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pmichael's maintenance/support
** Programs & Explanations **
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Bulletins & Updates
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Yes, the Virus is here to stay. Known by various names, such as
Conficker and Koobface, it seems one of the most irritating forms is a popup window called
"Anti-Virus 2010". How's that for irony?
These programs are themselves, adware viruses!
Other viruses get in by offering you something 'Free'.
Associated mostly with sites such as Facebook.com and MySpace.com, there
are many other sites on the Internet distributing these attacks. Any 'search' within Google or other search sites can
quickly land you on a site poised to add things to your computer - such as Trojan Horse 'doorways'.
Once even ONE of these gets in, your front door is open for other viruses to have a party in your computer.
It's pretty easy to spot trouble when popup windows keep showing up displaying Emergency Warnings
about your computer - wanting you to try or buy their fix-it
products - and then they refuse to take NO for an answer.
This is usually accomplished by giving you a 'No' click which responds *exactly*
the same way as the 'Yes' click. Finding yourself on a site you didn't
even ask for is another obvious indication. If your 'Home' (opening) page
changes in your browser, you are definitely in Trouble.
Learn below how to close those unwanted Windows.
Why are sites like Facebook & MySpace More Dangerous
?
I get asked this quite often. The answer is Login.
Whenever you look at
a page such as CNN.com, you simply browse to that website without further requirements. When you go
to 'community' sites, many times you are required to Login. To get your EMails
in GMail.com, you must Login. Likewise, to make a comment on a
political site, you must first Login. That's the major difference
because whenever you Login, you 'introduce' yourself to the Internet and open
'doors' which nasty people can go through.
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So, Rule #1:
There's no such thing as Free.
Free wallpaper, virus-scans, screensavers, and EMail graphics
usually come at a cost - at the very least slowing your computer down as the new software
connects with its owners. Ads will be added to your outgoing EMails
without you knowing it.
Even those 'toolbars' from well known companies such as Google
and Yahoo trade away both your display area and your computer speed - and the worst toolbar
attack of all is called "MySearch". WeatherScans share & split your connection speed.
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Rule #2:
Use [Alt]+[F4] to Close Unwanted Windows.
This keyboard 'trick' actually works for whatever Window is
currently selected (active) on your computer. Please note this keyboard combination works
for any window or popup - so if you do it while reading this, you'll close THIS
window! 
Also note, Closing a popup may still lead you to an
unwanted website (just as we programmers have an 'Upon Click' command, there is also
coding for 'Upon Exit'). This simply means you'll need a 2nd press of this special
keyboard combination.
To close any selected 'Window' just
hold down
[Alt] and press
[F4] .
This Keyboard Combination works in
'98, 2000, Millennium, XP, Vista, Windows 7,
or any other version of Microsoft Windows.
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Rule #3:
Use 'Safe Mode' for Maintenance & Scanning.
Most of the Virus 'Scans' or 'Fix' programs
(such as 'DeFrag') run FAR more efficiently and quickly if
they are executed using '
Safe Mode'.
This 'Safe Mode' is a method of starting your computer with only a minimum of hardware
drivers and programs running in the background. Because of this,
when you are in 'Safe Mode' your screen will look somewhat odd
(no video drivers means minimal colors) and you will not
be able to connect to the Internet. However - with so little
going on behind the scenes, scan or fix programs run MUCH
faster. Also, a virus, worm, or trojan-horse which would
start up in 'Normal Mode' should not do so when in 'Safe Mode' -
making it easier to remove them. If you are going to do a
virus scan, remember to first open the program in 'Normal Mode' and
get the latest Updates. Without an Internet connection in 'Safe Mode' you
will not be able to do so.
Starting up your computer in 'Safe Mode' is a little tricky.
You MUST catch it BEFORE it starts loading Windows - or
immediately after it powers up. This is done by
bouncing on either the:
[F5] Key or the
[F8] key.
The 'trick' is to catch it immediately before it gets the
chance to load Windows normally. If you do it correctly,
depending on your version, you will either go to a black screen
allowing you to 'select' the 'Safe Mode' startup, or you
will go directly there. Windows will take a while to load,
and you'll eventually get a Windows message warning you are using 'Safe Mode'.
If you missed it, you will have to restart and try again.
After running your defrags, virus scans and fixes simply restart
your computer in 'Normal Mode'. Note also; If you are
'Uninstalling' a particular Program - removing it while in
'Safe Mode' is sometimes more efficient - though some programs will
not allow you to do so.
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Hassler's Law:
Backup Means TWO Copies.
All too often, when a computer has been badly attacked, the only way
to fix it is to wipe the hard drive clean and reinstall whatever
Windows version is required. The amazing thing is nearly every time
this happens, my other job is to attempt a copy of the documents and
photos on the computer before I have to erase them (and with some viruses, this is
impossible !).
This is (quote) "amazing" because another copy should have existed
long before the virus problem came up. It is a perfect
example of 'One Copy' - the best way to LOSE all your
valuable family photos, Excel spreadsheets, videos, and bookkeeping documents.
There are other, not so obvious, ways to lose your data but all
of them break this simple 'Two Copy Law'. Today, there are 'external'
hard drives with enormous capacity. These are fantastic
for backing up everything from text files to entire movies.
Now; if someone copies their photos from their computer to one
of these 'external' drives - that is the definition of 'Two Copies'
and their stuff is protected. Unfortunately, sometimes
after moving photos to the 'external' storage device (and this
applies equally to smaller 'flash' drives or 'burning' CDs)
people will then delete the original from their computer.
'External' drives fail too (especially today, as hardware gets
even cheaper - and junkier). CDs can get scratched.
One Copy - regardless
of where you put it, is a HUGE mistake. Period.
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This Is How It Works:
Using a totally new install, after doing every update,
and then running every scan using the programs available
below, another supposedly efficient package was downloaded
then executed. Certainly, the tag of PCtools seems
legitimate. Now note what happens when this totally clean
computer is scanned by this service (Click the thumbnail for a larger
snapshot). Isn't it interesting that it found "critical items"?
Isn't it also interesting this program then wants you
to BUY their LIVE program which will (surely) Fix ALL
these problems? I'll let you draw your own conclusions.
Perhaps those quite well-known two letters - 'BS'
will come to mind ?
Please take note:
According to reliable
techie
sites, the program you see advertized on TV called, '
FinallyFast
.com' is simply another Spyware that fixes a few
things - then spys on you just like the other stuff
- for a small fee, of course.
It is important to note, here - there are many things on the Internet
that want to attack your computer. On one end of this
spectrum there are nearly
invisible 'attachments' that do nothing more than 'reporting back'
which Internet ads you click on. You'll get some form of these
'cookies' from most News sites. While these
aren't "destructive" - they
DO slow your connection speed. At the other end - and FAR
worse are destructive attacks
that will immmediately disable every tool or
Scan (such as 'System Restore'
or 'RegEdit') you would need to kick the attackers out! If
this happens, there is little choice but to wipe your computer clean
and reinstall an original Windows setup.
By the way - before I forget, there IS a new extremely dangerous
virus now on the loose. It's called the 'OneBornaMinute'
worm. But don't worry. Just send me $29.99 immediately
and I can guarantee you will never ever get it.
But seriously, below you will find several programs - all free - intended to
protect your computer from these virus/trojan/adware/worms. One
program will also greatly improve your computer's performance by
finding and repairing errors in your all-important 'Registry' file.
Which of these you wish to install is certainly up to
you. If you already have some of these installed
they are constantly being updated. You should tell
each one to 'search for updates' within them, or uninstall
the old version then reinstall from the new.
Please
Contact [<=-Click!] me if you have *any* questions or contributions.
Remember _ There be Dragons Here!
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Geez. I've already Got It !?!
Malwarebytes (3624) is the only utility I found (free) on the Internet that
actually removed the 'Antivirus2009' trojan virus on a computer
already infected. This particular laptop computer looked like it was going
to have to be completely wiped & reinstalled, until this 'Scan' was
done and it destroyed the virus. After you download and install
it, allow it to do any 'updates' it wishes - as the entire virus
thing is a *constant* ongoing war. This
Download is 5 Meg. After the Scan, be sure you "Review"
the Results - then direct it to "Remove Selected" (see the snapshot above ^ )
if it finds anything.
Keeping it installed is up to you -
but as with many virus protection programs, you will need to
TELL it to 'scan' now and then (at least once a month).
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Spybot System Registry Protection
Spybot is easily the best free program to watch over your 'Registration'
file. As I've told most of you, that Registration file is
the most important file on your system. Everything is stored there -
from your Video, network, & sound drivers, to the last item you
'searched' for - the Registration file manages your entire computer.
That portion of
Spybot
called 'TeaTimer' will stop and notify you
whenever a critical change is requested. If a spyware attempts to
change your 'Home' page in your browser - for example - TeaTimer notifies
you and allows you to abort the hijack. If YOU are the one changing
your Desktop Wallpaper or installing a new program, you can tell
'TeaTimer' it's Okay.
If you have Spybot installed
already, don't forget to Click 'Check for Updates' at least once a month.
Please remember, while 'TeaTimer' should be running in the
background protecting your Registry, Spybot itself does not.
You will need to open it then request updates and scans - at
least once a month to insure your computer is clean.
This
Download is 16 Meg.
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The DEEP-Scan Program, Fraudfix:
This is easily the most intense scan in the collection,
but it comes with a few more costs. It is SO powerful,
in fact, McAfee will identify it as a virus. You
may have to tell the McAfee guard dogs it's Okay. This
program will literally shut Windows down as it does its scan,
and should be run in 'Safe Mode' (See explanation above)
for its super-scan. Save it to your Desktop or 'My Documents',
Restart your computer in 'Safe Mode', then Double-Click it.
Please take note: Many of the worst worms and viruses hide
in a folder called 'Temp'. Because of this, the only way to
really be sure you're 'clean' is to also empty out that 'Temp'
folder. Unfortunately, some other things are stored
in that folder including your Desktop picture setting, your
'Home Page' when you open the MSIE Internet browser, and your
'Time' display settings. After running
FraudFix
(and then restarting in 'Normal Mode')
your Desktop picture will be blank (easily reset), your Internet homepage will
be the Windows original setting, MSN.com - and you may have to go to
Control Panel, Regional/Language settings if you don't like
24 hour military time.
This
Download is less than 2 Meg.
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TV: "My PC is Slow !" This Program HELPS!
If you frequent any of the news sites such as FoxNews.com or MSNBC.com
you've seen the ads recently appealing to the fact your computer isn't
as fast as it used to be. This is all because of that
Registry file on your computer we've discussed above.
Because it stores EVERYTHING, it just gets bigger and bigger - as well as
filled with little errors. These errors can be something as
simple as a 'Shortcut' that points to a photo you've already deleted.
Obviously, every one of those errors in your Registry file SLOW
your computer down! The program available here is one of the best
I've seen for cleaning up most of those Registry file problems.
It is truly a miracle worker at times. I purchased license
for the
Advanced Registry Optimizer
to distribute amongst my clients.
Download
is only 3 Meg. Execution is fairly easy and
self-explanatory, but
Contact
me if you need help.
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You don't have to Pay for Anti-Virus
If you're on Contract with NowSites you should have a full
copy of Norton's Security Suite installed on your computer.
But the truth is, you don't have to pay for some pretty good free
anti-virus protection. AVG is one of the most popular.
It has the additional bonus of attaching a message to your
outgoing EMails - letting recipients know your message is clean.
(of course, this is also an ad for their product - attached
to your Email - but I'll
be nice today) Anywho, here are several Links where you can download
plenty of Free and authentic anti-virus protection:
free.avg.com/us-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free
toggle.com/lv/group/view/kl33909/Panda_Antivirus.htm
http://www.pctools.com/free-antivirus/download/
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{- A Much Better Disk Defrag Program!
Every time you delete a file, you leave a temporary blank
space on your hard drive. The next file you save will often
be larger, so Windows fills the hole then moves to the next
hole to save the rest. This is called fragmentation
and it can seriously slow down re-getting that data (as the
hard drive's head has to jump all over the place).
The 'De-Frag' utility that came with your Windows ("Accessories",
"System Tools") tries to 'fix' those files and does okay.
But it does not 'move' all files toward the front of the
disk, which can also speed up your access. Simply put,
the less you have stored on your hard drive, the faster it will
be - but if your 40 Meg of data is spread out over an 80
Meg area, you may as well have 80 Meg of data (just picture
the head 'reaching' out for the data). Auslogics Defrag
is a much better de-frag utility as it also optimizes
the drive.
Whether you use this download, or the program that comes with
Windows - remember that any program or data currently in use
(open) cannot be manipulated or 'fixed' as it is locked down.
For this reason, De-Frag is *far* more efficient if it's
run in 'Safe Mode' (see above). Auslogics free
Download is only 2 Meg.
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{- Convert your files to Adobe PDF !
This is a Great utility for converting Word or Excel
documents into the Adobe PDF format.
The PDF file has become one of the most popular
'cross-platform' (Windows, Apple, whatever) formats for
document sharing. After this utility is installed
it becomes one of your 'Printer' options. Then
by simply selecting it as your Printer you will be
asked where to put your new PDF file - and what
you want to name it. This
Download
is only 1 1/2 Meg.
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{- Paintshop Pro 4 Photo editor
If you need a great JPG editor for resizing or changing your
photos, Paint Shop Version Four does it all.
Because it's quite old (they're on version 12 now) - it is
also simple to use. *L*
This
Download
is 3 Meg.
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{- Very 'Cool' Sound file (WAV) editor
If you need a great WAV (sound file) editor this is it.
The free version simply allows two 'options' when you open the
program, so just make sure 'Save File' is one of them.
Depending on your 'Sound Card', this program can sometimes be
used to record 'What-You-Hear' on your computer - allowing you
to swipe any sound track you can hear and burn it to disk.
The
Download
is 2 Meg.
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{- Extremely Handy Desktop Clock
This desk top clock and calender is actually pretty cool. It allows
you to put it anywhere you want on your desktop, and you
can even alter its size, color, sounds, and the info it displays.
The
Download
is less than 1 Meg.
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{- Core File Transfer Program (FTP)
FTP is the program you'll need for uploading or downloading
files to and from your website. If you don't own a
dot-com, you won't need it - but this is the best free one
I've ever worked with. It's also here because there
are times when it needs to be uninstalled then reinstalled.
Download
is less than 3 Meg.
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{- Convenient Photo Slideshow Program
This program is quite good for displaying your photos (and even
MPG movies) in a slideshow. You can set it to move when you
click or with an automatic timer, and it will size everything to
your screen size. It is also capable of creating a
self-running EXE file you can save or send to friends.
The Download
is less than 2 Meg.
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{- Taming and Controlling DOS
The only reason to install Tame is if you're running
POWB (NowSites) Inventory and Accounting Software.
This module controls Printer Delays and other snaffoos when
running software based on POWB Command Line execution. Remember
- while Microsoft claims they "killed DOS" - all they really did
was rename it to Command.
The Tame Download
is less than 1 Meg.
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Pacman? On my Desktop !?!
Pacman
is a wonderful '3D' version of the original arcade game.
Options allow for many more patterns and
game-faces, making it fresh and new again. EMail me your scores!
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Checkers? Ha Ha. Just Try It.
Checkers on your computer?
You think you're good ? This program will flat kick
your butt. Whenever you need your ego bruised, this
is a great way to do it.
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If you're just passin' through, at least -
send
a Smile
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