Question for "Bob4"

In reference to the following post: http://forums.whatthetech.com/HJT_Log_t981…tml#entry514067

I appreciate the help with this computer. This computer belongs to a family member that, with the exception of Limewire, can't explain why the computer keeps getting bogged down with this junk. I have to go thru this every 5 or so months.

I plan to print out and give them the link you posted on how to avoid this, but I'd like to get your opinuion on software. They had McAfee AV installed on this computer. Do you feel the AV software you had me install is superior? What about Lavasoft Ad-Aware? That too was installed.

I also installed the software firewall as you suggested, however I'm wondering if having a router between the cable modem and the computer may be a better option. Can you comment on that as well?

Thanks again for your help.

This computer belongs to a family member that, with the exception of Limewire, can't explain why the computer keeps getting bogged down with this junk.

Limewire is enough. You can not ever trust anything you download with this type of software. If your going to use this software you are at risk. I know you've uninstalled it for now.
Also surfing habits can be an issue. Installing the host file like I had mentioned is simple and will keep your computer from connecting to alot of sites known for distributing adware, viruses and trojans. Type or copy this into your browser.
http://127.0.0.1/ You'll see it takes you to your loop back page. That's what a host file will do each time you try to connect to a known bad site.
Trojans are the big one in my opinion. Everybody wants something for free and it looks good and we download it. Doesn't matter if it's music a program or something that's going to miraculously fix my computer. It's what you don't see that gets installed that will catch up with you. The old saying holds here. If it's to good to be true/free it probably is.

One last thing on this subject is Program Cracks and Keygenerators. They will hit you hard 99% of the time. The other 1% they'll just slap you a bit. [external image: Posted Image]

Use Google it's your friend. Anytime you have a question on a program or file goolgle it and check out what you find never taking the first answer you see. If your still unsure stop back in and ask. I would rather steer you clear of this stuff then maybe have to tell you one day you have to reformat and reinstall.

Do you feel the AV software you had me install is superior?

As long as the subscription is paid for and up to date that anti-Virus (AV)/ McAfee) should be fine. Unfortunatly yours doesn't work very well giving you errors all the time.
Many times these ( McAfee in this instance) are on a computer when purchased and subscriptions run out and the software is out of date. Another mistake made is people think just because they have an Anti Virus installed their safe and have to do nothing else. You have to do a manual scan of your entire computer from time to time. You must remember not one anti virus out there will catch everything. The one you installed works very well.

What about Lavasoft Ad-Aware? That too was installed.

Not a bad program to have around at all.

I also installed the software firewall as you suggested, however I'm wondering if having a router between the cable modem and the computer may be a better option. Can you comment on that as well?

Having a router between the modem and the computer will be of some help but requires a bit of time and knowledge to set up. Even with that I would still recommend a software firewall too. Hee again you have to do some work. In the beginning many become annoyed with the firewall asking questions and telling you this wants to connect and that wants to connect. As sure as it's a legitimate file/program that wants to contact the internet let it and you firewall will learn. DO NOT get to the point where you just start letting anything and everything connect to the internet because the user is annoyed. You might as well uninstall the firewall in this case.