I use two browsers now (Firefox for anytime I need to google something and want to make sure Javascript isn’t activated by using No-Script, and Chrome for youtube and just everyday tasks.) So I wanted to know how does a computer get infected via the internet? I’ve been hit by a Javascript before and It wasn’t pleasant but I’ve never really known how that all works so I’ve been quite literally scared of my own shadow to ensure such an event never occurs again.
Fox.
I’d like to know as well since it’s never happened to me and my default browser is and always has been Internet Explorer.
lots of info if you ask google. 
This is from when I used to run Windows. The information is still valid,
http://www.geocities.ws/dontsurfinthenude/blog.htm
The usual advice applies- keep all web-facing applications up to date. The Secunia PSI vulnerability scanner will help you do this.
EDIT: avast’s Web Shield helps too of course!
That’s why I can’t understand why anyone uses Internet Explorer with Active X.
It’s also a good idea to keep Adobe Flash Player disabled until you need it.
I consider that paranoia and not necessary. I’ve been using both and Java as well for 14 years now and have never been infected by anything. Nobody else in my family and friends has either.
http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1367328708851-27628.png
FlashControl in Chrome is an excellent tool. (Extension)
It is an excellent tool but not for FF it only Chrome, bloody Google is getting more good stuff than FF add-on chicky little bastard ;D
Maybe it’s time to switch over to “the dark side”
Not a bloody good idea Bob…why? he’s not my father ;D
Also is Cnet safe anymore? Norton Safeweb calls it fine but the comments say otherwise. I used it to download Bluescreen Viewer to try and scan a dump file from a program (my computer didn’t bluescreen) unfortunately it doesn’t scan program dump files from when a specific program crashes and me being paranoid have been running scans to make sure it was safe. Is it just me or does the web feel quite a bit more scary then it used to?
It is always recommended to download programs from their original sites.
Bluescreen Viewer: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html
Most members here also use these other sites to download clean programs:
http://www.filehippo.com/
http://www.filehorse.com/
http://www.majorgeeks.com/
just reposting what I posted before on this subject
yes I do wish notScripts/scriptSafe existed for IE10 (IE11) so it’s at least bit usable 
Personally I don’t think it or any of those other things are necessary at all.
Well everybody thinks that until they hit some javascript malcode. Chance of going to be maliciously redirected to some site’s malcode is small and remote, but I would not take any risk and that is what a script blocker is doing for the browser user. Our virus and worms section has a very long list of victims that originally had a similar line of thinking even for their own websites…until they arrived here…
polonus
You know I just thought of something. Virus Total has 40 or so antivirus scanners right? So why isn’t there some sort of way to make an antivirus with that kind of detecting potential? I know Hitman Pro uses cloud based systems to scan objects and such so would there ever be a way to have 40 or so different looks at an object without the antiviruses competing?
Even if you solve the probable conflicts, how long do you want to wait to use your computer ???
Well I guess that’s always a problem huh :-\ Speed VS Safety well I’m guessing it might not take a long time to start the computer rather it would take a while for the scans to complete. So then comes the other question why not have one scanner but multiple definitions and allow the user to sort out the False Positives I mean fine most normal users wont like the tediousness of doing such a task but other more skilled people might find it a bit safer than only having one vendor and maybe some extra tools.
The issue isn’t getting them all to work together as in VT they are all doing on-demand scans on a single file and you can see how long that takes.
The main issue when talking about multiple AVs is that the resident ones to be able to do their job have drivers that are running to intercept (hook) calls to run a file, so it is first scanned before being allowed to run. It is these drivers that cause most of the conflict issues. So VT isn’t the same as having multiple AVs installed.
So there are times when because VT is only on-demand that they don’t replicate real world detections, where the other shields and scans may be able to detect malware were VT doesn’t.
Do you really think that all of these paid programs are going to allow their databases and engines to be used in a co-op of virus scanners. I don’t think so unless they are paid.
There are a few examples of AVs with two AV engines and virus signatures, but only one interface controlling the hooking (so no multiple drivers running to conflict). But with exception they are paid options because the company has to pay a license fee to use the intellectual property of the other scanners.
I certainly wouldn’t recommend hitman pro as there are many instances of an overly aggressive deletion of what may be legit files.
All i do is use no script and i have also enabled click to play in firefox.
Any flash content i come across is blocked until i allow it to run.