News & Tips
Update your Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware now. Keep them updated; a program that has not been updated for a week is not effective. Watch the last update, to see if it really is updating, if it is over a week old, update it now. If you have any doubts use AVG, free to test your computer.
As for which Anti-Virus we like, we would rank them as follows:
Microsoft Security Essentials (free)
AVG (free)
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (free)
As for which Anti-Spyware we like, we would rank them as follows:
Hitman Pro 3.5 (free 30 days)
Super AntiSpyware (free)
Spybot (free)
We also use SpywareBlaster (free) to block the spyware you receive from certain web sites before it gets into your computer. Watch what you download. NEVER EVER, install anything offered while web surfing.
Beware of Pop-Up ads stating, "We have detected that your PC is infected with dangerous spyware or a virus" these programs may be fake spyware removal programs. Never install programs you did not request. Use the above programs to find and rid yourself of these pests.
Never answer questions about account information from e-mail requests, call the company. In the past couple of weeks we have seen request forms from Pay Pal, Chase, Charter Bank, Suddenlink and e-bay that look like information requests from the sender but they are not, this practice is called phishing. Remember call the company if your in doubt.
Make sure your Microsoft auto updater is on and you install all of the patches and/or service packs. If you have not installed Service Pack 3, for XP please do it as soon as possible. Also, update Vista to its current service pack and keep Windows 7 updated as well.
If you use Cable or DSL please have a firewall in place, the XP (Service Pack 3), Vista and Windows 7 firewalls seems to work well. You only need one firewall. Most of the security suites from Norton, ZoneAlarm and McAfee have a firewall as part of the suite.
A router works better and gives you more protection. If you use a wireless router, make sure you have turned security on. Even if you use a router, please check your security with the ShieldsUP! program to see if you are vulnerable.
If you use a wireless laptop inSSIDer 2 (XP, Vista and 7 (32b & 64b)) will help you find and connect to WI-FI hotspots. As always use with care.
To help you make your computer run faster, programs like StartupInspector can explain the program names you see in your MSCONFIG startup folder and help you safely uncheck them.
To check the performance of your computer you can use PCPITSTOP it will test your computer and give you the results.
As for spam, we have been using SpamBayes (free) for Outlook, and the program works great. Microsoft Outlook 2003, 2007 and 2010 includes a program that works almost the same.
If you need a program like Microsoft Office, you can use Open Office.org it is free and works very well.
Pop-Ups are driving everyone crazy we use the Google Toolbar it is free and does a good job.
When we need answers to questions, we use Google to search the web.
To look at the Earth in a different way try Google Earth if you have high-speed internet and a newer computer. It seems to be pretty cool and a fun way to kill some time.
To keep from changing e-mail addresses when you change ISP's a web based e-mail works well. G-Mail, Hotmail, Yahoo mail, etc..
To keep connected with your family or business try Google Calendar and if you use Outlook the Google Calendar sync works great. Keep your phone, desktop and laptops coordinated and up to date.
A program we have been using with great success is GoToMyPC. It will give you access to your home or business computer from any computer with internet access. It is about $19.95 a month for 2 computers but if you need a program like this check it out.
Hard drives fail all the time please backup your data or you may lose it. We have had some luck recovering lost data so do not panic just call us. However, a backup will help you sleep better.
As for backup programs, we like FBackup 4 (free) and the Windows XP, Vista and 7 built in backup programs.
For backups and cloning, we use Acronis True Image the free trial works for 30 days.
To check what someone is doing with your computer we have had good luck with SpectroPro and eBlaster. These programs seem unfair but if you need to check what programs, chat rooms, IM, e-mail or web sites someone is going to, these programs are the best we have found.
Enjoy
