How To Backup Your PC Before You Remove Malware

I got lazy and paid for it. Let me explain. A friend brought me his Windows XP workstation loaded with malware. I removed the malware with SuperAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes (since he didn’t want to buy any antivirus) in safemode. Once the first round of scans and removals were completed I rebooted. Bam! BSOD! Windows XP was looking for a dll, no name of course, just a dll. Anyway in the end I had to reinstall Windows XP, very embarrassing to say the least. So, I’ve created a checklist to use before I remove any malware... Read more »

Why Is My Computer Running So Slow?

We all get hit with it at some point or another - the infamous slow computer. And most of the time, we have no idea why as it can be caused by a number of different things such as hardware failure, not enough memory, high resource utilization (memory hogs), etc. You might just be surprised however, to learn that more often than not slow computer problems are at least partly, if not mostly attributed to spyware. Spyware has become so prevalent and so widespread that experts are now saying that over 90% of all Internet users will, at some point, become infected... Read more »

How Antivirus Software Protects Your Computer

Its getting harder everyday to protect your data from the dangers posed by computer viruses. These malicious programs have evolved into multiple forms and can be contracted through a variety of ways, including opening email attachments, opening spam or by visiting corrupt websites. Fortunately, just as viruses have grown in strength and complexity over the years, so also have the tools used to combat them. With the latest generation of antivirus software, you can give your computer a level of protection never before possible. Todays best antivirus software come with multiple virus scans, allowing you to schedule... Read more »

When, Why, And How Should I Reformat My Hard Drive?

Sometimes we have no choice when it comes to reformatting your hard drive. Just make sure you understand that all your data will be lost unless you take the time to backup files you do not want to lose. This should only be done as a last resort. When should I reformat my hard drive? If your windows files are corrupted beyond repair or you have files missing and all your attempts to repair have failed. If you have a virus and all your attempts at removal has not worked. Another reason would be if your computer is infected with spy-ware to the point you cannot open Internet Explorer or your computer’s performance has slowed considerably. Another reason would be if your computer will not finish a successful de-frag Why... Read more »

How Anti-Virus Software Works

Anti-Virus software is a program to run on your computer, often in the background and keeps malicious spyware and background viruses from attacking your hard drive.there are different techniques that the software will use to keep viruses off of your computer. The software will start to scan all your files you have saved so that it can search for known viruses that will match definitions in a dictionary made only to detect a virus. Having antivirus software protects your computer from getting infected from different kinds of Mal ware that can be embedded in e-mails, downloads, and even programs that you... Read more »

Why Should You Buy Antivirus Software?

Before we discuss antivirus software it is important to understand what a virus is. A virus basically comprises a small program, a macro or a script designed to interfere with the normal functioning of a computer in various ways. At the grass root level these mischievous entities gain entry into our computers through external storage devices such as floppies, compact discs etc. However, with the advent of the internet, viruses now have a much easier way to infiltrate our PCs. All that the warped mind of a virus programmer has to do now is write the necessary code and introduce it into... Read more »

Which Is The Best Antivirus Software?

Before purchasing of downloading antivirus software there are some features that should look out for. We believe the key factors determining the quality of antivirus software is: 1. Its effectiveness at removing viruses (check independent tests for unbiased results) 2. Its ease of use (normally down to its user interface) 3. Its value for money 4. Its customer and technical support (should be free and 24/7 ideally) 5. Its regularity of updates 6. Its drain on system resources 7. Its compatibility When all the major criteria were investigated... Read more »

Should You Buy Antivirus Software Or Get A Free Version?

Computers have become so important in so many parts of our personal and professional life that it is very important to safeguard the data stored in them against viruses which are designed to destroy or steal it. However, many people take this very lightly and never think twice about the damage that can be caused by such viruses. Others may consider antivirus software but then opt for a free version rather than paying for it. What they do not realize is that even these free antivirus downloads might be spam or can inject virus into the system. The free versions that are not malicious in their intent may however be very ineffective in detecting and destroying viruses. Much antivirus freeware... Read more »

What Is Adware And Should You Care?

Adware is as annoying as spyware for computer users. What is adware? Adware stands for advertising supported software, it is a software that can automatically play, displays, or downloads ads to your computer after a software has been installed that contains the adware, or even when you are using that specific downloaded application. Certain adware as a matter of fact can be classified as spyware, because it is privacy invasive software. How does Adware work? Well the advertising functions are built into or perhaps bundled with another software, this software will mark or make notes as to what internet sites you have gone too, and it will go off of... Read more »

Start Protecting Yourself Online

The Internet is a fantastic tool and is open to absolutely everyone. Unfortunately, some people are not aware of the dangers that exist. You should be made aware of these and learn how to best protect yourself. There are a number of ways to do this: 1) Make sure your Windows Firewall is switched on 2) Make sure you have a good antivirus package installed on your computer and that you regularly update it 3) Never open links from emails if you are unclear about its origin 4) Only download files from trusted websites 5) Only use a credit or debit card online with trusted providers i.e. ClickBank, PayPal etc These basic points may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised... Read more »