Please, I am asking -

[Joe for Clark]

I get these "high level" warnings every 15 seconds I am on line here - and I really am an idiot about computer things - really. And I will not hide behind anything.

Do I get my computer guy to do something or is it just something I should accept when it says blocked?

What do I do - I over reacted once so I really think about it.

Joe

[Lone_Star_Dem]

1. Are you using a software based firewall?

Such as Zone Alarm?

[Joe Fields]

2. You have your firewall set too high. lower it a bit.

Not to worry.

[Joe for Clark]

3. I want to believe that - I think I do.

I have the updated MS and Norton -

I just know this didn't happen a few months ago - and it scares me.

Joe

[deadmessengers]

4. Any specifics on the warning?

Is there any other descriptive text associated with the alert? It could be a false-positive, or it could be an indication of spyware infection. I can tell you that I use a machine with a desktop firewall and IPS product set to the maximum level of protection, and don't see any weird alerts when on DU.

[Joe for Clark]

7. Maybe one in three times they say "maliciosus" - that gets my

attention.

Most other times it sayshigh risk - "Integer overflow" - which I think sounds less ominious.

Man - I was a pretty active participant on the wes clark net work and that resulted in a system collapse - I thought.

Then I learned my kid was using my computer too unknown at the time) - bringing doubt to me on the real cause of the system collapse - you know??

I question it now - but the kid ain't using it for sure now.

Do I get the conmputer guy in to look at this??

Joe

[deadmessengers]

9. I would.

Have him do a full virus and spyware scan, for starters.

Unfortunately "Malicious" is incredibly broad - it could mean anything. Integer Overflow could also mean a ton of different things, but is not something normally associated with malware. It's usually an indication of an application error. It could mean that you have a piece of malware on your machine repeatedly attempting to execute and crashing, but I can't be certain.

What brand and version of desktop firewall and antivirus do you have installed?

[Joe for Clark]

16. The safe thing is - get him in to clean this - right?

Well - back it up and then do it - right???

That is a fine answer to me -

Joe

[dave_p]

5. Yeah, ease those settings

I'm always taking the piss out of pals for being zero-threat.

Sounds to me too like you've your security levels too high.

So long as you're not consciously downloading dumb stuff you'll survive.

Embrace our low-risk devil-may-care culture and backup where necessary.

[Joe for Clark]

8. I am just going to back up all the time.

Low risk level - ok -

NOT so many months ago - I watched my system start up and go on line when I was supposed to be home - and I don't want to EVER see that again. Now - I think the kids stuff did that.

It didn't do that this time. But if I back up - it doesn't matter - right???

That is a question -

Joe

[dave_p]

10. Aargh!

I understand your horror! I wouldn't want to see that!!

Save your valuables to CD and you're covered. I've surfed wildly for a decade with minimal protection and only suffered a fan burnout (data unaffected, mercifully!).

It's bandit country out here. Just be careful what you open and all should be well. But yes, backup all your essentials, and proceed with due but not excessive caution.

Just take each setting down one level till you find where you're not getting superfluous messages on sensible sites - that should be your safe browsing level. I find security 1 down and confidentiality 2 down works on IE6.

[Joe for Clark]

11. THANK YOU DAVE!!

Watch my next post!!!

Joe

[BlackVelvet04]

12. I run McAfee firewall

and virus protection. It sounds like your firewall setting was too high.

I also periodically check for and clean spyware out with Spytbot (free shareware). I purchased (on line) Windows Washer which will clean out junk as well. Empty the cookies, cache and history periodically as well.

A clean computer is a happy computer. :-)

[Joe for Clark]

14. I understand that.

[dave_p]

13. (PS. see my above edit)

... not quite sure what browser you use - I'm obviously none too choosy! Life's down to happy medium-ness, our mix of commonsense & fortitude. :D

Agree with BV04's comments. I'm awash with poorly-understtood firewalls, but cleaning out the crud regularly seems to keep things jogging along.

[BlackVelvet04]

17. Anytime my computer starts acting stupid

I know it's time to clean it out.

[WiseButAngrySara]

6. There is a computer help and discussion forum here, and I've

found it to be quite helpful on occasion. I've often just browsed through the topics listed and have been able to find someone posing a similar problem which helped me to solve mine! I don't know what "high level" warnings are, but if I received one every 15 seconds I'd be real scared too.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=242

[Lex]

15. Lots of pop-up ads give those bogus warnings.

Make sure your pop-up blocker is enabled and switch to Firefox as your browswer if you haven't already.