Virus Warning

kinks · Post by **kinks** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 5:52 pm

There is an email going about marked "postcard" do not open it even if it says it's from one of your friends, it's suppose to be the worst virus ever and there is nothing that can be done to stop it, if you open it, your computer will be gone.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:03 pm

Thanks for the heads up Kinks. I don't open any emails unless I know the sender. I don't even open forwards from my friends....

Also, be aware of the virus that says it's from PayPal because it isn't. It states that you bought an item from ebay for $40.75 and someone has accessed your bank acct. They're trying to get you password. It's supposed to be a bad virus.

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:08 pm

Thanks Gem, I'm the same as Kathy E, I don't open any mail if I do not recognise the name. But it is always worth warning people. There are some evil sods around, it's a pity they can't put their talents to more sociable use.

Hope you're OK Gem, XXX

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:09 pm

Thanks for the warning Kinks :-4

kinks · Post by **kinks** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:19 pm

Thanks for that kathy ellen

I'm not too bad thanks Gill, hope you're ok :-6

You're welcome pheasy

Oh....by the looks of things, there's another one going round by "Natwest"

Post by **spot** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:28 pm

Kathy Ellen;797389 wrote: Thanks for the heads up Kinks. I don't open any emails unless I know the sender. I don't even open forwards from my friends....Actually, you know, those emails which propagate by going through a Microsoft Outlook Express address book arrive on your machine with your friend's sender address and no "FWD" at all in the subject line.

The trick is to have an up to date virus checker permanently running on your machine. That way it makes no difference what you open, it can't do what it was sent to do. Without a running virus checker any Microsoft computer that goes onto the Internet is rapidly corrupted.

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:43 pm

My sister just got a virus on MSN, it got into her address book

and sent messages to all her contacts with a file attached telling them to look at the picture she took of her neighbour crashing the car hahaha.

Not very funny.

What the hell do these jerks get out of doing this?

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:49 pm

spot;797399 wrote: Actually, you know, those emails which propagate by going through a Microsoft Outlook Express address book arrive on your machine with your friend's sender address and no "FWD" at all in the subject line.

The trick is to have an up to date virus checker permanently running on your machine. That way it makes no difference what you open, it can't do what it was sent to do. Without a running virus checker any Microsoft computer that goes onto the Internet is rapidly corrupted.

Thanks Spot...I didn't know that:-6

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:57 pm

I also don't open anything from anybody I don't recognize. My pc crashed twice this year and all due to my kids downloading GKW. A real hassle on my end since I had to call pc repairman. Yeah, I didn't think they they were gonna sit on the phone for a couple of hours doing that BS fixing it.

Hugh Janus · Post by **Hugh Janus** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:05 pm

To be quite honest here. This kind of stuff only gets propogated by idiots doing things they shouldn't do, on their computers. If you are so stupid as to run an attachment to an email, from whoever, without knowing what it is...then you have only yourself to blame..

Best thing to do is pack the computer up, and take it back to the shop, and tell 'em you are too stupid to own it!!!

Richard Bell · Post by **Richard Bell** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:35 pm

snopes.com reports that this really does contain a virus.

Very good info on it here :

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/postcard.asp

kinks · Post by **kinks** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 12:35 am

Hugh Janus;797450 wrote: To be quite honest here. This kind of stuff only gets propogated by idiots doing things they shouldn't do, on their computers. If you are so stupid as to run an attachment to an email, from whoever, without knowing what it is...then you have only yourself to blame..

Best thing to do is pack the computer up, and take it back to the shop, and tell 'em you are too stupid to own it!!!

I really hope this wasn't directed at me

Post by **spot** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 4:48 am

qsducks;797446 wrote: I also don't open anything from anybody I don't recognize.

Hugh Janus;797450 wrote: If you are so stupid as to run an attachment to an email, from whoever, without knowing what it is...then you have only yourself to blame..

Richard Bell;797500 wrote: snopes.com reports that this really does contain a virus.

Actually, you know, those emails which propagate by going through a Microsoft Outlook Express address book arrive on your machine with your friend's sender address and no "FWD" at all in the subject line.

The trick is to have an up to date virus checker permanently running on your machine. That way it makes no difference what you open, it can't do what it was sent to do. Without a running virus checker any Microsoft computer that goes onto the Internet is rapidly corrupted.

If the sleep has left your ears

You might hear footsteps running through an open meadow

Don't be concerned

It will not harm you

It's only me pursuing something.

Glen Campbell, man. Far out.

VIRUSES ARE INEFFECTIVE

WHEN DEPLOYED AGAINST

UP TO DATE VIRUS PROTECTION.

(spot, man, very minor and totally paranoid exceptions excluded)

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 6:43 am

Hugh Janus;797450 wrote: To be quite honest here. This kind of stuff only gets propogated by idiots doing things they shouldn't do, on their computers. If you are so stupid as to run an attachment to an email, from whoever, without knowing what it is...then you have only yourself to blame..

Best thing to do is pack the computer up, and take it back to the shop, and tell 'em you are too stupid to own it!!!

Your comment seems a bit judgmental. Intelligent people are human and therefore make mistakes at times. Ideally they learn from their mistakes.

We are just getting some helpful advise and reminders here, and we do appreciate it.

Post by **spot** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 7:02 am

Hugh's not quite with it, that's all. I run attachments to emails from whoever without knowing what it is all the while. I wear protection. I feel quite safe doing it. I do not, in the process, qualify as stupid. Besides, the shop staff would flinch at my computer, it's probably older than their business.

kinks · Post by **kinks** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 2:47 pm

I would just like to say to Hugh, that i did not get the virus, it was just one i heard about and thought i would warn some people and i am not stupid

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 2:49 pm

Your one of the smartest cookies I know babes,:-6

Ignorance can be ignored:-6

The Rob · Post by **The Rob** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 3:55 pm

Yes, yes, and thanks from yet another stupid person. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to finish packing up my computer to send back as instructed.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 3:57 pm

Hugh Janus;797450 wrote: To be quite honest here. This kind of stuff only gets propogated by idiots doing things they shouldn't do, on their computers. If you are so stupid as to run an attachment to an email, from whoever, without knowing what it is...then you have only yourself to blame..

Best thing to do is pack the computer up, and take it back to the shop, and tell 'em you are too stupid to own it!!!

Well this is definately some of the best advice I have heard in a while, I think we should all do as Hugh says right now. :rolleyes: :p

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 6:03 pm

Before Sunset;798145 wrote: We'd be stupid not to!:rolleyes:

:yh_rotfl

Funny Sunset...we don't wanna be stupid now, do wel:wah:

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:19 am

[quote=abbey;797409]My sister just got a virus on MSN, it got into her address book

and sent messages to all her contacts with a file attached telling them to look at the picture she took of her neighbour crashing the car hahaha.

Not very funny.

What the hell do these jerks get out of doing this?[/quote]

It's probably the virus software sellers just trying to sell more anti virus software..

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:23 am

I once spent a couple of hours with Dr Solomon at a Unisys seminar. I didn't dare ask, he was such a nice chap. Besides, I'd never met anyone who'd sold his name before.

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:40 am

YZGI;798461 wrote: [quote=abbey;797409]My sister just got a virus on MSN, it got into her address book

and sent messages to all her contacts with a file attached telling them to look at the picture she took of her neighbour crashing the car hahaha.

Not very funny.

What the hell do these jerks get out of doing this?[/quote]

It's probably the virus software sellers just trying to sell more anti virus software..

spot;798468 wrote: I once spent a couple of hours with Dr Solomon at a Unisys seminar. I didn't dare ask, he was such a nice chap. Besides, I'd never met anyone who'd sold his name before.

Can you think of a better motivation?

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:13 am

No, but there's far too much evidence of virus-creators putting their own wickedness into the wild for there to be any need for the antivirus-package-creators to give a hand, and too much financial benefit to the creators of the viruses to be in any doubt of the motive.

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:16 am

I recently got a virus on my laptop. Why didn't Spy Sweeper block it :-5 Which virus blocker is best?

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:33 am

Ooooh. I wince, see me wince.

I quote too - see me quote. "Webroot sells two versions of Spy Sweeper: a zero-cost 'spy scan' offering real-time protection from spyware, and a full version that allows for the removal of spyware".

Spy Blocker is completely uninterested in viruses. Its sole job is to fend off potential spyware.

Pheasy, there are two things you should be running. A complete real-time protection against viruses with an option to scan on request and on a schedule, and a complete real-time protection against spyware with an option to scan on request. Those are the completely minimum requirements for surviving if you use a Microsoft operating system.

There's lots of ways of doing it. When I use a Microsoft operating system I use AVG free and Lavasoft's Adaware free. Some people think they're inadequate. Some people prefer Kasperky. Some people, God knows why, prefer to pay money as well.

Spy Sweeper quite likely IS the best spyware blocker but it doesn't even claim to look at viruses!

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:54 am

spot;798642 wrote: Ooooh. I wince, see me wince.

I quote too - see me quote. "Webroot sells two versions of Spy Sweeper: a zero-cost 'spy scan' offering real-time protection from spyware, and a full version that allows for the removal of spyware".

Spy Blocker is completely uninterested in viruses. Its sole job is to fend off potential spyware.

Pheasy, there are two things you should be running. A complete real-time protection against viruses with an option to scan on request and on a schedule, and a complete real-time protection against spyware with an option to scan on request. Those are the completely minimum requirements for surviving if you use a Microsoft operating system.

There's lots of ways of doing it. When I use a Microsoft operating system I use AVG free and Lavasoft's Adaware free. Some people think they're inadequate. Some people prefer Kasperky. Some people, God knows why, prefer to pay money as well.

Spy Sweeper quite likely IS the best spyware blocker but it doesn't even claim to look at viruses!

I recently got AVG, but when I install it, it makes my system crash. The only way to recover was to start in 'safe mode' and uninstall it. I put in a technical support request to AVG who say I have to remove all other anti-virus software - I don't see why I should have to do that.

Their response ...

According to your description it seems that there is some conflicting application installed on your computer. If there is another anti-virus or firewall software please uninstall it from your computer.

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:05 am

You have to uninstall most anti virus software if you want to run another Pheasy. I use avg antivirus and their spyware 7.5 which is also free with no problems. I also have a neat little programme called pc-on-point which excellent for safely repairing errors on your computer, it removes bugs and restores the overall performance and speed of your PC. It does a restore back up before it does any repairs too.

I also use lavasoft ad aware for a last sweep up.

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:23 am

ThePheasant;798683 wrote: I put in a technical support request to AVG who say I have to remove all other anti-virus software - I don't see why I should have to do that.

There's no combination of two antivirus resident programs which will run alongside each other without conflict, it's the nature of antivirus products. Every single one of them requires that you remove all others before installing theirs. Bear in mind that spyware blockers are a different kettle of fish.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:26 am

Anyone have any opinions as to SpyBot for spyware blocking / removal?

I'll give another vote to AVG7 Free whilst I'm here

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:30 am

I'm not competent to judge the comparative effectiveness of spyware blockers, I'd have to look for a review I trusted.

Pheasy, I'm concerned that you haven't grasped that there's a total difference between a virus and a spyware infection yet. Protecting against one has no effect on whether you get the other. Protecting against both is essential for you or you'll have a degraded computer in no time. If you don't hear that bit you'll keep on having problems.

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:44 am

spot;798781 wrote: I'm not competent to judge the comparative effectiveness of spyware blockers, I'd have to look for a review I trusted.

Pheasy, I'm concerned that you haven't grasped that there's a total difference between a virus and a spyware infection yet. Protecting against one has no effect on whether you get the other. Protecting against both is essential for you or you'll have a degraded computer in no time. If you don't hear that bit you'll keep on having problems.

I have now. But I have Webroot Spy Sweeper and AVG which should cover both spyware and viruses, but I can't have them together :-5

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:52 am

ThePheasant;798794 wrote: I have now. But I have Webroot Spy Sweeper and AVG which should cover both spyware and viruses, but I can't have them together :-5

Yes you can. They don't conflict. One's a resident anti-virus package and one's an anti-spyware package. They work together in perfect harmony. Why do you think you can't have them together?

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:53 am

Alright I just checked - I am being thick. I got AVG 8.0 which has Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Spam, Firewall and LinkScanner.

So it will be safe to uninstall spy sweeper and I am covered for everything??????

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:54 am

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:58 am

Thanks Spot - See I got there eventually, just took a little longer than most :wah::o

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:02 am

Okay I'm going to do this - if I disappear from FG forever :-1 you know my system crashed :wah:

Be brave Pheasy, be brave :yh_nailbi:yh_nailbi

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:03 am

Good Luck Pheasy x:-6

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:39 am

How long can pheasants hold their breath under water?

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:40 am

Im a virus. The Nomad virus. Anyone that clicks on one of my posts gets a surprise.

I am so clever !

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:47 am

Nomad;798875 wrote: Im a virus. The Nomad virus. Anyone that clicks on one of my posts gets a surprise.

I am so clever !
Nomad I'm sure there are a few women in here who would love to click on your post and get a surprise. I believe I will hold off on that particular invitation..

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:48 am

spot;798873 wrote: How long can pheasants hold their breath under water?

'cough'

'splutter'

'hello am I here?'

'Is it me?'

Pheasy pinches her arm, yes I made it back!

Thanks Spot - I installed it now, all is okay - you can stop rolling your eyes at me now :wah:

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:53 am

Chezzie;798717 wrote: You have to uninstall most anti virus software if you want to run another Pheasy. I use avg antivirus and their spyware 7.5 which is also free with no problems. I also have a neat little programme called pc-on-point which excellent for safely repairing errors on your computer, it removes bugs and restores the overall performance and speed of your PC. It does a restore back up before it does any repairs too.

I also use lavasoft ad aware for a last sweep up.

Where did you get pc-on-point Chez?

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:56 am

OMG!!!

Are 'Tracking cookies' as bad as they sound?

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:07 pm

ThePheasant;798886 wrote: OMG!!!

Are 'Tracking cookies' as bad as they sound?

No and neither are MRUs but they've got to have something showing every time you run or you'd think they were not doing their job.

I get rid but I don't worry about them.

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:10 pm

Bryn Mawr;798888 wrote: No and neither are MRUs but they've got to have something showing every time you run or you'd think they were not doing their job.

I get rid but I don't worry about them.

Thanks Bryn :-6

Post by **spot** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:17 pm

ThePheasant;798886 wrote: OMG!!!

Are 'Tracking cookies' as bad as they sound?

It's a long time since I laughed quite like that.

Well done pheasy, you done good.

Pheasy · Post by **Pheasy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:20 pm

spot;798897 wrote: It's a long time since I laughed quite like that.

Well done pheasy, you done good.

:yh_rotfl