warning: My PC may be sick

[Perry]

No, not sick like, "totally sick jump dude."?

I think that twice now I acquired a virus while visiting the site.? FWIW - both times I was researching Magnums. My computer warned me that I had malware on it and then I got a pop up telling me that I needed Microsoft antivirus 2008 or 2009.? This is a clever hoax.? Pay attention here whether you click OK to go to site, or cancel, or try to x out of the box, it will go to what looks like a beautiful Microsoft website and start downloading.? It looks legit, but it makes your computer quit! Solutionaccording to a computer geek that is a patient, the best thing to do is 1) don't touch the box 2)restart your computer, don't pass go and don't collect 200 emails.

The first time our IT guy had to take my computer and put it in notebook ICU for a day.? The second time I stopped it, and spent 45 min letting Malwarebytes software remove the nasty bugger. ToD y Mi c mPutIr is F_nE

[jim-ratliff]

Separate from the  warning, there is a program out there called Anti-Virus 2009 that ISN'T.? It is a virus and a bad one.? Rumor has it that it was created in Russia, and that they have made $5 million from unsuspecting users clicking on "BUY" and getting a very complex and sophisticated virus that has the anti-virus name.

Also, in case you haven't already, there is a current severe vulnerability in IE; enough so that Microsoft is recommending IMMEDIATE (out of bandwidth) patching for everyone.? Again, do this from known tools in IE and not by clicking on an email that warns about the problem.

[Svend]

Thanks for the warnings, guys! I was going to go on Epic today to do some research, and now I will take a pass.? Jim, do you know if Firefox has this vulnerability? I don't use IE, and haven't for years.? FWIW, when I was using IE years ago, I used to get spyware all the time.? As soon as I switched to Mozilla's programs, the infections stopped abruptly.

[jim-ratliff]

The two topics weren't related.? I'm not sure what the vulnerability in IE is (and that wouldn't affect FireFox), but it's major enough that Microsoft was strongly encouraging large organizations to trigger immediate updates rather than observing their normal patch schedule.?

However, the Anti-Virus 2009 is an extremely well engineered social virus (that relies on vulnerabilities in people and not in IE).? It is a web download after you BUY the program, but the program you are downloading is the virus.

[Perry]

Separate from the warning, there is a program out there called Anti-Virus 2009 that ISN'T.? It is a virus and a bad one.? Rumor has it that it was created in Russia, and that they have made $5 million from unsuspecting users clicking on "BUY" and getting a very complex and sophisticated virus that has the anti-virus name.

Also, in case you haven't already, there is a current severe vulnerability in IE; enough so that Microsoft is recommending IMMEDIATE (out of bandwidth) patching for everyone.? Again, do this from known tools in IE and not by clicking on an email that warns about the problem.

Jim - That's scary. Do you know if you have to input card numbers or can it suck data out of your computer?

Svend - I generally use Firefox but can't be certain since my group uses an IE based server program and when working from home sometimes hold my nose and use the IE browser.

[jim-ratliff]

It is a social virus, it relies upon tricking the user into clicking on a link in the web page to initiate the purchase.?

The other comment about the IE vulnerability is unrelated to the Anti-Virus 2009 bit.?

[Svend]

Gotcha -- thanks for the insight, Jim.? I've come across some incidents like that recently, too, when searching with Google.? Clicking on results links has occasionally opened an AntiVirus window, which is tough to get rid of.? I've been able to just click the back button on Firefox, but sometimes I've had to close the program to clear it.? Never had to reboot, thank goodness.? My anti-virus/anti-spyware and firewall must be good, cause I've not had an infection in years (Trend Micro product).

[Perry]

Svend - I think my son turned my antivirus off - "slows down the machine".? Obviously it is back up and running.

[Svend]

Yeah, some AV programs really hog memory and slow things down a lot.? Trend Micro is better, and is one of the top-rated programs for protection.? I really like it.? Never had a problem with it, and lets the machine run fast.? Reasonable price, too.

[Philpug]

I brought this up to the other moderators, I will keep you posted with findings.

[Perry]

thanks phil, I have to admit, I was afraid to go back.? It may have just been a coincidence because I know that I also downloaded a "Hallmark card".? All these years without a virus and then 2 in one week.?

I have been researching the Magnums a lot - kind of got MOTB - Magnums on the Brain.? So, percentage wise, I have been over there a lot earlier in the week. Both times when the pop up came up I was on the site.? I asked a computer guru and he said that sites definitely can catch a virus and spread it.? I hope this is not just bad rumoring.? If they can check out the Magnum threads and find they are clean, perhaps we can edit my 1st post.


 

[Svend]

Perry, as for your MOTB malady, perhaps you should seek medical advice.... ?A neurologist may be of some assistance. ?Sounds serious, and must be contagious, as others on this forum appear to suffer from the same affliction.

I'll try to post my review of the Speeds this weekend, to counterbalance the Magnum Force here. ?If I want to address some of your questions and particulars, what would you like to know about the Speeds? And what kind of skier are you? (weight, height, ability, other preferences....long turn, short turn...etc?)

[Perry]

Svend - I am 6'2" 196 lb level 7 to 8 skier. I have been skiing for about 6 years and currently working on better bump and off-piste skiing. I am also working on a more consistent and reliable short radius turn on steep terrain.? I like it all, short and mediium turns on the groomed and did a little tree skiing last year at wolf creek.

Jim - feel free to moderate!? The last thing we need is a thread that looks like it is purposely anti - other sites.? I hope I didn't over react.

[jim-ratliff]

Jim - feel free to moderate!? The last thing we need is a thread that looks like it is purposely anti - other ski sites.? I hope I didn't over react.

Not at all an over-reaction.? I'm sure that Phil knows how easy it is to edit/delete threads and I wamted to say that I was more than willing to do that once he knew what was going on.? My concern was only having the possible problem still in "black and white" long after the problem was identified.? The fact that your message may have saved Svend immeasurable headaches is good.? (you know how intelligent those blondes are, he may have had a nervous ponce meltdown)? ?

Like most threads here, I don't think there is any real long-term value.? Anyone is welcome to speak up if they have a problem with me deleting the whole thread at some point.?

[Svend]

Ouch, that smarts! Called a dumb blonde and a ponce in the same sentence.? The temptation to respond to this is great, but I don't want to start a p***ing contest.? Besides, if Gary gets involved, neither of us would win.