[sharky]

Yesterday i reformatted my computer like i have done many times. I followed the same routine after reformating, i start downloading Windows updates,zone alarm,norton updating,set home page to Yahoo,...reboot, more updating, reboot.... Near the end of my computer reformat routine i usually download google toolbar,ccleaner.

I did visit a couple of local newspaper websites during the updating,the Drudge Report like i usually do everyday.

Something happen after this reformat and downloading the usual software, i got a barrage of spyware installed into my computer. The type that will not let me bring up task manager. The type spyware that installs a 'warning message' on my computer in the toolbar,on my screen saver, that says i have spyware,to click their radio button to download spyware remover.

After alot of time trying to remove the spyware i ended up just doing a reformat. But i could not understand HOW all that spyware got into my computer so fast. I did not surf the internet that much and i installed the usual applications i do everytime i do a reformat.

Today i read Google had some major hacker troubles for internet surfers that went to thier site.. You think that is what happen?

[lunarlander]

When I prepare a new PC, I usually have my firewall, antivirus and antispyware predownloaded in a USB stick. I install those while offline. Then plug the PC into the router and do Windows Update. And I don't go anywhere without patching up windows first.

For exmple we have this vulnerability in this month's MS security update:

Vulnerabilities in GDI Could Allow Remote Code Execution (948590)

Executive Summary
This security update resolves two privately reported vulnerabilities in GDI. Exploitation of either of these vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted EMF or WMF image file. An attacker who successfully exploited these vulnerabilities could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
The vulnerability is caused by a buffer overflow when GDI improperly processes a malformed header in a specially crafted EMF or WMF image file.

Now even a good web site can host a bad banner ad, they cant check every banner ad that the ad firm passes on to them. I am not saying that this is the Exact problem that hit you, but you get the idea.

[B336700]

Well, the Google toolbar also slows down your computer a heck of a lot. It has a useless updater that runs 24/7 and takes a a bit of memory usage.