[Ham-Computers] IE awareness of internet connection.

[jeff]

On Sat, 2004-08-14 at 19:30, KB1DXC wrote:
> I have never heard of an hijacked browser, what exactly does that mean?

really bad programs that can take over parts of your browser, change the
homepage, or install an ad-server.  

BUT WHY?
One word- scripting.  
Two words - Internet Explorer

Microsoft had to make a browser that was SO flexible, you could do
anything with it.  You can control most of it via scripts.  So it's no
big deal to drop all sorts of nasties into it.

HOW DO I AVOID THIS?
1. Stop using IE
2. jack your security through the roof
3. turn off scripting (will make some pages fail)

HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I'M HIJACKED?
1. your homepage changed and you didn't change it
2. all sorts of pop-ups, moreso than normal

HOW DO I FIX THIS?
There are 3 really great free programs I use frequently - Ad-Aware,
Spybot Search and Destroy, and Hijack This.  Do a search- all are
readily available, free, and updated frequently.

BE CAREFUL with Hijack This.  It will tell you EVERYTHING that has been
changed from the Windows default.  If you changed your home page, it
will indicate this.  It's a very powerful and consequently a very
dangerous product.  Read the directions.

Use these programs weekly or more.  Keep your virus protection updated
and use a firewall (Zone Alarm is free and GOOD).  Get rid of IE and use
a different browser.  I use Opera on Windows and linux and love it. 
It's much faster and I have yet to see a pop-up.  Mozilla is not as fast
but stable.



To the gentleman who posted the question in the first place -  I'm not
sure you've been hijacked.  Run these tools just in case.  I've seen
Windows `forget' that it has a connection.  Try running the connect
wizard again.