How to avoid spam ?

Browsing

There is a wealth of wonderful information on the World Wide Web, but with the privilege of participating in the digital age, we must be responsible in our web surfing activities. New and more sophisticated viruses are being programmed at an alarming rate. We can easily pick one up simply by visiting an infected web site. Below are a few suggestions to protect you while online:
Purchase or download an effective Internet Security program (Anti-Virus, Personal Firewall, Spyware Protection, Anti-phishing, Home Network protection, Anti-Hacking, Anti-Spam). This webmaster uses and highly recommends Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security. If you can afford to purchase one, TMPC-cillin is the best protection you will find anywhere. It is cheaper than most other Internet Security software, provides live anti-virus updates and also allows you to schedule update checks every 3 hours (not daily like others), is user friendly and will not weight your computer resource down like Norton, McAfee and others do. Make sure the product you choose offers free anti-virus definition updates and schedule the updates on a daily basis (see below for recommendations).


Download an effective Firewall to block hackers, trojans, spyware, etc., regardless of your Internet connection type (see below for recommendations).


Download an effective Pop-Up Killer to avoid advertising pop-up annoyances. Optionally, download a non-spyware browser with Pop-Up Blocker (Mozilla or Firefox highly recommended). If you're a die-hard Internet Explorer user, then check for the latest service packs on Windows Update. The latest service pack includes the latest IE update that has a pop-up blocker option.


Use caution when visiting web sites with multiple pop-up's. I once visited a clip-art website, which popped up multiple advertising windows, one of which tried to infect my system with the JS.Exception.Exploit trojan. Luckily, my anti-virus program kicked-in. It is rare, but there are web sites out there that implant code specifically to infect visitors' computers.


The most recent infections to web browsers have been attributed to a homepage hijacker malware called "about:blank". The easiest way to be infected is to download some browser toolbars. Most contain spyware, but there are some which contain components that will hijack your browser settings so that when you initially open your IE browser, it is reset to a specified website, often porn-related. The best way to combat the likelyhood of infections is to download Ad-Aware to detect and remove, and SpywareBlaster to block future spyware, browser hijacker, trojan, or other malware attempts.


Carefully review the privacy policies/statements of web sites, especially if you are required to submit personal information for any reason.


Clear your Temporary Internet Folders and History regularly.


Internet Explorer: Click on the "Tools" drop-down menu, select "Internet Options". Under 'Temporary Internet Files', select [Delete Cookies], click [OK] to confirm, then, select [Delete Files], click [OK] to confirm, then select [Clear History], click [OK] to confirm.


Netscape: Click on the "Edit" drop-down" menu, select "Preferences". Select "Navigator". Under History, click [Clear History], click [OK] to confirm, then under Location Bar History, select [Clear Location Bar], click [OK] to confirm. Also, clear cache. Select "Advanced", select "Cache", select [Clear Memory Cache], click [OK] to confirm, then select [Clear Disk Cache], click [OK] to confirm.


Yes...it's a pain, but it's a smart privacy precaution and it really only takes an extra minute of your time to complete.


Monitor your child(ren)'s web browsing activities. Also, review the browser web history. Set up parental controls, if available. A safe alternative is to download a Kid-Safe Browser.
 

Chat / IM

It's great to keep in touch with our family and friends, but we should understand that our conversations are never really private. With this in mind, common sense is your best weapon:
Configure your settings to prompt prior to receiving files over any Instant Messaging program.


Do not enter profile information into an Instant Messaging Program.


Set your IM privacy level to only allow those people on your buddy list to see you when you're online.


Set up a free web-based email account somewhere to receive junk mail, should the Instant Messaging company require an email address when you register and download their product. You can then login to the web-based email account once per month, to show activity and avoid web-based email cancellation.


AOL Users: Set up a screen name to receive no email and use that screen name to chat.


Monitor your child(ren)'s chat activities. Also, review the chat history. Set up parental controls, if available.
 

Downloading

There are so many great software products out on the market to make your computer do anything you want it to. Surfer beware!
Before you download any freeware, software, or utility, it's good practice to carefully review their privacy statement and software policy. Since some websites do not always disclose spyware or malware presence, check the software against a spyware database. The most up-to-date database I've found is Spyware-Guide.Com.


Many companies bundle third party software within their downloads and CDs. When installing a downloaded program or CD, select "Custom Install" instead of "Automatic Install", to enable you to review and de-select auto-checked add-ons you don't want on your computer.


If you suspect you've downloaded spyware in the past, download and run a Spyware/Adware remover, to remove existing spyware. [We recommend JavaCool's SpywareBlaster Spyware Blocker, or LavaSoft's Ad-Aware Spyware Detector/Remover.]
 

Email Safety

Everyone enjoys receiving jokes, funny pictures, etc., from friends and/or family, but email is the easiest route for viruses. Newer virus worms and trojans are being programmed to infect and/or steal your personal information. There are now new viruses that don't even require you to open an attachment to infect your system. Irresponsible email practices can also expose you and your acquaintances to spam. Below are a few suggestions to avoid such complications:
If you receive emails from eBay, CitiBank, PayPal, or other "well known" companies, especially if you have account with them, DO NOT click on the link or answer any update information from that link, unless you want your identity stolen. Some emails also come with built-in viruses and trojans. This scam is called Phishing. Visit the Federal Trade Commissions Consumer page for useful information about Itentity Theft and what to do if you've been scammed: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/


Again, it is extremely important to purchase or download a good Internet Security Program (Anti-Virus, Firewall, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Spam) and configure your email program for inclusion. Friends and/or family may unwittingly forward a "time-released" virus to your computer via your mailbox.


Some virus infected attachments may be identified via the following suffixes: .BAT, .CHM, .COM, .DOC, .EML, .EXE, .HTML, .MNU, .OVL, .PIF, .PRG, .SCR, .SHS, .SYS, .VBS. If you are ever in doubt about clicking on any attachment, it is best to refer to a virus encyclopedia first.


Notice that .com and .html were included in the last paragraph. It is okay to open a web site link (URL), as long as it is in the body of an email. Keep in mind that there are web sites out there that may be infected, and simply visiting the site can trigger release of a trojan or applet-created virus (example: JS.Exception.Exploit).


If your email somehow ends up on mailing (spam) lists which say, "To be removed from this list, reply and enter 'remove' in the subject line", DO NOT REPLY! These are auto-bots and when you reply, you're informing the spammer that your email is a live address. You'll end up with 50 times the mail if you do.


As a rule, you should not open an email if you don't recognize the sender. You can retrieve a virus, or at the very least, be spammed. Unfortunately, websites that utilize email auto-bots do follow you after you've left the site. Ever notice that you've received spam of the same subject matter as the site you recently viewed?

If you use Outlook or Outlook Express to retrieve email, remove the checkmark next to "Show Preview Panel" so that the email is not executed as read when item is selected, therefore protecting you from auto-executable viruses.


Outlook: Select "View" from the drop-down menu, select "Preview Panel".


Outlook Express: Select "View" from the drop-down menu, select "Layout". Under "Preview Panel", un-check the box that says "Show Preview Panel", Click [OK] to confirm.


To protect your Outlook or Outlook Express address book from being intercepted, should you receive a virus - add an entry in your address book, listing the name as #####, and the email address as ###@####.com. This invalid email address (which will appear as the first entry on your list), will disable the virus' ability to spread itself to your address book recipients. Of course, you will still need to remove the virus from your PC.


To protect the privacy of those whom you forward jokes, jpeg/gif pictures, etc., enter all recipients' email addresses in the "BCC" line. This way, no one's email address can be intercepted by spammers.


When forwarding jokes, jpeg/gif pictures, etc., make sure to remove all the recipient information from previous emails for two reasons: 1) to save scrolling time; 2) to protect others' email addresses from spam interception. Also, scan all attachment prior to forwarding.


DO NOT FORWARD CHAIN LETTERS, HOAXES and URBAN LEGENDS, hoping to receive money, or to inform friends of a crime in a parking lot, or even to share empathy for the sake of a missing child. If a child were missing, or a crime occurred...the Internet will never be a replacement for local law enforcement. IF SOMETHING SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT USUALLY IS! Always check the authenticity of stories from Hoax Reporting Web Sites.


AOL Users: Although AOL does little to protect you from possible viruses, other than the standard warning (which if you took heed 100% of the time, you'd never be able to retrieve anything besides text), they do have good parental control and anti-spamming options available. Also, the choice to delete without reading option. Go to your AOL Settings to review.


To report email abuse, first, set your mail header to full view, then forward the email to the senders domain (e.g. for AOL: abuse@aol.com; for Hotmail: abuse@hotmail.com).


To maintain your main email address privacy, create a web-based email (Hotmail, Yahoo, Netscape Webmail, etc.) account. Hotmail and Yahoo have great filtering systems which is easy to set up so that you never have to receive unwanted mail. Also, Hotmail and Yahoo clearly list the size of an email/file without you having to click on the email.


If you use POP/IMap email, set up mail filters to weed out junk mail.
 

Miscellaneous Alerts

Disabling and Enabling Error Reporting in Windows XP:


Select [Start] > Control Panel > System
In System Properties Window, select [Advanced] Tab
Click on [Error Reporting]
In Error Reporting Window, select "Disable Error Reporting"
Click [OK] to close Error Reporting window
Click [OK] to close System Properties window

Disabling Messenger Service Pop-ups (exerpt from Microsoft's Windows XP Security and Privacy Web Site):

"If advertisements are opening on your computer in a window titled Messenger Service, it may indicate that your system is not secure. You should enable the Internet Connection Firewall and disable the Messenger Service in Windows XP to help protect your computer from unwanted spam and other potential threats.

The Messenger Service was originally designed for use by system administrators to notify Windows users about their networks. However, some advertisers have started using this service to send information via the Internet, and these messages could be used maliciously to distribute a virus."


Disabling Messenger Service on Windows 2000
Disabling Messenger Service on Windows XP
*Note: This issue is unrelated to MSN Messenger IM, or any other IM/Chat tools and will not interfere with your ability to use them. Windows 98 and ME do not have the option to disable Messenger Service window pop-ups.



Disabling System Restore to completely remove Stubborn Viruses detected by Anti-Virus (exerpt from Microsoft's System Restore FAQ page):

"System Restore protects critical system and application files by monitoring, recording, and in some cases copying these files before they are modified. For example, when an upgrade, an inadvertent user change, a driver install, or a virus modifies a critical system or application file, System Restore records and saves a copy of the file before the change occurs. In the event of a problem, a restore operation can replace files with previously saved versions. Anti-virus utilities, through auto-detection or scanning, monitor critical and personal files on the system for signs of infection, and then take action to remove or isolate ("quarantine") files impacted by known virus types. System Restore also tracks an anti-virus utility when it modifies (cleans), moves, or deletes a monitored, critical, system or application file types.

During a restore process, an active anti-virus utility scans for infected files. If any infected files are detected, the anti-virus utility will attempt to modify, move, or delete them. If the files are successfully cleaned, System Restore will restore the files in question. However, if a file cannot be cleaned and is deleted or "quarantined" (isolated), the restore fails as these actions to the file result in an inconsistent restore state. System Restore will then revert to the state immediately prior to the restore operation."

Although System Restore should only be used as a last resort, the following links will answer your questions and provide assistance in removing recurring/stubborn viruses that Anti-Viruses are unable clean/delete:
Disabling System Restore on Windows ME
Disabling System Restore on Windows XP
How Anti-Virus Software and System Restore work together
*Note: Remember to re-enable System Restore upon restart after removing viruses. Windows 98 and ME do not have the option to disable System Restore.

Security Updates

What are Critical Updates? (exerpt from Windows Update Web Site)

Any update that is critical to the operation of your computer is considered a "Critical Update," and is automatically selected for installation during the scan for available updates. These updates are provided to help resolve known issues, and to protect your computer from known security vulnerabilities. Whether a critical update applies to your operating system, software programs, or hardware, it is listed in the "Critical Updates" category.

What does Windows Update do for my computer? (exerpt from Windows Update Web Site)

Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps you to keep your computer up-to-date. Use Windows Update to choose updates for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. New content is added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most recent updates and fixes to protect your computer and keep it running smoothly.


Microsoft Windows Updates & Critical Security Update Notifications
 

Source: wantdbest.com