Brand new laptop...with a problem

[The DJ 27]

Had my new laptop delivered today. Just come on the internet now, and instantly got one of those ads that look like a dialog box. I've now been on the net for 25 minutes, and have sent 8,302 bytes of data, but only recived 4,473 bytes. I've also had about 40 pop ups. It shouldn't have any spyware or adware on it yet, but it seems to be crawling with it. I haven't downloaded anything yet! Attempted to get MSN Messenger, but gave up as I was only gettin 900 bytes/sec trasfer rate. The computer is CONSTANTLY sending and recieving data, even when I'm not loading a page. Any explanation? It's an Acer TravelMate 240 if it helps

[Bodo]

You could do a clean OS install without any options or supplemental CDs.

Depending on your technological curiosity and requirements on your laptop, you could as well try a Linux distribution instead of Windows. There's no safer desktop for surfing in this price range. Have a look at www.knoppix.org or www.suse.co.uk

If however you need to run Windows, you should use the free web browser FireFox and the email client ThunderBird. Both can be downloaded from www.mozilla.org .
They won't remove all risks, but are less vulnerable than the preinstalled Microsoft alternatives.

[arcturus]

You would be amazed at how quickly 'virgin' machines can be got at.

I have seen a brand new machine with a clean XP load go on the internet and be nobbled within 30 secs.

Now, I never let my new machines on the net without being behind a firewall and having AV etc installed.

[trooper1212]

Yep, 25 minutes is a lifetime to be on the net unprotected these days...

... When I were a lad you had to be stupid enough to open something someone sent to you, but not these days

[jh_007]

Is it dial up or broadband?

[__Lee__]

This article from Security Focus makes for interesting reading, I would suggest that you read it as it has some useful tips for securing your Laptop

Infected in 20 minutes

[The DJ 27]

Can anyon recommend a decent, free spyware and adware remover I can download, because this is ridiculous. I'm sending more data onto the net than I'm recieving. Never had this problem on my old laptop, and that was totally unprotected

[__LEE__]

Try these:

Spystopper

Get Adaware from zdnet