Tell me something about this "virus" What should we do? http://www.itvnews.tv/Sci-Tech/Science/millions-of-computers-hit-by-digital-virus.html While we're at it, maybe somebody can tell me why Microsoft doesn't have a kickass antivirus program built into Windows.
> I didn't get that patch until it was too late either. I still have lingering issues- I don't know if they can be fixed or not. One problem from the virus that I can't get rid of is my use of google has crashed. If I google something, all the links show, but any that I select takes me to a spam site- so I have to WRITE down the address, exit out and come back in directly by typing the URL long hand. Yuck. I have been doing what I can- I'm using Windows Defender and McAfee - running full scans from both every night. I get a minimum of 3 hits for "serious" issues, resolve them, then reboot. Everynight one seems gone but I have the other 2 still after I reboot. <shrug> I don't know either- but there must be something people can do?! Also, I no longer have an "active desktop" it's totally white screen now. After 12 hours trying to fix that one, I gave up. LOL
I'm more curious to know how some people living in their parent's basements can identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer security faster than the bazillionaires at Microsoft. I admit I'm a bit paranoid about this stuff....I check Microsoft for updates on startup, keep my McAfee updated and on "tight" security (if a website won't allow me to visit with that setting, then I don't), and have three different types of spyware/malware/adware programs.
I used a freeware program called Sdfix.exe to repair a friends computer. It had some interesting problems. System restore would not work, anti-virus would not run and when you went on the internet you would get pages of spam. I have attached a link to get more info if you wish. It it also suggested to run Malwarebytes after running Sdfix. I am not associated with the site just a user of the information. I was unable to download the programs directly to the friends computer so used another and copied through the usb port. I also had to rename Sdfix.exe in order to get it run. Seems like the virus planned ahead. Good Luck, http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic131299.html
Delete Windows and install Linux... Seriously, I use Windows mostly. If you get a nasty nasty on your PC, the best thing to do is pull the hard drive and scan it on another computer. It's much harder to remove a virus when it is actually running on your system. If you have a bad infestation, you should just back up your files and reinstall your operating system. Afterward, (or ideally before) use good antivirus and antimalware programs. Many of the decent ones are free. AVG, Avira, MBAM, and ThreatFire are a few that I use - you can Google them.
Kizmet: "What should we do?" John: Besides, "Get a Mac," you must mean. (The Mac was introduced 25 years ago yesterday. Apple gave me one that first week. 9,000+ days in the Mac world and not one virus yet.)
Part of that is that most companies rely on M$ software to run their databases (not to mention that the vast majority of pc's run M$) and as such black hatters make money exploiting those programs. I run Avast antivirus, the comodo firewall and have "NoScript" installed in firefox (an absolutely excellent tool which restricts any website you visit from using code unless you specifically authorize it). Most exploits/hacks out there go after IE / Outlook, etc. (M$ products), so simply by not using those you'll be able to greatly reduce your chances of getting exploited...
