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.
Alternative Operating Systems
I would be remiss if I didn’t suggest that any computer user who does not need specific Windows based programs like Quickbooks, Quicken, genealogy software, specific 3rd party games should serioiusly consider using a Linux (Ubuntu being the most popular) or Macintosh system. Check out these two links for more information about Ubuntu or just search the site for Ubuntu for more information:
And yes, I know that with specific skills and software you can run Windows with Linux or Mac, but I’m all about simple so no need to leave comments about virtualization, Bootcamp, Parallels, etc.
Alternative Browsers
Staying Virus Free
I’ve also recently started using Avira AntiVir antivirus with good results and have always like Avast Antivirus as well. But for ease of use and no hassles, I still recommend AVG first.
Windows & Firewalls
Fight Spyware
Control Spam
- Cloudmark Desktop – Outlook, Outlook Express, Thunderbird and Windows Mail users
- Gmail
- Always use BCC
Use Good Passwords
Also falling into this category is the extremely important topic of backup. Search our web site for ‘backup’ and you will find many great tips and resources for protecting your data.
If you share only one tip on our web site with your friends, family, and co-workers, this is it. Stay safe and help others do the same!
Related articles:
- Send this article to EVERYONE you know…
- How to Remove the Greeting Card Virus
- Another parental reminder
- All Search Results are NOT Created Equally
- Warning: Your computer may be infected with viruses, spyware and exortionware
Tags: adware, AVG, backup, browser, email, Firefox, install, Internet, money, Security, spyware, update, virus, Windows
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HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.
I have a virus, that causes popups whenever I get on the internet. I have AOL and it has a firewall. We use Verizon DSL for our ISP and we pay $5 per month for the Verizon Security Suite. We have old AOL accounts that we use to access the internet. Usually when accessing the internet via AOL the popups are far fewer, but if I use Internet Explorer or click on a website via my Verizon email I get lots of popups. The popups say you have an infected computer and you need this “Antivirus 2008″, (or 2009) software – click here to download, but of course I never do.
Scanning for Viruses does nothing.
I have purchased a $30 software called “Fix-It Utilities 9″ from Walmart. It is made by Avanquest, http://www.avanquest.com
Do you think that might find this irritating virus, or do I need to take my computer in to a shop and have them erase the hard drive and start over?
Thank You for your advice.
Reformatting is always the best and most thorough solution, but if you want to try one more option, download and install the ComboFix utility I have linked in the sidebar. Read the instructions first and always have a backup.
Always reformat your harddrive before doing an install.
Great post Rick. Very through.
Security is becoming more and more important to prevent fraud, identity theft, material theft (most businesses store proprietary info on unsecured computers). And with cyberwarfare starting, the unsecured computers are getting compromised and used for evil purposes.
You provide great advice that is sound for personal use, and business use all the same.
Matt
Thanks Matt. Appreciate you stopping by and your comment is “spot on” as they would say across the pond.
Hey Rick. Thanks for all you do. It makes a difference. I was looking at the extricating spyware page. There is lots of good info but it is three years old. Any new programs, links or advice?
You are welcome. I looked over that article and there isn’t much new I’m doing today except maybe using Combofix for some tough spyware problems. The big key is PREVENTION. Be cautious, use an alternative browser, and keep security updates and Windows updates current.