We see this all time. Users send in emails or write notes in newsgroups complaining that such-and-such a package is preventing them from installing a new game or that such-and-such version is saying that their new game is infected.

Or worse still, things just don’t work same anymore since software was installed. Downloads become more tedious because instead of just clicking download, now users are forced to answer questions about each download or approve downloads. Solution So what’s answer? The answer as we have been touting in these series of articles regarding security software is to move to a more centralized approach. Instead of installing scanning software on your computer, install behavior-based software on an off-site testing server that receives test requests from email server. All emails are routed through testing server.

This then can be expanded to include web traffic that runs on a 10-second delay much like talk radio. You connect through internet, all subsequent downloads, ActiveX controls, etc. are routed via a testing server and then arrive on your PC or are halted and removed and you receive appropriate message.

In time that it takes to receive a file, it can be tested, and trouble software can be detected. This approach works for detecting everything from viruses to worms to spyware. You as a user notice no long waiting, no downtime, no drag, and no incompatibilities.

* Cookies remember last page or position you were on at site. Like a virtual bookmark, this is especially helpful if you are reading online or accessing several pages of information.

There are many other ways cookies can be used, and there is obvious potential for abuse. You probably wouldn’t eat a cookie given to you by a complete stranger, especially if you didn’t know what was in it. The same common-sense principle holds true while you’re online, and exercising a little caution can save you from a lot of heartache later on. Blocking any and all cookies will guarantee no personal information is leaked through cookies, but many sites will either not be able to or will choose not to interact with you.

The trick, then, is to let good cookies through while screening out bad ones, not at all dissimilar to what you do when you hover over cookie tray at a party - you take ones you want and leave rest behind. This can be accomplished in a few different ways.

First, you can periodically delete all cookies on your hard drive. This will systematically wipe out all unwanted cookies that have made their way to your computer. Unfortunately, it will also take care of all good cookies too. If you only use internet occasionally (i.e. a few minutes a week), this option might work for you.

Second, you can try to go about it manually. Many browsers that allow you to block cookies also include a feature that allows you to include a list of sites from which you will allow cookies. The advantage of this method is it places virtually complete control over cookies into your hands, allowing only those that you want to be placed on your hard drive. The disadvantage is that it can become very burdensome (at times downright annoying) having to constantly update list of allowed sites.

Third, you can call in some third-party software to help out. The best programs will scan your computer to find all cookies and put them into a table or list. This saves you trouble of having to dig around your hard drive to find files yourself (try looking for a folder named "Cookies"). Many programs will also indicate with some degree of confidence whether a given cookie is wanted or unwanted, and provide a convenient way to delete ones that you decide you don’t want.