Tricks n Tips

Cookies in Internet world

A cookie, also known as a web cookie, browser cookie, and HTTP cookie, is a piece of text stored on a user's computer by their web browser. A cookie can be used for authentication, storing site preferences, shopping cart contents, the identifier for a server-based session, or anything else that can be accomplished through storing text data.

A cookie consists of one or more name-value pairs containing bits of information, which may be encrypted for information privacy and data security purposes. The cookie is sent as an HTTP header by a web server to a web browser and then sent back unchanged by the browser each time it accesses that server.

Cookies may be set by the server with or without an expiration date. Cookies without an expiration date exist until the browser terminates, while cookies with an expiration date may be stored by the browser until the expiration date passes. Users may also manually delete cookies in order to save space or to avoid privacy issues.

As text, cookies are not executable. Because they are not executed, they cannot replicate themselves and are not viruses. However, due to the browser mechanism to set and read cookies, they can be used as spyware (see zombie cookie and evercookie for more details). Anti-spyware products may warn users about some cookies because cookies can be used to track computer activity—a privacy concern, later causing possible malware.

Most modern browsers allow users to decide whether to accept cookies, and the time frame to keep them, but rejecting cookies makes some websites unusable.

source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie

Antivirus Tools

• Avira AntiVir Personal (11-04-2011): Free anti-virus and anti-spyware on-demand scanner, detects and removes more than 50000 viruses and trojans (Windows Freeware).
• ComboFix (11-04-2011): Designed to cleanup malware infections and restore settings modified by malware (Windows Freeware).
• Dr.Web CureIt! Antivirus (11-04-2011): A free standalone anti-virus and anti-spyware on-demand scanner (Windows Freeware).
• GMER 1.0.15: Hidden services, hidden registry, hidden file scanner, Rootkit Detector and Remover (Windows Freeware).
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.50.1 (11-04-2011): Anti-malware application that can thoroughly remove even the most advanced malware (Windows Freeware).
• Remove Fake Antivirus 1.76: A tool to remove virus/malware which disguises itself to be an antivirus and produces fake alert/warnings and urge you to purchase a useless copy of the fake antivirus (Windows Freeware).
• RootkitRevealer 1.7.1: Rootkit Revealer is an advanced patent-pending root kit detection utility (Windows Freeware).
• Spybot – Search & Destroy 1.6.2 (11-04-2011): Application to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software (Windows Freeware).
• SpywareBlaster 4.4 (11-04-2011): Prevent the installation of spyware and other potentially unwanted software (Windows Freeware).
• SuperAntispyware 4.50.1002 (11-04-2011): Remove Adware, Malware, Parasites, Rootkits, Spyware, Trojan, and Worms (a must have tool) (Windows Freeware).
• TDSSKiller 2.4.17: To remove malware belonging to the family Rootkit.Win32.TDSS aka Tidserv, TDSServ and Alureon (Windows Freeware).