Hey Harry, want to go phishing?
If so, check this out:
Are you one of the lucky computer-using people that – in a split second of an overdue update – got hacked and lost all of the money that you had in
Hey Harry, want to go phishing?
If so, check this out:
Are you one of the lucky computer-using people that – in a split second of an overdue update – got hacked and lost all of the money that you had in
I recently got a new Dell mini laptop, with Windows 7 and IE 8. I keep getting a pop up “Security Warning Do you want to view only the webpage content that was delivered securely?” anytime I am on the web and trying to click through. Please tell me how to get rid of this. It is driving me crazy, and totally slowing down
Steve asks:
I liked your comment about Bcc (see the tip Bcc Explained). I forward by using Bcc, removing all email addresses that people have sent me. I have asked my friends to remove their friends’ email addresses before they forward it on, some do and some don’t. How do I explain the
Email Safety
The WorldStart newsletter is delivered via email, and replies to it arrive in one of several inboxes that I monitor each day. When a response is called for, I reply, in an often vain attempt to answer readers’ questions. Some of the replies to the newsletter are, to
Receiving a buffer overflow (also known as a buffer overrun) error may not seem that dangerous, but it’s a serious security risk. A direct result of bad programming, buffer overflow errors occur when too much data is stored in a space designed for less.
Think of it this way. If you pour a large jug of water into a small glass, the excess water will spill… Continue reading
SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition is a great program for locating and quarantining spyware in your computer, and it is also really simple to use. As we all know, Spyware can become a major pain, causing many issues within your computer.
Some of the many great features of this program include a Quick Scan, Complete Scan, or even a Custom Scan, which will check for malicious files in areas that you… Continue reading
I’ve been an AVG antivirus user for several years now, and will probably continue to use it on my own computers. However, after having some problems installing the latest version of AVG on someone else’s XP computer, I decided to try Avast instead. That’s one the beauties of the abundance of freeware available today. If you’re having problems with an uncooperative program, you can… Continue reading
I received an email from one of our readers about URL Void, a website she’d discovered that checks website safety, and I thought it was worth passing along to you.
At URL Void, just type an internet address (URL) into the field, click the Scan Now button and, within seconds, a report on the site comes back.… Continue reading
This tip describes how to hide, locate, and secure folders in Vista and Windows 7. Continue reading
Caregivers get Smart.
Caregivers of elderly and disabled friends, relatives, and patients are eagerly looking forward to getting “Smart”, thanks to Mizzou University of Missouri’s electrical and computer engineering professor, Harry Tyrer, Jr.
The professor has invented the “Smart Carpet”, a computerized flooring system that uses embedded sensors to monitor walking activity and then sends the data to a computer that… Continue reading
This program is used for removing those pesky adware / spyware files on your computer. By now, most people understand the vast threat out there when it comes to malicious files that are sometimes tied to programs you download. If you are not aware of the potential threats I will give a bit of an overview.
Spyware is defined as a type
Robert, from Stockton California asks:
I installed Microsoft Security Essentials, which shut off Windows Defender, and it won’t turn back on. Which one is the best protection?
Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender are both anti-malware software that are made by Microsoft.
What is the Difference Between Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender?
Windows… Continue reading
Don, from Roanoke VA asks:
I’ve got a problem with the MS Word 2010 application. Every time I open the program I get a security warning just below the ribbon stating that macros have been disabled (click enable content.) Could you explain this macro, and how do I make this action enabled by default. I can’t seem to find a solution under the file tab>options.
Note: This tip may not apply to all versions of Windows.
In terms of computer security and privacy, USB devices are usually the weakest point. Even the strongest firewall or security software can be bypassed just by plugging in a USB drive.
With the growing amount of data a single USB flash drive can hold (up to 128 GB) and the increase to data… Continue reading
Dennis asks:
How do you remove Google-Redirect? What program do you recommend for a novice?
Hello Dennis, and thanks for the question. The Google Redirect Virus is a Trojan that attacks computers that have Google set as their home page, or use Google as their search engine. As you probably already know that is a lot of people, as Google is a very popular… Continue reading
Serena, from North Carolina, asks:
I am looking to get rid of my computer, but I want to make sure that everything is off of my hard drive (banking info, etc.). How can I do this and be sure?
Serena, you are right to be cautious. Many people think that formatting a hard drive is the best thing to do in this situation. However, this still leaves behind… Continue reading
Advanced System Protector Personal Edition is a free spyware remover, available from Systweak. In addition to spyware and malware removal, it offers plenty of scanning options, including scheduling. However, the free version doesn’t provide any real time protection (referred to as shields). To download, click on the blue Download button. You will then be taken to a second page, and given the option to continue downloading the free version… Continue reading
Note: This tip only applies to Professional editions of Windows. That includes Windows XP Pro, Windows Vista Pro, and Windows 7 Pro. This will not work on Home editions.
The Registry is the heart of a Windows operating system. Almost all Windows configuration settings and options are stored there.
The Windows Registry is accessed through a system application called: the Registry Editor. It allows… Continue reading
Ryan B. from Spokane, Washington asks:
I have a question about updates. I have an antivirus and firewall program installed and they always notify me when they have updated everything; I figure that’s good since they are the most important. I also have Windows Update. I am very busy and get tired of having Windows Update nagging me
Walt from OK asks: How do I remove McAfee from my computer completely so I can install a different anti-virus?
McAfee offers products for home and business users alike. Both can be removed from any computer, but sometimes it takes more than just a few steps. Products available
When I was a kid, all of my friends had big brothers. They were always spying on us; when we had a slumber party, when we were talking on the phone, when we were at a slumber party talking on the phone…”Total lack of respect”, a friend of mine complained when she caught her brother under her bed.
I never had a brother, big or little. Thus… Continue reading
The Internet has been called the “new frontier” and in many ways, it is. This “information superhighway” has caused concerns with personal privacy, and connected computer systems around the world (resulting in additional security measures), have provided hackers an opportunity to prey on innocent victims everywhere.
Here are a few of our tips to protect yourself and your computer while surfing the web.
-
Ted asks:
I have a really weird problem. This afternoon I went to log in to my Facebook account and I got this warning that it was a bad website. I started going to other sites and got the same thing. Yesterday my computer was fine, and today I am getting “There is a problem with this website’s security certificate”. What’s going on?!
Aren’t… Continue reading
Ray asks:
What is “about blank” and how do you get rid of it? Do I need to?
Thanks for the question Ray! About:blank is a two edged sword, it seems. On one hand, about:blank is part of every browser. If you open your browser now and type about:blank into your address bar, you will most likely get a blank white page. If you… Continue reading
Henry R. asks:
I have been reading your articles on malware and I realize that I need to take precautions, as well as be informed. Do you know of any programs that will do all of the things needed to make sure this stuff doesn’t get on my computer? And if it does, what program can I use to get rid of whatever it is?
So we talk a lot about malware here at WS. In most cases it’s a warning about new types of attacks or how to remove a specific type of bug or maybe a new program that helps to remove these nasty little pieces of software.
In any case, the worst situation that one could face when it comes to malware is getting their computer destroyed or having their identity stolen.… Continue reading