[Waverley ARS] I suspect a computer virus

[Adam Carmichael]

Hi Henrik and Raffy,

Symantec has acknowledged that Norton is full of bloat. As of last year
(or maybe this year) I read that the next version is going to be much
leaner.

Raffy mentioned Avast! and I stand by this recommendation - it is
fantastic! I use it on my only Windows box, and it's picked up stuff
that none of the others have picked up, and it's quite fast in
comparison or McAffee and Norton.

Uninstall Norton, if you still don't notice any improvement in speed,
also defrag your hard drive if you haven't done so. If you're going to
only do one defrag, then click Start -> Run -> and type "defrag.msc".
Choose your C drive and press "Defragment". If you're going to do it
regularly, I would highly recommend SmartDefrag, it's freeware and not
only does it defrag your HDD, it will also put the commonly accessed
files in more efficient locations too (or so it claims).

If that still doesn't work, then backup your computer, download and
install Xubuntu Linux - most home user's tasks can be accomplished on
Linux these days with substitute programs available for most Windows
tasks (with exception to the plethora of games on Windows).

Best of luck,


73 VK2JSI... Adam

raffy at raffy.net wrote:
> Hi Henrik,
> I believe Symantec IS the problem, It is typical bloatware!
> Try this, it's free for home users, light and has found virus's (viruii?)
> that AVG and Symantec have let through.
> http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
>
> 73
> Raffy
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 9, 2009 at 9:30 AM, Henrik Stenstrom
> <hstenstrom at komatsu.com.au>wrote:
>
>   
>> Gents,
>>
>> I'm beginning to suspect that a computer virus is doing its dastardly
>> thing on our home PC. The unit in question is a Dell about 5 years old
>> running Windows XP and is used almost exclusively for internet/email and
>> other light duties.  Other details such as processor, RAM etc I can only
>> give after checking this evening.
>>
>> Symptoms
>>
>> The PC is seems to be running very slowly as if there are other programs
>> running in the background with higher priority.
>>
>> Internet Explorer fails from time to time due to "runtime" errors
>>
>> System requests from time to time to increase virtual memory levels
>>
>>
>> Attempts to Resolve
>>
>> We have up to date Symantec Antivirus software installed.  Full system
>> scans do not show up any problem.
>>
>> A recent Windows online update showed some initial improvement.
>>
>> Increasing virtual memory levels is inconclusive.
>>
>> Our ADSL connection might not be the fastest in Sydney but I don't
>> believe this is the underlying problem.
>>
>>
>> So, where to start?  Can anyone recommend if further anti
>> spyware/malware detection is required?  If so, any recommendations as to
>> what?  What else to check?  IS the windows task manager any use in
>> checking for other programs that are running?
>>
>> Many thanks in advance for all or any help in resolving this aggravating
>> situation,
>>
>> Henrik - VK2HHS
>>
>>
>>
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>
>   


-- 
Adam "carneeki" Carmichael - VK2JSI, ex VK2FNRD
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