Computer viruses are harmful, destructive and self-replicating programs which can spread widely on a computer or from one system to other through Internet, a network or a removable computer device such as floppy disc, CD or USB drive. Over the last years, the Internet usage in organizations and homes has increased at a rapid rate which has also increased rate of spread of computer viruses and the demand for computer virus scanning and eliminating. Computer virus creators frequently target Windows operating system as it is a most widely-used operating system as compared to Apple's Mac and other operating systems.
If you have a laptop or computer working on Windows operating system and you want to be sure that your computer is secure from viruses then follow these steps:
Firstly, you need to download and install antivirus program. You must install all of its latest updates and scan your Windows computer using that antivirus program.
Now install Malwarebytes and Superantispyware on your Windows computer. Also make sure that both of them have their updates installed. Run a scan using this Malwarebytes and Antispyware program and remove all the Spywares or Malwares if found.
Windows computers have default web browser which is Internet Explorer. Although some sites do not work properly on IE, If you want to use those site, you have to set the Internet Explorer's Cookie setting slider to either Medium, Medium-High or High.
Most of the adwares, spywares and malwares are designed to attack Internet Explorer. So you can use other browsers like Firefox, Google Chrome etc. Although each of them have there own advantages and disadvantages, they are good in protecting your Windows computer from malwares and spyware.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Windows 7 zero-day bug
In this computer-savvy world, the issue of piracy is on hike. With the advent of any new technology, you can easily find its pirated version available at very low cost and sometimes for free also.
Before the release of Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC), its pirated version was made available in the market and on various bittorrent sites like Mininova.org and others. These websites clearly highlighted the warning of the potential risk to the users computers.
It was a warning for the users who were downloading the new RC builds of windows 7. This warning message was posted by Frank Fontaine on the Neowin.net discussion boards.
Various downloads carried a trojan in the setup EXE. The setup EXE is just a container which appears to be self extracting executing file. It contained Setup.exe and codec.exe.
These executable files were meant to contain trojans and other malwares that may harm your computer.
It is highly recommended and well advised not to use the leaked downloads and use the genuine copies to keep your computer healthy and working.
Recently, Microsoft has confirmed that an unpatched risk exists in Windows 7, but minimized the problem, saying by blocking two ports at the firewall, most Windows 7 users would be protected from attack.
Microsoft has accepted in a security advisory that a Microsoft-made network file- and print-sharing protocol which is a bug in Server Message Block could be used by attackers to disable Windows 7 systems.
A Canadian researcher Laurent Gaffie first reported the zero-day risk, when he lighted the bug and posted proof-of-concept attack code to the Full Disclosure security mailing list and his blog. According to Gaffie, exploiting the defect crashes Windows 7 computers so badly that the only way is to power off the computers manually.
At this time, Microsoft only said that it was investigating Gaffie's reports.
Then on 13th November, Microsoft took the next step and issued the advisory. a spokesman for Microsoft security group, Dave Forstrom has said in an e-mail that company is aware of users and the detailed exploit code that would cause Windows 7 computer to stop working. Also, the company is unaware of attacks to exploit the reported risks at this time.
Forstrom resonated Gaffie's comments that while an exploit could disable a PC, the risk could not be used by hackers to install malicious code on a Windows 7 computers.
Forstrom assured that both SMBv1 and its successor, SMBv2, contain the bug. But Windows 2000 , Windows 2003, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 are not affected.
The company has also warned that attacks could be aimed at Internet Explorer and any other browser also. Hackers could give users specially-ready uniform resource identifier and then disable their PCs with malformed SMB packets after tricking consumers into visiting a malicious web site.
Since the new operating system was launched on Oct. 22, Gaffie's risk was the first zero-day reported and was confirmed by Microsoft in Windows 7.
Before the release of Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC), its pirated version was made available in the market and on various bittorrent sites like Mininova.org and others. These websites clearly highlighted the warning of the potential risk to the users computers.
It was a warning for the users who were downloading the new RC builds of windows 7. This warning message was posted by Frank Fontaine on the Neowin.net discussion boards.
Various downloads carried a trojan in the setup EXE. The setup EXE is just a container which appears to be self extracting executing file. It contained Setup.exe and codec.exe.
These executable files were meant to contain trojans and other malwares that may harm your computer.
It is highly recommended and well advised not to use the leaked downloads and use the genuine copies to keep your computer healthy and working.
Recently, Microsoft has confirmed that an unpatched risk exists in Windows 7, but minimized the problem, saying by blocking two ports at the firewall, most Windows 7 users would be protected from attack.
Microsoft has accepted in a security advisory that a Microsoft-made network file- and print-sharing protocol which is a bug in Server Message Block could be used by attackers to disable Windows 7 systems.
A Canadian researcher Laurent Gaffie first reported the zero-day risk, when he lighted the bug and posted proof-of-concept attack code to the Full Disclosure security mailing list and his blog. According to Gaffie, exploiting the defect crashes Windows 7 computers so badly that the only way is to power off the computers manually.
At this time, Microsoft only said that it was investigating Gaffie's reports.
Then on 13th November, Microsoft took the next step and issued the advisory. a spokesman for Microsoft security group, Dave Forstrom has said in an e-mail that company is aware of users and the detailed exploit code that would cause Windows 7 computer to stop working. Also, the company is unaware of attacks to exploit the reported risks at this time.
Forstrom resonated Gaffie's comments that while an exploit could disable a PC, the risk could not be used by hackers to install malicious code on a Windows 7 computers.
Forstrom assured that both SMBv1 and its successor, SMBv2, contain the bug. But Windows 2000 , Windows 2003, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 are not affected.
The company has also warned that attacks could be aimed at Internet Explorer and any other browser also. Hackers could give users specially-ready uniform resource identifier and then disable their PCs with malformed SMB packets after tricking consumers into visiting a malicious web site.
Since the new operating system was launched on Oct. 22, Gaffie's risk was the first zero-day reported and was confirmed by Microsoft in Windows 7.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
How to Remove Spyware from an XP
There are many spyware blockers for your computer. Following are the steps for windows XP and broadband internet users. This will need a blank CD and some downloading. They’ve been proven and proven by an IT professional, and every programs are free.
1. Get a hold of few programs on your computer or on CD-Rom: Microsoft Windows Defender, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Ad-Aware SE, Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird are a beatific start. Do not install some of these yet.
2. Restart the computer and boot into innocuous fashion by pressing F8 repeatedly as the computer starts up. Choose Safe Mode with Network Support from the schedule that appears.
3. Install and update for Spybot and Ad-Aware when your screen loads. The programs will stimulate on establish to separate updates if they are needed.
4. Run both programs’ construe knowledge digit at an instance in some visit you wish.
5. Spybot will become up with a ‘Fix’ button but Adware will visit you to correct utter on the itemize and opt superior every objects from the schedule that pops up before clicking to ‘fix problems’.
6. Restart the computer in regular Windows.
7. Install Firefox and Microsoft Windows Defender BETA 2 and update them both fully. Microsoft Windows Defender BETA 2 requires you to run it for the first time before it becomes active, opt all the choice options and click ‘Run Quick Scan’ to finalize.
Make your computing secure>>
How to Protect Your Computer with a Firewall
Use Password Phrases for Better Security
Monday, September 28, 2009
How to Protect Your Computer with a Firewall
A Firewall is an information that protects your computer from hackers disagreeable to move assign bill I.D’s and passwords. Using a firewall security is highly advisable for every computer users.
1. Chose a Firewall
o Choosing the correct Firewall is a rattling essential step. You will requirement to definite if you desire a ultimate and cushy to consume firewall, or a firewall that you can configuring everything it does.
o Check Point Software makes Zone Alarm a liberated firewall for bag users. It is a powerful firewall but it may not impact on senior hardware.
o Comodo Firewall Pro is a liberated for bag consume firewall from the Comodo Group. With this firewall you can modify a aggregation of settings but is not prizewinning for grouping who desire a ultimate to consume firewall.
o Tall Emu Pty Ltd is the creator of the Online Armor which offers a liberated firewall for bag use. This Firewall can impact on senior element and is ultimate to consume but does not substance computer updating in the liberated version.
2. If you do not desire to consume a liberated firewall and have whatever money you can go purchase a flooded section suite, nearly every section suites today have firewalls shapely into the suite.
3. After choosing a flat establish it according to the creators instructions. These manual can ordinarily be discovered from the creator’s firewalls website.
4. After the firewall installs it will most probable order a reboot. Reboot the computer and check for some pop-ups from the firewall.
5. Read some pop-ups that materialize on the computer after the restart, accept every of them from programs you consume and trust.
6. If you wager some pop-up materialize and you don’t undergo what they are for go to your selection see engine and identify in the study of the program. Look for a maker that says what the information does and end what state to verify upon what the website says.
7. Your computer should today be bonded with the firewall, when it blocks some coder attacks it will pop-up and signal you.
More Articles for your computer security >>>
Use Password Phrases for Better Security
Friday, September 18, 2009
Microsoft Windows Users and iYogi Predict a Surge in Tech Support for Windows 7 Upgrades
Survey Shows That Nearly Half of Consumers Think Upgrading to a New Operating System Will Require Technical Assistance
iYogi, the on-demand tech services company with a unique global delivery model, announced today the results of a consumer poll regarding support concerns and predictions for the upcoming launch of the new Microsoft Windows 7operating system. Based on responses from more than 1,000 Windows XP and Windows Vista users, 52 percent think that moving to a new operating system and moving their data is a hassle, suggesting some real frustrations on the near horizon. Nearly half (47 percent) think upgrading to Microsoft Windows 7 may require a call to technical support- potentially causing a huge backlog of support needs, as up to 40 million copies of Windows 7 are expected to be sold in 2009, according to IDC.
"We predict that more than 40 percent of XP users will generate support calls and inquiries globally this year and even more in 2010 as mass adoption kicks in and people face the prospect of dealing with an entirely new interface," said Vishal Dhar, President Marketing & Co-founder of iYogi. "We estimate twice as many support calls for current Windows XP users than Windows Vista users, since Microsoft Windows XP users will require a 'clean' install including migrating applications, settings and drivers--a potentially arduous, time-intensive task."
Additional survey findings reveal:
58 percent of users think they will or may upgrade to Windows 7, an encouraging number considering some of the backlash surrounding Vista.
Only 39 percent of users are aware that Windows 7 is launching soon, suggesting an increased flurry of help questions in the coming months as more people become aware of the upgrade options
iYogi has more has more than 90,000 annual subscribers and provides thousands of single incident sessions every day on a 24/7 basis. Its Global Delivery Platform delivers on the highest customer satisfaction benchmarks in the industry and gets smarter with every customer interaction, building a powerful knowledge base that provides unique customer insights on predictive needs to tech support.
ABOUT IYOGI
iYogi is a global on-demand services company that provides personalized computer support for consumers and small businesses in United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. iYogi's unique model, including proprietary technology iMantra and highly qualified technicians, is designed to eliminate computer-related stress and keep millions of digitally dependent consumers and small businesses always protected and productive. Only iYogi -- with its proven global expertise delivery model, intelligent customer insight systems, easy-to-use self-help tools and automated PC optimization and computer support services - offers users a simple yet comprehensive path to digital serenity. iYogi has perfected the remote technical support model to overcome the current limitations of in-store, on-site, or call center services to become the fastest growing provider of support in the industry. Major resellers and technology companies are increasingly turning to iYogi to improve customer satisfaction, reduce return rates, and deliver a compelling new-value added offering to customers.
For more information on iYogi and a detailed list of technologies supported, visit: http://www.iyogi.net.au
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
How to Find Computer Viruses
Many computer users can have computer viruses on their computer and not modify be alive that it is infected. Here is whatever structure to process your computer section and to encounter computer virus if you have one.
Antivirus software
The enthusiastic abstract most antivirus code is that it can actually preclude your computer modify effort a virus. It can also encounter computer viruses and spyware that have already been place on your computer. Most antivirus softwares have a information that scans areas of your computer to wager if it is infected. It is a beatific intent to separate your antivirus code every the instance and do weekly scans.
You can modify your internet settings to attain your computer section stronger. With your computer section stronger, your computer is healthy to grownup more things before you actually intend a virus. For example, it will monish you if you are incoming a website that it finds dangerous.
Search your computer
While having antivirus code is great, it can also woman things from instance to time. So I declare hunting around your computer files to wager if there is anything that you do not recognize. Maybe you have a new information that you do not advert downloading, that could be something to countenance into. But be certain when deleting, you do not desire to withdraw enter that your computer needs to run.
More Tips to keep your computer secure>>>
Use Password Phrases for Better Security
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Use Password Phrases for Better Security
Did you undergo that Windows support using passwords of up to 127 characters? I don’t consume passwords anymore, and I haven’t for years. I’ve switched to using password phrases instead.
Why do I consume password phrases?
You can consume uppercase, lowercase, primary characters, or modify spaces… but you are using them in context, which makes it such more uncolored to remember.
Post-it notes on your guardian are not secure. Sorry.
Even the most economical forms of password cracking, using pre-computed rainbow tables, will never be healthy to fissure a password with 20 or more characters.
These days, windows passwords can be unsmooth in no more than a few seconds. If somebody can intend fleshly admittance to your machine, they can rush soured digit of the coder tool cds acquirable every over the internet, and they will typically have your password in seconds, if they undergo what they are doing.
Even with brute obligate cracking, there is no doable way that you can fissure a password that long. Even if somebody had the caretaker technology control to do so, hopefully you modify your password every some months or so.
It may be arduous to consume password phrases on another operating system, or especially on websites, because they don’t right appendage spaces in the password, or have a diminutive password size limit. One of the tricks that I commonly do is consume a password catchword without the spaces, if I mayhap can.
So go modify your password now.
Related Articles on Computer Security>>
Virus Protection for Computers
Windows Live OneCare – Computer Security
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
