Blocking spyware, bad websites, etc.

[FreeTerminus]

Is there any way to, say, use Windows Firewall or Zonealarm or something to block websites that install spyware or anything? Just upload a big "Blocked Sites" list or something?
My computer is fine, but my parents' computer always keeps getting hit (because they dont want to run anything to prevent it....) and I'm getting tired of having to clean it out all the time, so I'd like to prevent it from even connecting in the first place.

Thanks!

Edit: Oops, I thought I posted this in the computer forum. Can someone move it please? Thanks.

 

[Sidhe]

Wrong part of the forum but:

Spybot: search and destroy adaware and spyware blaster are all free, the first two will allow you to scan you hard disk for spyware the third will block it getting onto it in the first place(sounds like that's what you need) Also try using a non windows explorer such as firefox, most spyware targets the security issues with windows explorer so Firefox remains relatively leak proof. It's also free. I haven't had spyware in 6 months at least that's been detected.

A good firewall will also help, there are also a number of free ones out there.

Just google the above and install, they'll peridoically ask you to update the database of malicous spyware, except spybot and spyware blaster which I think you have to remember to update manually. Also don't clear your system whilst on line they can't remove spyware that's involved with programs that are running, best thing to do is occasionally run them in safe mode, then you can be sure that all software involved with being on line isn't running.

 

[FreeTerminus]

I installed Firefox on their computer, but sometimes they will click on a link and Internet Explorer will open up...they don't really care, so they just keep using the Internet Explorer window Is there any way to make it so that Internet Explorer just can't run?

 

[Till]

Things that worked for me:
1. Don't go online with admin rights.
2. Install a personal firewall (eg Kerio)
3. Install anti virus software. (eg Avast!)
4. Use Firefox with NoJavaScript and Adblock extensions.

I installed Firefox on their computer, but sometimes they will click on a link and Internet Explorer will open up...they don't really care, so they just keep using the Internet Explorer window Is there any way to make it so that Internet Explorer just can't run?

Yeah. Go under options then connection and look for "proxy settings" . Enter "localhost" and under port "93439"(or any arbitrary number). After that, Internet Explorer won't be able to connect anywhere anymore.
Edit: Picture to clarify:

 

[Sidhe]

I installed Firefox on their computer, but sometimes they will click on a link and Internet Explorer will open up...they don't really care, so they just keep using the Internet Explorer window Is there any way to make it so that Internet Explorer just can't run?

Explorer never runs on my computer so I can't help here, if it does this is the result of spyware I think, firefox will stop any windows that aren't run by it's browser from opening usually but spyware will of course try to avoid it.

Spyware blaster is excellent you don't have to run anything it's almost as if it doesn't exist it's just there in the background preventing the crap from accesing your computer. It's fully compatible with firefox too

Oh great Till that's good, but I just tried to find that under internet connections and couldn't, do you have windows XP?

Perhaps it's the German thing

EDIT: windows XP wont run javascripts by default so I'm guessing you have a different version of windows form me.

 

[Ultima Dragoon]

Though every seems to have a grudge against it, the norton firewall is pretty good. Used with the google toolbar popup blocker and spybot S&D we haven't had a virus on this comp since last year.

 

[The Yankee]

Moderator Action: Moved to Computer Talk.

 

[RameNoodle]

I installed Firefox on their computer, but sometimes they will click on a link and Internet Explorer will open up...they don't really care, so they just keep using the Internet Explorer window Is there any way to make it so that Internet Explorer just can't run?

I'm not sure, is there any way to uninstall internet explorer? You could just try that, or maybe, tell them to not click on links they aren't aware of.

Or, try changing the settings so that all links are opened in a new tab.

 

[Turner]

You cannot uninstall Internet Explorer. However, by spending a little bit of time you can make it a lot safer than it is. Disable Active-X controls, turn on privacy to higher settings, as a start.

Despite the belief of many CFC'ers, you can have a happy and safe browsing experience with IE. You just need to be smarter than the software.