Defender of "Computers"

You Can Still Use an Old Key with the Anniversary Update

 

As part of Windows 10’s November update, Microsoft changed the Windows 10 installer disc to also accept Windows 7 or 8.1 keys. This allowed users to perform a clean install Windows 10 and enter a valid Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key during installation. Windows 10 would then report that key to Microsoft’s servers, and Windows 10’s actiation servers would give your PC a “digital entitlement” (now a “digital license”) to continue using Windows 10 for free, just as if you had upgraded. Continue reading “You Can Still Get Windows 10 for Free”

In the connected world we live in, we all share one weakness. We’re connected to the internet ALL the time with our computers! This constant connection is convenient and provides us with fast access to our friends and family through Social Media.
We shop online, bank online and entertain ourselves online. What a wonderful opportunity for hackers to steal your information, scam you out of money and otherwise make your life miserable.

As attacks become increasingly diverse, numerous and more sophisticated, everyone needs to take a multi-layered approach to security that goes well beyond traditional endpoint anti-virus and other point solutions

Layered security is something we don’t even think of, yet we are all using it to some degree.

• Firewalls
• Antivirus programs
• Anti-Malware programs
• Security patches for your OS as well as Internet connected apps
• User Education (yes, this is the best way to protect your computer)

Malwarebytes is one of the best antimalware products I have ever used.

You just upgraded to the latest OS from Microsoft but you’re not feeling good about it? Maybe not quite ready for it?

It’s not always wise to upgrade your OS if you are still using older versions of software. Many of the older versions of Word Perfect, Microsoft Office and other productivity software carried over from the days of Windows XP are not going to make the transition to Windows 10. This really isn’t a surprise since every new OS release seems to have some ill effects toward the older programs. The same goes for games, trying to make those old Windows 95/98 games work on Windows 7 or 8 has been an eye opener for many people when they finally realize the truth. “Newer isn’t always Better”

Fortunately if you have recently installed the Windows 10 “free” upgrade and aren’t satisfied. You can roll back to your previous OS, whether it’s Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, there is hope for you.

Just look at the steps presented by this seemingly “SAFE” update.

Step 1
Download the malware infected file.

 

Step 2

Follow the “Bold” printed directions (ignore the real intent by not reading the obscure language in the almost unreadable portion of the license agreement.

Notice the “Decline” button is almost invisible!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3

You now have a useless computer, filled with garbage…

 

More like coupon-horrific, this nasty piece of malware is stubborn and difficult to remove.

Couponarific is an adware program that is commonly bundled with other free programs that you download off of the Internet.
Unfortunately, some free downloads do not adequately disclose that other software will also be installed and you may find that you have installed Couponarific without your knowledge. Couponarific is typically added when you install another free software that had bundled into their installation this adware program. Most commonly Couponarific is bundled within the installers from Cnet, Softonic or other similar custom third-party installers.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this Couponarific adware. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place.
It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

Read the full article

After 7 years I finally found a use for my copy of Windows Vista and it works GREAT!!! to kill crickets…

Posted using Tinydesk blogging app

Once again this week Microsoft has made it clear that NO ONE should be using Windows XP anymore.

The calls have been pouring in from customers who are having their computers lock up or their PC has become extremely slow on boot-up. Upon investigation, it turns out that this is affecting everyone using Microsoft Security Essentials for their antivirus/antimalware solution.

The information I have come across on the internet, indicates that a signature update for MSE was the cause of this. The problem will probably be fixed with the next signature update but in the meantime it has cost companies and individual a lot of time and money to fix the problem.

Well, sort of…  Like a horse gone lame, Microsoft is putting down our beloved OS as of April 8th.
Windows XP support is being discontinued by Microsoft and the ageing OS will no longer receive the monthly security updates
on “Patch Tuesday”
While this is a bit distressing for many die-hard XP users,
I like to think of it as an opportunity to upgrade to a
newer, more secure and stable OS. While you can upgrade your old computer to Windows 7 or 8 or 8.1, it may also
require some hardware upgrades like RAM or a larger hard drive. If your computer
is still running an older single core processor like the Intel Pentium 4
or an AMD Athlon XP, a newer OS from Microsoft is not going to be a
good choice. But regardless of your hardware configuration, it is time to move on.
This is where I would give Ubuntu Linux a try.

“You can surf in safety with Ubuntu — confident that your files and data will stay protected — thanks to the built-in firewall and virus protection. And if a potential vulnerability appears, we provide automatic updates which you can install in a single click.
It’s clean fresh look and feature rich GUI will amaze you.”

Hey!!

Does your computer show you this window every-time you try to open a Word or Excel file?

Microsoft released a Windows update in September that is responsible for breaking A LOT of Windows 7 computers. Don’t worry! It can be fixed easily.

Check out this article on how to get your Office 2010 Starter working again.

Updates… Don’t you just love them???