Which Anti-virus to use? - The Firearms Forum

Popgunner · 03-04-2009, 09:29 AM

One of our computers at work has been taken over by "A360" virus that we've been trying to get rid of. Our next door neighbors at work are a computer software design company & when I went next door & asked them about it they said they have a computer that has the same thing & they havn't been able to get rid of it. My computer has Mcafee on it that didn't stop the virus & I've tried Spybot S&D & Ad-Aware anti-virus to get rid of it. Both seem to help for a few hours but then the computer runs slow & the A360 ads come back & take over the computer. The geeks next door told me the problem is that the virus is now in the boot section & hard to get rid of.

Any ideas?

buffalo jump · 03-04-2009, 10:28 AM

Try AVG, and it's free..........I have it on my computer and like it so much that I bought the professional version.........

jondar · 03-04-2009, 10:52 AM

+1 on the AVG. Had the slowdown and the ads coming up, big ones, my son installed AVG and three days later computer speeded up and ads went bye-bye. Not sure whether this is a free trial or pay. I'll pay rather than give it up.

glocknut · 03-04-2009, 11:10 AM

Wipe it clean and start over. And QUIT DOWNLOADING ADULT MATERIAL ONLINE....

mike
gn

1shot1k · 03-04-2009, 11:18 AM

Dear Popgunner,

use this link for problem you explained...

" have a A360 virus on my computer i cant get on the Internet because its telling me that i have to run this A360 scan in order to fix my computer, I know this is a virus but i can't delete it on my computer? help!"

Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop (or other place) from here:

http://www.besttechie.net/tools/mbam-setup.exe

Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
* At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to
o Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
* then click Finish.
* If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
*Run a Full Scan.
* When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
* Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
* When completed, a log will open in Notepad. Save that log and reboot normally.

Avg (new platform) is good as is Spybot and many. NO one platform will be 100% all the time and for everything...due to the nature of the beast(s) changing their attacks.

You can pay for commercial platforms, but the freeware or donate ware ones should suffice , PROVIDED you utilize what is a requirement of the best Commercial ones ....

and that is ..that you continuously operate system(s)
in such a way , that requires a "user input or decision" to be made and disallow or allow suspected registry or program changes. This is sometimes not a good option for standalone servers or unattended sys.

I have checked the above link and is safe and from good makers. You can remove problems and update for free, however a fee or license is required for "realtime " protection or the ability to STOP a malware from executing.

I had the good fortune to be involved with the design and
manufacture of the first z80 based pc TRS 80 by Tandy in mid to late 70's. I have stayed with PC and networking developments since. Fortunately . my good friend nearby is also my mentor, having a doctoriate relating to comp science.

I mention this , as there are a lot of"experts"., but we all need two heads together sometimes. I joined forum in 11/08 after losing mom and getting into 1911's again. At that time I was hearing of sad loss of forum founder and owner. At that time I posted an offer to help staff and any with any PC issues or Networking. Due to retiring per injury recently, I have more time now to stay involved helping friends.

Please call on me my email if I can help anyone.

Regards,

1shot

PS Wanted to add., per this or other scanners , no matter what found or not..reboot Windows to "safe Mode W/NETWORKING support and Rescan.......

1shot

RunningOnMT · 03-04-2009, 11:25 AM

I also like AVG. I don't currently have it because my ISP provides McAfee also. However I recently had occasion to get assistance from Dell technical support. In the support session I gave them control of my computer and they downloaded some free software that is great. One is Super AntiSpyware and the other is Malwarebytes-anti malware. Both these programs picked up things that neither McAfee nor my previous Norton did.

I also like Trend Micro Housecall for a free online virus scan. Have used this one for years and found them to be fairly up to date.

Popgunner · 03-04-2009, 11:27 AM

Thanks guys.
Glocknut, I think it was adult stuff. I use this computer to clean the spammers off our scrapbooking website evry day-about 400 a day. I have to make sure to let the ladies who are real customers on & sometimes to tell who they are I have to select the requester.

Thanks 1Shot I'm trying that now

RunningOnMT · 03-04-2009, 11:29 AM

Oops..just noticed 1 shots post. Well, just second the vote for Malwarebytes. It is good.

1shot1k · 03-04-2009, 11:31 AM

10-4 Popgunner, shouild take care of that particular problem u mentioned..but will guarntee you that if you inded have th eone u mentioned...it will also find OTHERS (trojans) you should get rid of as well........

didnt realize until running posted that Dell was pushin this scanner too....

feel better about recommending it noww.....

when ur PC blows up......I woul donly have to say...but gosh...Dell uses it.....

later,

Marlin T · 03-04-2009, 12:24 PM

Kaspersky is the way to go.

There are various reviews out there and they have been rated in the top 5 for years and years.

The real bonus is that kaspersky updates 4 to 5 times a day.

More than anybody else does.

http://usa.kaspersky.com/products_se...roductskis.php

oldredneck · 03-04-2009, 01:09 PM

I'm a retired network administrator and I still work part-time as a computer tech. All the free AV stuff is okay but the best course of action is to bite the bullet and pay $40.-$50. for a complete internet suite protection package giving you a intrusion firewall, AV, spyware, malware protection. What most people don't understand is there is normally a 24-48 hour lagtime between when a virus or other malware begins to hit computers and/or networks and the AV companies have a solution or removal tool to be downloaded. Anytime you open unexpected e-mail attachments or download freeware from the net, you risk getting infected.

On the job we normally use free tools like AVG, Vipre, Spybot, Ad-Aware, or Malwarebytes in cases where customers, very foolishly I might add, don't have any protection. We are having a problem with Antivirus 2009 and it's variants around here, it pretends to be a free anti-virus program and I've had many cases where when it is fully installed the only way to clean it is to blow away to OS and re-install from scratch. This virus is a Java exploit and I believe it poses as a Java update. My CA protection suite flagged a Java update on my computer as having a virus, I canceledthe update and downloaded directly from Java.com.

Vladimir · 03-04-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marlin T

Kaspersky is the way to go.

There are various reviews out there and they have been rated in the top 5 for years and years.

The real bonus is that kaspersky updates 4 to 5 times a day.

More than anybody else does.

http://usa.kaspersky.com/products_se...roductskis.php

+1, Kaspersky is the single best anti-virus available.

There are other things that people are talking about, there is a difference between Spyware and Viruses, etc.

I take it back. The single best anti-virus out there is not opening random ****

, then Kaspersky is the second best

.

Popgunner · 03-04-2009, 02:58 PM

Happy Happy Happy!!
I ran the malware that 1Shot recomended & so far so good. speed has come back up & no popups so far. I really do appreciate you guys responses with other cleaners & before it's over I may have to throw the whole kitchen sink at it. I'm hunkering down & holding my mouth just right, & I've told everyone in the office to talk quietly so as not to provoke that spyvirus stuff....

Many thanks

Brian48 · 03-04-2009, 04:07 PM

I use AVG. Avast is OK too, but I've found it to be buggy on some systems.

Both are free.

Popgunner · 03-04-2009, 05:01 PM

Thank you sir

GMFWoodchuck · 03-04-2009, 05:12 PM

I use the Verizon program myself. Only because it comes free with the service. I haven't had any problems.

Carne Frio · 03-04-2009, 05:35 PM

Get a Mac.
Sorry, couldn't help that. I gave up on having my PC's get
hosed up and identity stolen for years. Haven't had any such
problems for the last 3, since getting Macified. Keeping
my fingers crossed, though.

USMCSpeedy · 03-04-2009, 06:59 PM

First try using Malwarebytes. If that doesn't work install the Microsoft Recovery Console and then run ComboFix. I haven't found too many issues these two won't fix, either at home or work (I am an IT professional for a cellular company).

Malwarebytes download: http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes...=dl&tag=button

Directions to install Recovery Console: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654

ComboFix download: http://www.combofixdownload.com/combofix-download.html

Hope this helps.

USMCSpeedy · 03-04-2009, 07:01 PM

Oh, by the way, neither of these are active "antivirus" programs but both are good for cleaning your PC once its been infected.

1shot1k · 03-04-2009, 09:11 PM

popgunner I am glad your soecific problem is fixed.

As I told you..there are no shortage of experts. I am now sorry I even interfered.

If specific router....

never mind.

glad your ok ..you have a list now to ask.

Popgunner · 03-04-2009, 11:12 PM

I do appreciate all yours help. I did use the malware you suggested 1Shot & as of when I left work that computer was running fast as normal & no sign of trouble. I'll post what it's condition is tomorrow.
Best to all.
PG

bluesea112 · 03-05-2009, 10:50 PM

Think I will give that Malware a try as well.

Popgunner · 03-06-2009, 05:12 AM

Still running well. Knock on wood, fingers crossed.

I used to just delete any funny sounding requests of people with e-mail addy's like "joylovegood@hotmail.com" as porn spammers that try to get on our scrapbooking messageboard. There were a couple who were real customers that I deleted & I caught heck for deleting them. So, yesterday my wife & I decided that the real customers who want to join will have to e-mail her with a request & then she'll mark them as "yes" for having been active so I can pick them out of the requested member's list. Everyone else now gets deleted. Not worth the stress of the computer being taken over.
I am glad to have all the info that's been posted on this thread

raveneap · 03-06-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffalo jump

Try AVG, and it's free..........I have it on my computer and like it so much that I bought the professional version.........

+1 - it's an excellent AV program

03-04-2009, 09:29 AM	#1
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Which Anti-virus to use? One of our computers at work has been taken over by "A360" virus that we've been trying to get rid of. Our next door neighbors at work are a computer software design company & when I went next door & asked them about it they said they have a computer that has the same thing & they havn't been able to get rid of it. My computer has Mcafee on it that didn't stop the virus & I've tried Spybot S&D & Ad-Aware anti-virus to get rid of it. Both seem to help for a few hours but then the computer runs slow & the A360 ads come back & take over the computer. The geeks next door told me the problem is that the virus is now in the boot section & hard to get rid of. Any ideas? -->

03-04-2009, 10:28 AM	#2
buffalo jump V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: pensacola, fl. , escambia county Posts: 496	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Try AVG, and it's free..........I have it on my computer and like it so much that I bought the professional version.........

03-04-2009, 10:52 AM	#3
jondar V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 458	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? +1 on the AVG. Had the slowdown and the ads coming up, big ones, my son installed AVG and three days later computer speeded up and ads went bye-bye. Not sure whether this is a free trial or pay. I'll pay rather than give it up.

03-04-2009, 11:10 AM	#4
glocknut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: THE FORUM MASCOTT... Posts: 12,482	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Wipe it clean and start over. And QUIT DOWNLOADING ADULT MATERIAL ONLINE.... mike gn __________________ Where O where are you tonight? Why have you gone and left me alone? I searched to world over and a thought i found true love... You met another and PTThhh you were gone....

03-04-2009, 11:18 AM	#5
1shot1k Former Guest Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 904	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Dear Popgunner, use this link for problem you explained... " have a A360 virus on my computer i cant get on the Internet because its telling me that i have to run this A360 scan in order to fix my computer, I know this is a virus but i can't delete it on my computer? help!" Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop (or other place) from here: http://www.besttechie.net/tools/mbam-setup.exe Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program. * At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to o Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware * then click Finish. * If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version. Run a Full Scan. When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results. * Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. * When completed, a log will open in Notepad. Save that log and reboot normally. Avg (new platform) is good as is Spybot and many. NO one platform will be 100% all the time and for everything...due to the nature of the beast(s) changing their attacks. You can pay for commercial platforms, but the freeware or donate ware ones should suffice , PROVIDED you utilize what is a requirement of the best Commercial ones .... and that is ..that you continuously operate system(s) in such a way , that requires a "user input or decision" to be made and disallow or allow suspected registry or program changes. This is sometimes not a good option for standalone servers or unattended sys. I have checked the above link and is safe and from good makers. You can remove problems and update for free, however a fee or license is required for "realtime " protection or the ability to STOP a malware from executing. I had the good fortune to be involved with the design and manufacture of the first z80 based pc TRS 80 by Tandy in mid to late 70's. I have stayed with PC and networking developments since. Fortunately . my good friend nearby is also my mentor, having a doctoriate relating to comp science. I mention this , as there are a lot of"experts"., but we all need two heads together sometimes. I joined forum in 11/08 after losing mom and getting into 1911's again. At that time I was hearing of sad loss of forum founder and owner. At that time I posted an offer to help staff and any with any PC issues or Networking. Due to retiring per injury recently, I have more time now to stay involved helping friends. Please call on me my email if I can help anyone. Regards, 1shot PS Wanted to add., per this or other scanners , no matter what found or not..reboot Windows to "safe Mode W/NETWORKING support and Rescan....... 1shot Last edited by 1shot1k; 03-04-2009 at 11:21 AM..

03-04-2009, 11:25 AM	#6
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? I also like AVG. I don't currently have it because my ISP provides McAfee also. However I recently had occasion to get assistance from Dell technical support. In the support session I gave them control of my computer and they downloaded some free software that is great. One is Super AntiSpyware and the other is Malwarebytes-anti malware. Both these programs picked up things that neither McAfee nor my previous Norton did. I also like Trend Micro Housecall for a free online virus scan. Have used this one for years and found them to be fairly up to date.

03-04-2009, 11:27 AM	#7
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Thanks guys. Glocknut, I think it was adult stuff. I use this computer to clean the spammers off our scrapbooking website evry day-about 400 a day. I have to make sure to let the ladies who are real customers on & sometimes to tell who they are I have to select the requester. Thanks 1Shot I'm trying that now

03-04-2009, 11:29 AM	#8
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Oops..just noticed 1 shots post. Well, just second the vote for Malwarebytes. It is good.

03-04-2009, 11:31 AM	#9
1shot1k Former Guest Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 904	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? 10-4 Popgunner, shouild take care of that particular problem u mentioned..but will guarntee you that if you inded have th eone u mentioned...it will also find OTHERS (trojans) you should get rid of as well........ didnt realize until running posted that Dell was pushin this scanner too.... feel better about recommending it noww..... when ur PC blows up......I woul donly have to say...but gosh...Dell uses it..... later,

03-04-2009, 12:24 PM	#10
Marlin T Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 7,857	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Kaspersky is the way to go. There are various reviews out there and they have been rated in the top 5 for years and years. The real bonus is that kaspersky updates 4 to 5 times a day. More than anybody else does. http://usa.kaspersky.com/products_se...roductskis.php __________________ "But the simple truth--born of experience--is that tyranny thrives best where government need not fear the wrath of an armed people." Judge Alex Kozinski - United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government. - Thomas Paine Did you read todays GOOD shooting? >>>KEEPANDBEARARMS.COM <<< Last edited by Marlin T; 03-04-2009 at 12:31 PM..

03-04-2009, 01:09 PM	#11
oldredneck V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: SW Mississippi Posts: 126	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? I'm a retired network administrator and I still work part-time as a computer tech. All the free AV stuff is okay but the best course of action is to bite the bullet and pay $40.-$50. for a complete internet suite protection package giving you a intrusion firewall, AV, spyware, malware protection. What most people don't understand is there is normally a 24-48 hour lagtime between when a virus or other malware begins to hit computers and/or networks and the AV companies have a solution or removal tool to be downloaded. Anytime you open unexpected e-mail attachments or download freeware from the net, you risk getting infected. On the job we normally use free tools like AVG, Vipre, Spybot, Ad-Aware, or Malwarebytes in cases where customers, very foolishly I might add, don't have any protection. We are having a problem with Antivirus 2009 and it's variants around here, it pretends to be a free anti-virus program and I've had many cases where when it is fully installed the only way to clean it is to blow away to OS and re-install from scratch. This virus is a Java exploit and I believe it poses as a Java update. My CA protection suite flagged a Java update on my computer as having a virus, I canceledthe update and downloaded directly from Java.com. __________________ "Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not." ~ Thomas Jefferson "The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others." ~ Unknown

03-04-2009, 02:58 PM	#13
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Happy Happy Happy!! I ran the malware that 1Shot recomended & so far so good. speed has come back up & no popups so far. I really do appreciate you guys responses with other cleaners & before it's over I may have to throw the whole kitchen sink at it. I'm hunkering down & holding my mouth just right, & I've told everyone in the office to talk quietly so as not to provoke that spyvirus stuff.... Many thanks

03-04-2009, 04:07 PM	#14
Brian48 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 133	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? I use AVG. Avast is OK too, but I've found it to be buggy on some systems. Both are free.

03-04-2009, 05:01 PM	#15
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Thank you sir

03-04-2009, 05:12 PM	#16
GMFWoodchuck Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,369	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? I use the Verizon program myself. Only because it comes free with the service. I haven't had any problems.

03-04-2009, 05:35 PM	#17
Carne Frio Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Near Fairbanks Posts: 697	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Get a Mac. Sorry, couldn't help that. I gave up on having my PC's get hosed up and identity stolen for years. Haven't had any such problems for the last 3, since getting Macified. Keeping my fingers crossed, though.

03-04-2009, 06:59 PM	#18
USMCSpeedy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 627	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? First try using Malwarebytes. If that doesn't work install the Microsoft Recovery Console and then run ComboFix. I haven't found too many issues these two won't fix, either at home or work (I am an IT professional for a cellular company). Malwarebytes download: http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes...=dl&tag=button Directions to install Recovery Console: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654 ComboFix download: http://www.combofixdownload.com/combofix-download.html Hope this helps. __________________ If all else fails, VOTE FROM THE ROOFTOPS Trying to reform a liberal is like trying to pick up a turd from the clean end. What this country needs is more family trees that will produce more lumber and fewer nuts!

03-04-2009, 07:01 PM	#19
USMCSpeedy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 627	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Oh, by the way, neither of these are active "antivirus" programs but both are good for cleaning your PC once its been infected. __________________ If all else fails, VOTE FROM THE ROOFTOPS Trying to reform a liberal is like trying to pick up a turd from the clean end. What this country needs is more family trees that will produce more lumber and fewer nuts!

03-04-2009, 09:11 PM	#20
1shot1k Former Guest Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 904	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? popgunner I am glad your soecific problem is fixed. As I told you..there are no shortage of experts. I am now sorry I even interfered. If specific router.... never mind. glad your ok ..you have a list now to ask.

03-04-2009, 11:12 PM	#21
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? I do appreciate all yours help. I did use the malware you suggested 1Shot & as of when I left work that computer was running fast as normal & no sign of trouble. I'll post what it's condition is tomorrow. Best to all. PG

03-05-2009, 10:50 PM	#22
bluesea112 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: West, TX Contributor Posts: 1,257	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Think I will give that Malware a try as well.

03-06-2009, 05:12 AM	#23
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: Which Anti-virus to use? Still running well. Knock on wood, fingers crossed. I used to just delete any funny sounding requests of people with e-mail addy's like "joylovegood@hotmail.com" as porn spammers that try to get on our scrapbooking messageboard. There were a couple who were real customers that I deleted & I caught heck for deleting them. So, yesterday my wife & I decided that the real customers who want to join will have to e-mail her with a request & then she'll mark them as "yes" for having been active so I can pick them out of the requested member's list. Everyone else now gets deleted. Not worth the stress of the computer being taken over. I am glad to have all the info that's been posted on this thread