Just about every computer operator and Internet "surfer" has
experienced the nightmare of "spyware", unwanted popups, virus and
"adware" causing corruption and destruction of their computer operating
system. Even to the extent that their computer was made completely
unusable! Actually, there is a whole family of "hacks" that interfere
with our normal use of our computers on the Internet.
Actual "virus" infection is rare, but the term is now commonly
used to refer to a wide varity of "malware" (I call
it "Badware") software that is designed to get
our attention to try to sell us something. These parasites slowdown the
computer operating system. Any computer that vists the internet may
have HUNDREDS of these "infections" at any given time!
Lucky for us, there are "Goodguy" computer code "hacks" as well as the
"Badguys"! Over the few years that I have been editor of
eNEWSFREEPRESS.com , I have learned about a number of the
"Goodguys", some really great programers that have some great
programs available. Most of the "badguys" that capture your
computer and hold your browser for randsom really just want your MONEY!
None of the really well intended "antivirus" programs will use the
malware tactics they claim to delete to sell you their product! If you
see an ad on your computer POPUP and claim to "SCAN" your computer for
free, it's really a "SCAM"!
This is especialy true if you can not DELETE or close them out. Just
shut down or "restart"
your computer. DO NOT LET THEM DOWNLOAD anything to your hard drive!
There are 2 types of programs in common use to detect, protect, "clean"
or remove malware from your operating system. Also one utility to
reorganise your hard drive and one to "clean" your "registry" (that's
the core of your operating system). The registry becomes corrupted with
normal use, but even more so with malware infections. Here are the 4
recommendations to "clean up" and maintain a PC in good, like new
operation:
1.
Avast
antivirus program (free version) (yes, that IS Avast, as in
AVAST matey, and a bucket of RUM!). Most antivirus programs have a
"free" version. This will have limited functions and is offered free
for home use. Depending on your application, this free version will be
fine for home use. Download and follow instructions. You do have to get
a free license, but it is easy. We have been using this for
several years now at Publish Internet and are very pleased with it!
2.
Spybot Search and
Destroy! This is just what
it's name suggests! An
automac utility that searches, finds and deletes all kinds of
malware! Download and use it once a week, be sure to update about
once a month.
3.
Defragmentation of your
hard drive. This is a utility that is
already in your windows program!
here is the path to defrag: ( > means left click on
mouse) path = >start >all programs > accessories > system
tools > Disk Defragmenter > Defragment
wait for utility to run, sometimes this takes some time. Windows
breaks up files, they become "fragmented" or scattered all over
the hard drive. This utility reorganises or
"compacts" files, allowing computer to run faster.
4.
ABEXO free Registry cleaner.
This is the best that we have found.
Like Avast, they have a free version and an upgrade that you pay
for.
All of these programs have a check system feature, Avast updates
automaticly online when you register. Spybot must be updated by
clicking on "update" link. We suggest that you run all 4 of these
programs 1 time a week.
Free report by:
William Hawk,
editor@eNEWSFREEPRESS.com
President, Publish Internet
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