PSA: A Reminder to Back up Your Files

Not long ago I had a bit of trouble with one of the computers in the house. Just some malware from FB but I was worried it was a virus. Served as a reminder to keep the computers in shape BEFORE you have problems.

So I thought it would be good to run down the basics.

Update your machine. Microsoft issues patches on Tuesdays for most issues so soon after you should go to Windows Update and install the critical patches.

Update your antivirus. I use AVG free antivirus, works well for me. It’s rated in the top  depending on who you ask. A site showing effectiveness can be seen here. Notice nothing is 100%. AVG free can be found here.

Use system restore when your computer is running well. Once it’s screwed up, you wont have anything good to fall back on. System restore is more or less there for when nothing else works. It will not remove your saved photos but it will put your computer back to before you installed programs and program updates, Windows updates and could induce problems and annoyances. Therefore, it’s best to repair your problem using more effective means. I just save restore points by dates as it is easier for me to remember that my issues started a couple of days ago or that it was working fine on Monday or whatever.

I also use Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware to remove malware. Spybot-S&D is what fixed the computer that had issues. They can be found here, and here, and are free. Update them first, then run the program. Some find things that others miss but these together work well for me. Before I run either, I empty the recycle bin and browser cache as I am impatient and see no need to scan 700Mb or more of temporary internet files. I have used ccleaner for years as it allow me to keep the specific cookies I choose and has other useful tools as well. Get it here.

About 6 months ago when I was having minor issues with something, I ran Malwarebytes, then ran Ad-Aware after. Ad-Aware picked up a few Malwarebytes missed. Had I run Ad-Aware first, it may be Malwarebytes would have picked up a few that Ad-Aware missed. This is why more than one are recommended by almost everyone. Malwarebytes can be found here.

The computer had malware claiming be antivirus, looked almost identical to our antivirus program, claiming to have found a virus and trying everything to get you to “click here”. DON’T! If it is not an antivirus program that you yourself installed, it’s a lie and it is trying to induce clickage by any and all means. DON’T! (alt+F4 is useful sometimes)

These things are socially engineered to make it seem imperative that you “click here” or else or to make you want to click on it because it looks fun or looks harmless or if you don’t click this your computer will burst into flames or God wont love you or it’s the end of the world or whatever.    DON’T!

That what color would you be if you were an ethereal mongoose quiz on Facebook IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! (same for e-mail as I don’t really believe Jesus cares if you forward said e-mail to seven people, or only six.) I believe this is where the problem originated in this instance.

The malware in question was blocking AVG from getting updates as well. In such cases, it can be good to use online virus scanners. Safemode with networking may help if you’re having major problems. A few examples are:

Trend Micro’s HouseCall

Kaspersky Online Scanner

F-Secure Online Scanner

McAfee FreeScan

Symantec Security Check

BitDefender Online Scanner

E-mail. what can I say here? It’s the same thing. That “if you don’t forward this to ten people God will kill a kitten” e-mail is socially engineered also to try to get you to do something. every time you forward an e-mail your e-mail address is embedded in the details and eventually harvested by the ones who created sad or cute or funny e-mail to begin with for the sole purpose to send spam to you. A million e-mails cost nothing to send and if they get money from just one in ten thousand people they’re making money.

If you’re having too much fun for the money you paid, (free) then WHY are these games, videos, and such, available to you for free? The internet is not a charity just there to make sure you don’t get bored.

There are many games, programs, videos and such on sites that are safe but people need to be aware that there are places that use FUN things to lure you to their sites and all you have to do is look and it’s too late. ( invisible gif anyone?)

Really, it’s just a computer, if you get a virus on it, it’s not the end of the world. we got along without computers just fine for a looong time but what I’m mostly trying to express is one thing. Make sure you’re most precious photos and files exist in more than the one computer you’re playing around on the internet with.
Even if you don’t HAVE internet, there is still the possibility of hardware failure or lightning strikes. BACK UP YOU’RE STUFF!