Many computer users who do not launch a NASA shuttle or play the latest video game run into issues with PC performance.  They are not doing anything more on their computers than browsing the web, checking email, downloading their digital pictures, syncing their Ipods, and word processing.  These are pretty common everyday consumer/office worker tasks yet the sophisticated "bad guys" on the Internet still come up with ways to land on to your computer.   Spyware, Malware, Crapware, and viruses are still running a muck on the computers of everyday people.  Even recently we have heard more about this in the media with the details on Conficker showing up on everyone’s televisions.

What can I do to prevent these programs from getting onto my machine?

You cannot fly blindly on the internet anymore.  You have to pay attention to the actions that you are taking.  This is especially true now that more and more older generations are using email and social tools like Facebook.  The “bad guys” are using what is called Social Engineering to get you to click, watch, or add them as a “friend.”

Here are some basic services to improve your chances staying safe:

1. Always have a Router installed on your network.   If you are using cable internet from the cable company, this is a must.  If you are using DSL from your phone company, then you are more than likely already using one.

2. Run Antivirus.  We recommend that our clients use AVG Free as it does an excellent job at keeping machines clean from unneeded services and crap!

3. The bad guys have become very tricky and are constantly finding ways around Antivirus, so we recommend also using OpenDNS on your small business network or on your home machine.  This service has a built in blocker for those services that call out to the internet for further commands or ask you to purchase something.  There are a lot of added benefits for home use and for small business use.

How can I repair my machine?

1. Be sure to update and patch your machine using Windows Update at http://update.microsoft.com/.

WARNING!   There are many Shield icons out there and they attempt to fool you into using or buying some malware.  NEVER CLICK ON OR BUY ANYTHING FROM ANY OF THOSE ICONS!   If you purchased anything from one of those icons, contact your Bank immediately for guidance.

Below is what you should see:

If you are running XP, you want to run updates if you see this image in your system tray in the lower right corner:

If you are running Vista, you want to run updates if you see this image in your system tray in the lower right corner:

2. Load the latest AntiVirus patches and do a scan.  If you do not have Antivirus, then load AVG Free to your computer.

3. As I was saying earlier, hackers are getting around Antivirus, so 2 additional tools to install and run for free are Malwarebytes; Anti-Malware and Spybot Search and Destroy.

What are some common tasks I should run?

The above actions should be taken once a month.

This article is meant too aid you in a moment of trouble and be proactive.  Some malware, spyware, and viruses do not get removed from using the above tools and at that point please contact us or your local IT professional

for additional guidance.

Nick Hemmert

iwantthe@abilityto.com