tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post2954015376862519012..comments2023-09-15T08:07:28.542-06:00Comments on Western Hero: Save Your ComputerSilverfiddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13541652236676260219noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-12828667868310213212011-12-29T00:12:30.721-07:002011-12-29T00:12:30.721-07:00Well, yeah. Can't do anything software-related...Well, yeah. Can't do anything software-related with dead hardware.<br /><br />I've put 7.62x39mm into a dead monitor before... was amazed that the screen glass is over an inch thick (when it's not shattered, that is)<br /><br />LOL(((Thought Criminal)))https://www.blogger.com/profile/17311656184275255223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-4625678596807183082011-12-28T22:07:28.493-07:002011-12-28T22:07:28.493-07:00Beamish Said: "to deleting your harddrive to ...<i> Beamish Said: "to deleting your harddrive to the point even the NSA can't retrieve what you wiped, and everything in between."</i><br /><br />Last year I had a C drive hard drive failure. Like I said before, I make regular backups. Using two USB hard drives. Alternating drives in case one gets hit.<br />I digress, since I most likely had personal and financial data on this drive, no way was I going to send it in for warranty work. Instead as my handle suggests I use the NRA disc wiping method. A 357 or 44 mag, 45ACP or 223 afternoon session renders the drive immune to data restoration. (be sure and police your range before you leave)OD357https://www.blogger.com/profile/13129455581130598040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-42161568982186350352011-12-28T21:41:50.215-07:002011-12-28T21:41:50.215-07:00For "elite" internet browsing, try out O...For "elite" internet browsing, try out Opera. It's like Google Chrome, but better. <br /><br />The most no-nonsense internet browsing experience I've had by far, and you can set your favorite sites as "speed dial" screens and refresh all of them simultaneously... it's nice to know you have Facebook messages, email, and new items to read at your favorite blogs updated in real time all on one simple point and click screen.<br /><br />And, it's faaaaast! I download more data faster with Opera over WiFi to a DSL connection running at 1.8 to 2 Mbps speeds than I did with any other browser hardlined via ethernet cable directly into a 8+ Mbps cable modem.<br /><br />I don't know how or why, but I ain't complaining. :)(((Thought Criminal)))https://www.blogger.com/profile/17311656184275255223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-84833534868001340122011-12-28T21:30:40.948-07:002011-12-28T21:30:40.948-07:00heh.. just read the thread... Rob said it all firs...heh.. just read the thread... Rob said it all first...(((Thought Criminal)))https://www.blogger.com/profile/17311656184275255223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-64475928462098616482011-12-28T21:28:48.112-07:002011-12-28T21:28:48.112-07:00I highly recommend Malwarebytes from malwarebytes....I highly recommend Malwarebytes from malwarebytes.org and CCleaner from Piriform. <br /><br />Both are free to download and use. Malwarebytes has permanently removed all sorts of malicious programs and adtrackers that have plagued my system, and CCleaner is awesome because it can do everything from remove bad registry files to deleting your harddrive to the point even the NSA can't retrieve what you wiped, and everything in between.<br /><br />Naturally, as with all anti-virus scanners, run these programs in Windows safe mode (without networking) for maximum scrubbing. A lot of these malicious programs hide from anti-virus programs in the boot sector of the hard drive. Running your AV in safe mode supersedes this and cleans your boot sector too.(((Thought Criminal)))https://www.blogger.com/profile/17311656184275255223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-46454331118604297562011-12-28T13:45:27.296-07:002011-12-28T13:45:27.296-07:00I doubt that this applies to you, Silver, but a lo...I doubt that this applies to you, Silver, but a lot of headaches can be avoided by simply being judicious about what goes onto your computer. If you don't need it, don't it install it. Don't be cavalier about loading new stuff.<br /><br />That said, I swear by Malwarebytes and CCleaner. (I've been a faithful user since back when it was named "Crap Cleaner," which was apparently just too politically incorrect for the delicate world to tolerate.)<br /><br />And like OD said, backup your stuff, but don't be too trustful of those backups. CDs & DVDs can actually become unusable even if you haven't mistreated it - the media just degrades with age.<br /><br />Programs can easily be reinstalled but your data - your work - is what cannot be easily replaced. It's also well worth making screen caps (SnagIt is worth its weight in gold!) of your config screens to easily re-setup your email client connections.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02101289328294242999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-37167915253491645842011-12-28T07:41:03.804-07:002011-12-28T07:41:03.804-07:00ALSO:
I don't know if this is true or not, bu...ALSO:<br /><br />I don't know if this is true or not, but I have heard -- repeatedly -- that we shouldn't open any "attachments" -- EVEN if they come from people we know and like.<br /><br />That's why I generally copy and paste rather than link when I send emails, unless it's a link to a YouTube video.<br /><br />~ FTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-34121310129897956132011-12-28T07:35:52.494-07:002011-12-28T07:35:52.494-07:00Yes, Alligator, there an be no doubt the innately ...Yes, Alligator, there an be no doubt the innately depraved nature of Fallen Man respects no entity and knows no bounds.<br /><br />HOWEVER, I've been a Mac Person for over twenty years, on the net for 12, and have yet to deal with a virus.<br /><br />And yes, I know, "There's always a first time."<br /><br />Macs have many other virtues. being tech-moron-friendly is one of their greatest.<br /><br /><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!</b> -- until Obummer gets re-elected -- which at the rate things are going is slated to occur just as surely as God made little green apples.<br /><br />~ FreeThinkeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-48978866295916263702011-12-28T01:23:23.358-07:002011-12-28T01:23:23.358-07:00Macs had a good reputation for being virus free, b...Macs had a good reputation for being virus free, but that is starting to change. Weasels are starting to work on this untapped field now. CNET, Kim Komando and some other sites are starting to report them showing up. <br /><br />Backup files and run several antivirus and malware programs. My wife is a teacher and even when she has gone to innocuous educational websites, stuff has been detected and blocked. It's not just on the "naked women riding scooters" or games websites. These hackers look for ANYTHING they can attach their program to.Alligatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03764752508206031685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-51635935946320092522011-12-27T20:41:02.625-07:002011-12-27T20:41:02.625-07:00Sorry to hear about the computer. We've all b...Sorry to hear about the computer. We've all been there. Yes the worst are the ones that act like antivirus programs. "Click here to install full version."<br /><br />Click this buddy.<br /><br />And in the future avoid those naked scooter riding women sites.<br /><br />Stick to the safe sites like "Photoshopped images of Olivia Wilde naked."<br /><br />That's what I do.Infidel de Manahattahttp://www.manhattaninfidel.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-9236271262251886662011-12-27T20:31:28.800-07:002011-12-27T20:31:28.800-07:00I have two 1GB USB drives. I make two backups. If ...I have two 1GB USB drives. I make two backups. If you want it back it up. If you really want it and it's important back up the backup.<br /><br />Also you don't have to backup the programs, just the data. Difference is data is the information, programs can be reinstalled.OD357https://www.blogger.com/profile/13129455581130598040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-12162133299294061832011-12-27T19:26:57.160-07:002011-12-27T19:26:57.160-07:00Sorry that happened to you, Silverfiddle. I lost a...Sorry that happened to you, Silverfiddle. I lost a 1 year old laptop from that damn Trojan. <br /><br />Thanks for writing this post, though, between your advice and everyone else's, there's a lot of helpful information that should keep our computers safe!<br /><br />Hope you had a great Christmas! Have a safe and happy New Year!Pamela Zydelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455065276657597689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-29544512563136693032011-12-27T17:53:28.187-07:002011-12-27T17:53:28.187-07:00I just went through the loss of my desk top this p...I just went through the loss of my desk top this past month. Countless hours lost and work undone. Let alone the cost of a new desk top. Fortunately I had installed Carbonite four weeks prior to crash.KPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13788103894599339102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-12998921103033153002011-12-27T16:09:02.160-07:002011-12-27T16:09:02.160-07:00Games are bad? Ruhroh...I've just been enjoyi...Games are bad? Ruhroh...I've just been enjoying playing Lexulous Scrabble with a friend via the net! Should I stop?! Tell me NO!! :-)Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-78747092816451642912011-12-27T15:58:11.459-07:002011-12-27T15:58:11.459-07:00One little piece of advice from an admittedly rank...One little piece of advice from an admittedly rank amateur -- nay even a spiritual Luddite -- is this:<br /><br /><b>NEVER OPEN <i>ANY</i> UNSOLICITED EMAILS.</b><br /><br />But I still say, avoid the pain, and "GET A MAC."<br /><br />~ FreeThinke<br /><br />PS: I admire your knowledge, skill, ingenuity and perseverance, but I've long had a more-than-a sneaking suspicion that true tech heads are virtually <i>addicted</i> to solving the problems connected with "Process" -- to the point where "Process" is more interesting to them than "Product."<br /><br />Who was it who wrote -- seemingly aeons ago -- <b>"The <i>Medium</i> is the Massage</b>?"<br /><br />Oh yes. Marshall McLuhan. Smart guy he.<br /><br /><i>Cyberspace may<br />Be as great as they say,<br /><br />But it wouldn't be missed,<br />If it didn't exist</i>.<br /><br />~ FTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-12183674647216204742011-12-27T15:18:56.541-07:002011-12-27T15:18:56.541-07:00PPMS- The image backup software maintains multiple...PPMS- The image backup software maintains multiple versions of the back so after a week for example, there will be 7 complete system images. If I discover I've had a problem for a coupe days, I can go back 3 days, whatever number you want to put put it, up to two weeks.Kidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05287399775879832602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-62607630129112835532011-12-27T15:16:09.265-07:002011-12-27T15:16:09.265-07:00PPS - to clarify, one of my backup drives is not c...PPS - to clarify, one of my backup drives is not connected to the power outlet or the computer, alternated.Kidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05287399775879832602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-29817627320508353532011-12-27T15:13:22.195-07:002011-12-27T15:13:22.195-07:00PS - I don't run any protection/scanning softw...PS - I don't run any protection/scanning software other than ESET anti-virus. (AVG is a great Free anti-virus btw) and have no problems.<br /><br />If people are happy running spybot and all that, fine, but my setup is extremely low maintenance.<br /><br />Win7-firewall on, ESET, 2 image backup drives and the only thing I run is to click on the backup icon when I head off the computer for the day. Done.<br /><br />The backup software I use is Acronis, but there are other good ones for around 50 bucks as this one cost. I have the Acronis 2010 Home version, and the continual backup feature doesn't work, but I don't care, as if I had to go back a day or a week, it's no sweat.Kidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05287399775879832602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-88064508447209523902011-12-27T15:04:56.735-07:002011-12-27T15:04:56.735-07:00Great advice.
I also have image backup software a...Great advice.<br /><br />I also have image backup software and two external USB 2.0 drives, a 500gb and a 1tb. (They're too cheap)<br /><br />I keep one connected for a one click backup when I turn in every night and alternate them weekly. So, even if lightning strikes (or a virus) and frys everything connected to the system, I still have a complete system image, up to date on software patches etc, that is no more than a week old. I can live with that.Kidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05287399775879832602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-76474566641884562162011-12-27T11:48:26.902-07:002011-12-27T11:48:26.902-07:00I've been a stalwart believer in ESET Nod32 An...I've been a stalwart believer in ESET Nod32 Antivirus for a number of years. I went the freeware route for a long time, but I wanted/needed something a bit closer to absolute protection, and after comparing stacks of antivirus software tests, I decided to spend the money on ESET. Updated immediately when new definitions are released (usually at least a couple of times each day), low resource usage, and stops the bad guys dead. It was probably the best money I've ever spent on something related to my computer (well, second to the money I spent on Skyrim, anyway...).<br /><br />The best piece of security freeware I use is SpywareBlaster. You have to update the free version manually, but with the basic weekly maintenance that everybody should be doing anyway, it has kept spyware and friends out for years.<br /><br />Also, the kids do not, under any circumstances, use my computer...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-91214635344745912412011-12-27T11:17:46.645-07:002011-12-27T11:17:46.645-07:00Wow! I am impressed with everyone's knowledge ...Wow! I am impressed with everyone's knowledge of computers. <br /><br />I use McAfeee from Suddenlink. But now may consider Avast?<br /><br />Silver, I hope you don't mind, but I may be copying your post for future reference as well as some of this comments.<br /><br />I will be the first to admit I am not computer savvy. And could use all the the help I can get.Trekkie4Everhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03226981394122557804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-92018880336621263822011-12-27T10:42:08.088-07:002011-12-27T10:42:08.088-07:001. Find out if Sophos antivirus is available for W...1. Find out if Sophos antivirus is available for Windows.<br /><br />2. Make sure you are purging your Flash cookies and LSO's (marking "Don't Allow" in the Flash preferences is constantly overridden). Try the "Better Privacy" add-on if you use Foxfire.<br /><br />3. Foxfire users should look into Noscript.<br /><br />4. I run with cookies disallowed. I have cookies and permissions on for regular sites like banking and commerce and sites requiring sign on but everything else is no-no.<br /><br />5. Turn on your browser option to warn of malicious sites.<br /><br />Prevention is a reasonably effective cure.Ducky's herehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14608115001116619877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-54164993759950281712011-12-27T10:11:41.601-07:002011-12-27T10:11:41.601-07:00Don't feel bad, Silver. I caught this virus o...Don't feel bad, Silver. I caught this virus on my Gov't computer a couple of weeks ago... what a pain in the arse.<br /><br />Had to kill off some executables and then open heart surgery on Windows registry.<br /><br />Reinstalled McAfee. My computer isn't 100%, still a few bugs when these bastards went though my electronic china shop. Having a backup image is a great idea.<br /><br />Yes: it's OK to entertain thoughts of hackers burning in Hell. Think of all the millions of man-hours and money these criminals have stolen from people.Hugh Farnhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13083672180459131054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-27300025749138292942011-12-27T10:09:24.336-07:002011-12-27T10:09:24.336-07:00Jersey: Good advice. The computer in question di...Jersey: Good advice. The computer in question did not run Google Chrome, and I may have been remiss in not keeping the protections up to date since it is not a primary computer. I use a laptop and we have common/music, etc on a networked NAS.<br /><br />AOW: Also excellent advice. Unix and its derivatives are much more bulletproof.Silverfiddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13541652236676260219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-48995907348782864462011-12-27T09:34:13.724-07:002011-12-27T09:34:13.724-07:00Games are notorious for being able to bypass any a...Games are notorious for being able to bypass any and all anti-virus protection.<br /><br />If you must play games on your computer, use an old machine that has been rezorched and runs a Linux OS.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.com