Posts filed under 'Windows'
Being the computer go-to-guy amongst my friends, I have noticed a big outbreak of fake anti-virus software. This Fraud-ware tries to fool you into thinking you have thousands of infections, when you may only have 1 (being the bogus software itself).
It may ask you for a payment of $10-$50 to register and remove the threats- DO NOT DO THIS! You run the risk of identity theft, or a plain and simple rip-off.
These programs get into your computer without your knowledge or consent- it may be through pop-ups, bad files on P2P networks like Limewire, and many other ways.
If you do not get this taken care of, it can become worst. You will see more and more of these bogus products when you start your computer.
Signs to look for:
• Bogus anti-virus/spyware programs often generate more “alerts” than the software made by reputable companies.
• You may be bombarded with pop-ups, even when you’re not online.
• High-pressure sales copy will try to convince you to buy RIGHT NOW!
• If you’ve been infected, your computer may dramatically slow down.
• Other signs of infection include: new desktop icons; new wallpaper, or having your default homepage redirected to another site.
(Mac users: if you run Windows using Boot Camp, Parallels or VMWare, these tips apply to you. However, at the time of this writing, Mac OSX does not have these problems.)
These are some of programs you need to look out for:
- VirusRemover 2008
- XP Anti Virus 2009
- Anti Virus XP 2009
- Windows Anti Virus 2009
- PRO Antispyware 2009 (below)
(an example of bogus anti-virus software)
How to remove:
The following guide must be used at your own risk. Even though I am going step by step, you need to have working knowledge of malware removal. Every computer situation is different, so use at your own risk.
Step 1:
Download Malware Bytes
Step 2:
After installation, open Malware Bytes, and click the “Update” tab.
Step 3
Go to the “Scanner” tab, choose “”Perform Quick Scan”, and click the “Scan” button below.
Step 4:
If you are a victim the bogus anti-malware, you will get a count next to “Objects Infected” in red. Click the “Show Results” button below to view the infections.
Step 5:
After you look through the findings, check mark the infections you want removed, and click the “Remove Selected” button.
Removals may require a restart, so do so if asked to. I have had great luck removing these infections using Malware Bytes, if it does not help, try running it while Windows is in “Safe Mode”.
You can get into safe mode by pressing F8 right when your computer is booting up- good luck!
May 27th, 2009
This is a basic essential every Windows user should know and use.
Following these steps will allow you to disable unused software from
the Windows startup queue.
Some software enables itself to auto start every time you boot up your
computer- this causes unnecessary lag, and down time. To turn startup
items On or Off:
1. Click Start > Run
2. In Run, type in “msconfig” and click “OK”
3. Click the “Startup” tab
4. Uncheck the applications you want to disable from startup, and check mark the ones that you would like to enable.
*Bonus:Stop Startup Services (proceed with caution- you must have working knowledge of MS services)
1. Click the “Services” tab
2. Click “Hide All Microsoft Services” (this will hide the services that may be important, so you won’t screw them up by mistake).
3. Again, uncheck the services you would like to disable.
4. Finally, click “Apply”, and then “OK” – Restart, and notice the difference in startup speed!
May 26th, 2009
One of the most famous and convenient features of OS X is its dock. It’s an animated panel on the desktop where you can place all your commonly used shortcuts, giving you access to them by a click of a mouse.
I’m a Mac owner myself, and to me this is essential- luckily there is a piece of free software for Windows called RocketDock, which gives you this same functionality for free. It is actually better than the OS X dock in many ways. It allows you to customize the theme of the dock, and more.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6UVb15it6A&feature=player_embedded]
Direct Download link: Click here
May 21st, 2009
Some of us use another solution for recycle bin management. We use docks, sidebars, and other methods. Windows XP makes this annoying by default- it does not allow you to remove its recycle bin from the desktop. Luckily, it’s a piece of cake if you do some tweaking in the registry.
Here’s how:
- Go to Start > Run > and type in “regedit” (this will open the “Registry Editor”)
- Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace
- Find and delete the following key by right clicking on it and choosing “Delete”:
{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
A restart is not needed. After a few seconds, you’ll see the icon disappear from the desktop.
If you ever need to restore the recycle bin, just navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace
and create the following key:
{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
May 20th, 2009
XP users, did you know that you are limited to a maximum of 10 TCP connections by Microsoft? This WILL hurt your [torrent] downloading speed since it wont let you connect to a high amount of IP address’. This limitation was meant to help you- help you by slowing down a computer virus’ ability to spread by connecting to a high number of IP numbers.
A nice way to fix this is to download this patch, it allows you to set the maximum allowed connections to any number you want. Any number between 50 and 100 is okay!
Here is the link to the patch again :CLICK HERE
If you look at the screen shot below, the patch will ask you if you want to change the limit of connections to 50. Just type in “Y” for “Yes” and follow it’s prompts. It’s fast, clean, and easy, just how I like it!
May 20th, 2009
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