Cool Web Search, allek.

Yesterday I spent many hours trying to get rid of all kinds of spyware and adware programs that took over my computer at home. They just sneak into your computer via the Internet Explorer. I managed to overcome most of the nasty stuff, and learned a thing or two in the process.

First, there's this nifty CWShredder utility, that will help you get rid of the annoying CoolWebSearch trojan (the one that hijacks web searches to all kinds of interesting locations). Then, there's the good old BigFix utility, which will keep you up-to-date with the security patches that you need (in a nice polite manner, offering and not forcing). Last but not least, take a look at the Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites article. It has all the "good" settings for the Internet Explorer, that will keep it relatively safe. Relatively being the key word here. Good luck!

Time for presents.

The missus just pointed me to a very cool site for present shopping. Now, it's not the usual shopping-catalog kind, but one that tries to match the recepient, the mood and the occasion. We, for once, are looking for a "thrilling experience" present for my step-brother's bar mitzva :) CrazyShop, check it out (in Hebrew).