Make your PC defensive

POSTED: March 9, 2013 2:00 a.m. Computer Care: Keep your PC protected from bad bugs

Computer Care: Keep your PC protected from bad bugs By Arthur Glazerglazer.tech@gmail.com POSTED: March 9, 2013 2:00 a.m. Too many computers that I’ve worked on recently have had insufficient protection. Some had anti-virus apps or Internet security suites installed, but they were not properly configured. Some were so outdated they were completely ineffective. Your system needs a good defense. This means programs that will have your back and warn you when rogue programs or websites are attempting to infiltrate your computer. If you have an anti-virus alone, then I suggest you supplement it with a utility like Malwarebytes, Advanced System Care, SuperAntispyware or Malware Fighter. You can have as many of those installed on your system as you like but only one anti-virus app. In that case, more is not better. If your system has an Internet Security Suite, you’re all set. Many times, though, it will tell you that there is a conflict with a utility already on your system and ask you to remove it. Whatever you use, be sure you always have the latest version and that it updates its virus and malware definitions regularly, usually daily. The app needs to be configured past the default settings. Make sure it scans what you want it to, not just your “C” drive. If you have a partition or use external drives regularly, have them scan them as well. Be sure to set up a schedule in the settings area. If you are online every day, you should have your system scanned daily. If you don’t, it’s not a matter of if you will get an infection but when. There are plenty of free products to download. Avast, Avira, AVG, Panda and others all have free and paid versions. The latter includes support. Vipre is also a good choice and although it lacks a free version, it does offer a free trial, as do most. In most malware apps, there are no schedulers on the freebies, one reason alone to get the paid version. While you are downloading, be careful as I mentioned in previous columns. You may not get a malware infection from a reputable website, but you can still get bloatware or junkware, call it what you will. If you don’t scrutinize each box that is checked, you may end up with add-ons you didn’t ask for like a screensaver, pop-up, toolbar or some other freebie that will slow down your system. Do take note to the many offers of security for your smartphone, though, while you are downloading. Most are free. The next wave of infections will not be on your computer but on your phone, so get ready. All of the major players have these to offer. Even with the best protection, it is still possible to get an infection on your computer. The reprobate-geek on your block may have just written a virus and sent it to the Web to be spread around. Before Avast, Norton, McAfee and the rest of them get a chance write a defense against the infection, you can get it. Sometimes you simply fall through the cracks of the Internet. All you can do is be as best prepared as possible and when that fails, get rid of the infection after the fact. Although it is best to be proactive, sometimes you just have to play the cards you were dealt. Windows has built-in tools like System Restore and Safe Mode that will let you fix issues with the operating system. System Restore is like a time machine. It allows you to set the system to run as it did in the past, when it functioned properly. Safe Mode loads only the essential components of the operating system, allowing you to probe and repair without a bunch of superfluous apps running in the background. The Internet itself is my favorite tool. When I don’t know how to fix something, I Google it. There are many articles, forums and YouTube videos to help with just about anything. Someone, somewhere, has had the same issue that you are experiencing and there is assistance on the Internet concerning it. The only time I suggest you don’t try to fix your computer yourself is when you get a “Fatal Error.” They manifest themselves as “Blue Screens Of Death.” When you see a blue screen with “Fatal Error” on it that is accompanied by a STOP code, a series of numbers, it’s time to throw in the towel. Often, the more you mess with it, the worse it gets. So just walk away from this one. This is the worse-case scenario, when your head starts pounding and your eyes begin to bleed. This is when you call someone and pay them to fix the computer. Sometimes it’s just worth it. You wouldn’t try to fix a crown in your mouth or the transmission in your car. You call a professional. With a BSOD, that’s what you need to do. Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly on the Business page and on gainesvilletimes.com.

Bogus AntiVirus and Registry Apps

Computer Care: Beware of phony anti-virus apps; they're really malware

By Arthur Glazer
glazer.tech@gmail.com

POSTED: August 6, 2011 1:00 a.m.

Not all is what it seems when it comes to programs for your computer. There are so many rogue applications circulating the Internet now that one is sure to end up on your browser or in your inbox.

XP AntiVirus has been around for years and is still an active example of malware. Yes, you read that correctly. It is not an anti-virus program. It goes under various names including Windows AntiVirus, Vista or Win 7 AntiVirus and others.

In the past few months, I have removed more of these infectious programs from clients' computers than genuine viruses. Sure, there are still viruses out there, but malware is running a close race.

These so-called utilities will not clean your system, but will clean your wallet. They exist only to get your credit card number.

There are many types of bogus apps, some in the form of registry cleaners and system optimizers. They look like Windows utilities having the same color swatch or the shield that Microsoft uses for security issues. If you look closely though, there is no "About" button and no company name on the utility.

There's also the absence of an "X" on the upper right of the app to close it down. You can only scan or purchase. The "Close" or "Continue" buttons are greyed out so you can't click on them.

ThinkPoint is a similar rogue utility. It scares you into thinking your system is corrupt. After careful scrutiny, you'll see the only button you can click is "Safe StartUp." The "Normal StartUp" is greyed out.

They also want you to buy a nonexistent program.

These non-apps sneak into your system by intimidation. You are told of imminent system failure if a scan is not run or the app is not purchased. Don't fall for it.

You may be told there are 87 Windows registry errors that need to be fixed or removed immediately to continue. The fact is, once you see those warnings it's too late. You're already infected. It's not errors that need removing; it's that program.

It is not the job of Windows to report infections to you. If you have not initiated a scan, either manually or via a schedule, but scan results are reported to you, beware.

Often, the more you try to do something, the worse the situation gets. Each window you close yields another in an endless cycle. I've seen screens literally covered in pop-ups, severely limiting the ability to navigate. Safe Mode offers an alternative access to your system and may be the only option of repair for the lay person.

Beware of phony websites offering links to utilities and of redirects and hijacks. Make sure you end up where you ought to be, not at a similarly spelled site.

When you see links to downloads, they should come from reputable websites like cnet.com or download.com. They may also come from the author of the program. Scrutinize the source.

Avoid unknown websites; they may be full of infectious programs. Stick with name-brand sites you know or have been referred to by reputable sources.

If you get an email from an unknown sender with a link to a website or a program, don't click on it, no matter how enticing it may appear. You may also see links on Facebook, one of the largest sources of malware.

Should you believe your computer is infected, first do a full scan with whatever security utility you have. Then, if you don't have Malwarebytes on your system, download it and perform a full scan.

Use of a full-featured Internet security program is better than just a dedicated anti-virus utility. As stated, there are much more than viruses out there. You need to have the proper defenses installed.

The use of CCleaner and Spyware Doctor alone will not offer comprehensive protection for your system. Although both good programs, they need to be supplemented, just as an antivirus utility needs to be supplemented with a good spyware/malware utility.

Having the app installed is not good enough. Be sure the app itself, as well as its definitions, gets updated regularly.

Create a schedule to have it run. Let it scan your system while you're having dinner or sleeping (if the PC is left on).

Use applications that provide real-time protection. If you attempt to access a bogus site, those apps will advise you that it is not what it appears to be and block it.

Although many free apps like ones offered by AVG and Avast provide adequate protection, they lack all the bells and whistles that the paid versions offer.

It is important to note that only one anti-virus program should be installed on a system. You can, however, install multiple apps for protection against malware, including spyware, pop-ups, Trojans, key loggers, rootkits and the like.

Keep in mind that although it is good to be protected, too many programs running at startup that boot with Windows will tend to slow the system down.

That's another issue — and another column.

Arthur Glazer is a freelance writer and computer technician in Gainesville. His column appears biweekly on the Business page and on gainesvilletimes.com.