Computer keeps connecting to internet

My dad's computer keeps connecting to the net on it's own! You can be nowhere near it and it starts dialling. How can I stop this? Running on XP. Lorna.

 

Enabling automatic updates in some anti-virus software will create this behavior. If you know that's not the problem, it's most like spyware trying to "phone home. "

If you haven't already, on your dad's computer, download, install, immediately update and then run Spybot and/or AdAware (you can use them both.) Let whichever one you choose clean up any spyware it finds.

 

He hasn't actually got any anti-virus installed on the PC which we know is a bit silly - I'll install some over the weekend. Will it make any difference when we have got some anti-virus or should I still download and run the spybot/adaware?

 

or you could run a free antivirus scan over the internet:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=free+online+virus+scan&btnG=Google+Search




there really isn't any need to continuously run antivirus software. Common sense is the best defense. If you don't trust the source for your software you shouldn't be running it in the first place. If you prefer to err on the side of paranoia have at

hope this helps

 

Yes, you still need to use one of the spyware-killing programs. Although spyware is similiar to viruses, its intention isn't to cause harm, although it does to some degree by using up system resources and sometimes phoning home.

At any rate, anti-virus programs don't address spyware so you'll need protection from both.

 

Yes Miz is guiding you correctly!

For general info to all to add to Miz's description of Spyware.

Add the fact that most of these programs are poorly written (cause and have problems of their own). Additionally fight amongst themselves (for attention and all wanting to go out and play at the same time like children) Smile. Further causing problems.

So where 1 or 2 may not effect much unless they are in fact the poorly written ones. But put many of even the well written ones and poorly written ones togather and let them begin to fight and fail.

Houston we have Problems!!!

mike

 

Ok, thanks to you all. I will try this tomorrow and post back to let you know what happens.
Lorna.

 

I also suggest the free version of Zone Alarm (software firewall). One of my PCs had the latest virus (another family member uses the pc). I turned it on one day and ZA asked for the ok for the .exe file to access the Internet. I did a search on Google for it and sure enough it was the virus. The ZA, SpyBot, etc., are all good defenses - and free.

 

Hello all, sorry I've taken so long to let you know any results! I've installed Norton anti-virus on my Dad's computer and it found a worm which automatically connects to try and download something. I then downloaded a removal tool from Symantec and it seems to be ok now. Cheers, Lorna.