
C-Rex
Lollipop Lord

C-Rex


 visit C-Rex's website: The Norn Nebula
  7/1/2015

Starting the computer in safe mode is usually the best thing you can do when you have a heavy infection, and is sometimes the only thing you can do, as some viruses block access to the internet. You should then run a full virus scan (I use Avast) in order to remove any malicious content on your computer.

I once had the mistake of not using antivirus software, for the exact same reason, but it will always come and get you eventually if you have no protection. :P

 
GimmeCat

GimmeCat



  7/1/2015

Yup, Avast is good. I use it in combination with Malwarebytes AntiMalware and Microsoft Security Essentials. The holy trinity of free AV solutions pretty much keeps you safe from 90% of dangers.

For browser protection, don't leave home without AdBlock Edge. I use Edge instead of Plus, because Plus has started allowing ads that pay them to be whitelisted. I'm also a fan of NoScript which will take care of any cross-site scripting attacks.

It's simply not adequate in this day and age to "only browse websites you trust". ALL websites are vulnerable to attacks, even big-name ones.

 
C-Rex
Lollipop Lord

C-Rex


 visit C-Rex's website: The Norn Nebula
  7/1/2015

You're very right, GimmeCat. I can remember once when the now-defunct Albia 2000 website would trigger a fake virus warning when it was visited. :P
 
Doringo
Lodestar

Doringo


 visit Doringo's website: Abacus & Ettinus
  7/1/2015

C-Rex wrote:
You're very right, GimmeCat. I can remember once when the now-defunct Albia 2000 website would trigger a fake virus warning when it was visited. :P



I think that wasn't the fault of albia 2000 because I used to get those on any website at any random time because my antivirus wouldn't detect and remove it, I eventually removed it with a completely different program.

 
CeruleanSilver

CeruleanSilver



  7/1/2015

I would also definitely recommend Avast! I understand that you think you're safe from downloading from trustworthy sites, but those sites can be running ads that aren't. Also, there's a lot of convincing fake versions of real sites. The only way to be safe in this day and age is to have a antivirus software. Just for the love of all that is good in this world, don't get Norton. You'll make me cry.

Once you install Avast! do a boot time scan.

Some people on here have recommended having multiple at a time. I disagree, they can mess with each other. Respectfully, the best thing to do is to have a schedule of uninstalling and installing different software. Over time, a single program on your computer can become corrupted by malicious software, so depending on the amount of threats you're facing, you may need to reinstall it pretty frequently. Frequently is every 6 months, to me. In my mind, this is the most fool proof form of defense. One program running at a time, frequently reinstalled to maintain integrity.

Also, adblock plus is like the savior of browsers for me. Take that, crunchyroll! You can't run ads every two seconds if they're blocked!

 
GimmeCat

GimmeCat



  7/1/2015

Yes; To clarify, it's perfectly fine to have multiple antivirus and anti-adware solutions installed. HOWEVER, only one of them should be allowed to run automated scans. The reason people often say "don't install multiple AVs" is because when two AV programs attempt to run a scan at the same time, they can cause a lot of problems.

But simply having them installed, and running manual scans (one after another) is perfectly acceptable and highly recommended for the best possible coverage.

Or to put it in other terms, you should have one "resident" scanner, and as many "on-demand" scanners as you want.

 
SlimeTV

SlimeTV



  7/1/2015  1

thank you so much guys, i downloaded avast! and i already have Adblocker plus installed. i haven't had any problems so far!

"Nuh-uh-uh girl, you do NOT need another pet simulator-"

 
Papriko
Peppery One

Papriko



  7/1/2015

Maybe next time you should get an antivirus earlier. Not getting an antivirus till the computer is infected is like not locking the door till you are robbed ;)

Lets play plants! Photosynthesis... Photosynthesis... Photosynthesis...
 
GimmeCat

GimmeCat



  7/1/2015  1

That's a bit of an oxymoron, isn't it Papriko? "Next time get one sooner" :P

Besides, the lesson has been learnt now. Can't really blame someone for something they didn't know.

 
Laura
Tea Queen

Laura


 visit Laura's website: CC Chat
  7/1/2015

Glad to hear it, Lolitiabear! Hopefully your computer will be all better in no time. Did you run a scan? :)
 
Papriko
Peppery One

Papriko



  7/1/2015

Next time she gets a new PC/system I mean XD

Lets play plants! Photosynthesis... Photosynthesis... Photosynthesis...
 
Laura
Tea Queen

Laura


 visit Laura's website: CC Chat
  7/1/2015

Papriko: Best to just leave it, hm? I agree with GimmeCat on this one.
 


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