MegabyteCoffee
Excellent SOHO Computer Repair Services powered with a shot of espresso.
Stuff for Safe Computing
It's no secret. The majority of the time someone hires me to repair their Windows based home or small office computers, it is usually related to a virus/malware issue. People's desire to click on literally anything they see, or use file sharing services, where you download illegal software and music from a stranger, or watching movies on sites that are obviously not supported by the movie industry, will always be an attraction for people to try and beat the system. The joke is, these sites are littered with malformed headers and other little tricks to fool you or deliberately try and screw up your machine, and the next thing you realize, WHAM! The computer is infected.
The information I post on this page is my recommendations from professional and personal use. I spend about 1/3 of my time annually at work dealing with computer security and regulations in one form or another. With some common-sense and the right protection on your computer, you should not have to worry about viruses or spyware ever. I update this page periodically as products are always being evaluated and some may be no longer valid, or as other solutions I find become available or mature.
Thirtyseven4 Antivirus
I recently got a chance to try Thirtyseven4 on my network, and have to say I am quite impressed.
This antivirus system is perfect for individual use, small office or large network antivrus protection.
If managing multiple computers through your network, Thirtyseven4 has easy deployment and control options through it's admin console. Without using any documentation, I had my whole networked system installed, and protected in just a few minutes.
Thirtyseven4 also goes after all the threats that Superantispyware picks up (And malwarebytes). With Thirtyseven4, you do not need an antispyware product to go after the malware that most antivirus systems fail to even detect. Thirtyseven4 seems to have a real attitude for going after and destroying all types of malware and viruses. This product is agressive at finding and removing any threats -Just what you would want and expect an antivirus package to do.If you need to protect a networked system, like a POS system, or an office, or just a PC or two, I would advise you check out Thirtyseven4 for your antivirus needs. This product is not free, but the price is reasonable, and the protection is top-notch.
Microsoft Security Essentials
You need antivirus protection on your computer. There are many antivirus programs out there that are free and many that cost money. Microsoft has
released a FREE antivirus/antispyware product for your computer that is decent. This product doesn't bog your system down and does provide
protection as good as any other free product.
If your system is already infected with a virus or some types of malware, Security Essentials may not install. The product is great if your system is clean to start with, it will ensure that it stays that way, but I was not impressed how it couldn't install on a machine that was infected with a minor piece of malware.
Dr. Web CureIt!
Want to verify your current antivirus is keeping your computer clean, or is your computer infected and you need to cure it from some nasty
virus or malware? If so, then you can try Dr. Web CureIt! Just run the FREE Dr.Web CureIt! (no install required) just download and run to quickly scan your computer and
for any malicious objects. It will try and remove anything it finds.
You know, if Dr. Web Cureit finds anything on your system and you do have antivirus protection, guess what? It's not worth a crap. time to move to a better product.
SUPERAntiSpyware
The free version can clean the spyware, malware, and rid your computer of some of the worst malware and fake security alerts, and other scareware
products infested on your computer. The paid version provides a realtime protection for continous updates and security. Unless you have a good full
featured antivirus product that is known for going after all malware and scareware, use this along with your favorite antivirus to ensure your system remains clean.
Overall, having a dedicated antispyware system today seems to be a thing of the past, since most antivirus products are also protecting from spyware. But this isn't totally true. Many antivirus systems do not touch the grey-ware area (Like Kaspersky), which are those programs that should be listed as a virus or malware, but just don't quite make the cut. This includes scareware, and joke programs. Products like SuperAntiSpyware are great at hunting down all spyware, from the simple stuff to the most aggressive scareware. Great to have on any computer to ensure your online safety.
The Free version of Superantispyware will clean your computer of any bad things it finds. If it tags something as bad, then it is. The paid version is cheap, and provides unlimited updates and realtime protection.
ComboFix
Have you removed a virus or malware, and your network/internet connection is still not working? Weird issues still going on? Then, you
may need something designed to go after and repair damaged settings or remove some of the most known aggressive malware damage.
Please Note: Combofix should not always be used as a first strike method. It's powerful, but used at the wrong time, could make things more difficult to repair. The link above will take you to BleepingComputer.com's page on using ComboFix. Read the whole page first before using.
OpenDNS
Enables consumers and network administrators to secure their networks from online threats, protect users from phishing sites and provides
typo corrections for website addresses. Also this service usually resolves DNS names slightly faster than your ISP's DNS servers and can speed your internet
requests. This service is free and easy to start using. I highly recommend everyone to use OpenDNS!
On my home network, I have OpenDNS configured on my router so all the computers on my home network use OpenDNS for safe surfing. It's one extra level of protection you should not go without. The service is free, and there is a subscription options available with expanded capabilities.
I have found that internet services like AT&T's U-Verse (DSL TV) does not allow you to change the DNS settings on the router they provide to you. This is just plain stupid in my opinion. But, for everyone else, use OpenDNS! The OpenDNS website will guide you through how to configure OpenDNS for your computer directly or internet router. Please, use OpenDNS if possible.
Windows HOSTS file.
You can use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners,
cookies, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is one of the best and
most thorough methods of protecting your computer. Read the info on the
website if you are not familiar with where to install this file.
I do not use this much anymore. It still comes in handy on some machines I work on, especially for those people, that no matter what, they will jack up their computer in a weeks time! One problem with using this HOSTS file, is that URL's that are real long mave have problems working. For example, these would be advertising links, or even shopping site links. Still, this HOSTs file can come in handy, especially when trying to clean a heavily infected machine, dropping this HOSTS file in, will render many of those nasty spyware that is constantly trying to phone home to be blocked, and removal of the malware can become easier.
You may have noticed that I didn't list anything from some of the more popularly known security suites like Norton, McAfee, and Kaspersky. There is a reason. Regardless of what the magazine reviews say, I've had my share of issues with those packages, and prefer only what I list here. Maybe the price is too high for what it is, or with some, I have results and screenshots where some of these have listed malware/scareware as safe when it isn't. In my business, a security breach of any type means I can lose my job. I only stand by the products I know will help me protect those I am responsible for.
If a product fails me, then it is from first hand experience that I have seen this, not because I didn't like the company name, or something I heard. If I am not familiar with a product, I'll be honest and tell you.
Firewall Protection
A firewall blocks unused ports and unauthorized traffic to and from your computer. A good firewall should also
offer intrusion detection and protection. The Microsoft Windows firewall
is included with Windows XP and higher, and does a decent job. The Windows firewall is more powerful than most people realize,
though stealth protection on ports is not available until Windows Vista and higher. If you want an easy to activate non-intrusive
firewall to protect your computer, use this! Even in your home network, protect your computer from any other machines that may
become infected and try to access your machine. Especially use a software firewall like this when you are using any free internet
access from coffee-shops, hotels, and anywhere else. A software firewall should always be enabled.
For advanced troubleshooting and configuration of the Windows Firewall, Microsoft's support site has a page located HERE.
There are many other software firewall that are available that are quite good, and free. If you are someone that wants to know everything, have proactive defense and not afraid of a few pop-up alerts, then I would recommend PrivacyWare Privatefirewall. This is a very powerful and fairly easy to use software based firewall. I have seen this firewall rebranded and used on other retail antivirus products. The only little complaint I have is that you cannot password protect the firewall from being disabled or settings changed. I like being able to lock down the firewall so anyone else using the PC cannot disable or change the settings I have put in play. Other than that, this is an excellent firewall.
Maintenance Utilities.
There are many free utilities out there for disk cleanup, performance improvements, and such. Below I have listed the ones
that I use and would recommend.
Most performance applications and commercials that promise a faster computer are really full of false promises. There are some things you can keep on top of that help, but overall, your computer is only going to run so fast and perform at a certain level. Keeping simple maintenance on your computer and keeping your computer virus free is the main trick. Secret Windows settings that you may read about are mostly false, and could even cause more problems. You can always contact me if you hear about a performance tweak or application you would like to know if it is legit or not.
CCleaner
is a free tool that removes garbage files (Temp files and other system
files that are no longer needed) that accumulate from your system to improve
performance and free up disk space. The program is small, fast, and easy
to use. CCleaner also includes a Windows registry cleaner option that removes registry
entries that are no longer needed or point to dead entries. Great little tool
to have and regularly updated with new cleanup definitions.
CCleaner contains a simple registry cleaner. I am not a fan of registry cleaners, and for the most part, most of them do more damage than good. The registry cleaner function in CCleaner does a mild scan and what it does remove is safe, dead entries. Also, if you use the Windows Update Uninstaller cleanup option in CCleaner, the registry cleaner will remove those entries from the Add/Remove programs since they are no longer needed. I may use the registry cleaner the first time I clean up a system after I install CCleaner, but unless I have oddball problems later from uninstalling or installing other applications, I normally do not use this one function again.
PerfectDisk
Disk defragmentation is a problem with any Windows file system. There are many disk defrag
tools out there that all promise the same thing, but only one product actually seems to do what it says, and does it
better than any other. PerfectDisk is that tool. Keep your system running at peak performance with a real disk
optimization tool. PerfectDisk is not free, but worth it. It goes above and beyond what the built in Windows defrag tool
does. Many defrag tools that are free, actually use the Windows built in defrag engine, since it is a very complicated
process, so with many of those tools you are getting the same Windows defrag tool with a prettier interface.
Diskeeper
Diskeeper is another commercial disk defrag tool available. The Windows defrag tool was originally built from an earlier version of this product. Diskeeper has evolved drastically over the years, and while I am using Diskeeper in a couple of machines to do a comparison, I still lean slightly more to PerfectDisk as my choice program. There are reasons why I like both products, PerfectDisk is cheaper, but the bottom line, it's your choice on this one.Data Backup.
Let's face it, maybe 1% of people I talk to back up their computer data regularly or at all. Bottom line, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR DATA! It's not a matter
of IF, but a matter of WHEN.
External hard drives are great, but you have to be disciplined to connect the drive and back up everything that is important to you. Bottom line, no one hardly does this, and if they do, it's not often enough.
Online backup services are a great and inexpensive way to ensure your computer is always backed up. the way they operate is that anytime your computer is connected to the internet, it will connect to the backup service and trickle backup your data. The initial backup can take several hours, obviously, but after that, its usually just a few minutes total each day. When you lose a file or your hard drive, you can access the online backup service's website and download the data you need. Your data is safe and held in encrypted form on these sites. Please, use an online backup service!
Mozy
Online backup is an inexpensive service that will more than pay for itself the first time you need to recover any
file(s) you inadvertently deleted or lost during a hard drive crash. For 54 dollars per year, you get unlimited backup storage space
for your computer. That's less than 5 dollars per month to ensure you never lose your data.
You are signing up right now, right?
Rescue and Deployment.
Not exactly tools for maintaining a good running system, these tools are more for working on machines that are not able to run and provide the ability to access and repair the troubled machine, or aid in deployment and staging.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 recovery disc.
A system repair disc can help you repair Windows if a serious error occurs. To use system recovery options, you'll
need a Windows installation disc or access to the recovery options provided by your computer manufacturer. If you
don't have either of those choices, you can create a system repair disc to access system recovery options.
IMPORTANT: Please make sure you have a recovery disc for your computer.
How to create a system repair disc
What are the system recovery disc options
Ultimate Boot CD for Windows
is a bootable recovery CD that contains software used
for repairing, restoring, or diagnosing almost any computer problem. UBCD4Win is based on
Bart's PE©. Bart's PE© builds a Windows "pre-install" environment CD, basically a simple
Windows XP booted from CD. UBCD4Win includes network support and allows you the ability
to modify NTFS volumes, recover deleted files, create new NTFS volumes, scan hard drives
for viruses, etc. An incredible tool to have.
avast! BART CD
avast! BART CD is a bootable CD, giving you the capability to detect and remove virus
infections on a computer. All this can be done fast and reliably, without the risk of spreading the infection any
further. But the BART CD can do much more! It also contains tools for editing registry files and a tool to check
and fix disk errors. Nice tool to have on a crashed system, when you are trying to repair the BOOT problems, or
recover the data.
This product is not free, and is not cheap, but one of those tools that a field technician cannot go without. There are times when doing a virus scan or repair on a PC needs to be done with a commercial tool like this. One of my favorite secret weapons in doing PC repairs.