You can’t get much work done unless your computer is up and running. Virus & Spyware protection is the most important software you'll ever install on your PC or Mac. Our little shop averages over 5 infection fixes a week. These PCs almost always have adequate virus protection installed, but somehow still get infected. How can that happen? This article kicks off Software Knowledge’s Virus Protection series; dedicated to keeping you as safe as possible when surfing the Internet or answering email.
Virus protection is a complex subject. Complex to the point where you could have college degrees dedicated to it, and Masters programs covering the removal of the nastiest ones. Believe me, there are certain virus types, known as “rootkits,” which are almost impossible to recover from. In fact, part of the grade in a Masters program would be to know when the situation is hopeless – just give up, backup the client’s data (twice, just in case), format the hard drive and start from scratch.
I’m sure none of you want to attend Virus U., so the series is broken down into five easy subjects. This “cliff notes” article will give you the most important info from each of them. Our material is presented in laymen’s terms as much as possible. The series will publish on our website during September & October 2010.
A) Your #1 protection against Viruses - automate the backup of your most important files
Interesting way to start off this series, but it simply can’t be overlooked. It happened more back in the DOS days, but we tackled a virus last month that actually deleted files from a PC. These are rare, but of course the most dangerous. A Fortune 500 company caught one of these babies this year and it wiped out the data on several of the company’s massive servers. That catastrophe started at one lonely PC on their network, and then spread like a Justin Bieber youtube video.
No matter how much money you spend, you are never fully protected from the Lex Luthers who create viruses. Therefore, your only real protection is to backup your data properly, and test your backups from time to time to insure your data is safe (useable).
Backing up PC data properly is an entire degree w/Masters program by itself, but here is one of the tips from our website that you need to know right now: use USB flash sticks or external hard drives. Do not use CDs or DVDs. The average usable life of a DVD burned on a PC is only two years; CDs are like 7 years. You might lose half the pictures you burned to DVD for safe keeping within two short years…your kid’s pictures…what a disaster.
B) What are Viruses and who creates them?
Viruses are infections that get injected into the Operating System {Windows XP, Mac os10, Windows7, etc.} of your PC. These infections are just little sub-programs that now start automatically every time you turn the PC on. The number of documented viruses in the world hit one million in 2009. Each of these tiny programs may do different things, but all have one thing in common: they want control of your PC.
My all-time most popular question from clients on this subject is: “Who creates these things?” I always come back with my pat answer: “Some kid in Cambodia who’s perfecting his IT skills, so he can come to the US and make big bucks.” Substitute China, India, the Ukraine (my homeland; the best virus writers in the world come from this part of Mother Russia), and that answer becomes very valid. Over 50% of all viruses were created by students in college classrooms.
C) Our review of the Virus Protection software currently on the market
We hate Norton Security Suite. Kinda hate AVG these days; we used to like it. Always hated McAfee (we had a slogan back in the Windows95 day; “I would rather have a virus on my computer rather than McAfee anti-virus; the PC still might work with just a virus”).
Software Knowledge uses several small (free) tools, along with our favorite “always-on” protection program. We currently recommend the combination of Malwarebytes & Avira to our clients. This is the fourth always-on protection solution we’ve used in the last 7 years. You might be interested, maybe shocked, by the reasons why we keep changing…
D) What to do if you catch a Virus
Don’t panic, and please don’t break out the VISA and buy the program you see on your screen.
Close your Internet browser and open your always-on virus protection. Try to perform an update (but the best-written viruses usually break this and you might get an error). Try updating any other anti-virus/anti-malware programs you have installed; these updates may also fail. Disconnect your LAN cable or turn off your wireless signal, reboot (restart) your computer, and then try to run your always-on AV program. If it catches something, tell it to remove, and then restart the PC again. Continue by running the next AV program you have. If you still have problems, get to a PC that works and study this full subject on our website; due to publish 10/10/10.
One quick tip (that few people think about): Get to a clean PC and change your online banking passwords. Better safe…
E) Why doesn't your Firewall protect you? And other advanced topics
Unless you bought a $500US hardware firewall device, and then paid a firm like ours to configure & fine-tune your “proxy” settings (about another $500US), your firewall is Swiss cheese...and even if you have this level of protection {like we do}, you’re still cheese… just like us. Trust me.
In summary: A) backup your files regularly! B) do not take viruses personally C) run good ‘always-on’ protection & keep it updated D) all hope is NOT lost if you catch a virus E) the worst viruses are written by really gifted people; there will never be a cure in our lifetime…
This is a Must Read series for all clients and friends. Over the years, Software Knowledge has sent out emergency email warnings w/instructions when the really bad viruses come out. If you want to be included in this virus warning group, please visit our website and drop a message in the Contact Us tab. We’d love to make you part of our family.
Shout-out to Darnyelle A. Jervey for her incredibly unique inspiration. Special Thanks to these contributing members of my team: Fiona Cherukara, William Neagle, Dibbie Martin, Howard Lipman and Pratiksha {iPikal} Patel.
Steve
Stephen J Kozy III has been serving the computer needs of the southeast US since 1982. He currently lives in Nashville, TN... a magical city.
http://www.softwareknowledgeinc.com - Nashville is Alive... come visit us!
Learn more about the author, Steve Kozy.
Great information Steve! I just went through this myself 2 months ago and am still dealing with some issues. Wished I'd had this to reference - my anti-virus company (McAfee) was horrible to deal with and I realized that customer support is as valuable in dealing with virus' as the program itself. I'm going to check out your recommendations.
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, I'll contact you about a possible switch to the always on version of Malwarebytes. I get VAR pricing. If you don't open email attachments you aren't expecting, you might not even need Avira; I don't run it on my PC. There is a new PDF virus making its way around the Internet, announced by Adobe yesterday. Expect Adobe Reader Update pop-ups in a day or two. Thank you for the kind words, although sorry we didn't know each other 3 months ago. Steve
Steve,
This article has some great advice and humor to boot.
Great to get to know you a bit today. Glad to see that you are fighting the good fight.
Feel free to drop me a line whenever.
Thank you for easing my mind. I always go into panic mode when my PC gets virus. I'm going to do the online back-up today... no more procrastinating.
I have AVG and am curious why you don't like it. I have been having my concerns with it myself.
Thank you for your information.
Steve, thanks for the nformative article. There are so many opinions about which virus protection to use, and I will look at your choices. I use Microsoft Security Essentials, the free version, as recommended by someone who follows these things. Thoughts?
Simple safeguards should not be ignored, and I am going to start using better backup products as you advise.
Thanks again for sharing your expertise.
Kathryn Hack
Quick Update: The virus I mention in a reply yesterday to Elizabeth has grown. I just sent out another Virus update email to our clients.
Most important thing to know is what I mentioned to her: ..don't open email attachments you aren't expecting...
Other key things to know: (1) Subject lines to avoid: include "Here you have," or "Just for you," and "This is the Free Dowload (sic) Sex Movies, you can find it Here (2) Spreads via your email contacts and through network shares. Infects your computer with various malware, and potentially steals information. This is similar to the virus I mention in section A (3) It doesn't seem to be as wide-spread as the big worms of the past (Nimba, ILoveYou, etc).
Don't panic. Just be Smart.
What fun to read your writing....not to mention incredibly helpful. Had no idea that CDs and DVDs had limited life. Thanks a ton for that info! I backed up all my photos on them last year and thought I was protected.
I'm on a Mac and don't have these virus issues (yet!) but the best IT people I've talked to recently agree with you that external hard drives are the safest bet.
Am sharing this article with all my friends.
Ahh, you Macs...the website series covers you guys too. You don't have as many virus problems, but you can still catch them. The ones written for you guys often go after your banking information.
Also, I bet you have an iPhone (and probably an iPad). There have already been attacks on those devices. Hook them up to your Mac or PC and perform all updates.
Allow me to take a second and thank you, Pam, Kathryn, Matt & Elizabeth for the encouragement. Steve
You're right, Steve. I know it covers us Mac-ophiles...for the backup probs, etc. And knew about the iPhone attack. No iPad yet (fear of addiction). Thanks for the reminder to update the phone! SO glad to connect with you here.
Thanks again Rickey,
Even though I'm a PC, I like Macs; been working on them since the original came out while I was at ComputerLand in 1984. My Sr. Tech just bought a macbook pro to get even better. So Kal Penn, we can now offer you completely free computer service, regardless of what you use (even though you heartlessly ignore the non-stop tweets from iPikal; she understands and forgives you).
The iPad will addict you. We've setup plenty & they work great with an Exchange server, just like the iPhone. Saying that, we currently suggest that clients wait for version 2, unless they have a real, immediate need. Steve
Steve, thanks for the article and series. My company has dropped Windows as an operating system and is now using Linux, which our IT people consider to be a better operating system in many ways, including a safer environment. I agree with your comments about Norton Security Suite.
Regarding Item B in your article . . . I am an organizational psychologist and have often asked myself why so many people are in the business of creating such havoc in the world. Many individuals are motivated by exerting "power and control" in their lives. These individuals often have no other way to experience domination over others besides creating these viruses ("see-how-smart-I-am syndrome"). I believe their primary motivation is to destroy what other people have built simply because they are envious, angry, and small-minded. Given the deterioration of "social norms" and respect for people throughout the world over the past 20-30 years, we will continue to witness this sort of destruction by individuals who have nothing better to do in their lives than to spread harmful viruses. This is simply just another form of violence in our electronic world. These people may be "gifted" as you say, but what they do is fueled by warped and destructive ideas.
Steve, your warning to add virus protection to I-Phones, and smart phones is general is good. I'm sending your comments to my Mac-loving friends who have a false sense of security.
Kathryn
Thanks again Kathryn, I'm shifting the order of the series publication & will now start with Class C - our VP software recommendations; It is scheduled it to post on the website 09/20/10. Not much experience with Microsoft Security Essentials yet, except that my Uncle Bill has done such a poor job in the past...
Hi Barry, Thanks for spilling the beans on the rest of my content in Class B! Oh well...j/k. My 2nd most asked question on viruses is what you address: Why would someone create these things?. I always come back with a question: Why does anyone vandalize a Church? I think you and I are saying the same thing there, but I wonder if the overall reasons are much deeper and sometimes unique. I know 'pride' has had something to do with a few of the most famous viruses; they simply want their 15 minutes.
Hi Steve, Great acticle and information that will be very helpful.
I'm currently using a Trend Micro AntiVirus that came with my Sony VAIO laptop that I recently purchase. In addition to, I try to practice scanning my PC every other day to help elimate any viruses. However, I will certainly look at your choices of virus protection that you recommend.
Thanks so much for sharing your expertise.
Cynthia
Thanks Cynthia,
Trend Micro (home edition) is one of the 'neutral+' programs in our review; meaning, keep it as your 'always-on' protection until the yearly subscription is about to run out. Renew Trend if it still works well for you, or change to our current recommendation if not.
We are having trouble with Trend Micro Corporate Edition for Servers; it has gotten painfully slow, especially during updates. Tech support has gone downhill. It has been our preferred corporate solution for the last three years. We're about to ditch it at our two largest clients.
Our review class (due 09/20) has this type of analysis for most of the major AV programs. We try to keep it simple. The class does provide several links where eggheads talk your ear off, if you want a more comprehensive look at things.
iPikal gives you thumbs up for buying a VAIO. Steve
Good article Steve, Thanks! I look forward to your next. I've been using the Malwarebytes but not as my always on. I think I may change that now.
Thanks for sharing this article with me Steve. What a simple way to lay out virus protection in laymen's terms. Once my mother gets this link, she will be purchasing an external hardrive for the pictures and home videos she recently burned to DVD from the old VHS.
Thanks Scott & Adam (both of these guys work at businesses I support in Nashville). That's what I like about biznik; I'm able to share free advice with home & business users in a friendlier and more diverse format than my website. Clients can then see plenty of good material, not just the stuff I write.
Now with Rickey Gold & Adam's mom, I've potentially saved two people from some real heartache when it comes to losing priceless files & memories. Hopefully I can keep writing. Their two comments made my month.
iPikal does all the work at my shop anyway these days, so I'm not really needed much anymore. Puerto Vallarta, here I come. It’s as easy to write there as in Nashville.
Thanks for the infomative article. I've been on Mac desktops for over 10 years and have never had a virus or other damaging malware, despite not even worrying about getting them anymore.
I know no one else who has a Mac that has had a bug either. On the PC side, most people I know have had such issues at some time and the warnings of new ones just keep on coming. The warners never say that it's a PC bug they're talking about, but it invariably is.
So I think it's important for those who say Macs can get these things to also say that there is simply no comparison in the dangers and potential problems of Macs compared to PCs. I think those who've always been on PCs don't realize this.
Basically, I sum it up this way: On a Mac you just work. On a PC, you work around their issues – hopefully. The antivirus industry exists for PCs.
I know that there were once a couple of Mac worms they had sent out updates for, but compared to the near-constant vigilance, warnings, problems and paranoia (not to mention the more convoluted OS – another issue) involved with PCs, I don't understand why the possible issues of each could be mentioned in the same paragraph.
Again, there's just no comparison, which I think should be included in any articles about the subject unless and until things change.
Thanks Elvis.
Thanks Joe. Your comments are no doubt valid. iPakal has several paragraphs in that section of our series about Macs, and also Linux (yes, they do get viruses too). I'll include you in our weekly newsletter so you get an update when that section is posted. You are completely right about how (historically) PCs are a mess compared to Macs. You will win that case in any court of law.
One caution I'll put out to you, Rickey Gold and all the other Macs; I've saved several articles that detail 'bug fixes' in the Mac OS put out just in the last year. The series will provide links to them. What you guys are still vulnerable to are website 'drive-bys' and hacks. Also, Macs use Adobe Reader / Flash / Shock & MS Office – the problems of those programs don't care whether you're a Mac or PC.
One last thing (in case you can't read the final series): I have a prediction. I believe the world's all-time greatest virus will attack only the Mac OS, and it will be worse than anything M. Night Shyamalan ever dreamed of. Read the advanced topics class for details why I fear this.
Steve
I always recommend my clients use the free antivirus from Microsoft. It uses very little resources, no nagging to update constantly, it just works. I've switched several clients off of Avast because they hated the update reminders and would never do them. MS Antivirus does one thing and does it simply and easily. I can't agree with your more about Norton and McAfee. Talk about bloatware! If you have a router on your network then the free firewall built into windows is more then enough. If you're using webmail then then your email is already virus scanned probably. If not, then practice some common sense before you click on that attachment. Anyway, enough rambling. Good article! Thank you for posting this. It's very timely considering the recent news about the email worm that was going around.
Nice chime in from an IT guy, thanks Jason. I have the same feelings as you about Avast; like I told Elizabeth Tackett in the 2nd comment, I don't run Avira always-on protection (similar to Avast - I don't like it either now; slow as crap nowadays) because I don't open attachments I'm not expecting, even from my Mom (Hi Mom, love you!).
"..free firewall built into windows is more than enough..." I don't know about that one. Maybe there aren't many Ukrainians in AZ...
IT guys do love to ramble, but I'll stop too. I'm spilling too many beans, and no one will go to www.softwareknowledgeinc.com and blow up my Google Analytics. Good point about webmail, and I'll have @iPikal do more research on MS Antivirus before we publish our review; that is, if I can break her away from tweeting that funny Indian actor...c’mon Kal Penn, you’re killing me dude. Would you please follow her and answer just one of her tweets? They are really funny, and I will owe you one. Trust me.
Thanks so much Steve My Microsft one care is running out at the end of this month...time to learn what is best...I will check out the Malwarebytes you mention....this article was very well written...and informative...I am sending it on to friends... I did not know about the CD and DVD lifespan...and my pictures are at risk! I thought external hard drives were more at risk due to potential crashing at any moment...perhaps 2 backups in 2 different forms is best for favorite pictures... And yes I do panic when something goes wrong with my computer...I will TRY to remember your advice on that one ; ) I fear the loss of info but also the expense of getting the computer fixed. In fact is there other antivirus that is good that is freeware? I will check out your website also....
Maybe down in Phoenix there are more Ukrainians. Up here in the mountains I know people from Poland, Serbia, Chechnya, Ireland, France and the UK. There's something about the wide open spaces up here. :)
Thanks again Jason. My largest client has a branch office in AZ; expect a call if I can't break free the next time something goofs up out there. Or maybe I'll take Joe Vissichelli's advice and just switch the entire 270 PC network to Mac. Wait, has Apple's Server OS come out yet?
Hi Bridget, Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate them. Dog gone, I'll spill another bean: 2 backups are a beautiful thing! I promise I have a great tip about how Software Knowledge recommends you accomphlish this without emptying the wallet.
Steve
Frankly, I'm amazed that Macs have gone this long without a disaster critter, esp. considering the in-your-face challenge to the bugmakers that advertising and bragging of Mac safety has presented. It wouldn't surprise me if the long overdue "Big One" arrives someday, as some rat-fink genius' crowning achievement.
But meanwhile, the extra upfront cost is well worth it, and I'll just work and wonder why sooooo many people are hooked on PCs.
@Joe Macs do get viruses occasionally. There's just no money in it. Virus writers go after big targets and Macs with their 3-5% market share just don't make it as appealing.
@Steve You need any assistance you let me know. I was an IT Director for a drug reseller in Tempe in a prior life as well as a network admin for a dsl provider back in the heydays for those guys in Phoenix. I know my way around a machine. :)
My personal backup choice is Carbonite for remote as well as an external drive for a local copy. I have a dental office I'm supporting in Prescott that is using a program called ebackup on a Win 2k8 R2 server. It's a hokey program where you have to assign user privileges on 4 different tabs. Not only that, but they charge by the GB of data backed up. It's never worked right before I took over or since. We're going to replace it with Carbonite most likely. It works great and get's the job done, IMO.
Thank you so much Steve what a great and helpful article
Thanks my fellow Steve, from Austin. Love stopping in your state on the way to Cabo.
This comment area has depleted almost all of the material that was going to publish in the website series & there is little need for anyone to visit my boring website anymore. Thanks @Jason for telling everyone about Carbonite. I haven't written that class yet; I'll just cut and paste your paragraph. Thanks @JoeMac for painting the picture of “the big one” that’s going to hit you guys. I think it will be a worm. Beautifully hidden in an OS update, after an ingenious hack into Apple labs. A time bomb, set to go off whenever… A kid in Cambodia has Mac in his scope…
Last, to @JoeMac: As a PC, I gave a courteous reply to your first McPunch. Instead of accepting that, you just had to throw another as soon as you could. Joe… went too far dude. A member of my team is going to contact you (in private) to setup a WAR. Let’s not waste any more space in this virus discussion.
Software Knowledge has an incredible new intern starting in two weeks. She is PC at work & Mac at home. This Belmont College graduate was going to be my opponent in an up-coming article on this very topic.
The teams are now: Vissichelli / Rickey Gold / BelmontGrad VS. Kozy / @iPikal. One warning about our attack: there is quite a difference between a PC and a Software Knowledged-PC. We will be defending the latter, and coming at you with up an up-time % verified by our clients over the last 27 years. Get ready for the butter, Joe. You’re toast.
I casually ignored @Joe's jab at PC users. It's not worth it and life is too short to argue with them. ;)
Jason, I've always had a saying "It makes as much sense to argue with a Mac as it does with your wife. It’s not a winnable battle. Learn how to say ‘Yes Dear’ .”
Not this time.
lol I hear ya. I learned "Yes, Dear" very early. That and to say, "mmmhmmm, I see, I didn't think about it that way OR that's interesting." and just repeat those three phrases.
Steve, make that whole grain toast, please.
Anyone taking what I said personally has taken it wrong. Despite the dopey tv commercials, I'm not a Mac or a computer, for that matter. Just a guy who wants not to deal with digital BS when he works, so for me it's the logical choice. If a PC works for you, I'm not knocking you. If a PC IS you, I'm confused.
Let's argue religion and politics next time. It's more civil. Anyone for Tea?
Excellent! Thank you Steve, really helpful and important. Great article.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for dispelling a lot of the myths about AV software. To me the biggest danger is complacency. We tend to think "I've got this so I'm safe".
Regards,
Andy
Hi Andy
You're exactly right. I blame the AV makers for not including better instructions on the proper setup and monitoring of their products. I hate when I can't find the subscription expiration date, or the date of the last update. Those two things should be in big font on the front page of everyone's AV management screen.
Nice chime in. Thanks for connecting. Steve
Great submission Steve, I am feeling this pain as we speak. Got a blue screen on my laptop since last Saturday and have wittled it down to an iisue with internet access. As long as my computer is offline it is fine but right when I turn on my wifi it shuts down.
I have McAfee (I too wish Id seen this before getting that one) and the dreded windows Vista operating system.
Scanned for virus and no issues it states. the error displays as 000000FE. BUG CODE USB DRIVER error and now it just shut down with a DRIVER POWER STATE ERROR for the first time.
Any ideas (quick ones) what it could be?
Hi Daria,
I'm glad I logged in; Yes, I have some ideas. (Nothing guaranteed, because blue-screens are no fun). Un-install the driver for wifi & re-install it (if you know how to); based on what you write, that would be my first step. MacAfee is not the problem here.
Good Luck, Steve
I'm a newbee to Biznik. Your article made it worth it to join! My husband had a serious crash last month, losing a lot in the process. Have no idea what it was, but it caused massive heartache, downtime and stress.
Another note on Norton, I clicked on one of their windows once because I thought it was an update. It deleted my Norton software. When I called Norton to get this fixed, I received the run around and a trial version to fix it. I have a subscription through next year, but now I don't have the software at all. They said they would send me the software but I only got the trial software again. I'm tired of dealing with them. They keep asking if they have helped solve the situation to my satisfaction and I keep saying "NO". They finally just stop calling me back.
I will look into your recommendations immediately.
Have fun in Puerto Vallarta. That's where I'd like to be.
Daria, one other thought; download a copy of Malwarebytes to a flash stick from a working PC. Try to install and run without updating. It still may catch something.
PS Steve. Your profile photo brought a smile to my face today. It is a very heart-warming photo!
Just thought you'd like to know - who you ARE (being) makes a difference!
Puerto Vallarta; that was a wish, Cat. The wife is re-modeling the kitchen right now. We'll be lucky if we get to Memphis this year. At the same time, I love Memphis. Great city; went to college there. Life is good...
Click on this link and download a copy of Malwarebytes: http://www.techspot.com/downloads/4716-malwarebytes-anti-malware.html Don't click on any of the ads. You will probably get an IE security question asking you to download; allow it. Install, update & run a quick scan. Remove anything if found & Reboot. If something found, run a complete scan next.
We can have your PC fully protected within 30 minutes. I can send you a 'key' to activate the Malwarebytes always-on protection. We already have a News article on how we like to configure it. I'll send you a message about the special biznik rate. You send me a check later. Steve
Thanks Steve! Sorry about Mexican vacation. But a new kitchen sounds worth the sacrifice. And, Memphis is a great city as is Nashville.
I will go to malwarebytes next! I just went to download trial of Avira. At the end of 30 minutes this note popped up:
Installation of Microsoft Runtime Redistributable Kit has failed.
The probable cause is a Windows update running in parallel. Please check if a Windows update is in progress and run Avira Premium Security Suite again a little later.
If the installation fails again, please contact Avira Support.
Set up will close.
Shall I try it again?
We can have your PC fully protected within 30 minutes. I can send you a 'key' to activate the Malwarebytes always-on protection. We already have a News article on how we like to configure it. I'll send you a message about the special biznik rate. You send me a check later. Steve
Great! here's my email: cat@panoptixevents.com
it's very very rare to have to do a complete reinstall of Windows, even with a rootkit infection
Kev
Cambridge PC Support
cam-pc[dot]co[dot]uk
01223 813344
Valid point; coming from someone who appears to be in a top IT shop.
Q: How many home users have access to firms of our quality, or have the money to pay for this type of surgery? A: Very Few
Also, while you can recover a PC from the worst of the worst viruses where it now starts and all the programs seem to work ok; are you sure you've fixed everything? Have you taken the time to review Group Policy and verify it is back to default settings? Are there little things, many not really needed, that still don't work? My point: It is smart at some point to do a full re-install. It takes less time (client’s money), and you know for sure that the OS is clean. Of course, loading all their programs again & restoring their data is no fun (Friends, Please keep all your install disks!).
Readers: Kev is Masters class quality. You’re not. But, if the cost of this type of surgery is worth it to you, call me or Kev.
Kev, I’ll connect with you & maybe get your help in writing the website series. As you might have noticed, I love giving credit to my teammates. Thanks for helping me relay that: D) all hope is NOT lost if you catch a virus.
Cheers, Steve
As an author, I can't afford to lose anything! I have, wish you were there then but have all your specs now. What a great article! I will just add my name to the thanks trail-it will keep growing.
Hi Madeline,
What a beautiful comment! Thank you. The response to our article here has been fantastic and we are writing away on the entire series.
We just published our first website piece a few minutes ago, as promised. It includes a way to sign up for the chance to win a special prize.
You can see it here: http://www.softwareknowledgeinc.com/virus-protection
Thanks again, Steve
OK, you are an official genius and we are lucky you are here. Keep writing!
Thanks again Mom, I mean Madeline.
Everyone is a genius, when their time comes. I'll do my best to keep writing...thank you
Steve
Steve, What a great and insightful article. Thanks a bunch for the "shout out".
Thanks again,
Be Incredible, Darnyelle
Thank you so much Darnyelle. Your work is fabulous.
Thanks also John.
Steve
A very special thank you!
...to the Software Knowledge nation.
Today's newsletter about the Software Knowledge Awards seems to have helped this article get an incredible amount of reads in a single day.
Many of you probably wondered what company beat yours out for Client of the 90s. Most everyone in today's mailing has been a friend since then. And I thank you for that, honestly.
Steve
Nice work, thanks for such a comprehensive article.
I've been around PC's almost my entire life and it always amazes me when I hear someones virus story. The only virus I've had is the occasional winter cold.
I use Microsoft Security Essentials, put my important files (Word docs, photos, music, etc.) on an external drive. I never download anything from questionable sites and I don't get click happy and "like" everything on my Facebook wall. Just like anything in life if you pay attention you'll be just fine.
Always make sure you are updating Windows and your virus protection software and if you have questions ask an expert. Do yourself a favor and get a portable drive and keep your important files backed up.
Wow--great content, Steve! I love what you said when you do get a virus, "Don’t panic, and please don’t break out the VISA and buy the program you see on your screen." I hate those pop-ups they are such a scam!
Never happened to me. Never crashed. Never had computer possessed. Never had a slow computer. Never opened a Hallmark card in email and got wiped out. Never spent hours coaxing the computer to become alive again.
.... ok. I guess I have had the experiences after all.
Time for you to set up a Google calendar with tasks for the day to check off.
how about: www.checklisttoeliminatevirus.com
:)
thanks
I've been working in IT for over 18 years. I've seen more viruses...
My first virus was Michelangelo and my mentor infected my computer to see what would happen... Lost everything.
I was working in a Microsft Lab when Red Alert attacked. I was one of the first labs to rebuild all thier servers.
Every few years, something comes along and takes out one of my computers even with virus software.
So I agree with you on backups... double agree with you.
My kids are always picking up the worst viruses, it's very frustrating.
I enjoyed your article, but obviously I think I've re-lived some remembered traumas. Kind of like a scary movie.
Thanks for the article it was fun.
Thanks Gail & Dennis,
Thanks to my special friend, Joanie; folks, you have to read her articles. She has a brilliant mind...
Thanks Michael, I guess...hahaha, not sure, but I think you are joking.
James, thank you very much - a compliment from an IT pro is always heartfelt... Call me anytime if I can help you, or your kids...
Steve
... and "Shout-Out" to Mr/Ms 15,000!!! My thanks, Steve Kozy
I checked out your site, I've moved away from the hands on IT Support and focus IT audits to identify risk, opportunity and next steps. So i'll probably take you up on your offer when I am tired from the next virus.
I think a basic computer security literacy is necessary for every computer user. "Human factor" here makes more mistake than software. To learn basics will not take much time and it will not slow down your system:)
Microsoft released Version 2 of Security Essentials today: http://bit.ly/eD6PK7
I highly recommend updating or replacing your current antivirus (my own opinion of course).
Great write-up! I hear you on the ever-changing favorites for virus protection. I too change it up as well and find that it takes at least a combination of two programs to completely cover the bases. I too hate Norton and McAfee. I feel so bad when I hear about the pain these have caused my friends and colleagues... and feel bad telling them that they just paid to have their computer to wreaked with havoc.
I'm curious... you wrote this back in 2012 and your current combination of programs for virus protection were Malwarebytes & Avira. What is your preferred combo this month?
Also, what do you think of Microsoft Security Essentials? I switched to that after my FREE year of Avast5.0 expired. So far so good. I've coupled it with IObit Malware Fighter.
I am curious to hear your thoughts on these and find out what your current preferences are.
have a great weekend!
Software Knowledge will be offering free webinars & Nashville open-house parties on Upgrading your Vista PC to Windows 7. It can be done rather easily...[more]
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