Not So Daily Computer Tips #3

Today’s topic: Protecting yourself from viruses

One of the biggest (and time-consuming) challenges I face at work quite often is when a computer gets infected with a virus, adware, or spyware. We’ll call all of the above, collectively, “malware”.

This is a always a huge inconvenience for me primarily because of the time it takes to resolve the issues. 2 things being able to resolve the issue depends on: (1) how long the malware has been on the computer. Yes, people wait until they simply CANNOT WORK ANY MORE to tell me about a virus message that has been popping up for the past 2 weeks. Usually, by that time, the malware has basically done all the damage it intended to do. (2) How much damage the malware actually intended to do.

Some malware just makes things incredibly inconvenient for you. For instance, some may reset your settings every time you close Internet Explorer (IE). Some may infect your IE by not allowing you to go to any websites. Or, only allow you to go to websites that don’t threaten the malware–such as sites to go to to download antivirus software! They can get pretty nasty.

So, my computer tip of the day, is not for you to call me any time you need computer help. I want to empower you to be equipped to handle it yourself. And this is how I do it.

Do you like to pay for software? I don’t. I use 2 tools. AVG Free Antivirus and Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware. Both free. Because AVG is free, I don’t trust it completely. It gives you BASIC real-time antivirus protection. Realtime meaning it constantly monitors what you’re doing to PREVENT a virus infection. My point is, it’s free. It doesn’t protect you from EVERYTHING. So, what AVG DOESN’T do, Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware, does.

I use Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware to get rid of the malware that AVG doesn’t catch. It’s just a scan and removal tool–it does NOT PREVENT malware from infecting your computer. So, I use the 2 tools in conjunction with each other so that I don’t have to reformat and reinstall Windows every time I get a virus. And YOU don’t have to call a tech every time YOU get a virus!

Until next time, be safe!

And give me feedback, please!! Comment here or send me a message!

PS.  This is going to be my last post for quite sometime.  I am giving up all things computer related until atleast new years after today.  I am turning off the data connection on my phone, unhooking the desktop, taking the laptop apart, and putting the eeepc in the safe.  The ipod touch is included as well, if you need to get a hold of me send me an email as I will still check these from work but I will be off the grid everyday until atleast January. I am doing this for personal reasons as well as social, we got along for several years without all these things and we may soon have to do so again.  When the digital age fails and it will, we will be cast essentially back to the dark ages.  We can all do things to prevent it but society is too screwed up to give a damn.

over and out

-snowman

Tags: Advice, Blogroll, Computing

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