looking at all these posts. i would like to be proactive and try to avoid getting spyware/trojans in the first place. okay my question is where do you get them so i can avoid these sites. i mean it cant appear on your computer magically. right? so does anyone know which site or sites to avoid? or any other things i can do avoid getting all these nasties? thanks i hate computers

^You can block the crap sites with IE-SPYAD: Restricted Sites List for Internet Explorer IE-Spyad Tutorial

Okay, 5 things you can do (more or less in order of importance): -Update your windows version fully(including service pack 2) at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com -get a good virus scanner, like Norman, Norton or McAfee and update them regularly Also, a regular scan (once every month or so) helps. -download "spybot-search and destroy" and "ad-aware" from security.kolla.de and www.lavasoft.nu, update them and activate spybot's immunize feature. This stops many spyware programs' installation. Also, scans are always good. -generally avoid free programs you don't know the reliability of and illicit sites such as porn or warez sites. -don't trust pop-up messages For the rest, it's simple common sense.

MS Anti-Spyware Beta is supposed to be good too. Note that at least one of the programs listed in #2 does block some known bad websites. Kazza is worth avoiding. There's a lot to be said for downloading SpywareBlaster too. This uses no resources, prevents malware activating in the first place rather than fixing it afterwards. If you get this you don't use the Immunize feateure in SpyBot because (they say) SpywareBlaster is better at this. Derek.W

Its so easy to do,yet many people are blind,or walking down a dark alley with no light.Install linux,or get a mac.This will end the windows nightmares.

helix So, of-course, would disbanding your computer. Derek.W

Almost all web sites that install trojans and spyware target Internet Explorer, so using Mozilla Firefox will significantly reduce your chances of infection. Many people prefer Firefox for it's additional features like tabbed browsing anyway. Other than that, don't download junk.