Protection

Identifying Common Computer Problems

Image by Cyberslayer via Flickr

We’ve all had that feeling of dread when you suspect that your computer is failing or broken. Your heart starts to beat faster and you get a bit nauseous. The first thing you worry about is losing information that is on your computer. All that information including access to email, passwords, logins, favorites, histories, pictures and so much more could be lost or damaged.

Most computer issues can be separated into two areas: hardware and software. It’s not hard to learn which area is causing the problem and you may even be able to repair the problem.

Hardware
Listen for problematic or strange noises. These types of noise can precede major failures. For instance if the start-up winding sound which is normal gets louder, this could indicate the first stages of hard drive failure.

If you computer unexpectedly shuts down, but you can turn it back on; this is a symptom of a possible overheating issue. Check to ensure that your vents and fans are not dirty or blocked. Clean them if necessary, and if the problem continues, it’s time to call a professional.

Software
If your computer is experience software problems, you may notice that its start-up time is getting slower, the computer is slower in general and odd things are happening. You may have an operating system problem or a virus. You should run your antivirus program immediately.

After running the antivirus program, make sure your operating system is up-to-date. Install any updates that you need to and then reboot your computer. If this does not fix the problem, perform the System Restore function.

Filed Under: Protection, Technology, Warnings Tagged With: antivirus, Security, Your Computer (British magazine)

How To Protect Your Computer From Viruses

Image via CrunchBase

Computer viruses are very common and if you spend a lot of time on the computer, it is important that you know how to protect your computer from them. The first thing you need to do is install an anti-virus package. This will tell you whether or not you actually have a virus. There are free ones you can find online, but they may not be as effective as some of the other ones such as Norton or McAfee.

Set up the software so that you automatically receive updates. It is important that you have the most up to date protection because viruses change all the time. Once your software is installed, you can run a scan on your computer and it will tell you how to get rid of any viruses you may have. Do some research about all the different types of software you can use and choose the best one for your computer.

Be careful of what you download and the sites you go on. There are a lot of things on the Internet that can be harmful to your computer. Also, do not open all of your emails. Only open the ones that are from people you know or other emails you are expecting. If you do not know who the email is from, you will probably not want to open it. Email is probably the most common way people spread viruses. Do research before you download anything and find out if it is safe for your computer.

Filed Under: Protection Tagged With: antivirus, McAfee, virus

The Rescue Disc Requirement

This wasn’t meant to happen: a system wasn’t to become unresponsive; protections weren’t meant to fail. All things were to be easy — and yet technology seems to be suffering from a different kind of fate now. All commands are ignored. All operations are stalled. Your computer is a tribute to futility, unable to be accessed or redefined. And the reason — you fear — is spyware. You’ve lost control and there can be no other explanation.

There can, however, be an alternative.

When a platform has become burdened with too many viruses and Trojan concerns, you’re not to merely succumb to the inevitable. You’re instead to battle it with a rescue disc.

As its name implies: a rescue disc is an outside source (such as a USB drive) that is used to save a computer from malware. It’s connected to the operating system and is able to offer a new anti-virus program. This program is unique from the ones currently placed within a platform — and this allows it to combat all problems, ensuring that no immunities have been built. It attacks all codes and eliminates them, giving control back to the user.

And this allows a computer to be spared. All information can be accessed again and all viruses can be removed. This is vital for everyone (even those who remain baffled by technology).

All are recommended to have some form of rescue disc available. Never assume all problems can be solved without outside aid. They can’t — and this may be the only way to reshape a computer to its former ways.

Filed Under: Protection Tagged With: Anti-Virus, Data recovery, Trojan horse (computing)

The Online Advantage: Anti-Virus Scanning

The hours aren’t always kind. The minutes aren’t always easy. There is too much to do and too little time to accomplish all of it — and sparing the necessary moments for a comprehensive anti-virus scan seems to be impractical. You don’t have an afternoon to devote to computer safety. You barely even have seconds.

Such seconds are — fortunately — all you need, however.

Anti-virus programs often demand lengthy searches through hard-drives, wanting to dissect every single code and every single file. While this is understood as vital by many, it can also be understood as tedious. Few have the ability to wait for the checks to be completed. They instead require immediacy — and can find it online.

Virtual anti-virus scans are available. Provided by reputable vendors, these scans allow individuals to check their local disc drives, document folders and other critical areas: ensuring that any potential malware is discovered. They’re free, easy and — most importantly — fast. This allows them to offer protection without demanding time.

It must be noted, however, that such scans (while helpful) should not replace their more involved counterparts. They should be used to check for any obvious problems; but more comprehensive searches are still needed. Be certain to perform those — at least — once a week. This will ensure no complications will occur.

The online world has forever been recognized as convenient. Now that convenience can be applied to virus detection. Offer your system an in-browser experience and reap the reward of speed. Security has never been so simple — or so quick.

Filed Under: Protection Tagged With: antivirus, Malicious Software, Security

The Firewall Difference

It’s an assumption of protection: anti-virus programs are thought to be the same, believed identical in their methods and their intents. There are no distinctions to consider. There are no exceptions to note. All software is without difference… unless it’s not software at all.

A network firewall is among the most common forms of protection. Too often, however, are these thought to be the same as their program counterparts. They’re not — and this must be understood.

Explained simply: a network firewall is an in-browser defense. It identifies any unknown intruders and keeps them from entering an online session. It works to free the hard-drive from any possible problems by denying permission to any file it doesn’t recognize.

This does not brand it an anti-virus program, however.

Firewalls don’t identify specific forms of malware or Trojan codes; they don’t report them to directories; and they don’t even try to combat them. They simply register any unfamiliar sources and keep them at bay. This makes them vital — but it doesn’t make them anti-virus software.

And that distinction should be noted by all users. Those seeking complete protection too often assume that their firewalls will provide it. This assumption can be disastrous, however — causing wanted files to be turned away or securing only the IP ports. This is too limiting and too imprecise.

It is imperative then that all individuals use firewalls as a secondary defense. Don’t rely on it completely. Purchase true anti-virus software instead to guarantee the safety of all systems. This method must complement precautions — not dominate them.

Filed Under: Protection Tagged With: Anti-Virus, Firewalls, Security

The Virus Progression: Updating

It’s a moment you never anticipated — a monitor is failing; a connection has stalled. Your computer is lost to the sudden purgatory of inefficiency, with all files exposed. And you watch, helpless, as every keystroke is undone. All information is tracked. All documents are stolen. Your screen becomes proof of a virus and there’s nothing you can do. Your virtual life is being taken from you: and you don’t understand how.

You purchased the necessary protections. You stuffed your hard-drive with software and Trojan detectors. No worries should have been able to invade your system. It should have been secured.

And it was — for a limited time.

The sad truth of technology is that it is forever progressing. All components evolve, matching the needs of the masses; and there is no hesitation for codes or programming. That immediacy isn’t defined to mere applications, however. It is instead offered to viruses — and these appear far more quickly than any defense against them.

All malware is developed by independent sources. It is not reliant upon manufacturer approval, doesn’t have to withstand months of scrutiny. Instead the markups can all be formed without delay, sent across the Internet to search for weak computers. And they often find them — simply because systems are protected by outdated anti-virus programs. With every new corruption that’s formed software can become futile. This can leave users without the necessary aids.

It is important therefore to be aware of all of the latest viruses. Research their methods (such as specific download links, attachments or web page embedding) to better prepare for them. Update your computer often to ward away as many attacks as you can. And never refuse to purchase new anti-virus applications. These are vital in keeping pace with concerns.

It is impossible to counter all viruses. With frequent updates and research, however, it is possible to combat many of them. The progression may be endless but it can also be predicated — and this is essential for all.

Filed Under: Protection Tagged With: antivirus, Spyware, Trojan

Safety of online backup servers

Online backup servers are the saviors that come to a business’ rescue when it is hit by an IT catastrophe. Online back up servers have the ability to eliminate the risks of data loss due to destruction, deterioration or theft. While all these features make online data servers a popular choice for data storage and protection, you need to know a few do’s and don’t when deciding on what kind of features you want in your online backup server.

1. DO keep a healthy window for data back up: Online data servers are automated and take regular backups depending on how they are programmed. You can chose frequencies like hourly or daily back up.

2. DO opt for point-in-time recovery: Data loss may not necessarily result from external influences. You might end up making errors and saving changes over an original. When you need to pull out unchanged or older versions of data, you should opt for a service that stores data at various stages of changes or from different points in time.

3. DO opt for synchronized Online/Offline Backup: When you travel regularly for business, it is most likely that you do a lot of work on your laptop when you are on the move. You are often in places where you don’t have access to the internet. Modern day online backup services give you option of automatically storing data offline on your hard-disk. This data gets seamlessly synchronized with your online back up as soon as you connect to the net again.

4. DO select a bandwidth friendly service: On the go business travelers often face problems with bandwidth usage. You now have providers who offering solutions that automatically detect and upload only those file which have had changes made to them, reducing your bandwidth usage by up to 80%.

Filed Under: Protection Tagged With: Remote backup service, Storage

Protecting Your Computer from Spam

Spam has the potential to harm your computer and damage your financial standing and reputation. Investing in quality software, such as PC Tools Antivirus, is a smart way to protect your computer and prevent your important information from getting into the wrong hands.

Understanding Spam

Spam is typically transmitted through email. A spammer who has his hands on your email address can send you unwanted sales pitches. Someone can hack into your friend’s email account and spam everyone in his address book. In this scenario, you open your friend’s email and click on the enclosed link because you trust your friend. Little do you know that you have now landed on an unsafe website or downloaded a malicious file filled with malware.

Spam Damages Financial Standing and Reputation

Likewise, if a computer hacker gets into your computer, he can send out emails to everyone in your address book containing offensive messages and virus-filled documents. Your reputation is in danger in this scenario. Some people will know that your computer has been hacked. Others aren’t knowledgeable enough about computers and will jump to conclusions. In an even worse scenario, spam can result in the theft of important financial information from your computer. Identity theft is another large risk once someone has access to important personal data. All of these situations can bring on unwanted hassles.

Protecting Your Computer Using PC Tools Antivirus Software

Your best defense against such threats to your computer and to your personal information is to invest in antivirus software such as PC Tools Antivirus. With this product you can rest easy knowing that you will be alerted anytime your computer is presented with a malicious attack. You will benefit from automatic protection against viruses and other malware. You have the comfort of knowing that your computer is protected from spam and malicious threats at all times.

Filed Under: Protection Tagged With: Botnet, Email, Email address, email spam, Malware, Rustock botnet, Spam, Symantec

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft has become a dangerous threat for internet users. While you may take all possible measures to ensure your personal details are not available to anyone you don’t want accessing them, there are people who find means and ways to get this information. Using non-technical method to get information about you from your system and then giving it out to buyers at a price is known as social engineering. This form of identity theft has been on the rise for a while know. There are many people who have access to the internet but don’t know the basic rules to stay safe online. It is such people that hackers and identity thieves hope to target.

One of the most common ways of getting your personal information is, to simply ask you! Of course, they don’t ask it directly or up front but try to trick you into giving the information voluntarily. Sending emails that claim you have won amazing amounts of money in a lucky draw or some obscure lottery and then asking you for your bank account details to transfer the funds is one of the most common forms of this method. Some emails claim they are from people who were once in power in countries, mostly African. They claim to have millions of dollars lying in the account and ask your help to get the money out, offering you a percentage of the amount. Of course, they then ask you for your bank details in order to transfer the funds into your account.

Most recently, spammers sent emails to Gmail accounts claiming to be from Google itself. The email stated that Google was closing inactive Gmail accounts and if you wanted to keep your email active you should respond within 48 hours giving your username and password and your country of residence! While users aware of such tactics don’t respond to such mails, unaware users may become victims of identity theft.

Filed Under: Protection Tagged With: Gmail, Google

Preventing Hacking When Downloading Software

: Image via Wikipedia

Computer hacking is something that almost every person has experienced at least once in their lives. If they haven’t experienced it, good for them because it is a hassle and an inconvenience to deal with. If they have experienced it, they know the frustration and angst that come when their computer system, hardware, and software are under potential threat because of the damaging actions of another party.

Through spam that takes you to a dangerous website and other methods, criminals can hack a person’s computer at any time without warning and can completely take over your system, rendering your computer useless to you. It’s not a good feeling, which is why many computer retailers and consultants will advise you to install software programs on your system to prevent hacking and unlawful entry of any kind into your computer. Many programs are free but others have a price tag. The value of investing in a program is a personal judgment call, but it’s definitely worth considering.

On many computer systems, when you are downloading software, you have to disable your firewall to allow the program to download to your hard drive. When you do this, your system is vulnerable and attempts to hack into your computer increase. To offset this, you can install other programs to protect your computer, or let a professional install your computer software programs.

Since many computer professionals have more software than the average person, they can install software on your computer system to prevent hacking, even under the worst of conditions. They will advise you on what works best, what does not work, and what you need to address your computer needs. Your concerns don’t always have to be at the forefront of your mind if you engage the services of knowledgeable people. Let them do their jobs so that you can do yours with your computer.

Filed Under: Protection Tagged With: Computer program, hack, hackers, Personal computer, Security, Spyware, Wikileaks, Your Computer (British magazine)