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Re: What's your modus operandi?
de Frank Bohan 05/23/2006 01:05
"Susan Bugher" <sebugher@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:4de4sbF1a27svU1@individual.net...
> Software is a "black box" - a door that's waiting to be opened. What's the
> best way to find out what's behind the door? (Is it a lady or a tiger?)
>
> What's your modus operandi before downloading/ installing a program? What
> checks do you make? What order do you make them in? IMO (YMMV) the first
> order of business is to find out about the author. If they are well known
> and trusted little additional checking is needed. . .
>
> I think this subject might make a nice web page - a guide for newbies to
> the wonderful world of Freeware - perhaps organized somewhat along these
> lines:
>
> 1. investigating the author
> a)
> b)
> c)
> 2. investigating the program
> a)
> b)
> c)
> 3. protecting your existing computer set-up
> a)
> b)
> c)
> 4. recovering from disaster
> a)
> b)
> c)
>
> ISTM a guide should hi-lite the most importants steps and of course the
> simpler the procedures are the more likely people are to actually
> implement them.
>
> Please climb on your soapboxes and offer your words of wisdom. Tidbits of
> advice or essays on the whole process. . .
>
> TIA :)
>
> Susan
A nice suggestion, Susan. Please post the webpage if it materialises. Here's
my procedure.
1. I usually install a batch of programs together one a month.
2. Backup registry with Erunt (Before MONTH installs).
3. Virus check setup files.
4. For each program:
(a) Set a restore point before installing.
(b) Install using Inctrl5 where appropriate.
(c) Rename Inctrl5 file to name of program.
(d) Test and evaluate (including virus and trojan checks).
(e) Where necessary remove (and restore if there are any problems).
5. Keep the setup files in a separate folder.
6. Backup registry with Erunt (After MONTH installs).
7. Virus/trojan check and backup hard drive.
Useful URLs:
For avoiding dodgy sites http://www.siteadvisor.com/
For checking programs before downloading http://spywarewarrior.com/
For checking suspect files http://virusscan.jotti.org/
===
Frank Bohan
¶ Some men are discovered; others are found out.