Check out the Netbooks @ Best Buy.
Computer newbies: Help me prove spyware exists
Help me prove spyware exists
by mondokoosh737 - 5/4/06 4:57 PMHi, my father is a computer newbie, and after I told him about spyware, he told me he doesn't think it exists. And he wants me to get rid of all the anti-spyware programs I've installed for him. And he doesn't seem to believe the news reports about it. Can somebody help me prove to him that it does exist?
Remove the protection...
by John.Wilkinson
- 5/4/06 5:20 PM
In reply to: Help me prove spyware exists by mondokoosh737
The simplest way is to simply do as he says, removing the protection. Give it a little time, then do the following:
1.) Ask him how many popups he's received.
2.) Ask him how slow the computer's running.
3.) Run the scanners and see how much they turn up.
4.) If he does online banking, ask him to check his credit card/bank statements and credit report.
While that's the only way to truly prove spyware exists without taking someone else's word for it, the above is obviously NOT advised. I'd suggest:
1.) Have him read reports from some of the security experts.
2.) Show him the data from internet security firms such as McAfee, Symantec (Norton), Computer Associates, etc.
3.) Look the term up spyware in an online dictionary, followed by an encyclopedia.
4.) Call a local (but reputable) computer center and ask one of the techs.
Here are some links:
* Overview of spyware from Microsoft
* Definition of spyware in the Webopedia
* Wikipedia encyclopedia article on spyware
* An overview of spyware from the US Federal Trade Commission.
* The Computer Associates Spyware Information Center
If those links, plus a few news articles, don't convince him, only the eventual major computer problems and possible identity theft that can result from a lack of protection will.
Hope this helps,
John
Also in addition to what John suggestions
by tomron - 5/4/06 6:29 PM In reply to: Help me prove spyware exists by mondokoosh737Have him read all the issues people are having,click HERE
Tom
I'd uninstall everything,
by glb613 - 5/5/06 3:45 AM In reply to: Help me prove spyware exists by mondokoosh737let the comptuer get infected and have him pay anywhere from $150-$200 to get it cleaned and fixed. People who won't listen to reason often listen to their wallet.
scary
by linkit - 5/5/06 2:02 PM In reply to: Help me prove spyware exists by mondokoosh737What really scared me was when I first read about KEYLOGGERS. Whether they existed or not, it was too scary for me not to take precaution.
An ounce of prevention....
I agree
by linkit - 5/5/06 4:12 PM In reply to: Some people have to learn the hard way by glb613In addition to viruses and spyware, I often see people learn "the hard way" about backups. It's sad that some don't benefit from others' experience and knowledge, but I guess the stubborn and cynical get what they deserve.
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
