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Viewing entries tagged with 'software'
New version of Malwarebytes released!
It's way better than version 1.44, and it's available here:
Computer Users just don't update their virus software
According to a 2006 survey sponsored by ESET, a global provider of security software for enterprises and consumers, and conducted by Harris Interactive(R), homeland computer security should be on high alert.
Cannot say enough good things about Malwarebytes
Time and time again, I run across PCs and laptops with a security suite installed, like Norton or Trend Micro, that still are infected with trojans and malware. On my latest service call I found a machine with Norton chugging along, slowing performance to a crawl, delivering logs that were clear of all infections.
Safer web browsing
Visiting malicious websites is a major hazard, and not one you can avoid. Mis-spell or mistype a web address, or click on a button that offers a product, and you could be downloading malicious code to your computer that will put it out of action totally.
How trojans and malware work AND a new scanner to try
If you've ever wondered just how hackers infect your computer, read this very informative Trend Micro newsletter article. I've started using TM's Beta version of HouseCall- it's way faster. If you think your machine is infected, go to the site and download the Beta version.
A new cool FREE product to try
Have you ever lost everything on your PC, and then didn't have the license keys to reinstall your software? Very ugly! Well, it's happened to a few of my clients. I have a new practice on all my customer machines - I install Belarc Advisor, run it, and save off and print the report. This report lists license keys and versions of ALL installed products, and tells you exactly what hardware you have installed - which is very helpful when you need to reinstall the driver!
Free online anti-virus toolkit from Trend Micro
When I'm working with an infected PC, and I can use a web browser, I use a couple of free online tools to disinfect the machine when the installed tools won't open. Go to Trend Micro's free anti-virus tool kit I use House Call and Hijack This to remove viruses, trojans and malware from infected machines. If you can't open a browser, there is still lots you can do to disinfect your PC, tell me what you're experiencing and I will give you a next step.
It's a viral jungle out there
I have never seen so many computers hit with so many viruses and malware. I emailed all my friends around the country and we're all getting the same rate of disinfection - for every one we can clean, we have to wipe and reinstall another, so 1:1. The procedures are lengthy and ardous. You will need a boot disk with tools on it to get anywhere. At a certain point you have to call it a day and reinstall the OS. Be preventive instead - install and configure AVG 8.5 free, Malwarebytes.com and Spybot 1.6.2. I'm not going to include links, just Google these names and download from the parent company or organization, not some unknown site. Schedule the jobs to run when you're not computing. Look at the logs often.
Anti-virus Procedure
Every machine I look at recently has viruses and trojans installed, that are not getting picked up by their anti-virus software. What can you do? First, update Windows and other popular products automatically. Use an anti-virus like AVG or Norton or Trend Micro, but also install and configure anti-malware and anti-spyware software. For more information, read this article: How to Secure Your PC Gizmo doesn't like the idea of using three products, but unless you know how to reconfigure rights on specific applications, as he recommends, then I say use the three products. Is this 100% effective - no, but it will help.