What is sailthru and do I want to get rid of it? And if I do, how?

[The Backlash Cometh]

The info on google is so-so.

[hobbit709]

1. Looks like a major spammer

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. It popped up on my screen after I asked a question on the Joe paterno situation.

[canetoad]

3. I never get shit like this on my computer

Without digging too deeply, sailthu seems to be yet another data mining device dedicated to directed advertising via known interests and contacts.

So why are you afflicted with this and I am not? I'll list the possible reasons:

1. You allow scripts to run with wild abandon on every site you visit
2. You allow your curiosity get the better of yourself and sign up for everything that asks for a sign up
3. You don't have a couple of 'disposable' email addies that you only use for dubious net sign ups
4. You can't resist clicking on links
5. You install every plug-in that a site asks you to just so you can view content
6. You allow every-fucking-thing to update itself automatically
7. You never check how many processes are starting with Windows
8. You install programs without ascertaining if they run system processes that are unstoppable

I know, I know. Minding all the above takes all the fun out of the internet. Just as anyone who drives a car should at least know how to change a wheel and clean the plugs, so should anyone who uses the internets know how to keep their machine clean and tuned.

You will always get help on this forum if it's at all possible. Unfortunately, remote diagnosis and fix for problems is not always within the realms of forum capability. It's up to you to do you best to keep this kind of shit off your machine.

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. No problem canetoad.

Learning my way around diligently, trying to find the perfect balance. I lost data two years ago because I refused the Microsoft updates, so I do try to keep my Microsoft and browser updated. No doubt this leaves me open to a thing or two.

In fact, I think the issue occurred because I updated Firefox and didn't fully answer the questions for ADblock because I wasn't sure it was going to do what it claimed it was suppose to do.

In response to your list:

1. I don't remember where I ever came across anything that asked if I would permit scripts.
2. I don't sign up for everything, in fact, only recently have I given out my e-mail for a rewards program. Wasn't an issue when I didn't care about saving money.
3. Definitely could be an email issue. I've been using the same one for several years and don't use addies because I only sign up for things I seriously want to be a part of.
4. I do several searches each day to keep up with filming progress on movies I'm interested in seeing in the future, which probably does leave me susceptible to these things.
5. I usually avoid plug-ins, but I was recently having trouble getting the Xirrus to work and may have allowed a plug in which the main website stated was important.
6. I allow several things to update themselves, though not everything.
7. I do check the processes, though I don't have the background to know which ones to switch off without potentially creating problems for myself.
8. I only recently started downloading programs in an effort to make my computer more secure. Obviously, I allowed something to slip in.

And, I always appreciate any help that anyone can offer. I'm obviously ready to move onto the next level and this forum has always presented ideas for which I'm thankful.

[canetoad]

5. Mate, I know that reply of mine sounded more draconian than I intended

And in many ways was meant to be a list of What Not To Do.

Good rule o'thumb to follow is 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' This especially applies to updates, new sw versions etc. The net (and your fav net applications) are not free from corporate pressure. If something is working just fine for you - DONT UPDATE FOR THE SAKE OF IT.

How your machine runs is pretty well your own business; because I need a big gutsy machine to manipulate several AI graphics layouts at once, I need mine to not be bogged down with uneccessary shit. I think most folk are not even aware of incremental decreases in performance as their machines accumulate all sorts of crap installed without their knowledge.

This means the trick to keeping a clean computer is to make perfectly sure that NOTHING runs or is installed without your knowledge or express permission. Updates, patches, security software ....NOTHING. Make sure you are on top of what runs on your computer.

Such is the current paranoia about computer security, people download and install multiple 'recommended' programs that run simultaneously and quite possibly conflict with each other. For the record, it's been years since I've used an anti-virus program. Viruses are not the current danger; click-happy people are!

I draw the analogy between the efforts of tobacco companies in the 60s and 70s to ensnare addicts to the far more invidious practices of internet marketing companies. Both approaches are playing on human nature and weaknesses; I may chain-smoke but I sure as hell don't invite unwanted guests onto my computer.

Apologies for this sounding like a lecture, but I guess it is :). Years ago the net was a sort of innocent playground where geeks gathered to push the boundaries. Then it became a resource for scammers, the unprincipled, thieves and manipulators. Your first line of defence is YOU and curtailing your own habits.

In previous posts you mentioned that it was no biggie to wipe your current machine; if you are in a position to do so, consider doing just that. Start with a fresh install, check msconfig every day for a couple of weeks, while you get the machine tuned to your liking. You will be amazed at the amount of shit that ends up in your startup folder, the number of programs that install system processes without telling you. Not all are bad but many of them you can do without.

OK, I've run out of steam (for now). For sure, you have clicked on or enabled something to be afflicted with Sailthru. Over to you. :hi:

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. Thanks canetoad,

you write a great letter.

[Aerows]

9. Full of wisdom and sense :D n/t

[hobbit709]

7. I second the no updates.

Out of about 200 M$ updates for XP, I did 5 of them. My main system works fast even though I'm running two folding@home clients on it-1 cpu and 1 gpu-because I keep startup loading to a minimum. My computer boots from power on to full desktop in just under 30 seconds.

[Aerows]

8. +1