Help! GC Computer Geniuses? (Or anyone smarter than me!)

[BrownEyedGirl]

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[OtterXO]

I was having a SERIOUS pop-up problem starting last year, so I downloaded spyhunter which worked for awhile, but then they started coming again. My solution was I downloaded netscape and uninstalled internet explorer. Since then (like 3 weeks ago) I've had no popups at all. I left the anti-spyware stuff on my computer, but I don't really need it anymore. All the popups seemed to be living in the internet explorer program. Hope this helps!

ETA: have no idea about the link thing...i just realized that's what you were asking about...sorry!

[ZTAngel]

There's some sneaky spyware out there that will remain hidden under the programs section on your Control Panel.

My recommendation is to download Spybot and Adaware to clean up your system. Sometimes, that won't clean up everything so download Hijack This. Hijack This is an advanced program and there's a good chance that you could end up deleting some important programs with it so it's best to save the log and then send it to our GC computer expert...decadence! (btw, he saved my computer when spyware was trying to corrupt it)

The spyware problems seem to be contained to Internet Explorer so the best thing to do is download another internet browser such as Mozilla Foxfire.

[_Opi_]

I agree with what ZTAngel said. I haven't been able to use my internet explorer..and a good friend of mine, who happens to be a genius with computers, recommended Foxfire and Adaware.

[AlphaSigOU]

You've been nailed by adware; what you describe (the keyword underliner) is just one of many sinister types floating around.

Get yourself AdAware (www.lavasoft.de) and SpyBot Search and Destroy. AND BE SURE TO KEEP THEM UPDATED!!!!

Don't uninstall anti-spyware programs once you think the problem's been solved. These scumsucking marketers look for ways to fool or even disable anti-spyware programs to bring their polluting message across.

Also be sure to go to Windows Update and download any and all software fixes and service packs... it's amazing how few know about this, which would control or eliminate any potential security holes in your system.

Spyware - software that tracks your computing habits and surreptitiously transmits it to another user or company.

Malware - software that's poorly written and sucks up too much memory for what it claims to do. Also likes to take over the registry by making itself the preferred program, whether you like it or not.

Adware - software that is nothing but a channel to bombard you with ads for useless shit. Some are as insidious as keyword underliners, others just throw a shitload of popups at you.

Browser hijackers - some websites (especially porn sites) will attempt to change your default home page or "mousetrap" you (short of giving the three-finger salute, you can't click back out of the site).

Hope this helps.

[ZTAngel]

Unfortunately, I am all too aware of all the computer corrupters that AlphaSigOU has listed. The guy that I inherited my office computer from loved to look at porn on his lunch breaks. It was never enjoyable to go online to check my email and get a pop up of some naked lady playing with herself.