Following our Tips and Tricks can keep your computer in good condition.

A Scan a Day Keeps the Doctor Away. 

  Who has a virus?  You may have a virus already if you haven't done your Windows updates and virus scans daily.  Yes, DAILY.  Viruses are coming out daily, even hourly, and you are the first defense against a virus. 

  The best way to prevent a virus is to keep up your Windows updates, antivirus updates, and virus scans DAILY.  Make it a habit when you first go into your machine.

Get an Email from Someone You Don't Know?

  Word of advise: if you receive an email from someone you don't know, don't open it, DELETE IT immediately. 

Be Aware of Spyware.  

  Spyware is used by the advertising industry.  Spyware is a software that tracks all your viewing habits and sends you those annoying popups.  Spyware takes over your browser and can redirect your browser to other sites such as pornographic sites.  It rewrites your registry. 

  If you start getting a lot of popups and the home page on your browser changes by itself, you probably have spyware.  How do you know you have spyware?  Here are several symptoms:

  • You are subject to endless popup windows.
  • You are redirected to web sites other than the one you typed in your browser.
  • New, unexpected toolbars appear in your web browser.
  • New, unexpected icons appear in the task tray at the bottom of your screen.
  • Your browser's home page suddenly changed.
  • The search engine your browser opens when you click "search" has been changed.
  • Certain keys fail to work in your browser (e.g. tab key doesn't work when you are moving to the next field within a form).
  • Random Windows error messages begin to appear.
  • Your computer suddenly seems very slow when opening programs or procesing tasks (saving files etc).

How Do You Get Rid of Spyware?

   Begin with running a full scan on your computer with an antivirus software.  Some of these softwares will find and remove the spyware.  If it does not work, follow the steps below:

  2. Go to downloads.
  3. Go to Most Popular Downloads.
  4. Selecte AD AWARE.
  5. Download.
  6. Install.
  7. Do Updates.
  8. Scan system.
  9. Follow prompts to remove any bugs.

How Do I Prevent Spyware from Installing on My Computer?

  • Don't click on links within popup windows.
  • Choose "no" when asked unexpected questions.
  • Be wary of free downloadable software.
  • Don't follow email links claiming to offer anti-spyware software.
  • Adjust your browser preferences to limit popup windows and cookies.

WARNING:  More is not better when it comes to antivirus programs.  One antivirus program should be used.  If you have more than one, they may conflict and decrease the effeciency of your machine and not perform their intented purpose.  Two of the most common antivirus programs are NORTON and McAfee.

Antivirus and Firewalls

  If you do not have an antivirus program on your computer, go to www.grisoft.com and download the free version. 

  DR. D has used PANDA antivirus for over 4 years and we highly recommend it.  It is located at www.pandasoftware.com. 

 If you have DSL or are using a cable modem, you need to have a firewall in addition to your antivirus.  Go to www.cnet.com and download Zone Alarm.  There is no cost involved. however, you will need to pay close attention to the alerts.  It will ask you specifics on what you will allow to enter your system.  

  What Is Email Spoofing?

  Spoofing is where a user receives email that appears to have originated from one source when it actually was sent from another source.  Spoofing is usually an attempt to trick the user into making a damaging statement or releasing sensitive information such as passwords, bank account informatin, social security numbers, credit card numbers, etc., following the links to websites or opening infected attachments.  Some examples are:

  • Email verifying information on a credit card or bank account.
  • Email claiming to be from a system administrator requesting users change passwords or threatening to suspend account privileges.
  • Email claiming to be from a person in authority requesting informatin or prompting users to look at attachments.

  There is not way to block these messages.  If you receive an email from your bank or credit card company, contact them directly.  Do not respond to the email.  Delete these items.

SHRED YOUR MAIL

  While you are working on these tips, be sure to shred all mail.  Remember, stealing your mail to assume someone's identity is big business, especially druing tax season when everyone is receiving W2s in the mail.