Nov
4th
I know about software and firewall solutions, I am more interested in settings and configuration (for example: altering host files, using block lists, blocking scripts and spyware, etc. ) Please share your experiences and wisdom.

You can have great anti-virus. You can have great anti-spyware. You can have great anti-spam software. You can have a great Firewall.
But without a brain, you’d be just like the scarecrow. Your brain is your best defense. Avoid bad websites and e-mail. Close bad websites immediately. Use FireFox to browse safer. Run your Anti-virus and Anti-spyware scans regularly. Keep these tools updated.
Good luck and Happy Computing!
Currently, only Microsoft Windows operating systems suffer from spyware. The best way, therefore, is to upgrade to a more secure operating system, such as Linux, Mac OS X or FreeBSD. You don’t even have to install Linux to be protected. Linux Live CD’s (such as Kubuntu) can be used whenever you need to connect to the internet. This will provide full and complete protection – 100% – after all, nothing can write to your CD!
In order to stay with the spyware-infested Microsoft Windows, you will need the help of many 3rd party applications to help stem the flood of malware. Products such as SUPERAntiSpyware can help here:http://www.SUPERAntiSpyware.com/
Altering hosts files and using any other form of IP alteration will NOT help with spyware infestations. The best you will achieve is that whilst still being infected with spyware, you may get the occasional blank pop-up. You will also find that you end up blocking your own access to legitimate websites.
try gettin g nortan anti virese it will help
Try this software. I am using this. It is free and more effective!http://www.snoopfree.com
Mozilla Firefox
If you are using IE for your browser:
“IE-SPYAD adds a long list of sites and domains associated with known advertisers, marketers, and crapware pushers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer. Once you merge this list of sites and domains into the Registry, the web sites for these companies will not be able to use cookies, ActiveX controls, Java applets, or scripting to compromise your privacy or your PC while you surf the Net. Nor will they be able to use your browser to push unwanted pop-ups, cookies, or auto-installing programs on your PC.”http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resou…
Try it with the free “Zoned-Out utility to easily manage the over 25000 sites on the IE-Spyad list.
Good luck.
Try to use EWIDO Anti Spyware or Ad-aware anti spyware application for detecting and deleting the spyware and malware.
Get a macintosh. Seriously. If you’re on the internet with windows it’s part of the game anymore, Time to start learning like I did. Stay away from any site you’re unsure of. Common sense till you learn how to combat it. I did a blog on internet nasties yesterday.