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Spyware

Has your computer slowed to a crawl? Are you besieged with pop-ups and other annoyances? Your system may be bogged down with an infestation of "spyware" that is robbing you of the enjoyment your computer should be bringing you.

Perhaps I can help you correct this problem...

 

Definition of Spyware: A general term for a program that surreptitiously monitors your actions. While they are sometimes sinister, like a remote control program used by a hacker, software companies have been known to use Spyware to gather data about customers. The practice is generally frowned upon. Among other problems, Spyware is often just plain bad programming and can cause all kinds of problems on your system. There are many false free programs available for download. Here is a list of programs to avoid. P2P software

The list below shows some anti-spyware utility programs that I've used with great success for several years. They are free for home use and I've found them to be very effective with removing problem spyware files and with preventing the spyware download in the first place.

Spybots: This is a Spyware removal tool. This link will take you to the Spybots homepage where you can learn about using this program. Here's a page where you can learn about using spybots.

SpywareBlaster: This program will help prevent Spyware programs from downloading onto your system in the first place. You should run the Spybots first to remove existing Spyware programs, then the Spyware Blaster to prevent future infestations. Want help running the program? See this page

Secunia Online Scanner: This Free Online Utility Service Will Scan Your System For Out-Of-Date Software That May Be a Security Risk See this page

AVG AntiVirus, version 8.0 and newer, now has a spyware detection, removal tool as well. See more about this by clicking here.

HiJackThis Another good removal tool. You can get assistance with using this tool to remove unwanted registry settings that "Browser Hijackers" use to alter your computer system. See the "Help Forums" link on the page.

Blocking Unwanted Parasites

Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File The Hosts file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. This file is loaded into memory (cache) at startup, then Windows checks the Hosts file before it queries any DNS servers, which enables it to override addresses in the DNS. This prevents access to the listed sites by redirecting any connection attempts back to the local machine. Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block other applications from connecting to the Internet, providing the entry exists. See this image to see what the hosts files does on a page that contains a cookie containing advertisement. Note the "Back" button showing the ad that does not display. If you clicked "back" the browser will not open the ad.

Check your browser for some common infections: Click Here

AVG

Free (for private home use) Anti-Virus from Grisoft.

Zone Alarm

Keep hackers and data thieves out of your computer with ZoneAlarm, the award-winning PC firewall that blocks intrusion attempts and protects against Internet-borne threats like worms, Trojan horses, and spyware. There is a free version for home use. Click the link in the last column labeled: "Basic Firewall ".

Keep Your Computer Updated

It is very important to keep your computer updated with all the latest "Critical Items" offered via free download from Microsoft. To get these updates, you can click the "Tools" menu in Internet Explorer, then click the "Windows Update" link. There have been a number of Microsoft Windows XP systems experiencing update difficulties recently. This is often caused by the new version of the MS Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) tool that was released on March 1st. This new Anti-Piracy tool will overwrite previous validation files. If the new WGA engine could not be installed, it was most likely caused by one of the following factors:

1. A security program running in the background is preventing the validation tool from running properly.
2. The permission settings in this system are inappropriate.
3. The previous WGA engine is corrupted.

Or you may see the error message "The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view".

I think the best method to fix either of these problems is to use the free support offered by Microsoft when system updates experience difficulties. Click here for the MS on-line support, then click the "Need more help?" link. Microsoft will email you with a detailed step-by-step repair procedure.

Help from Microsoft

This page offers tutorials on a variety of Microsoft products. There are downloads available which include slide show presentations. And you will find a variety of "How to..." articles.

Spell Checker for

Internet Explorer

ieSpell is a free Internet Explorer browser extension that spell checks text input boxes on a Web page. It should come in particularly handy for users who do a lot of web-based text entry (e.g. web mails, forums, blogs, diaries). Test your spell check. Copy paste this in to tst your spell check.

Computer Literacy 101

This exceptional site by Jan Smith explains the computer, using terrific graphics. This site is the by far the best I've seen.

Working with Windows

This section explains the Windows Desktop and about working with files and folders, and the mouse. Basic but vital information for the computer user.

Keep Your AntiVirus Updated

It it also extremely important to keep your AntiVirus program updated. If the program isn't updated, it will not be able to protect your from all the new viruses released on the Internet or via email every day. Microsoft offers some valuable information about keeping your system updated. Click Here

Note: AVG still has the free version for home use. It is found at http://free.grisoft.com

Microsoft Error Message Information

List of error messages and repair explanations.

Win Zip

This program allows you to compress and decompress files. (.zip) Shareware - Free for 30 days - $29 to keep. See the How To... section below to read about downloading and using this program.

Windows Tip and Tricks

A compilation of Windows tips and tricks.

This is an excellent Outlook Express help site . This link is to a FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions about Outlook Express. 

How Stuff Works

Marshall Brain's site that offers explanations of how things work. Everything from automobile engines to rocket ships. It has good computer information as well.

Adobe Reader

This program allows you read .pdf (Portable Document Format) files. Most computers nowadays come with the program already installed, but if yours doesn't have it, you can download it here.

Freeware

Windows Secrets

Make the most of your hardware, software, and
time online with the Windows Secrets. Each issue is packed with tips, tricks, and other useful and interesting information!

Blatant Advertising

If you live in Anchorage, or the surrounding area, I can give you personal, in your home, computer assistance. Or I can assist you using a remote connection via the Internet.

See more about this.

Fast Free Technical Support

If you have a question about your computer, you can ask one of hundreds of volunteer "techs". for assistance. This service is completely free of charge and the quality of the tech support is excellent. You will be asked to fill in some basic information about your computer skill level and about your system. You will be emailed a reply.

Computer Dictionary

Webopedia. It provides information about all those acronyms found in "geek speak".

Robo Form

Automatically fills in online web forms.

Freeware

Microsoft Search Site

Search the Microsoft website for solutions to computer problems.

Great Search Engine

Google is my favorite search engine. It is especially good at searching for specific items

New

Windows XP Advice & Information

Marc Liron, MVP

Want to create a movie? Maybe make a photo album CD with a music or voice over background?

Read the page about "Photo Story"

Folder Print

Folder Print for Disk labels, etc.

Freeware

Zip Code Lookup

Zip Codes + 4 from the USPS

Need a ride in Anchorage?

The Alaska Shuttle

(907) 338-8888

or
(907) 332-1744
Fax: (907) 332-1744

Team Mr Real Estate

If you are buying or selling a home, this site is a great resource:

Rod Stone

(907) 727-9379

This is an excellent community forum where you can ask and answer questions about a variety of subjects. Just register (it is free) and you can ask questions and get your answers from real people.

This opened for business on June 3, 2002.

http://answerpool.com

MS Word Help

MS Word Help/variety of other Windows information

File Type Extensions

This site tells you what programs are associated with file types. File Extensions determines what programs open when a file is opened. For example, if a file has the extension, .doc Windows knows to open either MS Word or Word Pad to run the file.

PC WIZARD 2008 is a powerful utility designed especially for detection of hardware, but also some more analysis. It's able to identify a large scale of system components and supports the latest technologies and standards. This tool is periodically updated (usually once per month) in order to provide most accurate results.

DLL Files

This site has a number of Dynamic Link Library files available for download. It also offers a very good explanation of how DLL files are used.

Look under

"File and Driver Guide"

This site has a number of Windows Tips.

X-Setup

X-Setup Simplifies Windows systems adjustments. If you want to personalize your Internet Browser for example, this program offers a simple to use Wizard that enables you make a number of changes, including removing the AOL icon and "Provided by" information in the browser title bar. Freeware

ZD Net

Free Downloads, Product Reviews, Buying guides, Technical Support, Online Training Books, and more.

OK, Teach Me!

Very good site for learning computer basic procedures:

OK, Teach Me.

I would suggest that both of this site and Jan Smith's are worth your time.

 GeekGirl

GeekGirl really is an awesome site with a simple interface full of easy-to-read, well-written tutorials.

A free downloadable picture viewer, IrfanView:

IrfanView is a very fast FREEWARE (for non-commercial use)
32-Bit graphic viewer for Windows 98 and Windows ME.

Click Here to see a step-by-step tutorial about downloading and installing IrfanView.

"How To" 

Click on the How To link above to read "How To" articles describing how to do a variety of tasks on your computer. This section is constantly changing. Let me know via email if there is a subject you would like to see covered here.

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