my friend says that creating a virus does not need any professional skills. Toolkits are available over the web with which even a normal windows user can create a virus program. Is it true? If yes, what are the sites offering such toolkits. Are they not subjected to prosecution for such acts?
121047
The kits that you talk about are out there, yes. And people who use them are called Script-Kiddies, which is one of the worst insults you can throw at a computer literate person.
375275
Unfortunately with todays malware it is important to use a whole battery of programs to get adequate protection. These are my recommendations, all of which are free but still excellent products:\n\nAntivirus:\n\nAvast (Free) : http://www.avast.com\n\n\nAntitrojan:\n\nEwido (14 day trial but excellent so had to include) - http://www.ewido.net/en/\n\n\nAntispyware/antiAdware:\n\n\nSpybot Search and Destroy - http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/\n\nTutorial for spybot: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial43.html\n\n\nLavasoft Ad-aware SE Personal - http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/\n\nTutorialfor ad-aware: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial48.html\n\n\nSpywareBlaster - http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html\n\nTutorial for spywareblaster: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial49.html\n\n\nWindows Defender\nhttp://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx\n\n\n\nAnd a tutorial on good practices on staying safe on the internet:\n\nhttp://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial82.html\n\nIf you think you may be still infected after using the below programs and want an expert to help you for free, you can post a hijackthis log at my forum.  Instructions for doing so can be found here:\n\nhttp://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic34773.html\n\n\nHope this helps.
290959
each virus is different, so you'd need to know which one it was...or know in-depth how your os works (and that is a book, not a post at yahoo answers)
438169
That's pretty dirty to spew lies about a competing website giving you a virus...you will never succeed if you continue to use those tactics.\n\nIf that's not the case...\n\nIf you had a tech come to your home, why didn't he answer this for you? Call him, you must have paid him plenty eh?\n\npissant\n\n=================
521277
It is true. However, it is not that easy. \n\nIf the hacker doesn't have physical access to the computer, he will have to find a way to execute his code on your machine. \n\nBasically, he can do this in two different ways.\n\nThe most commonly used one is simply tricking you into downloading and running his program, which takes control of your computer, giving him the power to delete or do whatever he wants. This can be done through e-mail attachments which pretend to be photographs or videos, and through many other means. You will, however, have to execute the program yourself, either consciously or not.\n\nAnother way, much rarer, is exploting a vulnerability in your Operative System (Generally windows), Internet Explorer (or other browser) or some other program or service. To reduce the chance of this, make sure the potentially risky programs, such as Windows, Internet Explorer, or others programs that are related to Internet are updated. \n\nIf you want to be even more secure, get a good antivirus and good firewall, such as ZoneAlarm (which is free).
320943
It worked!! I've spent almost all afternoon/evening trying to get this irritating thing off my laptop! But there still is one tray icon with the tooltip "Virus Alert". And a small popup that says Your Computer is Infected! Critical System. Did any of you face the same problem?
164420
There are two very good free programs that are virtual industry standards.\n\nSpybot and Spyware Blaster (bundled together) -- pop-ups, tracking, malicious software\n\nAdAware by Lavasoft\nTracking Cookies, etc.\n\nThe second source below is a PC World article about this ...\n\nBoatloads of other really great computer tweeks and tools can be also be found at I-am-not-a-Geek (although going there pretty much makes us geeks) !  LOL.  See the third link ...\n\n-- Good Luck !\n\n-- Alan
71234
Great information but I think that should only be for people what have an idea what to look for and know what to do about it.\n\nWhile we are on the subjet, let's remember that a good virus scanner is important.  You don't need to spend alot of money or run a pirated copy.  Go to the first link below for a very effective and free copy.\n\nNeed to remove spyware?  Another great FREE tool is Ad-aware.  The second link below.\n\nLook around www.download.com for many other great products.  Before you ask, NO I do not work for them, I just love free products that work well.
56636
Thank you for warning everyone about this. Personally, I think viruses are for good use only when put in the hands of the military. That way, the evil people will get the virus. I seriously wouldn't want that virus, especially with my "Proof that God exists" on my computer.
2008
McAfee used to have a free version but I think it now only offers a free trial period like most reputable antivirus software/companies.  Most of these companies also offer from their websites free scans of your computer without installing any software. \n\nAs for commercially available, I would stick with the well known companies that will stand behind their product and give you decent support if needed.  E.G. Norton AntiVirus, McAfee Virus Scan, and CA eTrust EZ Antivirus.\n\nI have never run multiple anti-virus packages at the same time.  I suspect some combinations will work but I would be hesitate to do this as this type of software is pervasive (i.e., installing and hooking into all parts of your system) and could cause more harm than help.  If this is something you're set on doing I would strongly recommend you find or get in writing from each company that makes the software that you plan on running can indeed run simultaneously. \n\nThe best things to do to prevent viruses is somewhat hard to answer without knowing things like what type of e-mail application you use, your level of experience, etc.  Starting with e-mail, the most common medium for viruses, you'll have better protection from e-mail viruses when using web based applications (e.g. Yahoo, Hotmail, and just about most major ISPs) vs. applications that are installed on your computer, such as Outlook or Outlook Express.  Reason being the e-mail stays on their server vs. being loaded down on your computer.  They get the virus not you.  Also, be very cautious about opening ANY attachment.  This is mostly common sense.  If you don't recognize the sender and have no idea why you're getting the e-mail in the first place, don't even open the e-mail let alone the attachment.  Don't forget to also delete the e-mail from your Trash can or Deleted folder.  If you know the sender but not sure why there's an attachment, once again, don't open it.  If you know for a fact why you're getting the e-mail AND the attachment, then and only then would I take the next step and that's use your antivirus software to scan it before opening it. \n\nAlso be judicious about what websites you visit.  Don't just click on any link from an e-mail or another website unless you know where it's going to take you.  Ask yourself is it really that important (i.e., worth the risk) I go to this website?  This is where a good firewall application helps out.  \n\nTo wrap this up I would recommend one final thing to consider.  Look at securing your entire computer and not just for viruses.  Consider looking into purchasing an entire security suite from one company (vs. independent software companies) as they usually provide antivirus, firewall, anti-spam and anti-spyware software.  (E.g. CA Internet Security Suite, Norton Internet Security, etc.)  Pros: More for your money, better overall protection, and most important, software applications that have been tested together and proven to work together.  Who needs the headache of an application corrupting another; uninstall and re-installing; hours on phone with support; etc.     \n\nHTH and good luck!
38261
GO TO:\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virus
590544
windows has something called a "netbios" which sometimes tries to search for other systems with the window's OS installed on them . This probe is read's as an external system access to the one with a firewall, and hence an alert. This would not mean a hack attempt. \n\nBuying the pro version of any software would help with the wages of the programmer's, but it you can't afford go with the free one. Not much difference with regards security, the pro will have various other features.
29965
Don't waste your time and money, go here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1 and download AVG Free Edition. All you need to combat viruses.
144155
Bloodhound virus is a fairly serious virus.  Like the others said you definitely need to get a virus protector.  I would actually reccomend a pay brand like Norton or McAfee because they are far more reputable.  If you do decide to go for a free, downloadable virus protection make sure that it is legit.  If you think about it, wouldn't virus makers target people trying to get rid of viruses?  Just be careful what you download.
294258
I don't know how viruses work. I guess it is possible but wait for the other answers. People do horrible things these days with computers.
412341
Do yourself a favor and get the antivirus program that I use and it is free.  http://www.avast.com   This is excellent state of the art techology with a background scanner that is far superior then any free or purchased antiviurs.   Will find in real time a virus on any webpage or file and destroy in real time before the virus can enter your system. \n\nYou get automatic updates two or three times per day.   Plus there is always a blue pop-up from the tray showing you when updates have been installed or a virus has been found.   (If you have  your speakers on you will here a male voice come on say, "virus updates have been updated an installed".  Same if a virus is found.\n\nTheir free for home personal use is the same version has their corporate. They just make corporate pay.  \n\nAvast will ask you for your email address so they can send you a free key that is good for one year.  After one year all you do is ask for another key.   \n\nAvast is out of Prague. I have used this antivirus program for nine plus years free an I never had one virus, or the background scanner miss a hidden embedded virus in a webpage.   \n\nPlus it scans your entire system, all 195,000 objects in my system.   \n\nFree state of the art technology that you will not find from any one else.   \n\nClinical Psychiatrist, France
428568
Yes, it's called Anti-Virus. It's a great program with several varieties and vendors all making their own version.\n\nA free one called AVG can be downloaded at:\nhttp://free.grisoft.com