[ranke bhut]

Hello everybody,
How to findout weather my computer is being observed by other people or not. I mean if my computer is hacked or not??

[Nez]

Firstly,take a look at http://secured.orcon.net.nz/kers/page7.html which will tell you about being hacked.Secondly,as it says there,don't panic.I would always recommend spybot 1.3,Adaware SE,and SpyBlaster,all available from download.com for free.Also keep your anti-virus software up to date,and keep your Windows updates settings on auto.If you have XP,go to it via the security center.Start-programs-accessories-system tools,will lead you directly.
Also make sure you have a firewall installed.The one issued with XP does it's job,but it only stops incoming attacks.For higher security,get something like Zone Alarm,again available for free from download.com.The settings are easy to use,and once up and running you'l be surprised how much piece of mind you've now got.
In the final analysis,if someone really wanted to hack into your PC,they probably could,as there is no 100% security 'lock-out'.But if you take sensible precautions,stay away from undesirable sites,then you should have happy surfing for many years.
I hope this helps.

[ranke bhut]

Thank you friend for you help. I will follow the step that you have reccommnded

[Wendy225]

For Spyware protection and general help cleaning up the computer and registry I recommend, the following files, as I have found 1 or even 2 is not always enough as 1 may find something the others do not.

Spyware
Microsoft New SPyware program-Formerly Giant spyware, they bought it out.
Spysweeper
Spybot search and destroy
Adware SE
Aluria's Spyware Eliminator
Spyhunter

I would suggest at the very least 3 or more of the above programs.

Registry and Fix and Repair programs
Fix it Utilities 5
Advanced System Optimizer
Ace Utilities
System Mechanic 5

Any 2 or more of these.

And Google toolbar with built in pop up stopper for your browser is good.

And a good solid Anti Virus Program or 2, updated weekly.

A good defragging Program or 2
Diskeeper Lite
Perfect Disk.

Also use the below website, that tests and reviews some for the best programs out for many different things, they give you side by side comparisons and rate each one in many categories.
http://www.toptenreviews.com/


:rolleyes:

[ScottGem]

One of my fav sites for security info and checking my PC's security is www.grc.com

[Wendy225]

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/artic...d,97430,00.asp

This web title has many helpful ideas. :rolleyes:

[fredg]

Hi,
Here are my steps for keeping Spyware/Advertising ware out of your computer:

If you think you already have Spyware/Advertising Ware in your computer, run these as follows:

http://www.security-related.com/download2.htm
Download: SpyBot Search & Destroy; 1.3

AdAware at:
www.lavasoftusa.com
Download: AdAware_SE

CWShredder at:
http://www.download.com/CWShredder/3...ml?tag=lst-0-1
(CWShredder is intended only for removal of CoolWebSearch files; placed as spyware on the harddrive). It is not a "stand alone" scan, but needs to be run.

All 3 of the above programs run better and much faster when run in SafeMode.
It's best to run the AdAware scan first; 3 times; then re-boot.
Then, run the AdAware scan again 3 times; then run the SpyBot. Then, run CWShredder.
Re- Boot.
Reason for running so many times:
Some of these trojans' files can be deleted the first time; leaving some others; but on re-boot, they re-write the files that were deleted.
Running multiple times deletes most of it the first
Time.

If you wish to have a great program, after you clean out Spyware/Advertising Ware:
SpyWare Blaster 3.2
Great, free, program that STOPS spyware, trojans, home page hijacks, etc, BEFORE they get into your computer. Check it out at CNET at link:

http://www.download.com/SpywareBlast...ml?tag=lst-0-2

Two Tips:
If you notice the little green computer lights that show your dial-up connection to the internet staying on when they shouldn't be, located on the bottom right of the system tray, disconnect immediately and run AdAware. These lights staying on means that some URL is sending or receiving spyware/advertising ware to or from your computer, most of the time.

Other Tip: After being on the net, if you have visited any sites you don't really trust, then run AdAware BEFORE you shut down or re-start the computer. This will delete any Spyware easier, before the computer can configure it, set it up, spread it throughout the Registry, and make it more difficult to remove after re-booting.

Now, by the word "hacking", if you mean is some particular person looking into your computer for information about social security numbers, credit card numbers,etc,; I wouldn't worry too much about that. This type of hacker will devote their time to bigger fish! But, for peace of mind, follow other volunteers suggestions and get a firewall. A good one is Sygate Personal Firewall, available at www.cnet.com/downloads.
Personally, I have use it, and finally got rid of it... not worth the extra clicking on windows saying "do you want this to be allowed??".
Best wishes,
fredg

[Wendy225]

fredg, why offer several of the same suggestions and ideas, that I had already given above, you did offer a couple of new ones, but the other 3 or 4, I had already given, it's a waste of time and space, to suggest some of the same programs I have already listed in another posting before yours.

If your going to add to a post, give something totally new. ;)