Forum Moderators: phranque
The first two are basics, basics that could require you to download a large amount of data. Bit of a problem if you are on dial up.
Install patches for Windows OS
[v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com...]
Check for Office updates also
[office.microsoft.com...]
Activate firewall within XP if you have it
[freeserve.com...]
Get a decent virus protection program and ensure you have the lastest DAT files. If you think you may have a problem run a stinger
[vil.nai.com...]
Install spyware programs like Adaware [lavasoftusa.com] and Spybot [safer-networking.org]. Download the latest definition files as new exploits come along all the time. Run both side by side as they detect different exploits. Also use the immunise facility.
Install SpywareBlaster [javacoolsoftware.com] with the latest definitions that will prevent scumbagware (ukgimp TM) from being installed.
When using an email package like Outlook or Outlook express never open mail messages that you are uncertain of. If they look iffy they probably are so you should bin them. If the message is important they will get back to you with a sensible Subject line. Also have the preview pane closed! [helpdesk.graniteschools.org]
If you intend on using IIS as a development machine make sure than you only have the services open then you know you need. Do you really need FTP or SMTP to run ASP pages?
When using IIS, download Microsoft’s IIS Lockdown [microsoft.com] to make sure you have only requires aspects running.
Download a personal Firewall. Zone Alarm [zonelabs.com] is well regarded and is free. There are others out there.
NEVER install software that you don’t know for certain is clean. For example one of my undoing was FreeHistoryCleaner. There are many more, kazaa etc. A lot of peer to peer stuff is a bit iffy.
Trust no one. Never tell your passwords to anyone etc etc.
You could of course say “don’t use windows” but you could also say “don’t use the internet”. You can ignore all of the above or just parts of it. I ignored one part and paid the price of two days trawling thought my registry and still leaving lots of stuff in there and going for a full reinstall after and then changing all my passwords. What fun.
You have been warned!
I may have a virus or trojan problem that will not be swept out with the normal tools.
The main symtom is that using Word 2000, when pictures are inserted, they display as a rectangular box only.
This is whether an old document before the problem or even a document from another PC. However documents saved from the problem PC display and print OK on other PCs.
If I "Print Preview" it shows OK, but in all other views, shows only an outline box.
I have even uninstalled Office 2000, swept up and re-installed. Stiil no change.
I seem to remember somone recently pointing out a pest that tampered with Word.
Does anyone have any thoughts please.
