Posted on 02/17/2015 7:03:37 AM PST by BenLurkin
yes, it did sound like something that could byte you
Well, that's one way.......
I simply took mine out of the computer I threw away then smashed it to bits with a hammer........
Damn things are made like bank vaults. I used a grinder to cut them in half (and then destroyed the disks)...lots of drives, took quite a while.
I cut one open after running a welding rod through it, and the disks had shattered, and had aluminum spall spattered all over them.
AMISH VIRUS:
Ye have just received the Amish Virus. Since we do not have electricity nor computers, ye are on the honor system. Please delete all of thine files.
Thank thee.
if you use a mid-range or high-end pc, consider a mac. if you use a low-end pc, a mac is overkill...until you lose something crazy important.
The article said nothing about Microsoft operating systems as the primary vector for infection. And if we read closely, much of this is speculation. We call it "white hat" in the industry, because ethical hackers have proposed it's something that COULD be done but hasn't been fully realized.
The problem with much of the virus and malware world is that the "low hanging fruit" is often the unwary user. No 15 year old script kidding browsing EfNet on a Friday night is going to figure out how to hack his way through your network directly to your machine to compromise it. These infections are often realized by people who think that something is legit and install it. The smaller vectors include underground, non-mainstream porn websites, 0-day warez sites, Torrents, and other P2P networks where people think they are getting a legitimate product for free. If you stick to the mainstream avenues and boulevards, use a browser with script blocking (i.e. NoScript), ad blocking (AdBlockPlus), and some sort of cookie maintenance extension (i.e. Ghostery, Cookie Monster), you're not going to be infected by an errant click.
Don't go throwing out your hardware folks. There are legitimate IT people out there who CAN fix your problems for you, no matter how bad they are. But if you don't heed the warnings, often times you leave us in a position where we not only can't help, but you're left with nothing.
bump
Not only that, about half the Mac users I know also run Windows on their box.
I like your idea. However, the friends I'm advising would not understand a word of it. ;)
In this age, computers are so inexpensive, especially if the only software you're running is for internet access and anti-virus apps, that most of my non-technical friends are able to accept and understand what is required. If this box gets corrupted, a wipe and re-install is simple, even for most of them.
Consider using two computers. A minimum system for internet access and keep your "main" machine completely off the grid. Transfer data on thumb drives when necessary. If your internet box gets corrupted, wipe it and re-install.
In your situation, your idea is probably best; especially for your sanity. (they would call you every day trying mine)
My suggestion likely requires a certain level of ‘IT’ experience/proficiency.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.