Tiplet expert tips & tech support

January 18, 2009

What to Do If Your Computer Has a Virus or Trojan Horse

Filed under: privacy & security — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 9:00 am

by Tina Gasperson

The Internet can be a dangerous place for a desktop computer. Sometimes it seems as if there are viruses lurking around every virtual corner. The people who write the code that makes these evil programs run are always thinking of new ways to lure us into their cyber clutches. And unfortunately, sometimes we take the bait.

If you’ve been tricked by a nasty little bit of code and your computer looks like it’s down for the count, don’t despair. Most of the time you can fix it by following a few simple steps.
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January 14, 2009

How to Select and Install the Appropriate Antivirus Software for Your Computer

Filed under: privacy & security — Tags: , , , — admin @ 8:00 am

by Tina Gasperson

These days, it is completely unadvisable to go online without a currently updated antivirus application running on your Windows-based desktop system. An unprotected computer is vulnerable to all manner of viruses, spyware, and Trojan horse programs that can take over your system without your permission. These unwelcome bits of software enter your computer when you download and run infected applications or visit Web sites that inject the malicious code through your browser. A good antivirus program will run in the background as you browse, protecting you from immediate dangers, and will also scan your entire system on a regular basis, using information from the latest known threats. Your antivirus software can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs, and reduce the stress associated with losing important files and information stored on your hard drive. So what can you do to insure that your system is protected by a good antivirus program?
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January 10, 2009

Disable Windows Messenger

Filed under: privacy & security,Windows — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 2:00 pm

by David Hakala

First there was spam to exploit your email inbox. Then there came pop-up ads on Web sites to make browsing a nightmare. Then marketers figured out how to use a built-in Windows 2000 and XP service to zap their wares directly to your desktop. So did distributors of virii and other malware.

Windows Messenger is a Microsoft-proprietary instant messaging client that is enabled by default. So is its 2005 successor, Windows Live Messenger. Both IM clients have legitimate uses, primarily in corporate and online gaming environments. But most home and small business users don’t need to leave this back door open for bad things to enter.
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January 6, 2009

How Many Anti-Malware Apps Do You Need?

Filed under: privacy & security — Tags: , , , — admin @ 9:00 am

by David Hakala

When your computer becomes infected with “something,” you quickly learn that there are myriad applications that may identify and eliminate the threat – or may not. No single anti-malware application cures every ill, just as no one antibiotic is a panacea against all diseases.

Malware comes in as many species as biological bacteria and virii. Some varieties specialize in exploiting vulnerabilities in browsers, others in instant-messaging apps, still others in operating systems, and so on. Malware authors are constantly improving their wares in a never-ending arms race against authors of anti-malware apps. There is no One and Final defense against malware.
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January 3, 2009

Avoiding Viruses and Trojans Browsing the Internet

Filed under: Internet,privacy & security — Tags: , , , — admin @ 10:00 am

by Tina Gasperson

The Microsoft Windows operating system dominates the computer market. Research shows that 90 percent of computers run some form of Windows. The popularity of this operating system means that there is an abundance of software available to make your computer more useful and powerful. Unfortunately, it also means that Windows is a prime target for people who create little software programs known as computer viruses and “Trojans.” These programs are designed to wreak havoc in your computer for the benefit of someone else. Their gain could be that these unsavory characters can now use your computer as their own spam server, gain access your credit accounts, or simply get the satisfaction of knowing they’ve brought your system to a screeching halt and you may have to spend lots of time and money getting it fixed.

So how can you avoid getting infected by one of these rogue programs? There are several precautions you can take to protect your computer while you’re out “surfing the ‘Net.”
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