Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (
More info?)
Bruce Chambers wrote:
> JCW wrote:
>> My wife installed and uses Gator because the auto filling and
>> remembering passwords etc. Can someone tell me how to set up XP to
>> automatically remember passwords and fill in forms etc so I can
>> remove this vile Program {gator} and still keep the wife happy? Many
>> thanks JCW
>>
>>
>
> I commend you for wanting to rid your computer of Gator, but think
> that you need to rethink the idea of replacing it with something
> else. From a security point of view, using any software product to
> remember passwords is a very risky thing to do. The right piece of
> malware can than easily make your passwords available to just about
> whomever wants them. Think of it like locking your house whenever
> you go out, but leaving the key in the lock: an exercise in futility
> and an open invitation to all comers. If your wife cannot or will
> not learn to remember a few passwords, you might want to think about
> introducing her to the combination of pen and paper. At least that
> way, someone would first have to get physical access to the computer
> to exploit them.
> To deal with issues caused by any sort of "adware" and/or
> "spyware,"such as Gator, Comet Cursors, Smiley Central, Xupiter,
> Bonzai Buddy, or KaZaA, and their remnants, that you've deliberately
> (but without understanding the consequences) installed, two products
> that are quite effective (at finding and removing this type of
> scumware) are Ad-Aware from www.lavasoft.de and SpyBot Search &
> Destroy from www.safer-networking.org/. Both have free versions.
> It's even possible to use SpyBot Search & Destroy to "immunize" your
> system against most future intrusions. I use both and generally
> perform manual scans every week or so to clean out cookies, etc.
>
> Additionally, manual removal instructions for the most common
> varieties of scumware are available here:
>
> PC Hell Spyware and Adware Removal Help
>
http://www.pchell.com/support/spyware.shtml
>
>
> Neither adware nor spyware, collectively known as scumware,
> magically install themselves on anyone's computer. They are almost
> always deliberately installed by the computer's user, as part of some
> allegedly "free" service or product.
>
> While there are some unscrupulous malware distributors out there,
> who do attempt to install and exploit malware without consent, the
> majority of them simply rely upon the intellectual laziness and
> gullibility of the average consumer, counting on them to quickly click
> past the EULA in his/her haste to get the latest in "free" cutesy
> cursors, screensavers, "utilities," and/or wallpapers.
>
> If you were to read the EULAs that accompany, and to which the
> computer user must agree before the download/installation of the
> "screensaver" continues, most adware and spyware, you'll find that
> they _do_ have the consumer's permission to do exactly what they're
> doing. In the overwhelming majority of cases, computer users have no
> one to blame but themselves.
>
> There are several essential components to computer security: a
> knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
> reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via
> patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.
>
> The weakest link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer
> user. No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected
> to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. All too many people
> have bought into the various PC/software manufacturers marketing
> claims of easy computing. They believe that their computer should be
> no harder to use than a toaster oven; they have neither the
> inclination or desire to learn how to safely use their computer. All
> too few people keep their antivirus software current, install patches
> in a timely manner, or stop to really think about that cutesy link
> they're about to click.
>
> Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be used
> and should always be running, are important components of "safe hex,"
> but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer
> user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and
> every computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.
>
>
> To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these links:
>
> Protect Your PC
>
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp
>
> Home Computer Security
> http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/
>
> List of Antivirus Software Vendors
>
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500
>
> Home PC Firewall Guide
> http://www.firewallguide.com/
>
> Scumware.com
> http://www.scumware.com/
Bruce you're wasting your time. This is the third time he's posted this (the
other two were in general I believe) he's obviously not interested in
checking back for replies (I'd be more lenient if it weren't for the fact
he's using OE).
--
Facon - the artificial bacon bits you get in Pizza Hut for sprinkling
on salads.