One virus / Trojan after the other...
Last week, there was a little... ehm... incident on my computer, which forced me to re-install my computer completely within short time of notice. The blackmailers gave me 48 hours.
This re-installation was something that I should have done for years anyway. Before, I felt like throwing the old thing away because it had become too slow. But now, after re-setup, it became the fastest computer that I ever had.
Well, but... The danger is not over. Although I am now completely up to date in terms of virus scanner, service packs and alike, I have been victim to two or more further Trojan attacks within few days. The same day when I set up the computer, a software named GoogleDesktop.exe installed itself on my computer. I am sure that I did never click "OK" for this installation. I always read carefully before I click on any button.
Where did I get it from and why do I not know about it? As I suspect that my Google searches had led me to the infected page where I downloaded last week´s problem, I now use the Avira search machine. But Google found me, they find us all. I de-installed the GoogleDesktop.exe, but can I be sure that it is gone??? Yes, yes, I know it is this software which allows me to search my disk for files. I do not know why I should need it, as the Windows search does this well enough. In my paranoia I believe that Google Desktop search allows others to more easily search on my computer.
The next Trojan stems from Microsoft. It is called "Installation Assistant for Windows Genuine Advantage". Each time when I start the computer, Microsoft asks me to allow them to verify whether my Microsoft software is genuine or a pirate copy. For my own security, of course. Each time, I click "no". I do not want to have their spy software running on my computer. At least, they ask before doing it. This is more than others do.
When downloading two freeware tools, my virus scan informed me with an angry beep that they contain exe programs that are not recommended to start. Hm, OK, thanks...
Nowadays, one is no longer master of one´s own computer. I am allowed to feed it with electricity and to use it while the Trojans leave some capacity over for my humble needs. But the rest of the time, others search my hard disk, check the actuality of my software and update it, do lots of "maintenance work" on my computer. And really each software, including printer driver software, ask me to allow them to contact their masters and inform them about all my activities and vice versa they want to inform me about their marketing news. No, I do not want this all. I refuse, refuse and refuse.
And by the way: I do not want to get the weather forecast adapted to the town where I am today, nor any other personalized information. I do not want THEM to know so much about me. In the virtual world, one can not be paranoic enough.
I am at the limit of my endurance. I seriously think of converting to Linux (again). Or at least using a Linux computer as my surf station, while the offline computer is for the real work.
I had this before, it was a bit tedious, but still better than the two extremes: (a) everyone looking into my documents, or (b) going offline completely.
This re-installation was something that I should have done for years anyway. Before, I felt like throwing the old thing away because it had become too slow. But now, after re-setup, it became the fastest computer that I ever had.
Well, but... The danger is not over. Although I am now completely up to date in terms of virus scanner, service packs and alike, I have been victim to two or more further Trojan attacks within few days. The same day when I set up the computer, a software named GoogleDesktop.exe installed itself on my computer. I am sure that I did never click "OK" for this installation. I always read carefully before I click on any button.
Where did I get it from and why do I not know about it? As I suspect that my Google searches had led me to the infected page where I downloaded last week´s problem, I now use the Avira search machine. But Google found me, they find us all. I de-installed the GoogleDesktop.exe, but can I be sure that it is gone??? Yes, yes, I know it is this software which allows me to search my disk for files. I do not know why I should need it, as the Windows search does this well enough. In my paranoia I believe that Google Desktop search allows others to more easily search on my computer.
The next Trojan stems from Microsoft. It is called "Installation Assistant for Windows Genuine Advantage". Each time when I start the computer, Microsoft asks me to allow them to verify whether my Microsoft software is genuine or a pirate copy. For my own security, of course. Each time, I click "no". I do not want to have their spy software running on my computer. At least, they ask before doing it. This is more than others do.
When downloading two freeware tools, my virus scan informed me with an angry beep that they contain exe programs that are not recommended to start. Hm, OK, thanks...
Nowadays, one is no longer master of one´s own computer. I am allowed to feed it with electricity and to use it while the Trojans leave some capacity over for my humble needs. But the rest of the time, others search my hard disk, check the actuality of my software and update it, do lots of "maintenance work" on my computer. And really each software, including printer driver software, ask me to allow them to contact their masters and inform them about all my activities and vice versa they want to inform me about their marketing news. No, I do not want this all. I refuse, refuse and refuse.
And by the way: I do not want to get the weather forecast adapted to the town where I am today, nor any other personalized information. I do not want THEM to know so much about me. In the virtual world, one can not be paranoic enough.
I am at the limit of my endurance. I seriously think of converting to Linux (again). Or at least using a Linux computer as my surf station, while the offline computer is for the real work.
I had this before, it was a bit tedious, but still better than the two extremes: (a) everyone looking into my documents, or (b) going offline completely.
AndreaHerrmann - 15. Dez, 18:30
