Computer SPY alert

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    Nov 7, 2011
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    I happen to be scanning my "Windows " start menu.
    I found this among my list of programs "PREMIER OPINION".
    I have no idea how it got on my computer or what it was for.

    Under the drop down menu was now to ask questions about it.
    I open the site. The program tells me it is a program that records all my computer actions.
    They will be used to better inform me of things I might be interested in.
    I attempted to find it in "control panel", "programs" and uninstall it.
    it was not listed in my list of programs that I could uninstall.
    I then opened "task manager"
    The program was running.
    Then only thing I could think of was deleting the sub-menus under "PREMIER OPINION".
    Now when I open "task manager" it is listed as n/a but still listed on my computer.
     

    wtburnette

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    44   0   0
    Nov 11, 2013
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    If you don't use a browser with a built in ad blocker, make sure to download one to use, such as Adblock Plus. There will be some sites that won't let you on unless you whitelist them, but IMO I don't need to browse those sights. It's extremely easy for page ads to be infected and having an ad blocker will prevent those infections.
     

    Hoosierdood

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    8   0   0
    Nov 2, 2010
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    You need good anti-virus software if you are going to spend all day looking at porn.


    Or just get rid of your computer. Doesn’t sound like technology is your thing.
     
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    Nov 7, 2011
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    If you don't use a browser with a built in ad blocker, make sure to download one to use, such as Adblock Plus. There will be some sites that won't let you on unless you whitelist them, but IMO I don't need to browse those sights. It's extremely easy for page ads to be infected and having an ad blocker will prevent those infections.

    I have "McAfee" and "Adblocker" running all the time.
    When asked to turn off Adblocker.
    I do not!

    I just checked "task manager" "PREMIER OPINION" is still listed.
    NO description.
    Not running.
    "start up type" automatic.
    "log on as" local services.
     

    doddg

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    135   0   1
    May 15, 2017
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    Indianapolis
    I just realized that since I just switched from ATT to Xfinity, I need to download their Norton antivirus for my laptop & desktop cmps that comes with the service.
    Don't I?
     

    wtburnette

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    44   0   0
    Nov 11, 2013
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    I just realized that since I just switched from ATT to Xfinity, I need to download their Norton antivirus for my laptop & desktop cmps that comes with the service.
    Don't I?

    You do not. You can if you want it, but it's not mandatory by any stretch of the imagination. If you're using Windows 10, the built in AV (Windows Defender I believe) is plenty good enough by itself.
     

    jkaetz

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    3   0   0
    Jan 20, 2009
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    Easiest way to avoid virui and malware.


    1. Don't click yes to anything
    2. Don't browse sketchy websites
    3. Run an ad-blocking browser extension
    4. Run a java script blocking extension (No-Script, Script Safe) This will break a lot of sites. Be very judicious on the sites you whitelist.
    5. Don't install any programs unless you know exactly what it will do. Read everything and only install the part you want. Most freeware stuff will try to bundle in adware and other less desirables.
     

    mmpsteve

    Real CZ's have a long barrel!!
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    11   0   0
    Nov 14, 2016
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    ..... formerly near the Wild Turkey
    Malwarebytes is a good spyware removal scanner that I've used for decades. It's free for scanning and removal. A modest fee gets you full time protection. This is a supplement to your regular anti-virus protection.

    .
     

    Hoosierdood

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    8   0   0
    Nov 2, 2010
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    Be careful what “browser” you use. Some are more “vulnerable” than others. Make sure you use an “ad blocker” extension. Don’t “click” on anything that you are not 100% sure is “safe”. Don’t go to sketchy “websites”. And make sure your “antivirus” software is up to date.
     

    Hatin Since 87

    Bacon Hater
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    Mar 31, 2018
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    You need good anti-virus software if you are going to spend all day looking at porn.


    Or just get rid of your computer. Doesn’t sound like technology is your thing.

    Funny, but true. Get a fire stick or just buy the dvd, internet has too many ways to steal identity, isn’t worth the risk.

    But honestly, not sure how well you are with technology but you seem to have had a lot of issues this year. You can take a computer class for fairly cheap. Most libraries and schools will have them available. I got one for my mom and dad a couple years ago when they started dabbling around with a laptop. Worth it just to keep them from clicking yes to everything that popped up
     

    DoggyDaddy

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    73   0   1
    Aug 18, 2011
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    Funny, but true. Get a fire stick or just buy the dvd, internet has too many ways to steal identity, isn’t worth the risk.

    But honestly, not sure how well you are with technology but you seem to have had a lot of issues this year. You can take a computer class for fairly cheap. Most libraries and schools will have them available. I got one for my mom and dad a couple years ago when they started dabbling around with a laptop. Worth it just to keep them from clicking yes to everything that popped up

    About 15 years ago, the place I worked at the time gave us all free desktop computers. Since I already had one, I gave mine to my then 82 year old mom. She took a class for seniors at the Gateway store (I think). She never did get the hang of it. I used to really get a kick out of it when she would send me an email saying she couldn't get into her email. :n00b: :):
     

    Cameramonkey

    www.thechosen.tv
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    35   0   0
    May 12, 2013
    31,687
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    Camby area
    You do not. You can if you want it, but it's not mandatory by any stretch of the imagination. If you're using Windows 10, the built in AV (Windows Defender I believe) is plenty good enough by itself.

    A Yugo is a "good enough" car, too. :): As of windows 8 or so, its finally enough to run and catches most stuff. I still wouldnt trust it unless I had absolutely zero options. Avast is good and not very expensive.

    Malwarebytes is a good spyware removal scanner that I've used for decades. It's free for scanning and removal. A modest fee gets you full time protection. This is a supplement to your regular anti-virus protection.


    .
    And it sounds like OP does need to pay the extra for full time scanning on MalwareBytes. ($35/year?) I have several clients that I have set up with it. They too had stuff get onto their PC that they had no clue where it came from. Not anymore!

    No offense, Spike but given all the computer related threads you have posted, it sounds like you could use a little extra help. No knock on you, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Your strength just isnt computers. (and that's OK)
     
    Last edited:

    doddg

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    135   0   1
    May 15, 2017
    8,614
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    Indianapolis
    You do not. You can if you want it, but it's not mandatory by any stretch of the imagination. If you're using Windows 10, the built in AV (Windows Defender I believe) is plenty good enough by itself.


    Thanks!
    I checked & we have Windows Defender on both her desktop & my laptop.
    My wife reminded me that our geek son-in-law telling us Windows Defender would be sufficient.
    He hand built our desktop and bought my laptop according to his specs.
    I knew that he didn't use McAfee or Norton, and used something free for his computers, and he could afford whatever he wanted.
     

    wtburnette

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    44   0   0
    Nov 11, 2013
    26,859
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    SW side of Indy
    A Yugo is a "good enough" car, too. :): As of windows 8 or so, its finally enough to run and catches most stuff. I still wouldnt trust it unless I had absolutely zero options. Avast is good and not very expensive.

    I've read numerous articles in the last few months saying that it's rated pretty highly nowadays, at least as well as most free AV. See this article: https://www.cnet.com/news/the-best-antivirus-protection-in-2019-for-windows-10/ or this rating from Av-Test: https://www.av-test.org/en/antiviru...-2019/microsoft-windows-defender-4.18-194015/. Since I use an ad blocker, plus scan frequently with other anti-malware tools and practice pretty decent security otherwise, I figure Defender is just fine... :dunno:
     
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