Don't forget to get your security updates from MS too. If you haven't got them already a virus checker and firewall are pretty well essential these days. There are good freebies around. URL for Automated HijackThis analysis: CLICK HERE It's a good start but you might need additonal help. Derek.W

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I believe Avant is just a shell for IE - better features, sure, but likely the same security holes. SpywareBlaster will help keep stuff from installing, but you need to get clear of your current set of parasites. Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?

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I don't mind having a firewall program installed but which one? I'm unable to enable the WinXP as we have 4 systems in our house and need to transfer files between them at times. I'm afraid of getting so many different protection programs installed on my system that it will bog it down. I can remember having McAfee and my system would hang at times. I did install 'Spywareblaster' and went through the settings but how can you tell if it is running in the background. I could not find an option to check to have it load at Windows startup and there is no icon in the systray. Thanks, Debbie

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I don't use it myself, but it's not something you 'leave running' - it makes changes to the registry etc to help immunize your system against spyware - once it's done, you close it. A firewall will not prevent most (if any) of the programs you're concerned about from installing, since they usually use features built into IE. I thought McAfee always hung (?) Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?

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Also, the reason why I use Avant vs Firefox is as you say some of the features. I like having the Tabs and a biggie is having a few different options in opening a new window. Blank, current, home page.... And from what I remember you were not able to setup the toolbar the why you want. When looking for a new browser how can you tell if it's a standalone browser vs an IE shell? Thanks, Debbie

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Another question about the security updates from MS. Should I just go and have all the updates installed? How do I know what will conflict with what if any? I know I made the mistake of installing SP2. I can't remember all the problems I had but I ended up rebuilding just to straighten things out.

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Research, I suppose - the shells will have to specifiy IE as one of the system requirements. Opera has been feature rich for many years now (alas, not free) but there's also Netscape, Mozilla and Firefox - although I believe they have much in common. Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?

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Hopefully someone else can answer your XP & IE questions - don't do a whole lot with either myself. Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?

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I have tested a lot of different browsers but all lack one or a couple of features I find important. Slimbroswer is OK Mozilla: You can only drag and drop links no folders in you favorites and there is no right mouse click features... meaning you can't delete a favorite from within them. Not very user friendly in my mind. Netscape would have the same problems as IE as I heard most popups are targeted toward the most popular browsers, IE and Netscape. Others I have tried is: Opera Ace Explorer SmartFox Deepest Explorer NetCaptor BrowseMan Smart Explorer Maxthon All lacking in something. And yes I have rebuilt my system since playing with all these programs. Thanks, Debbie

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Slimbrowser is also an IE shell - in fact the majority of the 'new' browsers are. I don't think there is one that is perfect. I've been using Opera for years, but occasionally use IE5.5 & Netscape7.2 My adware problems usually consist of a few tracking cookies, as found by the occasional Ad-aware scan. Running 98, no resident protection other than AV and an old firewall Why don't they make computers that will do what we think we want them to do?

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SpywareBlaster just locks certain registry settings that these nasties attack, and is only Run briefly when you get updates in order to do this. The "basic" Ad-Aware and SpyBot features only use resources when you run them. SpyBot "Tea-Timer/Resident" is seen by many as a darned nuisance and best either not installed or disabled afterwards. SpyBot suggest you don't use their immunize feature if you have SpywareBlaster on board (because the latter is better in that respect). Whatever else it is well worth downloading MS cumulative updates for IE. They don't usually cause any problems. I too will leave the XP questions to someone more familiar with that OS. Derek.W

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Thanks Derek. As for the updates as you say I think I will at least install the ones for the web. Debbie

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