I got a computer.

[sun]

This is my first post from my new computer....yea, I've been at the toonzone for a while, and before that I posted at the sites before it.. always used the library...this is the first time I have posted using my new computer which was set up on Saturday, and crashed on Saturday eve, spent a whole lot of money, spent 5 hours from llpm to 4:45am getting it going again, and talking to someone who I couldn't understand, had to rebot and restart everything...The person said I had contacted some kind of spywear, ,,,anyway, we cleaned it up. and now I own a computer....Hope to figure out an avitar someday..Stuart

[ZephyrSamba]

Huzzah for new computers! What kind did you get, anyway? *green with New Techno-Toy envy* In case the person who cleaned it off for you didn't mention this, you'd probably do well to get some spyware protection/scanners to keep such problems from happening in the future - personally I run two, probably the most common (and effective, I think/hope!) free ones available: Ad-Aware, from lavasoft, and Spybot S&D ... between the two of those and just trying to be careful about what I click on, I've never had any serious spyware problems myself (knock on wood!) so maybe they could help you as well. Good luck!

[Kuja's Light]

It'd also be a good idea to buy the most recent Norton Antivirus. That'll protect you from viruses.

[Ryoutarou]

...and really mess with some page loadings...Anyways, congrats, I just got a new computer myself after my last one "died" O.o

[HumanoidTyphoon]

You should also get Firefox to replace Internet Explorer. This will get rid of 99.9% of pop-up ads and spyware. If you don't get an anti-virus like Mcafee or Norton you should get stinger. It's not a replacement but it's free. You also have to manually run it but it'll clean up faily well.

[sun]

Huzzah for new computers! What kind did you get, anyway? *green with New Techno-Toy envy* In case the person who cleaned it off for you didn't mention this, you'd probably do well to get some spyware protection/scanners to keep such problems from happening in the future - personally I run two, probably the most common (and effective, I think/hope!) free ones available: Ad-Aware, from lavasoft, and Spybot S&D ... between the two of those and just trying to be careful about what I click on, I've never had any serious spyware problems myself (knock on wood!) so maybe they could help you as well. Good luck!

I got an HP with a ViewSonic flat screen, a guy who who works for the Chicago Public Schools as a techno guy, helped me to pick the stuff out. I am a real newbie when it comes to the hardware and the softwear....Put in McAfee forewall Plus, and McAfee anti virus scan....I did indeed go AD Ware and Spybot and add their products......I hope I am ok who knows..? I will probably buy some more protection if it will help. Does anyone think it is necessary? Thanks for any comments on this, since fear of identity theft, and strangers getting into my personal business is very important to me...Stuart

[Artimus Gigan]

You should also get Firefox to replace Internet Explorer. This will get rid of 99.9% of pop-up ads and spyware. If you don't get an anti-virus like Mcafee or Norton you should get stinger. It's not a replacement but it's free. You also have to manually run it but it'll clean up faily well.

Actualy the XP Service Pack 2 pretty much eliminates the pop-ups and spyware...

[Conekiller]

Actualy the XP Service Pack 2 pretty much eliminates the pop-ups and spyware...

and how could I get my hands on one of those?

[mikestorm]

I must say I'm impressed you held out as long as you did. You're a fairly regular poster here, and to do all that all on public terminals and not succumb to the siren call of your own rig is an accomplishement.

Computers are my vice. I work on one all day, only to come home and log in here. I built my last two computers from scratch, which contrary to popular belief does NOT save you money, as you invariably buy the BEST of every component there is.

When I was in high school; it was cars. I pretty much did everything myself, from body work to repair to maintenance. Somewhere along the line my obsession transitioned to computers. Now I don't even change my own oil.

[Fatneck]

and how could I get my hands on one of those?

Just go to the windows site and search for it or you can open IE and click on the automatic updates option.

[HumanoidTyphoon]

Actualy the XP Service Pack 2 pretty much eliminates the pop-ups and spyware...

That's the first I've heard of that. Must not work well as I still clean out students computers just about everyday. Anyway that's a 200+ mb download if he's on 56k (which I assume) then it's easier to go with Firefox.