Emergency Patches Released From Microsoft

As a Computer Repair  Tech, I know the importance of safeguarding your Computer. A new threat similar to the Blaster Worm is spreading rapidly through the internet. You can get infected with absolutly no interaction from your part. Just being connected is all that is required. I urge you to apply the patches immediatly. Here is a link to the info and there you will find a direct link to the Windows Secrets article that explains how to install the patch and the links to the download.

Simply choose your operating system from the list. The patch is easy to install and I have already tested it on my 7 computers with no problems at all. Click here for the link to the article.

Although many antivirus companies are getting definitions out to battle the infection, do not depend solely on this approach as your updates may not arrive soon enough. Also, do not depend on your automatic updates either as they also may not arrive soon enough.

Web browser’s Internet Explorer , Firefox or Maxthon?

Once upon a time, Internet Explorer was virtually the only browser that was available for people to use unless you had a Mac, then you used Safari. Over the past several years, Internet Explorer has gotten a bad rap for being plagued with security bugs and also for being slow. In addition, many spy ware attacks are directed at this vulnerable software. Over the past couple of years, more and more browser options have become available that are excellent substitutes for IE.

        The first browser I would like to talk about is Firefox. Firefox is an excellent open source browser that not only surpasses IE in speed, but also in options. In addition, it is safer! The browser is so customizable you could play with it for hours on end and never be bored! If you use Firefox in place of IE, your chances of getting spy ware will be reduced. As a computer tech, I highly recommend my customers install and use Firefox to help ward off spy ware and reduce other problems while browsing. Did I mention the toys? Oh yeah! Lots of them. The add ons are endless and they are free! Unlike IE, you can add on almost any type and category of add-ons that you can think of. In fact, you can create and publish your own if you like! So go ahead, click on the Firefox link and give the browser a try!

        Another excellent browser that I really enjoy using is Maxthon. Like Firefox, Maxthon is a great substitute browser that is fast and secure. One of the greatest features of this browser is the ability to create an online account and have all your favorites stored online. This is a great feature if you have multiple computers or if you travel a lot. You can set up Maxthon to synchronize all your favorites so you can access them with any computer running the browser. In addition, Maxthon also has a multitude of plug-ins you can install and play around with. It is also very customizable and has a great built in password manager. Even if you have IE and Firefox installed, you can also run Maxthon. Personally, I use both Firefox and Maxthon…sometimes all at the same time with no problems at all. Once in a while I open IE just to be sure it still works. Did I mention that Maxthon is also 100% free! All the add ons are also free. You can download a copy here.

Beware of Free Antivirus Searches!

When you are searching the Internet for free anti-virus solutions, be extra cautious on what you download. When you do a search for free anti-virus on any of the major search engines, a multitude of free products will appear. Some of the products that are listed in the search results will try to mimic the names of some of the trusted solutions that we have used for years.

If you happen to download a free anti-virus program from a rouge site, you will get way more then you ever bargained for. Once a rouge program is installed, the install will almost instantly take over your system. You will get pop ups and task bar messages telling you that your system is infected with a link to download a program that promises to remove the infection. Clicking this link only makes the infection worse. Then you will start to see ads that display products that promise to remove all the problems. Beware! This will most likely be an attempt to get your credit card number and other personal information.

If you find yourself in a situation such as this, it is best to call a professional to effectively remove the infection. Better yet, when you are in the market for a new antivirus program, have it professionally chosen and installed to be sure you do not fall victim to one of these scams.

In short, if you see anything in an ad with verbiage relating to “antivirus 2008/2009 or similar, steer clear as it might just be a rouge site trying to make your life miserable!