Mrs. Mecomber's Scrapbook

I am frequently questioned about security issues here at Mrs. Mecomber’s Scrapbook. I haven’t been addressing them very regularly, so I aim to change that. I plan to be posting about security programs, security tutorials, and security news. My hope is that these things will help you in your own computer usage, and make your information and computer all the more secure. Eventually I will have a separate page with a list of things to do to secure your computer. For now, I’ll address these things periodically.

I’ve posted before about some good, free firewalls. And I’ve blogged about a good, free anti-virus program that I use. Next in line are some good, free spyware, malware, and junk cleaners.

No matter how effective your firewall and anti-virus programs are, you are probably going to get some junk on your computer. Simple Internet surfing picks up the junkiest clutter– cookies, adware, tracking bunnies, etc etc.

Spyware removers are a little different than anti-virus and firewall programs. It is recommended that you only use one anti-virus program and one forewall program, but it’s different with spyware removers. You want as many of these as you can. Not all spyware programs get everything. With more than one, you are ensuring that you cover most (and perhaps all, if possible) of your bases. Here are my favorites. These are oldies but goodies, and I have found them to be extremely effective.

AdAware
This program has really made great strides. I downloaded it years ago, when it was first released. It was buggy for me back then (on a Windows ME), so I had to uninstall it. I downloaded it again a year ago, and love it! I think it works a little better than my other spyware programs. It certainly is easier to use.

NoScript for Firefox
Built as a plugin for the Firefox browser, this little baby will block any and all actions in your browser until you give it permission to unblock. The plugin download at the Mozilla site is here. I think of NoScript as a firewall for your browser. You see, your computer must communicate with other computers in order to show you the data. Your web browser is the portal, like a window. It translates the information from one computer (a server on the Internet) to your computer. Most browsers automatically allow all its communication in and out. NoScript blocks all the interactive communication. It asks you if you want to show such-and-such, and remembers your answer. i have found it extremely effective. Be aware, however, that it takes a little time to learn how to use the plugin, that you will be asked a lot of “allow” or “disallow” questions in the beginning, and does make Internet browsing a little more laborious. But as far as security goes, this is aan excellent program.

Spybot: Search and Destroy
I have been a faithful user of this program for many years. I used it when I became dissatisfied with buggy AdAware (although I love AdAware now, and use it). I have found Spybot to be buggier now, lol! Sometimes the updates don’t download, and sometimes the program freezes up. You might be wondering why I am even mentioning it… I do like Spybot; I think it is very effective. I think it was updated recently to get rid of those bugs, because it is running smoother now. It has caught some gunk that AdAware had not detected. Spybot is a crucial component in my security set-up. If you download it, be sure to get the most recent version.

CrapCleaner
Don’t be repelled by the vulgar name! This program is my favorite computer cleaner. If you visit the link, CNet has a video on it. CrapCleaner, or CC, searches for all that junk that collects from your surfing– cookies, temporary files, history, data, and the like. It wipes all that data out. It cleans out the temp files and temp data in Firefox, Internet Explorer, Paint, WinZip,Open Office, Word, etc. It will also backup your registry in case it removes something important. And there are plenty of “Are you sure” windows so you don’t wipe out everything by accident.

Windows Defender
I hesitated to use this program when it first came out, but it came pre-installed on a computer I’d gotten. I am impressed with it, for a Microsoft program. It works well, and is updated with the regular MS Windows updating service. I’ve used it and it has proven efficient. The scans were fast, too. I probably wouldn’t use this program as my only spyware program, but it’s an important part of a beefy security system.

Be wary of downloading any old spyware remover software. Some are imposters and will actually infect your computer. It’s best to stick with the tried and true for this stuff. Do a little searching, and check out pros like Kim Komando or CNet for second opinions before you hit that “download” button.

Another thing I will mention is that it is best to avoid seedy or negligible websites. No-brainer, huh? But you’d be surprised if you saw the statistics (like I have) about how many people visit the most sordid sites and then act so surprised that their computers are infected. Like, duh! Porn sites, sports sites, and music sites are filled with spyware, malware, and trojans just waiting for you to click that link or image. Don’t do it! You’ll infect your computer and threaten all the other computers on your network, not to mention people whose names are in your address books, and etc. These seedy websites prey on perverts and dumkopfs. Avoid these sites. Use the internet wisely, and use the Internet safely.

Finally, other programs, such as Ad Blockers and Pop Up Stoppers, are an important part of securing your computer. These programs will prevent help scripts and cookies from being dumped into your computer as you surf. Here’s a list of a few good ones that I use.

I hope this helps! It is unfortunate that we have to take such measures to beat off the bad guys, but it’s a cruel world. Be safe with your surfing.