Sunday, January 18, 2009

Is your computer sick?

image I spent quite a few hours Friday restoring my daughter’s computer. It shut itself down every 5-10 minutes. It had Trojan horses, viruses, malware, and all kinds of problems….MANY of which could be avoided if she had updated and run some FREE programs on her computer.

She said “I didn’t know”… so I thought I would share these programs with you…. just in case…. “you didn’t know”

I use all of these programs myself. The companies provide a free version and sell a commercial version (with a few more features). I have used the free versions for YEARS…. and have avoided any major issues with computer virus’ or spyware/malware…

You need anti-virus and anti-spyware. Many anti-virus can find spyware/malware but they often can’t fix/heal them (but the anti-spyware/malware software can).

[Clicking on names will take you to site]

Anti-Spyware Software

Anti-Virus Software

  • AVG 8 - AVG Technologies Free Edition - for Windows 2000, XP & Vista; latest version 8.0.176

It’s really easy…..

  1. Download each of the above programs
  2. Install programs
  3. Update each of the programs (a MUST)
  4. Run each program, one at a time…

I run these at least once a week……

There are many other programs that will do the same thing. I mentioned these because I am familiar with them. It doesn’t really matter which programs you use….just make sure you run them regularly!! You might just save yourself a trip to the repair shop!

My daughter’s computer is up and running better than before….. after about 6 hours of diagnosing and problem-solving by me (Thanks Dad for the stubborn gene that wouldn’t allow me to give in…or toss it out the window). A happy ending (this time) for me vs. machine!

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23 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2009 at 12:53 PM

    Oh boy...I went through a horrible time last spring with a virus that was imbedded so bad that the geeks could not figure out what to do...I ended up getting a new hard-drive!

    I had let my spyware and such lapse and not replaced it....needless to say "lesson learned" the hard way, which is always my way...lol!

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  2. WendyJanuary 18, 2009 at 1:01 PM

    Thanks for the info. I spent hundreds of $$$$ last summer fixing my son's computer.

    When it comes to things like this, I am totally lost.

    Wendy

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  3. SmilingSallyJanuary 18, 2009 at 1:18 PM

    Or, you could buy a Mac. Macs are so easy to run, and they don't catch viruses. I have had a problem, but it's with my modeum and that company is making the corrections. My Mac computer is fine.

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  4. Dawn MarieJanuary 18, 2009 at 2:02 PM

    oh man I just went thru this and COULDNT fix it. but then it was a work day and i didnt have alot of time to do this. funny-I have that AVG anti virus, and I was downloading spybot but when i ran it--my computer would shut down before it finishing scanning. hubby brought ours in and they took care of it. but exactly what you used is what I was trying to use.

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  5. Nicole ~January 18, 2009 at 2:08 PM

    I am sorry you had to go through all of that. I know that it takes many, many hours of aggravation to get it fixed. Computers can be really cranky!!

    Now that it is fixed, I hope you have a great day.

    Nicole~

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  6. Bargain Decorating with LaurieJanuary 18, 2009 at 2:50 PM

    Great info. Thanks Susan. Glad I "know" at least one computer savy person. laurie

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  7. The Quintessential MagpieJanuary 18, 2009 at 3:35 PM

    Thanks, Susan! I appreciate this so much. I will get Mr. Magpie to install this. I am terrified of technology! LOL!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  8. 2 DogsJanuary 18, 2009 at 4:30 PM

    I run my programs all the time. I'm always afraid something will try to get in.

    My head is still hurting but I'm in bed. I've drafted my first 'Outdoor Wednesday'. This is fun.

    Hugs
    Pat

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  9. Four Paws and CoJanuary 18, 2009 at 5:18 PM

    Great info! ♥ Diane

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  10. Diana LaMarreJanuary 18, 2009 at 6:08 PM

    I use SpyBot and AVG, too.

    I spent a few hours last week on my boss's computer trying to find out why it moves at a snail's pace. I downloaded a registry cleaner which seemed to help, but I still need to do more tomorrow. I suspect he has a virus, too.

    It's like a detective game, don't you think? I always feel so good if I discover what the problem is. I bet you felt great yesterday when you got it all fixed!

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  11. PATJanuary 18, 2009 at 6:08 PM

    Thanks for this great info, Susan!

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  12. Happy To Be/ Gl♥riaJanuary 18, 2009 at 7:19 PM

    Thanks Susan for the infro...I will do this..girl I buy a new hard drive at least every year and a half..hugs and smiles Gloria

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  13. JeanneJanuary 18, 2009 at 7:35 PM

    Hi Susan thank you for your visit on Pink Sat. I was gone all day and I am still trying to get to the Pinkies. I don't think my Mac has that problem. It is good to know though.

    Hugs...Jeanne

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  14. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2009 at 8:06 PM

    Just had this happen to my business computer...the virus was disguised as a virus protection program renewal. It had a shield that looked just like the windows shield. Unfortunately I had to have my computer completely reformatted.
    Aarrgghhhh!!!!!!!

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  15. The MuseJanuary 18, 2009 at 8:13 PM

    Victory for you!!! Hard fought though...but i am glad that she has learned something from you! :)
    Great tips for us too...thanks so much!

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  16. Gypsy aka TamJanuary 18, 2009 at 9:18 PM

    Susan,
    thank you for the info. It's something I was actually looking for since my virus protection/spyware trial is expiring.
    Have a great evening,
    Tam

    ReplyDelete
  17. akawestJanuary 18, 2009 at 10:12 PM

    I have always had trouble wrapping my head around the fact that there are people out there who spend their time producing viruses. They must be extremely unhappy people.

    My daughter's computer is in need of a clean up. She is the download queen of the family, much to my dismay.

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  18. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)January 18, 2009 at 10:37 PM

    Susan, I'm so glad you liked the room. I think that's a wonderful idea. I believe Miss Gollum needs to serve us tea and cookies and we all visit in my litte room.. :-) hugs ~lynne~

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  19. CarolJanuary 18, 2009 at 11:29 PM

    My techno-geek Hero Hubby has these things set up to auto-scan each evening. This week's maintenance involves clearing out some hardrive space in both my computer and the back-up drive.

    I hate these kinds of decisions.

    Good post to remind us these machines do have to be taken care of.

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  20. SweetieJanuary 18, 2009 at 11:47 PM

    Thanks for sharing. After spending a small fortune on virus protection, my daughter set up a free program that runs everyday.
    Hugs,
    Sweetie

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  21. bjJanuary 19, 2009 at 7:41 AM

    I try to have all my programs set to run automatically but some I have to manually do. Thanks for the tips...

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  22. a quiet lifeJanuary 21, 2009 at 12:38 AM

    thanks susan for sharing the links, it never hurts to check and recheck!

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  23. Manuela@A Cultivated NestJanuary 21, 2009 at 4:47 PM

    Thanks for the info - I let my Norton expire last year and have been looking for some good free programs.

    Manuela

    ReplyDelete

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