Bubble Boy: Am I too paraniod?????:o

[pickel]

All I know about viruses is that can cause mucho problemo. With the advent of a virus that can get into your (my) computer and wreck havok, I've totally deleted Outlook and
went to IE5 security settings and diabled
evrything. I have already got the patches
for Office Pro Suite and any other patch availible for Microsoft products. I've done more downloading than surfing. Is there any end in sight???? I feel kinda safe cause my primary email is on Netscape. But how long is it before that's compromised? When I got my computer I thought that it was gonna be all fun and games.But, obviously, the reality of it all is something other than it was cracked up to be. I guess, swimming in the deep end of the pool has it's drawbacks. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, just concerned
for all of us that would like to be at ease
when we're having the ultimate experience,
The Internet. There's alot of folks outthere that have no idea about this site and the
combined genius that the members here hold
about computers and there functions.Easy prey
for these inconsiderate, egotistical programers trying to ruin everybody's day.
Just like the old schoolyard bully, some ones going to pay and what can we really do about it but roll with the punches.

Target:Thanks for the site. Bookmarked.
I guess, being concerned about the virus thing, takes away from the time I'm trying to use learning about computers and what makes them tick. But, I realize, it's all related
and mutually inclusive. Thanks again /forum/biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by pickel (edited 11-12-1999).]

[Target]

Pickel.....we all feel your pain brother, but don't let it get you down too much. PC's are way too much fun to let a few bad apples spoil it for us. Sure its a pain in the ****, but you can take steps to protect yourself. As with most things in life, being vigilant is always a good idea anyway.

If you want to learn a great deal about viruses; what they are, how they work, how to protect yourself, etc., then visit www.stiller.com (http://www.stiller.com)

There is a ton of information there with "plain english" explanations, and I think its a must visit site for anyone wanting to learn more.

~Target

[BBA]

Fix for Bubble Boy Virus, from MS (http://www.microsoft.com/security/Bulletins/ms99-032.asp)

BBA

[This message has been edited by BBA (edited 11-12-1999).]

[socalgal]

pickel, I too am "concerned" about my system's security. There are dangers out there, but there are also measures you - anyone - can take to reasonably protect yourself. You're doing the right things keeping the patches, updates, and virus definitions up at all times. No, there is no end in sight. /forum/wink.gif

Education is the first step toward becoming less fearful and more empowered. Type "security" or "firewall" or "hacker" or "virus" into any search engine, and start reading.

There are remedies are out there, some very good ones, some not so good. Ask about them. Try them. Use them. Learn more. Be fascinated. It's a whole 'nother thing to explore. And yes, you can feel more at ease.

One of these days, I'll learn Linux. /forum/wink.gif

[CMonster]

Doesn't anyone mention backups anymore? The best protection against a a catastrophic system failure or wicked virus is a good recent backup. I cannot stress this enough.

You can backup in a number of ways, to a tape drive, a spare hard disk, another system, or even with burning CDs. I like to keep around a copy of my system with a fresh install of all my favorite software and drivers; in addition, I keep all my recent files (worthy pics, docs, and downloads) backed up on CDs.

I should not leave out that latest antivirus program and updated pattern files, that is important too, as well as all the latest vendor security patches.

And it is all fun and games - if you do not take it too seriously and excercise "safe" computing practices. I doubt that many of us are running fortune 500s from our PCs, but use common sense in storing information that is sensitive. Obivously you do not want to have a folder called "Credit Card Numbers" or "System Passwords" available on your computer. Although I do have several folders in my computers by similar names but they contain a text file that reads, "Hi! I work for the FBI. If you are reading this - we've almost got you!"

George

[pickel]

CMonster: I have the best anti-virus (I hope)
Norton System Works w/ the virus suite.I have alot of my 'special' downloaded programs on my Zip drive. But how are you be able to copy your contents or your entire harddrive in one shot so that you can easily re-install if something happens? CD recorder? If so I'll
get one .My wife owes me an aniversary present anyway /forum/biggrin.gif. Can they hook up to a serial port, that's all I have left, everything else is full up!Thanks,man /forum/smile.gif

BBA: Thanks. I'll haveta undo IE to get it,
TEMPORARILY /forum/smile.gif GOT IT /forum/biggrin.gif

Thank you too SOCALGAL /forum/smile.gif Hope your computer
is still working AOK /forum/smile.gif /forum/smile.gif

A little off the subject. Remember my post on Restart? My Tech support had me reset my graphics accel. and download Direct X'( I choose #6, since some of the guys were having troble with # 7 So far so good. Might help
be the answer to someone else's problem /forum/smile.gif

the pickel

[This message has been edited by pickel (edited 11-13-1999).]

[This message has been edited by pickel (edited 11-13-1999).]

[Zotzmein]

Pickel,

Too paranoid, is there such a thing? /forum/wink.gif

Download all the updates.
Back up all your files then back up your backup – I love redundancy.
Use every anti-virus program or form of protection possible.

Bite your nails, lose sleep and fret that your system is still venerable. Computers are like children; you just can’t help but worry about them.

My policy: better to error on the side of caution, than watch your work go up in flames (figuratively of course).

Regards to All,

Zotz Mein


[This message has been edited by Zotzmein (edited 11-13-1999).]

[Ygor]

Wouldn't it be nice if some benevolent soul out there made an antivirus that could deal with all virii and just let it loose on the web?

[CMonster]

A clone system is also handy - having two identical systems with identical software. I had two like that, (different computer names) networked together. Just be careful not to infect both systems!

I use a second hard disk and mirror the first, just after I have installed the system, drivers, and basic programs. Then I set that disk aside in a safe place: all of my other files I keep on CDs. I can usually repair a system, but on rare occasions (usually as a result of my own experimenting), I have to wipe the hard disk clean and start fresh. Then I simply boot from the spare drive, mirror the system back, add my stuff from the CDs, and it's back to business.

There are a number of tape drives options that are convient and can backup virtually any size system, the disadvantage is that they are slow. And there are a number of backup strategies.

I have also heard about a few methods for doing your entire system backup on CDs but I have not tried them.