*Free programs* to help remove the nasties...just click the links
Malwarebytes : Scans and cleans malware off infected computers
SUPERAntiSpyware : Removes spyware, ad-ware, trojan horses, rogue security etc.
Eset online scanner : Detect and remove malware on your PC
Hitman Pro : Identifies and removes viruses, spyware, trojans, rootkits and other malware
CCleaner : Cleans and removes potentially unwanted files
----------------------------------------------------------
This is just a small selection of some of the programs available, but in my years of experience these are the ones I am happy to recommend. If you want advice on programs or anything else then please feel free to contact me, I'm happy to help.
Below is a list of resources and programs, some paid some free, I am happy to recommend also and some reasoning behind my choices. Just to point out I have no affiliation with these companies or receive no commission, it is just my opinion from over 20 years experience.
----------------------------------------------------------
Antivirus: I would recommend ESET Smart Security, over the years I have used numerous free and paid for AV's (AVG, McAfee, Norton, BitDefender, Trend, Avast, Kaspersky etc.) however I always come back to ESET, in my experience it operates on very low CPU and resource usage, doing what an AV should do with minimal fuss. If you are in the market for a new AV I would certainly give it a try and download the 30 day trial.
Remote Desktop: TeamViewer is a computer software package for remote control, desktop sharing, online meetings, web conferencing and file transfer between computers.
Blue light exposure: With many of us now relying on our PC's, smartphones, tablets etc. and our continuing use of them throughout the day, it is important to be aware of how our over exposure to blue light can effect our health (particularly when used in the evening). I have been using f.lux to minimise my exposure for sometime now and find its blue light filter really soothing. Have a look at the site and the research behind it, it is free to download. Others are available but f.lux is the best I have found. https://justgetflux.com/ . This type of software will soon become a norm, with the emergence of 'night shift' on iOS and rumours of something similar coming to Windows 10, via updates.
Registry and system optimizers: I would recommend NONE at all. Apart from CCleaner which does have a registry element (although I rarely use it) I would not recommend any such optimizers. Here are a couple of links which may help explain my standpoint, although old posts still ring true today.
Why using a registry cleaner wont speed up your PC or fix crashes!
PC cleaning applications and how to speed up your PC!
Should you feel you need to refresh or reset your PC this link will help you do so.
Refresh or reset your PC! * if you are unsure/inexperienced or do not understand what is involved in the above procedures, please do not attempt them yourselves. It is possible you may lose your work if you do it incorrectly. Advise is always free, please ask first.
Cyber security course: If your interested the Open University are running a free on-line course to help people gain essential cyber security knowledge and skills its called
Introduction to cyber security. I think its worth looking at if you are interested in protecting your digital life.
Photography: To all the budding and professional photographers (well those who have Adobe Photoshop etc.) Google has just made free it's Nik Collection, this software was retailing at $149 a few weeks ago and much more before that. Now you can get it for nothing.
Backup: We all talk about it but surprisingly few of us do it. If I was to give one single piece of advice it would be 'always remember to backup' there are numerous program that can help you do this, Windows has an embedded version 'backup and restore' as do Macs 'time machine'. Me however I still prefer to do it the old fashioned way, I have an external hard drive and copy/paste over all my important stuff, always remembering to unplug the drive when finished, some Ransom-ware malware can encrypt files on external devices should it find its way onto your system, making your backup useless. On-line backups services using Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive should also be considered, this link will give you the low down on such options. On-line Backup advice
Windows 10 at Work *Free Book* If you would like a copy of this book please email me and I will happily forward it to you. The book is a 400+ page, how to guide to Windows 10.
Known issues with Win 7 update KB3133977 - a lot has been said about this update, but the solution to fix it is really very simple follow this link FIX BOOT
----------------------------------------------------------
If you have any suggestions for the site which may benefit others, please feel free to email me and I will post them.
More to come soon.......
