WilliamWallace

Ok Here are my techniques when it comes to protecting my computer from Viruses and

Spy-ware.

They are very simple, so lets begin.

SOFTWARE
1. AntiVirus and AntiSpyware (I use Symantec Endpoint Protection)
2. KeyScambler Pro (Scrambles KeyStrokes and protects against Keyloggers)
3. AI Roboform (Protects Internet Passwords)
4. Universal Extractor 1.6 (Extracts Executables)
5. Sandboxie (Sandboxes programs)
6. VMWare Virtual Machine or Microsoft Virtual PC

optional
Internet Download Manager (For Premium Users; Used to protect Rapidshare, MegaUpload etc. from Phishing)

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So here is a scenario I have come across plenty of times.
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I download a file from my favorite Forum and save it to my desktop.
I Proceed to scan the file for any viruses or spy-ware if none are found I then extract

the Files I need.
I then proceed to scan the files once again and if clean proceed.

--Usually you will have the Executable along with a .reg file, text file, key-gen, patch,

or it can be prepackaged--

I then right click on the exe and choose to "UniExtract to Subdir" this will work 60 to

70 percent of the time and extract the files to a separate sub-directory on your desktop

or within the same directory. Now you can view the files and see if it looks normal or if

anything looks phishy such as batch files, extra exectuables that don't seem to be in the

right place or even scripts.

If Universal Extractor fails to extract the files you can use Sandboxie and install the

program sandboxed this will insure that nothing leaves the sandbox and no virus or files

can be let free. Now view the files see what makes sense and what doesn't. The great thing

about sandboxie is that it shows you what directories on your computer certain files will

be installed. I have used this method many of times and it works.

--Reg files -- right click and hit edit. take a look at the reg file to see if it looks

right.

--Key-gens -- I normally will run a key-gen sandboxed just to be safe then I will copy the

generated serials (usually five or more) into a text file and delete the Key-gen.

--Patches -- Patches can be tricky sometimes they just patch exe files and sometimes they

patch exe dll ocx and the registry. Finding out what it patches is important. Sandbox the

patch If the patch doesn't touch the registry then patch the program and copy the patched

files from the sandbox folder to your desktop and now you have the patched files to place

in the "Real" Program Files Directory on your Hard Drive. Keep In mind if you patch the

program sandboxed the Program will not be patched in real time. Sandbox prevents any

changes to your computer.

-- If all else fails or you are truly unsure about a program Use a Virtual Operating

System such as VMWare or Virtual PC to test your files.


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Internet Download Manager is a great way for users with premium accounts to protect their

passwords for downloading and it is a great download manager. It really outshines all the

rest in my opinion. Been using it for years and I love it.

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Protection Programs

One link Direct Download: My Way To Protect My Computer. Whats Yours? Programs Now Included

Serendipity

Have my respect my friend, thanks.