www.CostaRicaTicas.com

two tools are "nerd standards":

AdAware at http://www.lavasoft.com/single/trialpay.php and select the FREE version. After downloading the program and installing it on your machine, be certain to update it first and the let it do a full scan.

The 2nd tool is Spybot Search and Destroy located here:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html and again, same instructions...after installing it, update it first.

It's difficult to do these things via a web message board, I know.

A more complex tool, but one which is really pretty critical because it involves Active X (I know, I know....you don't have to understand it...) and that is called HiJack this which is available here:

http://download.hijackthis.eu/HJTInstall.exe

Hijackthis is not for the "ordinary" Windows XP or Vista user. It requires analysis....but that can be done automatically via a GOOD Active X page which is here:

http://www.hijackthis.de/ One simply copies and pastes the "log" which is created by the HijackThis program into the screen on the http://www.hijackthis.de/ page and it will advise you about hostile Active X stuff on your machine.

Staying away from the porno and gambing sites, other questionable places and whatnot and this stuff won't get on a computer.

Now, you CAN go to the porno and gambling sites and not get infected but you just have to know what's what before you click on a link. No one should ever feel alone with this crud on your machine. We've all gotten it and that's how we've learned how to prevent it. Also, some of us, me at least, have all this time on our hands...*shrug*

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

A quick and easy way of finding out would be to call your internet provider and inquire. I am willing to bet it is a scam as that is the perfect example of emails that are used. Another reason to make sure you have a good and updated virus protection program on your computer.

_________________

Sorry, it's a .org site. Click the download now button.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

dapanz1

Yes, it's a trap:

http://blogofscams.wordpress.com/2008/0 ... cium-scam/

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

Brother Steven1--Thanks for finding and linking that blog of scams. Valuable, and interesting reading.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Steven1 or anyone who really knows a lot about computer software:

Does a good anti virus software with spam guard protect you or are there other cautionary steps one should take (meaning McAfee or Norton 360)?

there is really no way to stop SPAM from getting into your email inbox if it's bound and determined to get there (properly addressed). One simply has to be ever vigilant; NOT click on links given in those emails UNLESS you are CERTAIN they're taking you where you want to go.

There IS a way to STOP Active X and "hostile" java, and that is in the security settings of Internet Explorer. The other browsers I don't fiddle with.....why fight City Hall (Microsoft)?!

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

Thanks!

Question: If I download and use the MALWAREEBVTES program, does it interfere with my existing virus running program AVG?

Mule

No, it will not.

I've found you can also use SpyBot very well with the above 2 as well.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Yes, I use both. It's a great combo. What one doesn't get the other will. Spybot takes a little longer to run the scan but does an excellent job.

dapanz1