new computer

[Greg_L]

I've got Spyware Doctor, Spybot Search and Destroy, and I ran a HiJack This scan and posted the report to some tech geeks. I've scanned for hours and removed shit, but it aint fixed yet.

 

[michaelst]

Gerg.... I assume you have some kind of anti-virus software, yes? Do you also have anti malware software?
A virus and malware are two different things. Generally speaking, a virus attacks files, and malware attacks functions (like changing your home page or internet function stealing - like redirecting your search results).

You can try resetting your Internet values to 'default' - tools/internet options
You also need to run an anti-malware program. I recommend Malwarebytes Anti Malware

It's free, and does the job as good as any payware, including Norton.
Run this before your anti-virus software, then update your anti-virus database, and do a FULL SCAN of your C: drive.

btw, what AV do you use? Are you running windows?(which version), do you have a software firewall, or a router between your PC and the internet?

 

[JimmyS1969]

I suppose it may have fucked something up in your registry. Best o luck finding it. May just be easier to start over. Maybe look at your browsing history and try to see where you got the virus and avoid that place like the plague.

 

[Greg_L]

Where do I see my browsing history?

 

[JimmyS1969]

What browser are you using? Google Chrome? Internet Explorer? Firefox? There should be a link at top of screen for 'History'.

 

[Greg_L]

IE8. The history gets cleaered when I close the browser. How do I go deep inside to see everything?

 

[JimmyS1969]

Hmm...Not sure. I cant stand IE. It is a browser built by idiots IMO. I hear nothing but problems from others as well. You should really try Firefox man.

 

[Greg_L]

I don't know shit about browsers, but I know I don't really like firefox. It's chintzy looking. I don't get the whole browser war though. It's just a fucking browser.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Well, I can at least see all of my browsing history with it.

 

[Greg_L]

Well, I can at least see all of my browsing history with it.

I could too if I had that function turned on. I have it set to delete everything. Why? I have no idea. I just don't like a bunch of shit stored up.

 

[JimmyS1969]

In any case, I suggest you should look into a separate comp for recording so next time you get a virus, all you gotta do is reinstall your OS on the net PC. No fucking with reinstall of software or trying to remove a virus. Much more time for things like enjoying your life.

Computers and shit that happens with em just plain sucks sometimes.

 

[michaelst]

If you have the installation apps (usually the setup.exe) for the programs you want to keep, the easiest way to clear your system is to buy a new hard drive(around $180 for a 96gb SSD, or $75 for a 750gb HHD) and reinstall Windows. If you're still using XP, buy Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade (around $130). If you have only 2gb of RAM, install another 2gb, but buy a 4gb kit(2x2gb). You can then use your old drive for data.

But really, a 2005 processor is very, very old. Much better technology is available for half of what you paid back then.

 

[Greg_L]

I want to buy a new one, but don't want all the useless shit that comes with one, and don't know enough to build one from scratch.

 

[Greg_L]

Here's my awesome specs:

AMD Athlon 64 processor 3500+
2.20 GHz, 2.43 GB Ram

XP Media Center Edition svc pack 3

 

[JimmyS1969]

Seriously man, you are a drummer so I know you can turn a screw. Building a PC is really just a matter of placing the parts where the instructions say and placing the connectors in the receiving one that it fits in (square peg to square hole). Or buy a used computer and Windows 7. Wipe the drive and install new OS without all the crap. I have 3 laptops and 4 PC's I have collected, none of which cost over $200. Hell I'd sell ya one for $50 if Pakistan was not so far!

 

[JimmyS1969]

Oh yeah man, get a dual core at least. Way faster.

 

[Greg_L]

Lol. I'm sure I can put the parts together. I just don't know how to install operating systems and all that shit and getting it up and running. I have zero patience for things that don't work right away.

And I'd rather have a desktop. Two big ol monitors would be nice. I'm not mobile and don't go out and record people. I don't think I want a fancy-pants laptop.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Its really very simple man. I'd walk you through it. Its basically the same as reinstalling the OS on the one you've got. You just need to select which drive to boot from in the BIOS (hitting F10 or whatever when computer is starting), then changing it to the hard drive after first install. You can get a $50 video card that will allow you to use two monitors. Again, a few screws.

 

[Greg_L]

Okay, if you don't mind, gimme a list of what I'd need to build a basic but powerful recording machine/personal computer with USB and Firewire ports.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Look at newegg.com under computer hardware DIY and see what looks like is in your budget. Here is a link for a starter one that will blow away the PC you have. You would need to add a firewire (TI chipset) PCIe card and a DVD rom drive to this setup to work for you. Oh and OEM W7 64 bit. Around $200 for these adds. There is only one PCI slot on this so no room for expansion in the future. It does have VGA and DVI ports for dual monitor use. Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

A case (fan included), power supply, motherboard, CPU, hard drive, optical drive (dvd rom). Some motherboards will come with firewire, some without. Add a firewire PCI card if the one you select does not have it. All will have USB 2.0, some 3.0 too.