DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Everything Else... Computer "Must Haves"

With all of the many viruses and such lately that can hijack and damage a computer, and compromise a person's identity and online financial sites, it is more important than ever to be prepared to fight back in case your computer becomes infected. I will add that I use AVG anti virus (free) and have had great success with it.

The best, first line of defense is a good anti-virus program, that is updated regularly, and set to scan everything it can. Also, an anti-malware/spyware program, along with a good root kit removal program are vital, and it is important, that you are able to run these outside of Windows if you do become infected.

However, sometimes something could slip through, and it is important to be prepared. I use 3 programs, that can be booted to outside of Windows, so that all files, including system files, can be scanned and ealt with in the event of a catastrophic infection.

I prefer to use a USB stick for my emergency programs. I got a 8GB stick in one of the dollar stores for next to nothing.

Here are the programs I have on mine. (all free)

Comodo. This is a quality anti-software scanner that can be run outside of Windows. It scans a fairly loaded down system in about 30 minutes, doing a very deep scan.

https://www.comodo.com/business-security...2d5c546930b9589 (Choose either the 32 bit or 64 bit version, depending on your system)

This can be unzipped directly to a USB stick, and you can boot your system directly to this program in the event of horrible infection, so you can eliminate the infection. This program is designed to find and eliminate viruses, root kits, and malware. It is a very good program. and it's FREE.

The 2nd program I have on my emergency USB stick is called Emsisoft Emergency Kit. This is also a free program. Is there some overlap? Sure. However, this is another quality, free program that can save your butt if your computer is ever badly infected.

http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/eek/

Spybot also has a portable version, that can be installed on a USB stick. It is also free, and is available here:

http://portableapps.com/apps/security/spybot_portable

Remember to plug in your emergency USB stick at least once a week and update your programs.

Anyway, these are my favorites for absolute emergencies. What do you use?

Ytown

If you want a truly "safe" pc environment, the first thing you should do is ditch windows. You wouldn't need antivirus or the other programs if you were running linux. AND luckily the recent strides in linux for normal users (windows users) like ubuntu desktop make it really easy to do.

Get Ubuntu Desktop

Just watch some videos on Youtube about pc security and linux... They can be a little dry, but you'll find that linux is super secure. And ubuntu is just one of many desktop configurations for linux, you can see more here:

Linux Ditros Comparison

Another GREAT advantage is that most if not all of the software you will ever need or want for your pc is ***FREE*** in linux. Most of it is as good as or better than windows versions of similar/same software.

Linux can be used on any pc, laptop and now mobile devices. It can be run from a USB memory stick (for portability) or installed to the hard drive. The number of developers working on linux is 1000's to one v's windows.

Windows is the most attacked software in the world simply because the users are normally less sophisticated.

From a tech standpoint, if you are worried about security, performance, speed, usability and staying up to date with all the latest safeguards, software and features... Linux is the only way to go.

Just to note;

I run a windows box and a linux box. I do all my development on linux servers. The only reason I keep a windows box is that I started out on it and linux has a little bit of a learning curve for all the things I do with computers.

There are a crazy number of training resources and videos for linux. There are tons of free games and I mean damn fun games for linux. I'm planning to give all of my grand children pre-programmed linux computers for their birthdays as they get old enough to appreciate and take care of them.

Oh and i forgot to say that upgrades like from windows 7 to 8 or soon coming 10 and paying for it, or paying for anti-virus or paying for other software updates... that's not going to happen in linux. It's all free. You might have to OR want to pay for some things like games but never basic things.

My PC is down. Has been for months. Anymore I just look at an actual desktop as a hassle more than a help. For those of us that aren't computer savvy they just become a source of frustration. Constant updating, I never really know when certain boxes come up what I'm supposed to do. Certain things require permission to go around your firewall... Which I can never remember how to do... Hell I barely understand what a firewall is. Update, update, update, would you like to run or save? I don't know?!?!
I'm not sure if I'm going to get another. Thankfully I have an external drive with all my photos and music. So though I can't get to it. It's all safe. I use my iPhone for everything anymore. Email, web browsing, basic photo editing etc...
I do miss Photoshop and Illustrator. This past weekend I had a graphics job to do. I borrowed a buddy's iMac. Loved it. That may be my next computer purchase. I just need an interface for my music and my graphics programs. The rest of the time my PC is just a big, dusty paperweight of frustration.
I'm sure for the computer 'geeks' out there they're great. The rest of us are left to call you guys and get that "how can you be so stupid" attitude when we ask for help. I spent more time trying to figure out how to keep hackers out than I did enjoying it seemed.
Weren't computers supposed to make life easier?

lol. I feel your pain.

I'm not sure if your desktop is down due to hardware failure or viruses, etc. I'd be glad to help you or any dawgtalker get back up and running, just pm me.

As for using your iPhone, you should know that hackers are targeting android and ios (your phone's operating system) just as heavily now. Your phone is actually less safe because the tech is so new, just saying.

My PC ran Windows XP... After they stopped supporting it my PC stopped working. Don't know if that was the cause or a virus or who knows. It's a worthless dust collector now.

I disagree. The best first line of defense is smart computer practices. Not clicking on every single link you see, going to questionable websites, blindly downloading every email attachment. Anti-virus is reactive. The key to security is being proactive.

Linux isn't better for everyone. It still isn't ready for your average joe computer user. Just because it's free doesn't make it better. Photoshop is still better than Gimp.

It is coming around, but it's still geared towards computer savvy people.

+++++1

There is no anti-virus/anti-malware/operating system that can fully make up for bad user practices.

Linux will likely never be ready for average home user Prime Time. Ubuntu is as close as it gets, I think, and it still isn't close enough.

Part of the problem is the software in the Linux world. Most people just have no idea at all how/where to go get it, and almost everything has archaic naming like"YANSPd" (Yet Another Speadsheet Program daemon ... because everything in Linux-Land has to end with a 'd' to be cool). It's a case where even if the OS is accessible enough, the rest of the stuff isn't, which makes it nearly useless.

Yeah, that is true. However, my intention was to put out free programs that can help rescue someone in the event of the worst happening.

As far as Linux, as was brought up, I have tried it many times in the past. I simply do not like it. I know how to do things in Windows, and I have a learning curve I just don't want to have to deal with. I am used to Windows, and I know how to do anything I need to do within this OS.

As far as Windows XP, that Operating System is way out of date. Mainstream support for that O/S ended in April 2009, and extended support ended in April 2014. In other words, Microsoft is no longer updating anything having to do with that version of Windows. If a vulnerability is found, than a vulnerability is found.

If you really want a computer for everyday use, going online, creating documents and spreadsheets and such, any modern computer will do. You can go to Wal-Mart and pick one up for under $400. It is amazing how inexpensive computers have become.

I have my anti-virus to update and run on a daily basis. It is a fairly simple process to accomplish, and many people here could talk you through the process. You can also add a simple anti-malware program like Spybot, that is easy to use. (however it does require manual updates, unless you buy the paid version)

I would suggest that anyone who has an XP or older system not use it for banking, or anything like that where personal data could be compromised. It simply has the possibility of too many flaws and security breaches, no matter what else you run.

Anyway, anyone else want to add to the list for those who might want to make sure that they are as safe as can be.

Good post. I use a program called Peer Block to limit malicious attacks.

For malware/anti virus, I'd recommend Spybot Search and Destroy and Malwarebytes.

Anti virus I use Avast. Rarely when I do my weekly scan is anything ever detected.

If people are wanting to dip their toes in Linux for the first time I would suggest either Linux Mint or linux os elementary. Both of beautiful flavors of Linux and its pretty hard to be disappointed with these choices, I liked them at least. Pick Elementary OS if you want a MAC OS X like design, or just get a macbook instead of windows.

I think the software is more accessible these days. Ubuntu and many others have software managers that list the software in categories according to what it does and gives details. Several of the newer distros are trying to imitate windows layouts and doing a decent job.

BUT there is definitely a learning curve and most casual users won't want to bother. However you can not say it is not more secure and mostly free.

Look into getting a Chromebook. Chrome OS was practically designed with you in mind-- it's a very lightweight operating system, updates are automatic, security is top-notch, and it sounds like you would be able to do everything you would need to do on it (practically everything is done in the chrome browser although there are some offline features, including limited storage space.)

- Email/web browsing are done in browser.
- MS Word, excel, etc. have their equivalents e.g. Google docs, sheets, etc.
- Basic photo editing and such can be done with something like Pixlr although this can't replace Photoshop for a serious user. depends on what you are using it for.

I need Photoshop when I need Photoshop. I've tried other editors and they just can't compare when it comes to the type of work I do. That and I've been using it for well over a decade. My familiarity with it makes any new learning curve not worth the effort.
I really enjoyed my buddy's iMac. Easy interface. Ran the program smoothly. He's offereing it for sale. I may take him up on it with my tax return.

My suggestions:

Don't use Internet Explorer... Too easy to catch stuff on you don't wanna catch! Use Google Chrome instead. I've tried almost all other browsers...Chrome is nice and fast. My fav.

-If you have Windows 7 or higher, you can use Windows Defender to guard against malware/viruses/whatnot. It doesn't seem to slow down my computers, either. Almost all other antivirus software will.

-I use Eusing Free Registry Defrag like once a week:

http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_defrag/registry_defrag.htm

(Not to be confused with your computer's defragger/optimizer for your hard drives). The Eusing Free Register Defrag will speed up your computers boot-up time. I LOVE it.


-Ccleaner: I use it every day:

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner


-Eusing Free Registry Cleaner. I use it at least once a week:

http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_cleaner/registry_cleaner.htm


-I still use these last two anti-malware/anti-spyware programs, even though my computer guy said I don't have to as long as I use Windows Defender:

Superantispyware:

http://www.superantispyware.com/

&

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware:

https://www.malwarebytes.org/

-If you still insist on using Internet Explorer, try Slimbrowser instead:

http://www.slimbrowser.net/en/

It runs off of I.E., but is a multi-tab browser. I really liked it - used it for years and years - but don't use it anymore because of what it runs on.

Note: I use the free versions of everything up ^there.^

Again. Weren't computers supposed to make my life easier. Basically 7 days a week you have to run one or more of 5 different programs to keep your machine from being screwed. I wouldn't know where to begin to get Chrome on my computer. I'm sure if I did at some point it would ask me a series of 'would you like to save or run?' type questions that I have no idea how to answer. Then I'd, with tail between my legs, have to call one of my IT friends so he can give me the long sigh of 'are you really this dumb' then try to talk me through it. Inevitably using words I don't know..."what dongle do you have?" or some other crap. While I freeze he'll become increasingly intolerant because I don't know how to get to whatever drop down menu he's trying to direct me to. Both our blood pressures will rise... Again, weren't they supposed to make life easier. Every PC should come with I tiny IT guy. One you can keep in a hamster cage. I'd rather feed and clean up after a tiny IT guy than to make another call to my IT friend for a stupid computer issue.

I use CCleaner and Malaware bytes. Is there a difference in say spybot & malaware? I thought this malaware was the best tool out there. I also use glary util for the reg. defrag. Does a good job.

Well, cars make your life easier, but not if you don't change the oil.

If someone absolutely cannot care for theirs, then they can get help from a ton of places, or take it to an expert.

Oh, and as a former IT guy, let me just warn you that we can eat, and drink, a lot.

A lot of these tools overlap in a great many ways. Some, like Glary, are more of a complete suite of tools, whereas some of the emergency tools I listed are specifically chosen to run from a USB stick in case a virus has a computer so locked up that it won't start.

I haven't used IE for years and years. My favorite is Maxthon, a browser that almost no one in the US has heard of, but that is really popular in Europe and China/Japan.

It started out as a browser add on that added tabbed browsing to IE, and then improved constantly from there. It is the fastest browser on my computer, including Chrome or Firefox. It is now a cloud based browser, and when you sign in, from anywhere, (even using a USB version) you can access your favorites from anywhere.

Ok, Thank You YTown. I'll keep this post in mind if I have a melt down

I gotta ask ya, Ytown, I don't use google chrome because everytime I do, I'll run the Malaware bytes program and it always finds 16-18 problems. No other search engine I use has this problem. I asked our IT man at work and he said the only thing he could think of was that maybe the memory dump wasn't working when I closed out, now I could see that maybe a time or two, but everytime? Any ideas?

I assume you mean the Chrome browser, or is it specifically tied to using Google search as well?

Anyway, it's hard to know without knowing what the program is finding. Is there a way to copy and paste the report? (I haven't used Malware Bytes in quite some time)

Yes it is the browser. I have not used it for sometime. The report says googlechrome then lists a folder or file. I assume it was chrome advertisments, I just can't figure out why they would permit such ads on their browser. Never had a problem with IE or firefox. Really does not matter, I just stay away from it.

Well it is my experience that not everything a malware program says is malware is necessarily malware. It never hurts to check and make sure that there isn't a legitimate purpose to something a malware program brings up. (I had 1 such program when I ran one malware program, and I can't remember what it was now, but it had a legitimate purpose.

As far as why Chrome might allow ads .... $$$$$$. That is a simple answer, not knowing exactly the situation you found yourself in.

Also beware, there are 3rd party "Chrome" installers that will install adware during the chrome installation.

Be sure if you download Chrome you get it direct from google.

Reading through all of these posts make me glad I spent the extra cash to buy Macs!

Boooooo. Only Apple product I own is an iPod Nano lol! I do like it, though hahaha...

Windows or Linux, no other options for me!

Enjoy your Malware and viruses you mindless robot! kiddin'!

Well, if a descent number of people actually used Macs maybe there would be more problems with malware and viruses. Target the masses.


The scariest part of that image is the number if people still running XP!

Window XP, I don't miss that lol...

Especially since XP is no longer being updated. If security holes appear, they remain open holes. I would never use an XP or prior system for banking, or any other activity that could compromise my identity or finances. That is just asking for trouble.

It might just be cookies it's picking up?

I use Chrome with AdBlock added onto it, which is nice. And yep, it's free.

I just downloaded it, tryin' it out.