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Norton says I have a trojan on my computer. What is a "trojan," in computer terms? What do they do? Should I shoot my computer now or feed it hay from now on? Color me wondering...

For a definition of one - well it best explained here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojan_horse_(computing)

What you need to do is to kill it. These horses aren't nice.
You should look here for handy tips on getting rid of them.
http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/security/trojan.html

What is the point of running Norton AV if it's just going to scare you?

Norton should either fix the problem or point you correctly in the right direction for help. It does, after all, detect the trojan.

Norton AV kills viruses, not spyware. Usually it doesn't even detect spyware at all unless it's particularly nasty. You need a separate proggy for the trojans -- adaware, spybot and MS Windows Defender are all good and should all be used together for more complete detection/removal.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/securit ... fault.mspx
http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Ad ... 65718306/1
http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Sp ... 43809773/1

I was under the impression that trojans are not typically spyware, at least the more serious types. Trojan infection usually comes into your PC imbedded in files, not through your browser, at least in the traditional sense. Trojan may have taken on a more universal definition than my original understanding

Well, congo...

You certainly did your homework on that one. Now I have to figure out what I'm going to do about my trojan problem. I'm not really sure I have one. The little box popped up in the lower corner telling me my computer blocked an attempted attack almost simultaneously as a big box came on-screen telling me I had a high-risk condition for a trojan. I'm puzzled as to whether I have the trojan or not...

If it's a known bug in Norton's database, it will be dealt with automatically if you have left Norton at default settings.

Same thing applies with any other antispy software you may have.

If you are concerned you could run some freeware anti-virus/antispy programs like adaware or spybot search and destroy.

A good freeware prevention tool is called spywareblaster and it blocks thousands of websites where known risks exist.

As mentioned earlier, Microsoft also have a free antispy program if you want to try that, it has auto updating and is the usual MS bloatware.

There are plenty of trojan detectors and such available for free download.

If you know anyone who writes trojans or viruses, give them a good slap about and tie them to an ant's nest and coat them in marmalade. Unfortunately, the disgusting trojan software is welcomed by the commercial world where marketing data is collected using this type of intrusive bug.

I consider this type of data collection theft, they are stealing my bandwidth that I'm paying for to make profits for themselves ( or just to make everyone miserable). This should be just as illegal as any other kind of stealing, it's just not on.

[quote]Since I stopped using Norton AV, I no longer get trojans....

I have AdAware and Spybot. I run Spybot and always get that something called Exploit, or whatever, comes back in five instances. Can't get rid of it...

I run AdAware and I get multiple hits, but I'm not sure I'm getting rid of them with it, either.

I had eTrust Pest Patrol put on when I bought the machine. Again, I'm not sure it does anything.

The only thing I do know that does something is Norton. My computer goes into scan every Sunday at 2030 hrs. Whether I'm getting any benefit is beyond me-- it never finds anything.

I'll think I'll just unplug from the world and dust off my old Pong game...

Norton is just threatening you and making you feel intimidated, get rid of it.

I too run AVG - & have a problem free PC for years so far!

AVG is so good I'm going to buy into it & get the extras.


& yes - trojans & 'spyware' ( a grey term ) are different things. Trojans get into your system - can change your homepage, install dialers to seriously expensive criminal numbers where your phone bill could mount to $1000's in one call without you knowing it (you can & should dispute these bills with your phone company). It happens to many people including people I know.

Well, I run no antivirus at all

You arec playing with a loaded gun - really!


I have 2 GOLDEN RULES with my PC


1. Backup regularly onto a 2nd hard drive + 2nd PC. (it's easy & for most stuff takes only a few seconds per week drag & drop)

2. Run a good, updated daily, anti virus.

Both have been learned the hard way. More than once on No.1!!

N
Well, I run no antivirus at all

thats russian roulette right there.

Norton updates are hacked, so hopes for a good anti-virus with Symantec (norton) are at 0%.

i use avast, no problems yet. also use ad-aware, im ad free. Nvidia gave me a firewall with my NF4 mortherboard, so covered there. im in the process of buing a new hard drive so i start doing raid's and backups.

Ramos

I think my own visiting of "lusty" websites may have precipitated the visit by the trojan-- if it's there at all. Any way to tell?

Well if you have McAfee it will tell you when a trojan trys to load itself on your system.

My security:
McAfee Virus Scan Pro
McAfee Firewall Pro
Webroot SpySweeper
Webroot Windows Washer

With all of those running, I havent had any infiltration of virus etc.

Cheers
Cameron

The Great Wall of China provides less protection from invaders...