I am so confused.

[utrvlgrl]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to get up to speed with protecting my computer and I am confused after reading the article on How Did I Get Infected. I already have McAffee, do I download an additional antivirus? I also have NoAdware, Spybot and XosftSpy, are these programs good? (I update on a weekly basis) Do I remove any of them? Do I need additional spyware?

My computer is acting weird so I downloaded Panda as suggest here and I am running a scan. Then I plan to run all the other programs. Somehow I get the feeling that my McAffee is not on or doing its job. I ran a scan but only a few cookies came up. What am I doing wrong?

Sorry for all the questions. My exboyfriend did a great job at keeping my computer safe but now that he is gone my security has gone haywire. I am not very knowledgeable with computers but I would like to become educated with your help.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Zenobia]

No,since you already have McAffee,it's probably not a good idea to download another antivirus.See here:
http://forums.spybot.info/showpost.php?p=32036&postcount=5

This site lists rogue antispyware programs:
http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
NoAdware and Xoftspy used to be on the rogue antispyware list,though they've since been delisted.
http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#de-listed
http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#naw_note
http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#xos_note

Spybot is on the trustworthy list:
http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#trustworthy

How is your computer acting weird?Do you feel your computer might be infected?

[utrvlgrl]

My computer is acting slow and it freezes. Also I can hear it thinking... LOL sorry I don't know what it is called but I think it is the processor. The Panda, Spybot and Xoftspy scan came up with Hitbox. The NoAdware came up with W32.Reper D, and I initially ran a scan with Spysweeper which came up with a trojan with the name DJ?? I should have copied the name but it was before I started exploring and learing :sad:

I also found out that my NoAdware program is an older version (3.0) but I cannot download their latest version b/c it is licensed to my ex. However, I alway use the update feature and it seems to download the latest information. I am not sure if that helps.

I went to your link and will make sure to read it carefully in order to undertand about the listed spyware. Is there an additional spyware program you would like to recommend? Should I remove NoAdware and Xoftspy?

I want to update my windows program but I read here that I should make sure my computer is clean before doing so.

I really commend you guys for your work. This clean up buisness is giving me a headache - you seriousl must have a lot of PATIENCE.

Thanks again for helping.

[Zenobia]

I want to update my windows program but I read here that I should make sure my computer is clean before doing so.

Yes,your computer should be clean before installing Service Pack 2 for Windows XP.Since your computer is acting slow and freezing,plus some spyware scanners detected malware before,I think it might be a good idea for you to get checked out in malware removal before you install service pack 2.

If you decide to ask for help in malware removal,here are the steps to follow:
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=288

Malware Removal:
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22


Should I remove NoAdware and Xoftspy?
They were delisted,so it's up to you.I personally would not have them on my own computer,I pretty much stick with the trustworthy list.