AVG | Castellini on Computers - Computer help for beginners

Posts Tagged: AVG

Extricating Spyware

Image via Wikipedia

Article updated: July 2010

In 2004, spyware/adware became the #1 threat to personal computers. For a definition of spyware, visit Webopedia.

Getting rid of spyware has reached a point that it takes an expert, or a lot of persistence, to really get rid of it totally. Following is a list of steps that we frequently take to completely restore a compromised computer. Depending on the level of problems, we may omit some steps, but this list covers everything we do.

NOTE: These are not steps we recommend for every computer that has a little spyware on it. Also, some of these steps, if not performed properly, can further harm your computer. Proceed at your own risk.

ANOTHER NOTE: For a great list of Continue reading →

5 Simple Rules to avoid SCD (Slow Computer Disease)

photo credit: jennconspiracy

I’ve written about this before, but it bares repeating on occasion for new visitors to the site and long time visitors who haven’t learned yet. The advice is simple:

Do not download free screensavers, wallpaper, email programs (Incredimail, etc), or games from the Internet.

Unless you are WELL versed in the origin of these items, they can easily destroy your computer’s ability to compute.

“Slow computer” is the most common computer ailment Windows users search for on the web. Sadly, slow computer disease (SCD*), does not have to be the pandemic it is because it is 100% preventable.

Here are my 5 simple rules to prevent SCD for Windows users: Continue reading →

Application Tips / Internet Tips — 38 Comments
7
Nov 09

How to download, install & configure AVG Free 9.0 – Video Tip

AVG released version 9 of their free antivirus/antispyware product a couple of weeks ago. You may have started to see notifications from them that you need to update before December 1. Typically, they provide a deadline, but previous versions work for a number of months after the deadline. Continue reading →

Email Tips — No Comments
6
Oct 09

Learn to stay safe with your email

photo credit: CGehlen

Like any medium, we all need to keep a discerning eye on the information we read on the Internet and in email. You don’t believe everything you read in the newspaper or see on TV do you? The Internet is no different and tends to breed more fiction because its tools are so readily available.

First and foremost, keep an anti-virus software running on your computer at all times and make sure it is updated at least weekly. Remember, keeping an anti-virus program updated is completely different than the program doing a weekly scan of your computer files. I currently favor AVG Antivirus or Avast on my computer and my client’s computers, but whatever you use, keep Continue reading →

Application Tips — 1 Comment
26
Aug 09

How to change time of AVG scan schedule

If you install AVG and use all the default settings, you will find that the AVG wants to scan your computer every day at either 8:00am or 12:00pm (noon). Because the complete system scan can take up to an hour or more to complete (depending on the number of files on your computer), it can be extremely inconvenient to have the scan slow your computer down when you are trying to work on it.

You can stop the scan if you need full power from your computer by RIGHT clicking the AVG scan icon by your clock, then click Stop All Scans or you can change the schedule to a more convenient time. Here’s how to change the schedule of the AVG daily scan Continue reading →

General Computer Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 4 Comments
9
Aug 09

Should you pay for AVG?

Over the past few weeks, AVG has been a little more agressive in their attempt to get folks to convert to their paid product by showing advertising screens every 2-4 days that ask to upgrade your security. It is completely your perogative to upgrade if you like, but I still use the free version and recommend you do the same.

Like any business, AVG simply wants to convert more of their of customers to paying customers. You can see a chart of the extra services that the pay version provides by clicking here.

Computer User Group / Internet Tips — 7 Comments
7
Jul 09

The Castellini Approach to Internet Security

photo credit: The Joy Of The Mundane

This past week I saw way too many people who are not taking advantage of the free information we give out on the show and the web site. Their computers were suffocating from a preventable disease…viruses and spyware. Yes, preventable, almost 100%. And fighting the war on our home computer security front does not have to be costly or time consuming.

We talk about this subject quite a bit on the program and the web site because of its rapid growth worldwide. In today’s tip, I am providing you with links to information that we have on this site that have been up for months to years that contain the essential information about protecting your computer.

Continue reading →

Application Tips / Internet Tips — 36 Comments
29
Mar 09

How to upgrade to AVG 8.5 Free – Video Tip

AVG released the new version of their security software about two weeks ago. Many of you have asked, should you upgrade and if so, how. Follow these steps and watch this video on how to get through process quickly and correctly. It is imperative that you both read these instructions and watch the video.

Visit my site and scroll down to my Links & Resources section on any web page here at HelpMeRick.com
Click AVG Antivirus one time under the Security section
You will now be linked to a safe download of AVG at Download.com
Click the Download Now option UNDER the title of AVG AntiVirus Free Edition 8.5
Wait for a few moments (ignore all flashing ads), and the download will start by asking whether you want to open/run or save the file…choose Save
Choose your desktop as the save location, and Continue reading →

Internet Tips — 2 Comments
24
Mar 09

No rush to get AVG 8.5

AVG 8.5 is still free (for home users), it is being offered now, but it isn’t at all critical to get yet. If you still haven’t upgraded from 7.5 to 8.0, then go the whole nine yards and get 8.5. But if you are using 8.0, don’t rush over to 8.5 yet. It doesn’t seem to have any problems, but let me test it for you and I will post a how-to video for it soon.

Application Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 Comments
22
Jan 09

What to do with an AVG found virus sreen

AVG Found Virus

If you use AVG Antivirus, you will be presented with the above screen at some time or another. Don’t immediately push the Move to Vault button or the Heal button. Instead, check the box labeled Remove as Power User, then click the Heal button. Checking that box first yanks the legs out from the virus and disposes of it immediately.