More on security

Two things:

1) On those two machines I worked on over the weekend, the ones infected by the rogue programs, one machine had an up-to-date, fully-functioning copy of Norton 360 installed and the other had McAfee. These are two of the best security programs money can buy. I saw absolutely no problems with the Norton installation. This tells me, plain and simple, that Norton did not do the job it was being paid for, and allowed the rogue program to take over the machine and thereafter run wild. Not nice. On the McAfee machine, although the system tray icon was a red M, McAfee's indication that all was well (hey, since when does RED mean all's well McAfee?), in fact the McAfee security suite was NOT even running. It wasn't clear to me if this was as a result of the rogue program or if it was a bad installation, but the user had downloaded McAfee fom AOL and assumed that it was running. Hmmm.... It obviously wasn't!

2) As posted before, Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is downloaded to your system each month (an updated version) via Automatic Updates. It turns out that MSRT has an option for Quick Scan and one for Full Scan. I do not yet know which option Micosoft uses to run this tool in the background, or for that matter, if it runs it at all. I take it on faith that they do at least run the quick scan. However, being the Doubting Thomas that I am, I download MSRT manually every month and personally run a Full Scan. This is a one-time run once a month. The program takes a very long time to run, so I start it when going to bed and let it run. When finished it does not tell you how long it took, but on occasion when I have run it during the day I have seen it still active after more than 3 hours. It could take 6 hours for all I know, but it is a rather painless process for me to download it and install it and let it run once a month. I view this as an ounce of prevention. If you would like to do the same, you can download MSRT at one of the two following sites:

32-bit version (for most of you): MSRT

64-bit version (for you others): MSRT

If you are not sure if you are running the 32 bit or 64 bit version of your operating system, download the 32 bit version of MSRT. If it runs, you have the correct version! If it doesn't, it will indicate that you need the 64 bit version.

SeniorNet of Vermont

I can't say enough good things about the non-profit SeniorNet organization. Locally, on Dorset Street in South Burlington, VT, you will find very inexpensive computer courses for seniors over 50 taught by a dedicated staff of senior volunteers.

The schedule of courses for May-June is now posted on their web site, and I encourage you Vermonters to take advantage of this opportunity by enrolling in one or more classses.

SeniorNet of Vermont

Rogues

I spent most of my time this past weekend working on two customer machines that had been infected by rogue programs. One rogue was XP DEFENDER and the other was SECURITY TOOL.

If your system becomes a host to one of these unwelcome visitors, most of which are recognized by their scare tactics (like YOUR SYSTEM IS INFECTED WITH .....), I strongly recommend that you shut down your computer and call me or some other qualified PC Doc type person.

The reason for recommending this is that things can get worse if you try to get out of it yourself. Things can get MUCH WORSE!

To date these rogues seem to be only a shakedown for your money, and while they mess with system settings and make recovery very difficult the longer they are present, they have not yet, in my experiences with many of them, destroyed user data like pictures, music, or video. But I predict that is coming next, so take steps NOW to back up your valuable data to some external device that is not always attached to your computer.Thumb or flash drives are okay to use for backup as long as you have one large enough to contain all of your data. I use an external 1TB hard drive that I can attach via a USB cable whenever I want to do my backups. There are also service companies that provide backup of your data.

For those of you who feel qualified and might want to attempt to recover your system without assistance, I strongly recommend SuperAntiSpyware's Portable Scanner, available free here. I now use this as the tool of first choice when I get started in tackling one of these rogues.

When I first saw this I had to wonder if today was April Fools Day. It's not, and this was a deadly serious article. Boy, how crazy can it get. Anyway, until you apply the fix, if this applies to you, be careful.

Microsoft: Don't press F1 key in Windows XP

Facebook users, be careful of what you click on!

They are indeed out to get you - one way or another.

Facebook takes steps to deal with gift card scams

While you are here, go to the bottom of this page and join your PC Doctor on Facebook. I can guarantee you'll not find any trickery there, but you will find my blog.

Last week I did my quarterly backup of "My Documents", which now take up an amazing 86GB. I have to admit, that even though I like being in control of my own data and ensuring that it really is backed up (to my 1TB MyBook external USB 2.0 drive), I began to realize how slow the transfer was. USB 2.0, which we have all come to know and love, is just fine for backing up or downloading data to a flash or thumb drive, but when it comes to working with 86GB or more, it would be nice to have a faster data channel so that the backups would move along more quickly.

Enter USB 3.0.  It has been talked about for a long time but it is here now. However, as with most new technology it is not only expensive to migrate early but also the new technology may not be supported by your environment or work very well if it is.

So read up and get ready for the next generation of USB technology. This PcWorld article does a nice job of introducing the new technology.

USB 3.0: First Hard Drives Arrive

Computer Hope

I stumbled upon this web site today called Computer Hope. I realize that there are probably hundreds if not thousands of similar web sites out there. I found this one interesting and useful. It's worth a few minutes of your time and maybe a bookmark as well.

Computer Hope

If any of you is interested in the iPad (I am not) this CNN article should be useful to you.

Before you buy: 12 things to know about the iPad

Top 10 Netbooks

The lead-in to this PCWorld article is excellent. Here it is:

"Netbooks are perfect travel companions and meet basic computing needs, including e-mailing, Web surfing, and simple document creation. Best of all, these low-powered machines cost less than the standard-issue laptop."

A personal review: I bought an Acer Aspire One when they first came out, maybe close to 2 years ago? I think it weighs less than 3 pounds. I bought it with the larger (more expensive) 6 cell battery with a 6 hour life before recharging. It runs Windows XP and does all of the above very well. My wife uses it as her primary computer. She travels a lot and likes the fact that it is very light and can be tossed into a carry-on bag. With WiFi available most everywhere these days, including now on airplanes and trains, it is even more attractive. The downside, as far as I am concerned, is the screen size. I think it's 8.9" diagonally. You better have good eyesight or glasses always handy to use it, but it works and it works well. Most of the newer lightweight netbooks have larger screens now as you will see in this article. My advice: do a hands-on check of several and pay close attention to the weight.

Top 10 Netbooks

Laptop Killer? Pretty Close

Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal reviews the new Apple iPad in this column.

Laptop Killer? Pretty Close

Tech Secrets: 21 Things 'They' Don’t Want You to Know

I was hesitant about posting this article. I know my followers pretty well, for the most part anyway, and I don't ever  want to see any of you getting in trouble trying things like these 21 tips. By trouble I mean messing up your machine. But I decided for the most part these 21 tips are mostly harmless. Besides, if you find one or two that really interest you I'd be surprised, but good for you if you do get some good info from some of these tips. It's actually all pretty good stuff that interests me, so here you go. Please write me if you have any comments on this post.

Tech Secrets: 21 Things 'They' Don’t Want You to Know

Windows 7 Users ‘Very Satisfied,’ but Consumers Still Love XP

This Wall Street Journal article is consistent with the way I feel and what I have been saying. We all love Windows XP. I could add, for those of us who have or who have had Vista, I'd guess most of us hate Vista. As reported earlier, I had purchased a Vista laptop way back when so I could learn it, teach it, and support it, but believe me folks, Vista is a dog! If someone were to offer me a free Vista machine, I would want to run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor on it to make sure the machine could run Windows 7 before I accepted the gift! Yes, Vista is THAT bad.

As posted much earlier on this blog, Microsoft will be supporting Windows XP until 2014, but there is no reason why one couldn't run it beyond that date. If you are an XP user, do be sure to upgrade to SP3 and keep your XP current with updates. And do yourself a favor and upgrade to 2GB of RAM or more if you are not already there.

Finally, I am still very satisfied with Windows 7. I would tell you unequivocally that you should NOT shy away from Windows 7. If you need a new machine, you WANT it to have Windows 7.

Then of course, there are hose who would rather have OS/X, but  that's another story!

Windows 7 Users ‘Very Satisfied,’ but Consumers Still Love XP

Microsoft Answers Forums

Microsoft provides a jumping off point to all of their support forums on this web site, which I recommend you bookmark. You will find forums for many Microsoft products here.

Microsoft Answers Forums

Facebook User?

If you use Facebook, please become a fan of PC Doctor (that's me) at the bottom of this page. Just scroll down to the bottom. You can read my blog on Facebook.

And now for something completely different

Okay, a little something on the lighter side. This doesn't mean you can ignore all those April Fools warnings!!

Expect Many Tough New Spyware Infections the First Week of April

This is an actual e-mail I received yesterday from the good folks at SuperAntiSpyware, makers of one of the staple products in my base security recommendations. As a reminder of what is included in that recommendation, visit my earlier posts which you will find here:

Ridding your system of malware

and

Please take heed and secure your system now!

BELOW IS THE E-MAIL FROM SUPERANTISPYWARE. PLEASE READ. IMPORTANT!!

Tom,

Each year, the first week of April (coinciding with “April Fool’s Day”) brings an increase in spyware and malware infections. It’s become something of an annual tradition that causes havoc for computer users, lost productivity, and overall inconvenience. Not to mention potentially costing thousands of dollars in repairs.

We’re working hard to prepare for this onslaught and we’re up for the challenge. It makes sense, however, to remind computer users to be extra vigilant during this period of increased spyware activity:

Don’t open emails, files or attachments from people you don’t know.

Be extra cautious opening emails, files or attachments from people you do know.

Don’t be fooled by “scareware” tactics. Know what software you are using, and familiarize yourself with how it delivers warnings and alerts.

If you’re considering giving your social networking activities a break, now might be a good time. No one will miss you if you take a week off.

Stay away from websites that you haven’t visited before. Think before you click!

Run multiple layers of security software. There are many free and effective solutions that will co-exist well with each other. Remember, a single solution may not be enough, especially during this period of increased spyware activity.

We’re here and happy to help if you need anything. Our management team is happy to answer any questions you may have or address issues or concerns raised by your audience. If we can help, just let me know!

Stay safe online, and thanks again, 

Director of Business Development

SUPERAntiSpyware

Long Live Your Laptop Battery!

An excellent article from pcworld.com on a subject most of us laptop users are always interested in.

Long Live Your Laptop Battery!

As always, be careful out there. Just because you are not paranoid does not mean that they are not out to get you! :-)

This is from Computerworld's web site:

Top 6 Security Myths and How to Beat Them

GMAIL

I use Google's free e-mail service called GMAIL. GMAIL supports POP (Post Office Protocol). POP allows you to use one of many e-mail clients on your PC. Among the supported client e-mail programs for which GMAIL supports POP are:

• Apple Mail 3.0
• Outlook Express
• Outlook 2002
• Outlook 2003
• Outlook 2007
• Thunderbird 2.0
• Windows Mail

If you use one of these e-mail client programs, then you can use POP with GMAIL.  The real beauty of these client programs is that  they all have very friendly, easy to use, user interfaces. Each of them will keep all of your e-mail right on your own PC. As an added bonus with GMAIL, all of your e-mail will also be kept on Google's servers (Google claims without limit) and this is a big advantage for GMAIL, so you have built-in backup. That is, a full copy of all of your e-mail is on your PC and also on Google's servers.

The purpose of POP is simply to ensure that as e-mail comes into the Google server, a copy of it is downloaded to your PC when you start up your client program. I happen to use Outlook, and that is where I process all of my e-mail. When one has what is called a client-server relationship like this, one can process e-mail within the client when on one's own PC or use webmail, and process e-mail by using the Google web site to read and send e-mail. This is handy, of course, when one is using someone else's PC.

If you have any questions about this, please submit a comment below.

Online Backup Services

I received the e-mail below yesterday from my service provider, Comcast. It has motivated me to write this blog post. I have been putting it off for some time now. You can click on this "photo" to enlarge it.

Backing up your data is critical. No one of us wants to ever lose those family pictures or videos. None of us wants to lose our music libraries or our personal documents. If you are a small business, you cannot afford to lose all of those important business documents. I'm afraid the IRS just wouldn't understand!


So how do YOU back up your data (and I sincerely hope you do)?

There are several ways you could. Among these are:

1) Copying to your own hard drive, which is hardly effective should your hard drive fail.

2) Copying to your own external hard drive. This is what I have chosen to do. I am a control freak and want to be fully responsible for my own data and be fully aware of exactly what I have backed up and where it is. I also don't want to spend money for this service. Finally, there is a downside to this method, and it's a big one. If the external drive is kept within your home, the same home that houses your PC and all of its data, then both could be lost in the same physical event (flood, fire, theft, etc.). So I have chosen to keep my external drive in a location apart from my main computer, the one I am sure contains all of my data. I make a copy of "My Documents" once a quarter, so my method is not perfect. I could lose data from the current quarter before it's backed up.

3) You could subscribe to a service that automatically backs up all of your data once to their own remote hard drives, and thereafter will make backup copies of all added files and new versions of existing files. This is probably the safest option. All of your data is backed up and easily retrievable, your data is encrypted and stored at the service provider's site, and since it's a constant, you do not risk losing data from the recent quarter as explained in number 2 above. However, these services cost money, so you have to weigh the cost vs. the benefit before deciding. The 2GB of free storage Comcast is offering me (see above) is not very much considering "My Documents" now amount to over 80GB. So I'd have to read their fine print to see how much their service would cost.

Finlly, PC World has provided an evaluation of some of the services that will back up your data for you on their own hard drives. You can see what they have to say at The Best Online Backup Services
I caution you, however, that this report is nearly 2 years old, so you might want to do some more research on your own should you wish to evaluate this backup option.

Here is a second review, dated October, 2009, of three backup service offerings. It's from consumersearch.com. Online Backup Services: Reviews