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| Mark-et al.® Mark H.Hayden | ||
| 3749 East Boone County Road
Lebanon, Indiana 46052-8502 Toll Free: (800) 484-7855 code 4501 Home: (317) 892-4516 It is now |
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| Mark-et al.® Mark H.Hayden | ||
| 3749 East Boone County Road
Lebanon, Indiana 46052-8502 Toll Free: (800) 484-7855 code 4501 Home: (317) 892-4516 It is now |
Antivirus, Backups, Cookies, Disclaimer, Fees, Firewalls, Maintenance, Pop-ups, Porn, Power, Programs, SPAM, Spyware, Temporary Internet Files,
Microsoft's Safety and Security Page: 
check these first Antivirus, Spyware,
Mark-et al. Home Page
The first question I usually ask on a trouble call is "How up to date is your antivirus?"
If you dont know about your antivirus or know if or when or how it is updated, then this is the number one issue to handle
There are several good anti-virus programs, to include some of the following:
Avast *FREE*,
BitDefender *FREE*,
GFI,
Grisoft AVG *FREE*,
Kaspersky
Mcafee Antivirus,
Panda Software,
RAV,
SRN Micro Solo Antivirus,
Symantec Norton Antivirus,
Trend Micro Pc-cillin,
Editorial comment: I have used Panda , Norton, Mcafee, AVG, and PC-cillin on my own machines
The new versions of Norton and Mcafee can use easily 7% of system resources and bring older systems to a crawl.
As of January 2004 I am loading Grisoft AVG on all customers PCs needing antivirus updates unless otherwise instructed.
Anti-Virus software should be UPDATED atleast once a month either manually or automatically.
Grisoft AVG *FREE*,
You can also scan your system for viruses on-line using the internet links below for the same companies
Avast,
Kaspersky
Mcafee Stinger,
Panda Software,
RAV,
Symantec Norton Antivirus,
Trend Micro,
Trojanscan,
| Feature articles from Other sites |
Why do virus writers do the things they do?,
Cnet 07/29/05 concerning virus software, Anti-Virus Software Review, Today's Norton antivirus, unusable by normal humans, |
Protecting your data should be of the utmost importance to everyone "How can I save my important files?"
Backups are a pain to do and are time consuming, but I have made it a one button step for most of my customers.
By using the WinZip program plus add-ons, I create an icon that backs up all system settings,
as well as documents, pictures and any other files like quickbooks or specialty files you may want saved.
I do not recommend backing up the entire system since programs can be reloaded from their original CDs
and in the unfortunate event of a system failure, a new machine will probably have a new windows version and programs anyway.
What IS important is your DATA like documents and pictures.
I "zip" all this data to 3 rotating backup files on the harddrive first, then the user should send the latest file to a CDR to save it for future use.
with the price of CDR media being nearly free I suggest backing up once a week for business, and once a month for home users.
Editorial comment: Backups can be a hard lesson to learn about, when your system crashes and nothing can be recovered from it.
BACKUP TODAY!
For those with my backup icon, here's the directions.,
Should I delete or be concerned about my cookies?"
A cookie is a short piece of data, which is sent from the internet to your computer when you visit some websites.
The cookie is stored in your PC, but it is not an executable program and can not load viruses or do anything to your machine.
For example, cookies are used to personalize Web Pages and Web search engines, to allow users to participate in WWW-wide
contests (but only once!), and to store shopping lists of items a user has selected while browsing through a virtual shopping mall.
To delete Cookies: In Internet Explorer 6, go to Tools, Internet Options, on the General Tab, hit the Delete Cookies Button
To Stop Cookies: In Internet Explorer 6 go to Tools, Internet Options, on the Privacy Tab, click advanced, Override, Block both, then OK
Editorial comment: Don't mess with them! enough said. they are small and don't use much space.
Cookies are required by some web sites in order to even bring up the site.
Changing cookie settings can really mess up browsing and online forms etc.
Chances of misuse are minimal and there are more reasons to worry about viruses and spyware than cookies.
| Feature articles from Other sites |
Another question I get frequently is "What is a firewall and do I need one?"
Firewalls are intended to keep unauthorized users and programs from accessing your computer through the internet.
Unfortunately the only way a good firewall knows the difference between a good program and a bad one is to ask you the first time a program runs.
This can be both annoying and confusing for most users since most users dont know a good program from a bad one anyway.
Windows XP includes a generic firewall which should be turned on, or try one of the following especially if you have Windows ME or Windows 98.
Zone Alarm *FREE*, Norton Firewall McAfeePersonal Firewall
Editorial comment: I only recommend Zone Alarm *FREE* or Zone Alarm Pro (which I use)
I do not encourage the use of "system Works, Internet Security, Security Center" types of products at all.
These programs tend to be far too invasive and are usually redundant to windows accessories.
Many new browsers like AOL advertise pop-up stoppers "What can I do about all these annoying pop-ups?"
Windows XP added a popup stopper in its Service Pack 2 so this one has pretty much been taken care of. BUT if you still have Windows ME
or Windows 98 I recommend Pop-up Stopper by Panicware. There may be other programs that may work but I know this one does and does it well.
Also note that pop-up stoppers are now found in many other programs as add-ons, like XP SP2, AOL, and the Zone Alarm Pro
you might try using them first before adding another program to your system.
Editorial comment: Most pop-ups are caused from Spyware, check the section on Spyware removal
I use the popup stopper built into Windows XP and Zone Alarm Pro and have been extremely satisfied
I have children on the computer "How do I protect them from bad sights?"
There are many programs out there for "Parental control" so your kids don't see the wrong things.
We-Blocker *FREE*,
Parental Filter *FREE*,
Net Nanny,
Bsafe,
CyberSitter,
CyberPatrol,
KidsWatch,
McAfee Parental Controls
A+ Premium Christian Internet Filtering by HEDGEBUILDERS.COM,
Additionally, you can filter access through Internet Explorer. To do that, first click Tools>>Internet Options.
Select the Content tab and click Enable. Select the General tab. Click Create Password.
Enter your password and hint, and click OK.
Internet Explorer's filter works with the Internet Content Rating Association.
More information on this organization is available at:
To set the IE filter, click Tools>>Internet Options. Click Content and select the Ratings tab.
Select one of the four categories and move the tab by clicking where you want it.
Internet Explorer can also provide you with a whitelist. That lets you decide what sites your children can visit.
Once again, go into Content Advisor. Select the Approved Sites tab. Enter the sites of which you approve one-by-one.
Click Always after each. When you finish, click OK.
Editorial comment: I personally didn't need this so I have limited exposure,
but We-Blocker worked well in my tests with customers who needed protection for their kids.
As far as I'm concerned the only good filter is the one watching over their shoulder.
Should I leave my computer on all the time, or turn it off in storms?"
My answer is: IF you turn on the PC during the day, then leave it on until you go to bed. Then turn it off.
Two reasons:
1) Most power surges come while turning on most appliances.
--------------Remember seeing most light bulbs blow as you turn on the light switch.
2) Most everything from your PC to your car to even yourself is rated in hours of operation before failure.
--------------So why run the machine while you are sleeping and at the office
And yes by all means unplug your PC during storms, and also unplug the phone line from the modem.
Most damages come from the phone line into the PC modem, or from power failures causing unexpected shut downs.
You can not stop lightning no matter what devices you use but a good UPS and unplugging the system works the best.
Editorial comment: If you have a computer, then you should have a UPS to plug it into.
A 350VA to 500VA model is usually sufficient and will protect your machine from most power and phone line related problems.
Usual price is $40.00, and it is not uncommon to get them for $25.00 or even "free after rebate" in most stores around Thanksgiving.
These units have phone line protection and a cable to tell your PC to shut down properly if your power does goes out and stays out.
I cant find my email for all my emails "How do I get rid of all this junk email?"
Apparently Congress can't even answer this one. AOL is leading a tough battle to help minimize SPAM (junk mail), but until that is resolved
check with your internet provider about paying for SPAM and Popup blocking, it may cost another $5 or $10 a month but it might be worth it to you.
Lots of free web based email services now include SPAM filters also, most notibly the MSN butterfly as seen on TV.
If you are using Outlook or Outlook express consider the email filter found in Tools, Rules, Email.
By typing in a word list the emails are filtered by subject or body content and can be deleted if offensive words are found.
This is becoming a major issue and I am sure we'll see big steps in the near future to help us out on this item. I have tried several programs for SPAM and so far
I have not found one even worth mentioning. But I'm always willing to try another, let me know if you have one that works.
Don't Unsubscribe to SPAM
One of the spammers' nasty tricks is to get you to "unsubscribe" so they can validate your e-mail address.
If you respond, they've connected; you are a real person. They can add your e-mail address to a list that they will use or sell.
On the other hand, a company you know and trust may inadvertently spam you due to inept e-mail management.
By responding, you've done them a service. So, to reiterate, if you don't recognize the mailer, you probably shouldn't "unsubscribe."
Editorial comment: For Outlook or Outlook Express go to Tools, then Rules, then Mail,
and add filter words to catch the junk mail then delete it or move it to a SPAM folder for your review.
Microsoft lists these possible spam programs:
Spam Buster, from Contact Plus. A filtering service that gets high marks from ZDNet.
MailWasher. A free e-mail checker that can eliminate spam and viruses (this company gladly accepts donations).
ePrompter. Another free service that enables you to see e-mail headers from multiple accounts before the messages hit your inboxes, so you can kill it for good in advance.
Spamex. For a small fee, you use disposable e-mail addresses that forward messages to your real e-mail address, which you keep hidden.
SpamCop. A spam reporting and filtering service, for a nominal price.
Brightmail. This spam-detection and filtering service for ISPs is now offered free to customers of Verizon's dial-up and DSL service.
| Feature articles from Other sites |
The second biggest problem after viruses that I run into is Spyware "What is a spyware and how do I delete it?"
Spyware is a program that "SPYS" on your internet activity and sends information back to a monitoring company.
Spyware will usually generate lots of POP-UPS and/or changes your internet settings to benefit the advertiser.
Spyware will also slow down your machine to do all this, so having 15 or 20 of these programs can have big impacts on your system.
The biggest Spyware sponsers are (1) KaZaa, (2) GATOR (Gain), (3) Grokster, (4)Net Pal, and (5)DoubleClick.
Other programs to watch for include tool bars and search bars that promote a "better or faster internet experience"
If a web site wants you to download a special viewer or program for their sight just close the box, don't even answer no.
I use several Spyware removal programs such as these below:
CWShredder *FREE*
Spybot *FREE*
Ad-Aware *FREE*
Spyware Blaster *FREE*
Pest Patrol *FREE 30 Day Trial*
and for Windows XP or Windows 2000
Microsoft Anti-Spyware *FREE*
Microsoft Anti-Spyware is preloaded into Windows Vista
Yahoo Antispyware seems to also be a good choice and appears to be based on the Pest Patrol Software
Click here for my directions on running each of these programs.,
Click here to see comparison of different spyware programs.,
Editorial comment: UPDATE your programs each time you use them and use them atleast once a month.
I used both Ad-Aware which does better at cookies and Spybot which does better at files and is quicker.
I also use Spyware Blaster to block some programs from entering the PC, like Spybot's Immunize.
Spykiller2004 tried to mark several legitimate files on my system as spyware which were not, so I would avoid this program.
Spykiller
Back to top
Temporary Internet Files
Every page you see from the internet is first loaded onto your PC as temporary files, then your PC shows you those files.
It will store as many as it can fit into the MB the system tells it, Usually this is a lot of wasted hard drive space and should be lowered to 64.
These files could speed up dialup access to a web page. IF the page items are already on your machine you won't need to get them again.
To delete the Temp files: in IE6, go to Tools, Internet Options, on the General tab, and then under Temporary Internet files, click Delete Files.
Use the "Delete all offline content" check box if you want to delete all Web page content that you have made available offline.
Editorial comment: I recommend you check your files setting and reduce it to 64M
To change Temp files size: in IE6, go to Tools, Internet Options, on the General tab, Settings, change MB to 64.
I also change the choice at the top to "Every visit to the page"
| Feature articles from Other sites |
Just like your car needs oil changes your PC needs maintenance too "What should I do to keep my PC up to date?"
Once a month I recommend running the following:
Disk Cleanup -> Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools
Scandisk -> Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools
Defrag -> Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools
*note* Scandisk & Defrag usually need to be run in safe mode, otherwise they will continue to restart and never finish.
For safe mode: Keep hitting F8 on your keyboard just as your computer starts to boot up (before the Windows "splash screen" appears).
A menu should come up. Choose the SAFE MODE.
Windows Updates ->http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com, Get ALL of them in each of the categories except foreign languages.
Anti-Virus Updates -> good programs should update themselves, but it is a good idea to manually make sure they are updating regularly.
Editorial comment: I cannot stress enough the importance of a backup done atleast once a month.
see the section on backups
"What other programs do you recommend?"
Open Office as a good replacement for Microsoft office or Works or Corel Suite
Slideshow program for all your pictures, add music too.
do the messenger, MSN, AIM, YAHOO, IRC, ICQ, all in one list
Compare MSCONFIG to this sight to see if you have extra programs running
Shut down Microsoft vulnerabilities with DCOMbob
I sure need someone to come fix my machine "How much do you charge?" I never stop being amazed at how Microsoft and other companies can make so many programs and machines that seem to all work so well
Editorial comment: Programs can act or interact differently on differnt systems and with other software.
Please consider these programs carefully to see if they meet your needs as well as they did mine or my other customers.
I have been doing this since 1992, part time in the evenings and weekends and have over 800 clients.
I have gradually increased my fees as knowledge, experience and gasoline prices have increased.
I charge $50 for a trip charge to cover basic business expenses like car, gas, cell phone, pager, etc.
This is charged only once a month even if return trips occur.
For business systems the fee is $40/hour, for home systems it is $20/hour plus any parts needed.
I know every call is important and nobody wants to be without the computer any longer than they must.
I prioritize calls by importance and location, where businesses usually come first and dead machines take priority over updates.
I not only clean and optimize your system but will also give you all the tools you need to keep it that way.
Editorial comment: If for any reason you are not satisfied, I hope you will let me know what happened and how you would like it fixed.
Although machines and programs will do as they like, I will always do everything possible to make your machine work the way you like it.
Changes can always be made the way you like, but I will always do what I can to optimize your PC and its performance.
considering the millions of users and all the different ways PCs are used. You will probably not find any two machines set up the exact same way
since it would be so hard to get agreement on the BEST way to do everything. All of my OPINIONS and repairs are based on my years of accumulated
knowledge and experience and on what has worked the best on all other machines. Customers also give me feedback on good and bad effects to their
machines as well. If you have comments or feedback, please feel free to contact me so I can learn from your experiences as well.
Call today for more information today (317)892-4516.
This page, and all contents, are Copyright © 2008 by Mark-et al., Lebanon, Indiana, USA
12/01/99 _ Y2K Updates
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