I am learning about computers as I go. I was visiting this forum and a message appeared that listed my ISP, version of windows, internet explorer version and said that I was being watched.
What does that mean and what should I do about it.?
Also, I am running Windows Me and have Avast Home Version 4. Do I also need the other virus cleaner that you offer to check for worms on my system.
Thanks for any help that you can give me.
bluecrane
I have not had such an experience on this forum…or anywhere else for that matter.
Sometimes, you see a popup ad that appears to be “a real warning” but only instructs you to “click here for more information” Don’t do it! Most of the time it is harmless, but you never know.
Can you describe what happened with more information, such as what you were doing on the forum, what area you were in, did you click on a link in a thread etc.
Are you using a firewall at all? I would recommend it highly.
You should have a level of protection established on your computer which should consist of: firewall, antivirus, antispyware and popup killer.
I think that ZoneAlarm and Sysgate are the easiest to set up and use. AVG and Avast are excellent, but Avast is the only av I recommend because of the autoupdate feature and reliability. Spyware can come in different sizes and shapes but I have used Adaware, Spybot, also SpywareBlaster and Spywareguard in combo. Popupkillers are also numerous, but I use WindowShades specifically for IE.
IE6 in the Tools, Internet Options section has adjustments to its settings that will allow you to increase security when surfing and also prevent IE from using script that may be harmful.
I know this may sound confusing, but you will gradually learn what this all means in time.
Right now, we need to get you system protected and cleaned out to be sure that a “worm” or “trojan” has not been placed on your system allowing remote access.
As a precaution until we get this sorted out, do not leave your machine on and unattented. Pick a good antispyware program…install it and run it. Run a full virus scan with Avast. Set up that firewall!
Thanks for the info. I was viewing Avast 4 forum because I had just updated my Avast anti virus software and wanted to see if anyone had posted problems or good news about it. On all of the posts a sign on a stick kept coming up listing the information and said that I was being watched.
I do not have a firewall but I do have Avast home version4, spybot and google bar pop up blocker. I must admit that this has never happened before. I thought that it was some new warning from Avast.
I run Windows Me with Explorer 6 through a dial up connection and only use this computer for home use.
I will go and download a firewall. Thanks for responding Techie 101.
I think you are talking about
h**p://www.danasoft.com
which was used in a signature here recently
(when you reload the page you get different messages)
this is imho harmless as the data is only displayed locally on your respective PC’s; a basic skriptkiddy technique ( no offense meant)