Posted by Kath_CA on 2/7/05 2:26pm
Msg #19644

Internet Access - Help

I purchased DSL through Verizon and have had problems with access, pop-ups, frequent, rapid virus & worm hits. I do have Norton Anti-Virus now installed, but that is all. I would appreciate knowing what Internet access most of you use as well as what programs you have installed to be able to work functionally. At this point, when I log on to the internet, I am not even able to function normally. Any and all advice is most appreciated!!

Reply by Ernest_CT on 2/7/05 2:31pm
Msg #19645

Sorry! Try Experts Exchange instead.

Their URL is http://www.experts-exchange.com and they will be able to give you more help than a fellow noarty can.

Reply by BrendaTX on 2/7/05 2:40pm
Msg #19647

Re: Sorry! Try Experts Exchange instead.

GREAT MINDS think alike, E from CT.

I used to have a membership there...but to be honest, once I started networking with one really computer-smart notary I cancelled it.

Experts-exchange.com is a top notch group.

Reply by Cassie-O.C. Calif on 2/7/05 2:37pm
Msg #19646

We've had Verizon DSL for over a year now. I like the speed usually - but many times I can't access my email because they are "doing upgrades".

We, too, had a lot of problems with pop-ups, etc... even though we had Norton anti-virus. Well, a few months ago it was time to renew our Norton subscription and they offered an upgrade to "Norton Internet Security" that is a lot better than the basic anti-virus we had (which is what I think you have if you're still getting pop-ups). I'm still learning how to work with it - but the bottom line is that when Norton Internet Security is on we have absolutely no more of those annoying pop-ups, plus we can run a full-system scan whenever we want that goes through our system for adware things that have crept in. I think the price was around $60 - $70 (maybe less) It is worth it!

So - what I would recommend is go to the Norton site and see if you can order an upgrade.

Reply by Kath_CA on 2/7/05 3:00pm
Msg #19648

I did install Norton Internet and it did seem to work, but when I had to do a restore because of other computer problems, Norton Internet seemed to block that function. I couldn't use any restore dates that were available in the past. Of course, like you, I am still learning how to use these Programs. Thanks for all the info.

Reply by mike/ca on 2/7/05 3:26pm
Msg #19653

i have verizion dsl and run 4 different computers off of it no problems here could be you have older phone lines

Reply by Saundra/OH on 2/7/05 5:16pm
Msg #19669

type "Adaware" in your search engine - that should take you to the website. You MUST get this software! It is excellent for pop-ups, data miners, all of that stuff. Since I got it, my problems have disappeared. I give them 5 stars!!!!

Reply by PAW_Fl on 2/7/05 3:09pm
Msg #19649

I've been a Verizon DSL subscriber for a couple of years now. Of course, I'm also in Tampa, FL which is a different CO than y'all in CA or TX. Anyway, Verizon doesn't automatically filter anything. And I'm thankful for that since I know of horror stories where the ISP "assumed" something and the subscriber never got their notifications.

At any rate, anti-virus software won't stop pop-ups, but pop-up blockers will. A better way, in my opinion, is to change browsers from Internet Exploder to Mozilla Firefox. (Don't get rid of IE, as some websites require it to function properly.)

Turn off Windows Messaging if you don't need it. If you don't know if you need it or not, chances are you don't need it. With Window-ware, the Windows Messager is one way hackers, spoofers and spammers attack your PC.

Be sure to put a firewall on your system. I use a Linksys router between the PC and modem. Also run Zone Alarm.

So, in summary, my system looks like this:
Windows 2000 Professional, Verizon DSL -> Linksys Router -> ZoneAlarm firewall -> Firefox browser, with Norton Antivirus. No pop-ups and no virus attacks since everything was put into place.

Reply by Kath_CA on 2/7/05 3:24pm
Msg #19652

PAW FL...just the specifics I was looking for. Know how to do all that you stated except Linksys router between the PC and modem. Where do I get it?

Reply by PAW_Fl on 2/7/05 4:25pm
Msg #19655

You can purchase LinkSys routers (and there are other brands available) anywhere fine networking products are sold. I purchase most of my stuff from my local Best Buy or online from whoever has the best deals.

If you thinking of having a wireless home network, get a broadband router that also acts as a switch for wired connections and a WAP (Wireless Access Point) for wireless support. It allows for multiple PCs and laptops to access the internet through one modem connection without having to have a "pseudo-server" PC connected all the time. (I use have an 802.11B network using the LinkSys BEFW1154S. If you go with a "G" network, the WRT54G supports both "B" and "G" devices. Visit http://www.LinkSys.com for more information.)

Reply by Kath_CA on 2/7/05 4:41pm
Msg #19656

Great technical advice. I may get back to you as I implement this setup. Many ,many thanks!

Reply by Ernest_CT on 2/7/05 11:06pm
Msg #19718

Kudos to PAW_FL!

If you haven't already, DO NOT upgrade Internet Explorer to Version 6! It has serious issues that may not be apparent. For example, it blocks some PDF files. It also does not properly report some settings to the Web host (especially important when attempting to validate your own HTML).

Mozilla Firefox is an outstanding product. Thank you, Paul, for making it better known.

The Lady Rouge and I have a LinkSys G wireless router here. The difference in price between non-wireless and wireless is low. Even if you don't plan on a wireless network right now, get the wireless one. You'll be able to go wireless in the future. (When I got my laptop, I literally turned it on and it sync'd by itself!)

Reply by jojo_MN on 2/8/05 1:27am
Msg #19733


I had similiar problems and contacted Sony Corporation. They suggested the following. I downloaded a couple of the programs (the free ones) and have not had any pop-ups since.
This is the reply:

These types of issues are generally caused by the installation of
third party software and/or accidental clicks on internet pop-ups. We
recommend you look into the following links for resolution to your issue.

Ad-aware - http://www.lavasoftusa.com

PestPatrol Pro - http://www.pestpatrol.com

Spybot - Search & Destroy - http://security.kolla.de

Reply by Kath_CA on 2/8/05 2:17pm
Msg #19791

I knew I asked the right folks. This is great stuff...!