Moderator Johanna Posted January 22, 2009 Moderator Report Posted January 22, 2009 Some of the older viruses will show in task manager, but the newer infections are much more sophisticated. Best advice is to: 1. Click responsibly (no P2P filesharing etc) 2. Use a reputable security program, let it update and never never turn it off 3. If you have your doubts about whether a process in task manager is legit- Google it. 4. If you think your computer is infected, go to geekstogo and get help. 5. Set up limited accounts for guests on your computer. Prevention is always easier than the cure. But when you buy a new computer, INSIST that you get a recovery cd or dvd because if you really trash your computer, that's the only foolproof (and the fastest) way to make things right. Johanna Quote You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. - Mark Twain
Members Go2Tex Posted January 22, 2009 Members Report Posted January 22, 2009 We've had a wierd thing happen lately. The PC just reboots itself as if we had the power blink off and on, and we got one of those blue window fatal crash error messages when I booted up today. Quote Brent Tubre email: BCL@ziplinkmail.com
ferret Posted January 22, 2009 Report Posted January 22, 2009 We've had a wierd thing happen lately. The PC just reboots itself as if we had the power blink off and on, and we got one of those blue window fatal crash error messages when I booted up today. I had that happen a few times just before my hard drive crashed. May just be coincedence but it would be a good idea to make a backup of important stuff just in case. Quote Politicians are like nappies, both should be changed regularly for the same reason.
Members dickf Posted January 23, 2009 Members Report Posted January 23, 2009 I had that happen a few times just before my hard drive crashed. May just be coincedence but it would be a good idea to make a backup of important stuff just in case. Yeah, it sounds like a hardware failure. I'd backup the hard disk, and also consider the power supply (which can cause irregular reboots). Quote US GUNLEATHER www.usgunleather.com twitter.com/usgunleather facebook.com/USGUNLEATHER
Members Go2Tex Posted January 23, 2009 Members Report Posted January 23, 2009 I've been doing all the Windows Defender updates when the pop-up alerts me. But I still get the pop-up when I boot up that says I need a virus protection program. What the heck is Windows Defender if not a virus protection program??? So, anyone have any suggestions? Just a simple, cheap, reliable no nonsense deal. Quote Brent Tubre email: BCL@ziplinkmail.com
Contributing Member rdb Posted January 23, 2009 Contributing Member Report Posted January 23, 2009 Johanna's advice is good. Take advantage of it. As far as a free virus program....I've been using AVAST. I used to use AVG, but new versions cost, and the old free one is hobbled. Avast runs updates on the base files, and the virus list. It has found things the old avg didn't (but that's the same with any virus program you use). You can't blame the kids necessarily nowadays....there are websites that you accidently visit, or are led to, that will infect just by visiting...use a router with firewall , good PC firewall, a virus protection, a malware protection, firefox (to ward against phishing), etc. Bundle Up!!! Use protection, and keep your USB stick in your pants...lol Quote Web page Facebook
Members Go2Tex Posted January 23, 2009 Members Report Posted January 23, 2009 Is the Windows firewall that came with Windows XP not enough? If I get another one, will they conflict? Quote Brent Tubre email: BCL@ziplinkmail.com
Contributing Member rdb Posted January 23, 2009 Contributing Member Report Posted January 23, 2009 Windows firewall is okay for a home user who doesn't understand the complexities of a real firewall. No other firewalls will not conflict, but act as added, and better prevention. I recommend Comodo. Others will have their own recs, I'm sure. Quote Web page Facebook
Members dickf Posted January 23, 2009 Members Report Posted January 23, 2009 Windows Defender: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/...er/default.mspx Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer. AVG is still free and they still maintain it. http://free.avg.com/ I used to use Black Ice for a firewall, but go other routes now. Tex, you may have more problems afoot than getting some software configured. Methinks you have a hardware issue that should be addressed. Quote US GUNLEATHER www.usgunleather.com twitter.com/usgunleather facebook.com/USGUNLEATHER
Members Go2Tex Posted January 24, 2009 Members Report Posted January 24, 2009 Windows Defender: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/...er/default.mspxAVG is still free and they still maintain it. http://free.avg.com/ I used to use Black Ice for a firewall, but go other routes now. Tex, you may have more problems afoot than getting some software configured. Methinks you have a hardware issue that should be addressed. You could be right. We installed a new DVD recorder a while back and, who knows, there could be a slight wierdness there. It works great, though, and other than that one day when the power blinked, it hasn't occured again. I do know that we are getting several suspicious emails everyday, all day, phishing type stuff. so, I know the scumbags are out there trying. Quote Brent Tubre email: BCL@ziplinkmail.com
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.