The last time I got on Home of the Underdogs, my system was invaded by virus-level adware transferred through the site (abetterinternet, Internet Optimizer, and a Unicode plugin, and I know I didn't find the half of what was there). I ended up having to buy a new computer, which unfortunately has XP rather than 98.

Has anyone else had this problem, and does anyone know if HotU is safe to operate now?

Well, I didn't see anything bad from HOTU since long time now, because I have Firefox that blocks all uncalled ads and popups, and Antivir + ZoneAlarm (Firewall) that don't anything slip by. ;)
But I know of course that HOTU has enough popups and like. Not all of them are safe, but I think those come by themselves.

The way you describe this it's not an issue with HOTU at all but an issue with ads in general.

I myself have a lot of programs to (try to) protect me from such malwares. Hopefully (I hope) a lot of crap get lost while trying to get to me because of such program.

i got some good running programs..

But still my PC isnt safe always :not_ok:

My is, but now my Antivirus somehow freezes in the middle of the starting, when it`s checking the system state. :cry:
And installing Windows anew, discarding all the links and programs already installed, installing anew...aargh :wall:

HOTU still has popups that break through Opera's popup blocker, and it's slow as hell, but besides those, haven't had much trouble with it. Also... anybody know why Mobygames uses Java? Got a Java error yesterday while loading that site :blink:

Java is used more often by websites isn't it? Never had a virus problem with HotU but adware is a problem they have. They need to generate a lot more cash for the their server (which is wierd as the one we have is actually faster by their own admission) and go about it a little more aggressively.

Never had popups problems with Opera.I'm using IE for about two months now(don't ask why :ranting: ), and i had a few popups pop up(word game ;) )

I use: Adaware...(special edition)

Works perfect for blockin pop ups

thats why firefox is your friend ;)

Regarding security issue, I would say that Firefox is the choice, along with some anti-spyware (AdAware or Spybot-Search & Destroy), good firewall (Zone Alarm or Sygate Personal) and well-updated antivirus (Sophos,Kaspersky...) installed on your computer. Then, nothing of virus, spyware and rest of the junk should pass your protection! Under the condition that you update your antivirus and anti-spyware every week or two.

I agree, since I got firefox the amount of ads is 0. nil. zilch. zero. none. nothing.
ME LOVES FIREFOXIE

OH NOES!!!!!!1111 U NED 2 b 1337 liek JEFF.K TO USE UNDERDOAGS!!!!!111 LOSAR!

OH NOES!!!!!!1111 U NED 2 b 1337 liek JEFF.K TO USE UNDERDOAGS!!!!!111 LOSAR! [/b][/quote]
Dream:
if your not going to contribute any relevant comments to the topic, you should:
http://www.suneet.com/soniczone/soni...ivate/stfu.png

anyway, firefox is the best browser for security imo due to the fact it has a far better popup blocker and alerts you and stops unwanted automatic downloads (like search toolbars). very rarely have i had to tell firefox to let a popup through because its recognition of wanted popups is very good :)

Just a question to Ramidel.

Did you tell HOTU about this? After all, we can't fix the problem. They can.

Yes, and very nice lady (says :Tom: ) work on HOTU, so contact her......ehm....about those adware!

she knew - and removed all the ads that caused the trouble...

im guessing this was a while back?

Well, had to buy a new PC and things so I presume it would have been a while.

Uhhm, isn´t it a problem contacting HOTU at the moment, is it?

Their forum is down so yes, in that respect but it should still be possible to e-mail them.

Didn't want to get on HOTU (from fear of this happening) to find the contact info, which creates a cycle of sorts.