Fast, Professional service at a price you can afford!
Cable and DSL Users!
You should consider installing a firewall router to protect yourself against hackers. Send me an email, and I can suggest a product for you, and help you to set it up.
WWW stands for the "Wild Wild Web" these days!
I am always looking for the best software to keep your Windows™ machines safe from Viruses and Spyware. I keep a close eye on the "Free" or "Open Source" versions. I test them on my computer first, and if I like them, I let you now. Check back to this page from time to time.
Current "Thumbs Up" goes to Spyware Terminator. This software is free, and does a good job of keeping out the Spyware and Trojans. I really like the fact that it includes an option to install the Open Source Anti-Virus ClamAV.
Have a look at the following link to review even more...
http://www.thefreecountry.com/security/index.shtml (lots of free antivirus and anti-spyware tools)
Also, check out my FTP site for useful tools that I have found along the way. ftp://ftp.smcalaska.net/
As I mentioned on my "About Me" and "Home" pages, I will try to help you to help yourself as much as possible. I have found a few useful tools along the way; most of which are free or shareware.
Read Me
Important: Please read this entire note to the end before running any of the tools. These instructions are designed for Windows™ 2000 and XP users. I am working on a new trouble-shooting guide for Vista™ users. Use at your own risk. I accept no responsibility for any damage done to your computer while following these steps. I am only trying to help you solve your problems at home. If you are not comfortable at any time, STOP.
OK then, now that you are back to the top...
First, back up your data, or call me to do it for you.
Second, open My Computer. Right click on Local Disk C: Choose Properties, and click on the Disk Cleanup button (The object is to delete your cookies and temporary Internet files). It will take a while to analyze. Make sure that you check the Temporary Internet Files and Temporary files boxes for removal. In fact, if you open your browser, and click on tools, Internet options, advanced, and scroll down; you can check the box "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed". This will keep your computer clean automatically.
Third, run the Stinger tool to look for viruses and worms. This will do a quick scan and remove any known trojans or worms. You can download it at: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/ I also like the Avast! Virus Cleaner Tool. You can download it at: http://www.avast.com/eng/down_cleaner.html
Fourth, use this link: http://housecall.trendmicro.com to do an online virus scan. I choose this scanner first because it runs from both Internet Explorer and Firefox. This scanner takes a while to load, so be patient. Take notes on any files that cannot be cleaned. Windows™ XP users with SP2 will also have to allow the ActiveX control to install, and refresh the page. Try your best to follow the online instructions. First time users should try the http://bitdefender.com link as it is a bit more user friendly, however it only works with Internet Explorer.
Fourth, install and run Ad-Aware, http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ and/or Spybot Search & Destroy: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html Both programs are free, and do an excellent job of removing most spyware. In addition, you may want to install and run AVG Anti-Rootkit, to find any hidden threats.
Last, defrag your hard disk.
You have just performed some of the same tasks that I start with every time I check for problems on any computer. I have some additional tools, but those are beyond the scope of this "Remedies" page.
If you have any problems, or you would like me to have a look at your computer, call me at home at 224-6065. If this page helped you, I would enjoy an email indicating that. If you didn't have success, please email me with suggestions.
Good Luck,
