viruses, spyware and linux

GEC: Discuss gaming, computers and electronics and venture into the bizarre world of STGODs.

Moderator: Thanas

Post Reply
User avatar
dragon
Sith Marauder
Posts: 4151
Joined: 2004-09-23 04:42pm

viruses, spyware and linux

Post by dragon »

Or my pc at home is full of viruses and spyware and even using several different anti spyware and antiviruses I still have several I can't get rid of. Was wondering whats one of the best protection out there. Also since I am going to reinstall my operating systyem I was wondering if I should use Linus instead of windows. How much difference will linux be from windows and will the programs that run on windows such as WoW also run on Linux.
User avatar
The Grim Squeaker
Emperor's Hand
Posts: 10319
Joined: 2005-06-01 01:44am
Location: A different time-space Continuum
Contact:

Post by The Grim Squeaker »

Linux has near zero viruses, although most games wont work on it without an emulator (dont know if WoW will).
The
The great tools and utils thread.
sticky at the top of the sub forum has some very good ones, I would recomend:
Lavasoft Adaware, AVG free & (if you want to pay money) Spyware doctor 3.2.
Photography
Genius is always allowed some leeway, once the hammer has been pried from its hands and the blood has been cleaned up.
To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.
User avatar
Argosh
Jedi Knight
Posts: 786
Joined: 2005-01-08 12:33pm

Re: viruses, spyware and linux

Post by Argosh »

What OS and protection do you have? What do you use (what Firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and browser)?
--
Don't make me use uppercase...
User avatar
dragon
Sith Marauder
Posts: 4151
Joined: 2004-09-23 04:42pm

Re: viruses, spyware and linux

Post by dragon »

Argosh wrote:What OS and protection do you have? What do you use (what Firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and browser)?
Windows xp I also use symantec firewall and norton antivirus and I used to have lavasoft adware but not anymore. Download spy sweeper trial wich allowed me to clean 98% of the crap.
User avatar
Argosh
Jedi Knight
Posts: 786
Joined: 2005-01-08 12:33pm

Re: viruses, spyware and linux

Post by Argosh »

Only way to be really sure is to backup your data and do a new OS install.
But if you can update your AV and anti-spyware software, pull the plug on your internet connection and boot to safe mode, then scan your harddrive.
It is possible to protect your Windows installation against the bugs if you play it safe, but its a lot of work at first.
My PC is Windows XP also. I use Symantec AntiVirus, ZoneAlarm Free, Spybot S&D TeaTimer and the occasional scan with Ad-Aware. I browse with Maxthon, and I've had no serious infections so far.
Using Linux - if you're not playing the games a lot, consider one of those Live CD-s(Ubuntu,Klax,Knoppix and so on - visit http://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php to see a really big list) and you'lle see if Linux suits you.
--
Don't make me use uppercase...
bilateralrope
Sith Acolyte
Posts: 6187
Joined: 2005-06-25 06:50pm
Location: New Zealand

Re: viruses, spyware and linux

Post by bilateralrope »

Argosh wrote:What OS and protection do you have? What do you use (what Firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and browser)?
Browser - Firefox
Firewall - sygate + router
Anti-virus - AVG
Anti-spyware - adaware, spybot and spyware doctor (the free version won't remove spyware, but tells you its there)

In saying this, all the spyware that has been on my computer is eaither tracking cookies (which i don't care about, but delete when spybot finds them) or tracable to use of IE.
the .303 bookworm wrote:Linux has near zero viruses
True, the anti-virus software you can buy for linux scans for windows viruses and is meant for things like mail servers
User avatar
Pu-239
Sith Marauder
Posts: 4727
Joined: 2002-10-21 08:44am
Location: Fake Virginia

Post by Pu-239 »

WoW will work under regular Wine (I think). Getting it to work would probably be a b*tch though.

ah.....the path to happiness is revision of dreams and not fulfillment... -SWPIGWANG
Sufficient Googling is indistinguishable from knowledge -somebody
Anything worth the cost of a missile, which can be located on the battlefield, will be shot at with missiles. If the US military is involved, then things, which are not worth the cost if a missile will also be shot at with missiles. -Sea Skimmer


George Bush makes freedom sound like a giant robot that breaks down a lot. -Darth Raptor
User avatar
Drooling Iguana
Sith Marauder
Posts: 4975
Joined: 2003-05-13 01:07am
Location: Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha

Post by Drooling Iguana »

Your best bet for WoW and other Windows games would be to try running them through Cedega. Unfortunately, it's not free, but it's pretty cheap.
Image
"Stop! No one can survive these deadly rays!"
"These deadly rays will be your death!"
- Thor and Akton, Starcrash

"Before man reaches the moon your mail will be delivered within hours from New York to California, to England, to India or to Australia by guided missiles.... We stand on the threshold of rocket mail."
- Arthur Summerfield, US Postmaster General 1953 - 1961
Post Reply