Genealogy Chat

Thank you all for the advise. It will be followed through. Just when I think I have it sorted something else surprises me! Regards Helena X

Helena: Try downloading SPYWAREBLASTER (see Tips Board-1 STOP ROUTINE PC MAINTANANCE.) Spywareblaster will prevent the programs that are downloading themselves onto your computer without your knowledge. ADAWARE is a program that cleans up the junk that these programs generate....ADAWARE does not remove the programs. The programs will have to be found and removed manually using your PC's ADD/REMOVE PROGRAM feature or the unintall feature that is usually present in the offending program's yellow file folder. For the record, spyware is not a virus, although spyware can and does create a lot of PC problems.....which is why Norton isn't picking these things up. Judy

You can prevent your children from accessing undesirable sites by using a filter program like Net Nanny. Go here for more information: http://www.*consumersearch.*com/www/computers/web_filtering_software/fullstory.html Any filter will add complexity and may stop you from accessing good information sites. My solution was to keep the computer in full view of the family and to discuss the problem with the kids. I accept that you can accidentaly surf to a porn site but you can close it quickly too. I also made sure that they were familiar with all the scams and frauds - we made it a game to spot them.

Thank you for reminding me about adaware.I did have it on my desktop. I have just run it and it found 57 files. I cant understand how the Norton let him open these sites as the parental control was on and he does not know how to switch it off. He does not even know what it is. It also let an email through a few weeks ago titled hardcore porn. O do keep it up to date as well. Thank you for your help. Helena X

BT are now offering free premium rate blocking and are actively blocking known rogue dialler numbers. ICTIS was looking at new rates of up to £5 per min. but this has been shelved because of all the complaints. If you are thinking of broadband this is another plus (they don't work with BB), but don't forget to unplug the modem! Bob

If you download a programme called - adaware - free from the internet it should stop it happening again. Jane

Thank you. It would seem from looking at the files that that was what happened. I have just called BT and the premium phone barring was FREE. I hope he didnt pay too much attention to the pop up, it was called"Nice Girls", anything but probably. Thank you again Helena

Helena, This is a copy of an email from BT Scam 1 The first "scam" happens when you access websites that are providing premium content. These sites can be pornographic or copyright sites, such as music and films. When the website is accessed, a large number of pop­up windows will appear and you will be asked to install some software, to facilitate the downloading of that content. This process will install a dialler that will replace your default internet connection with one that dials a premium rate telephone number. Scam 2 The second ”scam” works in exactly the same way as the first one, however the number that is dialled is an international number, which can cost up to 60p per minute You can have premium numbers blocked by BT for a small monthley charge. Sue:-)

Does anyone know how to block my computer from using premuim lines? My son went onto some wrestling site and ran a large bill up for me. Could you also advise how he did it as he is not aware. thanks Helena