Vista Zombie Computer Vista Bugs and Problems Discuss Vista Zombie Computer in the Windows Vista forums; Hi Friends: Is anyone worried about ending up with a Vista zombie computer. If so, what can be done to protect against being a zombie? I read an article in ...

[Znod]

Hi Friends:

Is anyone worried about ending up with a Vista zombie computer. If so, what can be done to protect against being a zombie? I read an article in the latest PC World Magazine about different approaches to protecting a computer in general. Here is a link to a program mentioned in the article, "Primary Response SafeConnect,", that I think might help protect against Zombieism and other bad things in general. Unfortunately, it is not ready to go in Vista; I tried to install it in compatibility mode, but it was polite enough to say no dice rather than to let me get it installed and then have problems. But, I created a restore point before trying. But, anyway, the program looks interesting, as was the article. Do you have any thoughts on it and zombieism or protecting against zombieism in general. Note that the program is complementary too, not a replacement for, standard protection from baddies.

[Znod]

Hi:

I know that everyone knows about the recent bot attack: Hackers Slow Internet Root Servers With Attack I still am trying to avoid being a zombie myself. I am beginning to believe also that we have a significant social responsibility to go to extremes in preventing being a bot. Consider the significant implications of not beating the bots as implied by the article linked. Add, to these implications the extant possibilities of satellite blinding, etc. We, the US and friends, could end up in deep do do.

[Znod]

Hi Friends:

I mentioned our, or at least my, social responsibility to go to extremes in preventing becoming a bot in the above post. To help to some extent and for personal reasons, of course, I use Ad-Aware SE Plus--which includes Add-Watch (real-time) Monitoring.

Today, I updated my Ad-Aware definitions. When updating I found an invitation to join the Ad-Adware SE Plus beta-testing program--which probably would be open to any of us. I joined up partially because here is what I found on the Lavasoft website:

"Tools - Project ECO

Whether you consider the Greek or Roman origins, the word 'Eco' means the same thing... home. It is a term that denotes where we live and the environment that surrounds us. Lavasoft is proud to present Project Eco as a testament to our strong and unwavering commitment to protecting your environment.

What does that have to do with computers, you ask? Today’s society is interconnected with computers, at home and at the office, at work and at play. We rely on them for financial reasons, and we rely on them for entertainment. Computers are, and will continue to be, a part of our environment."
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I also found the following:

Today...

"Lavasoft was founded on the ideals of consumer reporting, ethical advertising, and social change. And we continue to operate on those principles today. We are not only committed to providing you with personal security by cleaning up and blocking spyware from your computer system, we are also committed to creating long-term social change. We work directly with the spyware industry, giving them the opportunity to change from 'bad guys' to 'good guys' by making acceptable improvements to their spyware."
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And, here's more:

"Spyware Education Center

Spyware is perhaps the most menacing technological application of the cyber era. It can also go by the name adware, malware, trackware and even thiefware. In Lavasoft's Spyware Education Center, learn more about the software that infects 9 out of 10 computers.

What is Spyware?

Most computer users today are familiar with the term spyware because they or someone they know has experienced the aggravation of this software firsthand. Sluggish computer performance, altered home pages, and endless pop-up ads are all signs your PC could be infected. Everyone who uses a computer is susceptible.

Spyware is a program installed on your computer, with or without your permission that can change system configurations, monitor your Internet activity and broadcast the information back to an outside party, often advertisers. The milder forms of spyware are simply annoying, with increased spam and unwanted pop-ups; these are known as adware. Malware refers to more malicious programs that can rob your PC of its ability to run efficiently. The newer, more advanced forms can actually steal personal information like bank passwords or credit card numbers."
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On the Lavasoft beta site (https://secure.lavasoft.com/support/...plications.php), I found the "form" for use in joining the beta program and that the Ad-Aware SE Plus beta (RC1 as I recall) will be released soon. The new version may or may not contain the excellent Lavasoft firewall (probably won't), but, regardless, there would be rewards from joining, including having (probably) some good beta software; possibly including receipt of the final software free or a discount on it; and including participating with a company that appears to be taking its social responsibility seriously (and helping to discharge what you may think of as yours). I hope you will consider joining me in the beta program and battling an incredibly dangerous foe with me.

[Snuffy]

Request submitted... thanks for the link.. since I use LavaSoft also.

[Znod]

Great Snuffy; I'll see you in Ad-Aware Betaland.

[Seansmit17]

VZC?

(vista zombie computer)

What the fudge is that all about?

[Znod]

Check out the link I posted above. It talks about turning computers into bots (or zombies) through malware. The bots are controlled elsewhere and march as one to make various sorts of massive attacts--e.g., denial of service attacks. Bot attacks may one day be capable of completely bringing down improtant parts of the internet.

[Snuffy]

Maybe some should read the pages on Gibson Research Corp. and run the varied tests he has. Hope every body passes...

[Znod]

I'll check them out Snuffy. I have run four leak tests on my desktop with the Vista firewall with advanced settings enable. The firewall failed all but the easiet one to protect against. I want a better firewall for dealing with outgoing. I wish the firewall compainies would get on the Vista bandwagon.

[Snuffy]

Which version of Vista are you running?
I'm running Ultimate and default settings and it passed every test..
Inbound unless I have set exception are blocked.
Private network behind a router..???
I do work some P2P programs, Mirc, AVAST AV.