New/Old deterrent for trojans, dialers etc!?

When I set up my computer for the first time I put a password on my account to keep the kids out but for some reason when I set up my Internet connection the password I had saved for the connection was replaced with my XP login password. I tried over and over to reset and save the connection password but everytime it goes back to the XP login password making me have to put the Internet connection password in manually each time to connect to the internet. I was aggravated with this at first but now I am starting to think maybe its not that bad of a thing. I have noticed unknown programs trying to connect to the internet and unable to do so because of the wrong password makes it impossible. All of my programs that need to connect and update such as NortonAntiVirus are able to do so because they are able store the correct login and password. I am just wondering if trojans,dialers, ect. are being deterred by this inability to connect with my only saved network connection or at least from the ones that try to initiate a connection while I am offline? I am running behind the XP firewall and I don't know if this is enough protection or not. I also run various online/offline adware and spyware programs such as Ad-Aware, Ad-Watch and Spyware Blocker which came with my Earthlink 2005 sofware.


But in case you guys think this is of no or little help in defeating trojans, dialers etc. Does anyone know how to fix my password problem? And changing my XP login password to match my Internet connection password is not an option because my kids have to know the Internet connection one.


Any thoughts or advise greatly appreciated.

 

I saw your post this morning but I couldn't think of what to tell you at that time. You won't find many people around here who like Norton Antivirus, and most will tell you to get rid of it completely and use a free alternative such as (Click here) Avast! as your Antivirus instead. Ad-Aware is a great program and I would add a few more, click on these links for info and download:

1) SpywareBlaster

2) Spybot Search & Destroy and perhaps

3) Spyware Guard

4) Pest Patrol

The last program I listed is not free, but a trial is available and this program detects trojans, dialers, spyware, even some viruses! I like it. I don't know enough about Earthlink to advise you there, but I've heard they offer excellent customer support and I'm sure they can help you with your password woes. It sounds (to me) as though you just set up your computer not too long ago, and perhaps you could set it up again without the Norton. I would keep the Ad-aware, Ad-Watch (if it's part of Ad-aware) and use the tools I listed above, doing thorough scans with all of them.

I'm not sure if I've helped but at the very least my post will bump your question to the 1st page where more knowledgeable folks can see it.

Good Luck!

Gina