The only site I'll ever need...

[Yeti]

So, in another stupid act by myself, I managed to download and actually pay for some spyware program. I can't remember the name for sure. I think it was AV Suite, close to the name of the legit company of AVG. Ever since, my computer hasn't been working completely right. The main thing that I find to be a problem is that it won't let me open things I should be able to open. For example, on my taskbar, I have those quicklinks to my IE, Firefox, etc. When I click those, it won't open the program. I can get into my Firefox by going to the start menu, but that's it. Well, I tried to download StopZilla (Which I think costs, so if there's a good spyware removal that I should get, let me know), and when I tried to click the .exe file in the "Downloads" window, it wouldn't open it. Then I went to the Downloads folder and I had the same issue. I tried downloading another program last night and had the same results. So, is it the Spyware program that's doing this? And if so, how do I remove it if I can't install anything I download to delete it?

Time to reformat?

Really? There's nothing else? Fuck. Fucking pr0n

My understanding is that spyware tends to be nigh invincible once it's wormed its way in.  But depending on how recent your version of Windows is, reformatting shouldn't be a very big deal -- just get an 8MG flash stick to copy over your essential porn files and go from there.

This is bullshit, Kurt.

Reformatting should be a last resort.

For starters: http://www.desipio.com/messageboard/index.php?topic=4307.msg217944#msg217944

Then try the free version of this: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Other free software to try if that doesn't do it:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html
http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware.php

For a really tough infection, you may need to go to a forum like these and request some help:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22
http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showforum=7
http://forums.whatthetech.com/index.php?showforum=27
http://forums.maddoktor2.com/index.php?showforum=17

Generally this involves scanning with this software: http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/ and posting the log for someone who knows what they're doing to take a look at, but read the instructions at whichever forum you post to.

I've had no luck. Would you think the files that I have on my computer (pictures/.pdfs/.docs/etc.) are infected? I ask because I plan on downloading them to a DVD and then reformatting the computer and then moving them back.

[PenPho]

So, in another stupid act by myself, I managed to download and actually pay for some spyware program. I can't remember the name for sure. I think it was AV Suite, close to the name of the legit company of AVG. Ever since, my computer hasn't been working completely right. The main thing that I find to be a problem is that it won't let me open things I should be able to open. For example, on my taskbar, I have those quicklinks to my IE, Firefox, etc. When I click those, it won't open the program. I can get into my Firefox by going to the start menu, but that's it. Well, I tried to download StopZilla (Which I think costs, so if there's a good spyware removal that I should get, let me know), and when I tried to click the .exe file in the "Downloads" window, it wouldn't open it. Then I went to the Downloads folder and I had the same issue. I tried downloading another program last night and had the same results. So, is it the Spyware program that's doing this? And if so, how do I remove it if I can't install anything I download to delete it?

Time to reformat?

Really? There's nothing else? Fuck. Fucking pr0n

My understanding is that spyware tends to be nigh invincible once it's wormed its way in.  But depending on how recent your version of Windows is, reformatting shouldn't be a very big deal -- just get an 8MG flash stick to copy over your essential porn files and go from there.

This is bullshit, Kurt.

Reformatting should be a last resort.

For starters: http://www.desipio.com/messageboard/index.php?topic=4307.msg217944#msg217944

Then try the free version of this: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Other free software to try if that doesn't do it:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html
http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware.php

For a really tough infection, you may need to go to a forum like these and request some help:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22
http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showforum=7
http://forums.whatthetech.com/index.php?showforum=27
http://forums.maddoktor2.com/index.php?showforum=17

Generally this involves scanning with this software: http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/ and posting the log for someone who knows what they're doing to take a look at, but read the instructions at whichever forum you post to.

I've had no luck. Would you think the files that I have on my computer (pictures/.pdfs/.docs/etc.) are infected? I ask because I plan on downloading them to a DVD and then reformatting the computer and then moving them back.

I'm sure Kurt can re-supply you with whatever photos you may need.

[Saul Goodman]

So, in another stupid act by myself, I managed to download and actually pay for some spyware program. I can't remember the name for sure. I think it was AV Suite, close to the name of the legit company of AVG. Ever since, my computer hasn't been working completely right. The main thing that I find to be a problem is that it won't let me open things I should be able to open. For example, on my taskbar, I have those quicklinks to my IE, Firefox, etc. When I click those, it won't open the program. I can get into my Firefox by going to the start menu, but that's it. Well, I tried to download StopZilla (Which I think costs, so if there's a good spyware removal that I should get, let me know), and when I tried to click the .exe file in the "Downloads" window, it wouldn't open it. Then I went to the Downloads folder and I had the same issue. I tried downloading another program last night and had the same results. So, is it the Spyware program that's doing this? And if so, how do I remove it if I can't install anything I download to delete it?

Time to reformat?

Really? There's nothing else? Fuck. Fucking pr0n

My understanding is that spyware tends to be nigh invincible once it's wormed its way in.  But depending on how recent your version of Windows is, reformatting shouldn't be a very big deal -- just get an 8MG flash stick to copy over your essential porn files and go from there.

This is bullshit, Kurt.

Reformatting should be a last resort.

For starters: http://www.desipio.com/messageboard/index.php?topic=4307.msg217944#msg217944

Then try the free version of this: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Other free software to try if that doesn't do it:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html
http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware.php

For a really tough infection, you may need to go to a forum like these and request some help:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22
http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showforum=7
http://forums.whatthetech.com/index.php?showforum=27
http://forums.maddoktor2.com/index.php?showforum=17

Generally this involves scanning with this software: http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/ and posting the log for someone who knows what they're doing to take a look at, but read the instructions at whichever forum you post to.

I've had no luck. Would you think the files that I have on my computer (pictures/.pdfs/.docs/etc.) are infected? I ask because I plan on downloading them to a DVD and then reformatting the computer and then moving them back.

Possibly but unlikely.  Move everything you want to keep into one folder and scan that folder with AVG.  Or burn it and scan the disc from another computer.

[thehawk]

So can one of you golfers tell me why there is a 2 stroke penalty for grounding a club in a sand trap. Is there some advantage in doing so?

[air2300]

So can one of you golfers tell me why there is a 2 stroke penalty for grounding a club in a sand trap. Is there some advantage in doing so?

Yea, if someone alters the surface behind the ball for a better lie. 

[Powdered Toast Man]

So can one of you golfers tell me why there is a 2 stroke penalty for grounding a club in a sand trap. Is there some advantage in doing so?

I don't play often and even I know not to come close to touching the sand on address.

[Yeti]

So can one of you golfers tell me why there is a 2 stroke penalty for grounding a club in a sand trap. Is there some advantage in doing so?

I don't play often and even I know not to come close to touching the sand on address.

Well at Whistling Straits, where anything off the fairway more than 25 yds, and it's either tall ass grass or sandy areas, I can understand his confusion

[Richard Chuggar]

So can one of you golfers tell me why there is a 2 stroke penalty for grounding a club in a sand trap. Is there some advantage in doing so?

I don't play often and even I know not to come close to touching the sand on address.

Well at Whistling Straits, where anything off the fairway more than 25 yds, and it's either tall ass grass or sandy areas, I can understand his confusion

Can you understand my confusion at what you just typed?

[Yeti]

So can one of you golfers tell me why there is a 2 stroke penalty for grounding a club in a sand trap. Is there some advantage in doing so?

I don't play often and even I know not to come close to touching the sand on address.

Well at Whistling Straits, where anything off the fairway more than 25 yds, and it's either tall ass grass or sandy areas, I can understand his confusion

Can you understand my confusion at what you just typed?

Yes, let's just move on from it. Hilljackian came out there.

[Internet Apex]

So can one of you golfers tell me why there is a 2 stroke penalty for grounding a club in a sand trap. Is there some advantage in doing so?

I don't play often and even I know not to come close to touching the sand on address.

Well at Whistling Straits, where anything off the fairway more than 25 yds, and it's either tall ass grass or sandy areas, I can understand his confusion

Can you understand my confusion at what you just typed?

Yes, let's just move on from it. Hilljackian came out there.

Hmmm. I understood it perfectly. Shit.

[Kermit IV]

Droid geeks.  If you have the Froyo update, are you having a hard time connecting to a wi-fi signal?  I didn't root, or anything, so I have the official update.  But I can no longer connect to my wireless router.  BOO.  Adobe also claims the Flash player for Android isn't available yet.

[Tonker]

Okay geeks, listen up.  STonk's brother and sister-in-law live in deepest, darkest rural Germany and believe it or not, they are connected to the intertubes via an ISDN connection.  If I want to buy them a wireless router, can I just buy one off the shelf, or do I need a special piece of kit?

[World's #1 Astros Fan]

Anyone want three tickets to each of the next two Bears preseason games?  They're only like 70 bucks, obo.  Lakefront, football, and the seats are good enough--Section 440, not too far up.

[powen01]

Okay geeks, listen up.  STonk's brother and sister-in-law live in deepest, darkest rural Germany and believe it or not, they are connected to the intertubes via an ISDN connection.  If I want to buy them a wireless router, can I just buy one off the shelf, or do I need a special piece of kit?

Do you know the brand/model of ISDN modem/device they use?  I'm guessing if it connects to their PC via a network cable, you probably won't need anything too special.  Not sure though... 

[Tonker]

Okay geeks, listen up.  STonk's brother and sister-in-law live in deepest, darkest rural Germany and believe it or not, they are connected to the intertubes via an ISDN connection.  If I want to buy them a wireless router, can I just buy one off the shelf, or do I need a special piece of kit?

Do you know the brand/model of ISDN modem/device they use?  I'm guessing if it connects to their PC via a network cable, you probably won't need anything too special.  Not sure though... 

No, I don't, and there's no point in asking because they're complete fucking Luddites.  The fact that they have internet at all is astonishing - they never use it.  However, I also think that anything that connects with a standard network cable should be able to give a connection to a router as well as it can to a PC.