Have we been hacked?

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 12:17 pm

frank81 wrote:I don't really notice those types of things being installed by Microsoft. I have noticed those things already being on the computer, like the Yahoo Toolbar and what not, and then when you update to the version the toolbar likes it becomes functional. Or its been installed but disabled, and somehow becomes enabled when you update IE.

Bottom line, most of that garbage is the result of "free" software you downloaded. Heathicus is right, disable the addons and toolbars until you find the one doing that.

Good Point!

That is why I do not have (m)any addons 'added' to firefox.

Also I never use IE(for web browsing)!;)

frank81 · Post by **frank81** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 12:23 pm

[quote="JPG40504"]Good Point!

That is why I do not have (m)any addons 'added' to firefox.

Also I never use IE(for web browsing)!]

I go one step further and don't use a computer at home (notice you don't see me on here nights or weekends). I do have a laptop that has barebones firefox installed but I only use that when absolutely necessary. For the most part I just read but don't post from a tablet.

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 2:01 pm

Sometimes after updating software like Java, or Adobe Reader, or Flash, you can end up with unexpected software. Such as the "Ask" or some other toolbar. Those, what I consider malicious, companies pay the "legitimate" companies (like Oracle or Adobe) to include their browser toolbar or add-on as part of their installer. Usually, you can avoid it if you're paying attention, but Oracle/Java in particular has gotten pretty bad about sneaking those things in with their updates.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 2:12 pm

I cannot imagine why one would be confused or not aware of extra baggage. Those pages have 'only one' download button with clear indication of 'what' will be downloaded!:D

Sneaky Bast...s!

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 3:32 pm

Yes most everything must be downloaded but practically every download I have seen in the last year carried bagage that you had to unclick a box to keep from getting downloaded along with what you wanted.

Everyone tries to trick you into downloading google chrome, flash, various tool bars and PDF readers.

I also like how most companies try to trick you into agreeing to go paperless. Everytime I go near Verizon I almost click a screen that has a box checked that I agree to going paperless. I must read each screen and make sure such boxes aren't clicked.

Deception has become the new norm. Instead of honesty and integrity if someone can deceive you they are more highly thought of. Sad!

frank81 · Post by **frank81** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 4:34 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote:I also like how most companies try to trick you into agreeing to go paperless. Everytime I go near Verizon I almost click a screen that has a box checked that I agree to going paperless. I must read each screen and make sure such boxes aren't clicked.

Why do you not like paperless? You still have access to a pdf of what you would have been mailed, which you could save or print at your own leisure. If you are seeing those messages you are doing your transaction online, so you are already half way there. I don't know about you, but any payment I am doing online I don't bother to open the envelopes in the mail anyway. They just end up sitting in a drawer somewhere for no reason.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 6:14 pm

JPG;
I recently had my computer purged of viruses by a local shop which then reinstalled the operating system. Problem is that they installed a business version of Windows and other software. I noticed that the speaker mute light was always on regardless of whether the speakers were muted or not. When I mentioned it they said that sometimes the replaced system does not always act the same. I couldn't turn on the web cam either.
When I got some more strange stuff I decided to reboot as I like to call it. I had the HP discs so I backed up what little stuff I had added and did a full system restore.
Just like it came out of the box from the factory, reinstalled all of my programs and am cooking real good for now.
Thanks to all who offered help... greatly appreciated!!
Bill V

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 9:10 pm

frank81 wrote:Why do you not like paperless? You still have access to a pdf of what you would have been mailed, which you could save or print at your own leisure. If you are seeing those messages you are doing your transaction online, so you are already half way there. I don't know about you, but any payment I am doing online I don't bother to open the envelopes in the mail anyway. They just end up sitting in a drawer somewhere for no reason.

Bills are kept in one place and I use them as memory jogs to do them. If they mail me something I would probably delete the email as spam and end up not paying my bills. This way I have something to remind me to do the mail. And besides it costs them money and they never offered a refund if a I go paperless. They want their pound of flesh and I want mine.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 12:13 am

[quote="wa2crk"]JPG]
I would refer to that as reinstalling of the operating system, not 'rebooting'.

Hence my confusion.

Frank, Ed's and my diatribe was regarding sneaky stuff(pre checking boxes and hoping one does not notice until too late). The paperless comments were an example only.

skou · Post by **skou** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 2:21 am

JPG40504 wrote: Frank, Ed's and my diatribe was regarding sneaky stuff(pre checking boxes and hoping one does not notice until too late). The paperless comments were an example only.

JPG's right!

Whenever installing ANYTHING, read what you're agreeing to. Those install pages are designed to get people to just click on "yes," or "OK" and keep on going.

I've built quite a few computers for people, and install a fair amount of freeware. Using the same programs over time, I know what not to check "yes" on. Some of them, I DO check "yes," because I'm going to be installing that program anyway.

I run both IE and Google Chrome, and have few issues with either.

Those highlighted words are NOT from IE or Chrome. They're from some "unwanted" software.

steve