My telephone line seems to 'clog up'
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 25-Nov-2006, 06:46pm
First step, scan for spyware using;
1. Spybot
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
2. Adaware
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html
Then Virus scan using AVG Free
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5avg...
Uninstall any other anti virus you have then install AVG
Most importantly, throw your modem' as far as you possibly can, but just before you do, order one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-DG834-Router-4-por...
Message me if you need any help
Wayne
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My telephone line seems to 'clog up'
Posted By : James Fotheringham, 26-Nov-2006, 00:33am
Without starting a fight! I sort of diasagree Wayne.
The reason your connection slows down to zilch is due to Spyware or Adware pinching you connection. Any unfirewalled Windows PC connected to a high spd internet connection will be full of the stuff in minutes.
Your first step should be to ensure you have a firewall.
Control Panel > Security Center > Windows Firewall > Set On - the Win Firewall is as good as any free one.
(If security center is not present you don't have Service Pack 2, let us know if that is so!)
Next do as Wayne says and install, update and Run Adaware SE - http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html
This will remove all the little buggers nicking your bandwidth. Do this every two weeks or so.
Unfortunately AVG free anti virus is not free from the end of Dec, so you will have to find another. As yet I can not reccommend one.
As for the Modem, it is fine your general browsing and the like - unless you have an insatiable need for 'always on' internet, don't upset the apple cart!-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up'
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 26-Nov-2006, 08:56am
James
That's OK, no fight started
But you are wrong on a couple of things
AVG is and will remain to be free
I am an AVG Authorised Reseller and can confirm that the free version will remain available.
You just need to upgrade to 7.5, I presume you are using 7.1?
A firewall is essential I agree
The modem is not fine and is only fit for the bin.
The Router is far superior and has the added benefit of being a hardware firewall to boot.
Replacing the modem with a Netgear router is not upsetting the apple cart it is akin to replacing a four speed gearbox with a J-Type Overdrive.
Hope that puts it into context for you John?
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up'
Posted By : John Davies, 26-Nov-2006, 09:34am
Thanks guys,
Got a bit worried at first at being in the middle of a War of the Experts, but you seem to have reached a balance.
I will follow your advice.
It's great to have real experts (not the hasbeens under pressure variety) to ask - I promise not to ask too much.
I should have said:
Norton Internet Security up and running
I regularly use Ad-Aware and Spybot, and have Spyware Blaster in the background.
Certainly I've had that Alcatel device awhile.
I've just received a BT Home Hub and expect a Internet phone to go with it.
Have I bought a pup there?
It was nearly free - +&163;2/month.
John
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My telephone line seems to 'clog up'
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 26-Nov-2006, 10:57am
John
Any router is better than a USB Modem.
In my opinion Netgear Routers are better than all other domestic routers.
It's personal preference. If it were me I would replace the BT Home Hub with a Netgear every time. Having said that it will probably work OK for you and will be an improvement on your current setup.
Plus you have a VoIP option which you may like.
I service PC's on a daily basis and it is now the norm for me to find a Virus ridden PC with Norton or McAfee installed and running.
After uninstalling either of them and then installing AVG a subsequent scan with AVG always finds & removes said viruses (virii??)
You do manually update SpyBot & Adaware before you scan don't you John?
Deleting all your temporary internet files wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up'
Posted By : Jon Morton, 27-Nov-2006, 01:26pm
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My telephone line seems to 'clog up'
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 27-Nov-2006, 01:49pm
Jon
If a 3Com Router were to go faulty, would they send a courier to collect it from you and send you a new replacement within 4-5 days, all carriage at their expense?
Just one of the reasons why I prefer Netgear.
It's only my opinion, I'm sure there are supporters of other makers networking equipment with preference for them.
I just know that I find them to be extremely reliable.
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up'
Posted By : Jon Morton, 27-Nov-2006, 02:53pm
I honestly don't know of the 18 or so I've fitted I've never had one go wrong. But I would very much doubt they do.
The fact that Netgear offer that and haven't gone bankrupt would indicate its good kit!
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My telephone line seems to 'clog up'
Posted By : James Fotheringham, 27-Nov-2006, 07:52pm
My mistake.
I didn't RTFA, your are both of course correct, its 7.1 being discontinued!-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : John Davies, 02-Dec-2006, 10:55pm
YeeeeeeeeeeeeeHa!
Thanks for all your advice, folks!
I know it's not what you advised, but I'm now on my BT Home Hub, with a wireless link and it's going like a train!
Or a Silverback!
I suspect that only now am I experiencing REAL BroadBand.
Both BTHH and the wireless adaptor were simplicity to install - why didn't I do this ages ago?
Thanks again
John
PS "Signal strength very low".
BTHH and PC about 10 metres apart, brickwall and staircase in the way.
As above, does not seem to affect reception.
Will fiddling with the little aerials help? J.
PPS The slow download of this website isn't helped by the new kit. In fact all the others seem faster, and this one's still a slowcoach. J.
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My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Jonathan Reed, 02-Dec-2006, 11:40pm
WiFi is run by goblins and fairies , such things as mere earthly matter makes little difference.
Go to "connect to" and "wireless..." if below 24Mbps on speed try 'disable' then 'enable' and try for 48-54Mbps.
I know wifi is low in power but why it varies when you are in a stable environment is beyond me .
This isn't difficult though.
And if the fairies want to gobble the ----- -
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 03-Dec-2006, 06:09am
John,
Glad to hear you have an improvement.
The best way to improve upon your new setup is to remove the wireless adapter from your PC and use the ethernet cable that came with your home hub instead.
You say it is behind a wall & some stairs? I assume that there must be a route for your telephone cable to reach the PC otherwise how did you plug in your USB modem?
An ethernet connection using a cable will be much more stable than a wireless connection.
If you decide to do this, then I would also log in to your home hub & disable the wireless access point, keep the war chalkers at bay.
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : John Davies, 03-Dec-2006, 09:24am
Wayne,
The existing wire runs under carpets, around and under doors etc.etc.
The alternative of a wireless link saved me hours and sore knees!
And now I have a wireless adaptor, I can (I presume) link my laptop, which has wireless built in, to the hub and to my desktop?
But I'll bear in mind your words - I like always to have a Plan B!
John
PS "War chalkers"??
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My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 03-Dec-2006, 11:27am
John,
I just assumed that because you previously had a USB modem, then there was already a telephone line / extension in existence by your PC.
In which case you could site your home hub alongside the PC & use your ethernet cable.
Nothing to stop you doing that & also using your laptop wirelessly.
War Chalking: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warchalking
Try using a different channel on your wireless network. Make sure you have the latest drivers fot the adapter & firmware for the hub.That may help.
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Aaron Tucker, 03-Dec-2006, 02:56pm
hi there interesting posts, i have just been given, haha paying for in the subscription, an orange live box with wireless and ethernet connections, i have the computer on the ethernet and the laptop on the wifi it's ace and I have got gid of my poor usb speed touch.
My question relates to protection while surfing, i have norton anti virus 06 with go back and so on, it is due to run out soon and i have heard there are some free checkers that are as good if not better. Any advice would be gretfully recieved.
hadn't heard of war chalking but might have to go and draw a sysmbol on the road outside )2.0mps( as my neighbour has not discovered password protections on wifi..
cheers
Aaron-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 03-Dec-2006, 04:07pm
Aaron
It's only my opinion, but I really do believe that AVG is far superior to both Norton & McAffee.
I am an authorised reseller for both AVG and Symantec but I will not sell or install Symantec any more.
AVG have a free antivirus for home users:
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5avg...
They also have a full range of paid for versions which are very competitively priced:
http://www.avguk.com/doc/pricelist/lng/uk/tpl/tpl0...
If you change to AVG remember to uninstall Norton first. If you uninstall GoBack then make sure that Windows XP system restore is turned on.
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Aaron Tucker, 03-Dec-2006, 05:14pm
thanks wayne i will have a look in to it, is AVG as intensive on the memory as Norton?
Aaron-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 03-Dec-2006, 05:29pm
Aaron
>>is AVG as intensive on the memory as Norton?
I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Daily updates are done in the blink of an eye too.
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : John Davies, 03-Dec-2006, 06:33pm
Always interesting to see the experts in discussion.
Bit like visiting the Unseen University.
Installing my Home Hub included the offer of various Norton security elements, that would have required me to uninstall any security I had first, but as I have the full Norton suit, I didn't. Only carrot was that they were 'free' (came with the BT subscription), but I've got nearly six months to run on Norton anyway. Might look at AVG later - thanks for the tip.
John
PS Wheeeeeeeeeeeee! I'm really surfing now! -
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : James Fotheringham, 03-Dec-2006, 07:27pm
Wayne,
boy do I concur!
Norton is the biggest marketing success in the history of marketing.
Who cares if your product is god awful when you can slip it on every OEM pc you can!
It must be the single biggest cause that PCs run slowly and GET viruses!
Pap!
Yes AVG is excellent!-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 03-Dec-2006, 08:06pm
James,
The only dark cloud on the horizon for AVG is how far into bed they get with Micro$oft.
AVG will be downloadable from within windows security centre in Vista. I just hope that this doesn't lose any street cred that AVG enjoys.
http://www.grisoft.com/doc/39275/lng/us/tpl/tpl01
May become a target for all the script kiddies. Time will tell.
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Aaron Tucker, 06-Dec-2006, 07:51pm
Hi Wayne
The price is good but there are so many variations, any advice?
I use the machine for the web, email; download Mp3's and photo's internet banking that&8217;s about it though
I would like a spam blocker as I&8217;m getting some pretty offensive spam at the moment
thanks
Aaron-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 07-Dec-2006, 00:18am
Aaron
I just use the plain old antivirus. Along with SpyBot & AdAware for Spyware removal.
I find AntiSpam software a bit of a pain really. You have to constantly monitor & tweak it.
Easier to just hit the delete key a few times I think.
Maybe someone can recommend a Spam Filter that actually works?
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Ian Mulford, 07-Dec-2006, 09:54am
The Junk E-mail folder in Outlook 2003 seems to work really well for me. Quite normally there's 50 odd emails in there each day with only a few slipping through the net.-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : James Fotheringham, 07-Dec-2006, 12:57pm
Perhaps use a Google Mail account (formerly Gmail)
You can configure it to use your old address, so no change required,
It supports POP3 - so you can download via outlook
and the Spam filter on it is excellent!
PM me if you want an invite to open an account-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Colin Wake, 07-Dec-2006, 01:40pm
What I want is an account that shows me everything, and has no spam filtering on it whatsoever, not locally, and certainly not at the server, and also everything that is sent from it is not picked up by any spam filter anywhere ever, whatever I choose to put in the mail, and however I choose to format it. It p***es me off to loose an important mail because I accidentally put a word in it, that was once used by a spammer somewhere or whatever.
I do not beleive that anyone is now best served by a mail account with spam filtering, as it will filter out lots of genuine mail, whether you like it or not.
If only people would check through all the spam sent to them, their lives would be enriched by all the knowledge they are missing, and they wouldn't go moaning that people are not sending them info or replying to their mails.....
Rant over.
Cheers
Colin-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Mark Stradling, 07-Dec-2006, 03:44pm
OK, this thread has gone on too long for a Interweb techie like me to not join in with excess geekery
[quote=Wayne Farnworth]
The modem is not fine and is only fit for the bin.
The Router is far superior and has the added benefit of being a hardware firewall to boot.
[/quote]
Nothing wrong with a USB modem - just hook it up to an old PC running Smoothwall (http://www.smoothwall.org/). A router is a much easier solution though
[quote=Colin Wake]
I do not believe that anyone is now best served by a mail account with spam filtering, as it will filter out lots of genuine mail, whether you like it or not.
[/quote]
And annoyingly several of the big spam list groups have decided that the best way to block emails coming from rooted home PCs is to flag ALL IP addresses in the ADSL block as spam.
This makes the baby Jesus (and the Sun box under the stairs running mail/web/etc - gotta love eBay) cry.
Here endith the geeking.-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 07-Dec-2006, 03:51pm
Mark,
Smoothwall might be a viable option on Planet Geek, but back in the real world where the majority of people exist, a USB modem is absolutely only fit for the bin.
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : John Davies, 07-Dec-2006, 06:11pm
All,
Interesting article in today's Information Guardian: http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/story/0,,1...
Jack Schofield (sometime editor of IT-G) has tried running a PC for a year with no protection at all, "except a firewall and a NAT [??] router"!
He had no probs from last Christmas until October, when he picked up a Trojan!
He concludes that the problem is carbon, not silicon.
"With XP SP2, auto-updates and a decent firewall, the average PC should now be reasonably safe on the 'net"
If people are not savvy and invite malware in they have only themselves to blame.
No amount of software will prevent infection if,as he says, "you're a big enough twit to run unsolicited email attachments"
BUT, he also concluded that 'reasonable' is not enough.
"anti-malware such as MS Defender [never heard of it] or AVG Antispyware [WooHoo for you, Wayne!] may now be more important that antivirus software"
John-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 07-Dec-2006, 06:34pm
John
I couldn't agree more with him.
Almost all rubbish on PC's is invited in. Bear Share, Smiley Central, Real Player to name a few. They all bring extra baggage in the installation.
I don't agree with his glowing praise of OS X though.
I've used Mac's (or PC's for beginners as I liked to call them in OS 9 days) since 1983. Phototypesetting with an Apple II.
I still wouldn't have one in preference to a PC.
I can guarantee that if the market share were reversed & Windows had 3% and Apple had the lion's share, there would be plenty of Mac malware / virus then.
Ok, that's the blue torch paper lit. I'll just retreat to a safe distance now in case there are any Mac fans around.
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Aaron Tucker, 07-Dec-2006, 06:44pm
ah ha I'm testing the beta version of the MS defender it seems quite good but i might be over protected, but i don't mind
my best friend has a MAC and he loves it, he is however a bit of a mac'orack, he was trying to prove how good it was the other day when it crashed i chuckled......
Aaron
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My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Ian Mulford, 07-Dec-2006, 08:04pm
MS Defender is all very well but what I've found in my experience and others I work with is that it's often worth having 2 or 3 different anti spyware programs as individually they don't seem to pick up everything.-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Jonathan Reed, 07-Dec-2006, 10:57pm
Pardon the non Triumph request but I'm stuck with a tablet pc prob and the knowledge base seems to be out there in TSSC land.
Tablet pen working dodgy then not at all.
Thining pen ( hardaware prob) but think could be software glitch.
Think restore XP to previous settings. Goes through motions and says can't restore at any date tried.
Tablet used as 'laptop' seems fine (keys, touchpad) - Acer C310 if it makes any difference.
Help wanted as I don't need a total reboot just now!
PS I have two spybots, an adaware and an antivirus running and updated
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My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 08-Dec-2006, 00:23am
Jonathan,
I would have suggested a restore to factory state with the restore disks, but you don't want to do that just yet.
Here are a couple of TabletPC forums. Maybe if you sign up & post your question someone on there will be able to help.
http://www.tabletquestions.com/tablet-pc-acer/
http://forums.tabletpctalk.com/
Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Wayne
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My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : George Ralph, 08-Dec-2006, 12:01pm
Oh my God! Your a Guardian reader!!!!
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My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : John Davies, 08-Dec-2006, 05:06pm
George,
Most people sneer at me for my newspaper.
But if you wish to worship, I will PM you my Swiss bank account.
And as a worshipper, the name's Jehova please.
Or 'Lord'.
Got to go, London needs a few more thunderbolts.
John-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Aaron Tucker, 27-Dec-2006, 09:28pm
Thanks for the advice on AVG just uninstalled Norton as my subscription was up, and put on AVG, Ad Aware and Spy Bot between them they have turned up 500 different issues, that they have killed or quarantined! memory usage much better... excellent!
the only question is do i buy spy bot to kill off the remaining "threats" or live with them???
thanks again
Aaron (still contemplating engine rebuilding in the new year)-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Wayne Farnworth, 28-Dec-2006, 08:41am
Aaron,
How do you know you have remaining threats? Did one of the 3 programmes say so?
If so, try rebooting into Safe Mode & running the scans again.
I wouldn't say you need to buy SpyBot - the free one usually does the job.
Wayne-
My telephone line seems to 'clog up' - NOT!
Posted By : Aaron Tucker, 28-Dec-2006, 09:57am
spybot recons i have 9 threats left 6 are tracking cookies the other three seem a bit more sinister
I will try the safe mode trick
thanks
Aaron
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