malware Archives - Page 4 of 26

Always scan your PC for malware before taking it to a repair shop

Posted on May 21, 2024

As you probably know, malware infections can cause all kinds of strange problems on Windows PCs.

That’s why if your computer starts acting strange all of a sudden it could very well be infected with a virus or some other form of malware.

Most malware infections can be removed by running a thorough series of scans with the free tools mentioned in this post, but there are some strains of malware that might need to be removed by an experienced computer tech.

I recommend that you always run your own malware scans (if it’s possible to do so) before you take your PC to a repair shop for ANY type of service or repair, even if you don’t believe the issue is malware-related.

[Read more…]

Q&A: Is it really dangerous to keep using Windows 7?

Posted on April 28, 2024

Question from Luisa: I’m hoping you can clear something up for me.

I’ve heard some people say we need to stop using Windows 7 now that Microsoft has stopped updating it because it’s no longer safe.

Others are saying it’s perfectly fine to keep using it as long as the computer has an antivirus on it.

This is really confusing to me.

My HP laptop is old but it still works fine even though it has Windows 7 on it. I really hate the thought of having to replace it, but I will if it’s really unsafe to use.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

How to make sure a file is safe before you open it

Posted on April 2, 2024

Do you ever receive files in your email inbox that you’re pretty sure are legit, but you’re still leery about opening them?

Well, with all the hacking, spoofing, phishing and malware distribution going on these days, you should be!

Folks send files to me all the time via email (after we discuss it in advance), but even if I trust the sender completely I still check the files out to make sure they’re safe and malware-free. [Read more…]

How to create (and use) an emergency virus removal flash drive

Posted on March 23, 2024

Let’s face it, computer viruses, trojans and other forms of malware are a fact of life.

Regardless of how carefully you try to avoid it there’s a good chance that your PC will become infected sooner or later.

Most pieces of malicious code can be quickly removed with a normal virus scan and cleanup, but some infections are so insidious that they are difficult to detect and remove with a regular scan.

Even worse, some strains of malware can even render your PC incapable of connecting to the Internet in order to download an updated virus definition file.

Others still will prevent your PC’s installed antivirus program from loading at all.

This is why you need a plan “B” – an emergency virus removal USB flash drive. [Read more…]