It's been a while since I posted, so I will list my current configuration and favorites:
Operating system: Windows 8 Professional
Antivirus/Antimalware: Built in Win 8 Windows Defender
Firewall: Windows
Startup monitor/control: WinPatrol Free (lets you set what starts and allows for delayed startup programs)
Cleanup: CCleaner current version; RevoUninstaller
Malware scan on demand: Malwarebytes Antimalware and SuperAntiSpyware
Backup: FBackup4 backing up using the mirror option to 1ea connected external 500gb drive (daily backup); 1ea WD Passport 500GB carried when traveling; 1ea 128GB SanDisk flash drive (weekly backup and carried always); Documents backed up to 25GB Skydrive; Music and Videos backed up to Box; Pics backed up to mega.co.nz 50GB free (waiting on an app to make it easier). As you can see I am paranoid about backups. I've seen too many customers lose everything.
Drive encryption: Truecrypt
Password manager: Lastpass
Update checking: File Hippo Update Checker
Boot Speed Monitor: Bootracer
Virtual Computing: Oracle VirtualBox
Office Suite: Libre Office
Video Player: VLC Media Player
Photo Manager: Picasa
Email: Gmail (syncs with my Android phone)
Newsletter: Windows Secrets
Tech Websites: Cnet; InfoWeek; PCWorld; PCMag; MaxPC; Daily Rotation
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Saturday, April 16, 2011
More Options for Personal Backup
Technology keeps moving along changing our options daily.
In the area of backups for our data I've run across several new innovations:
1) Crashplan. This free software allows you to backup to devices connected to your computer or other computers on your network or even friends computers connected to the internet. It also allows you to purchase space on their online storage.
2) PureSync has become my local device backup software because it has a mirror backup function that allows me to select folders to monitor and mirrors the files on my backup drive within 30 seconds after they are changed.
3) PogoPlug is both software and a device to allow an external device to be accessible from anywhere on the internet. The software can be loaded on a computer and allow access from anywhere on the internet as long as it is on.
Now there is no excuse to not have off site storage for your backups and you don't even have to pay for it with the free software options. (If you have access to a another computer or pogoplug device)
Happy computing
G2C2
PS As of 4/17/2013 here is my current backup plan: FreeBackup4 backing up using the mirror option to 1ea connected external 500gb drive (daily backup); 1ea WD Passport 500GB carried when traveling; 1ea 128GB SanDisk flash drive (weekly backup and carried always); Documents backed up to 25GB Skydrive; Music and Videos backed up to Box; Pics backed up to mega.co.nz 50GB free (waiting on an app to make it easier). As you can see I am paranoid about backups. I've seen too many customers lose everything. gg
In the area of backups for our data I've run across several new innovations:
1) Crashplan. This free software allows you to backup to devices connected to your computer or other computers on your network or even friends computers connected to the internet. It also allows you to purchase space on their online storage.
2) PureSync has become my local device backup software because it has a mirror backup function that allows me to select folders to monitor and mirrors the files on my backup drive within 30 seconds after they are changed.
3) PogoPlug is both software and a device to allow an external device to be accessible from anywhere on the internet. The software can be loaded on a computer and allow access from anywhere on the internet as long as it is on.
Now there is no excuse to not have off site storage for your backups and you don't even have to pay for it with the free software options. (If you have access to a another computer or pogoplug device)
Happy computing
G2C2
PS As of 4/17/2013 here is my current backup plan: FreeBackup4 backing up using the mirror option to 1ea connected external 500gb drive (daily backup); 1ea WD Passport 500GB carried when traveling; 1ea 128GB SanDisk flash drive (weekly backup and carried always); Documents backed up to 25GB Skydrive; Music and Videos backed up to Box; Pics backed up to mega.co.nz 50GB free (waiting on an app to make it easier). As you can see I am paranoid about backups. I've seen too many customers lose everything. gg
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Speed Up Your Boot Up
I just ran across a neat little program that reduces your boot time by showing you what is starting at boot up and allowing you to pause or delay some of the items to allow you to start using your computer sooner after start up.
The program is Soluto and you can find it here.
Enjoy!
The program is Soluto and you can find it here.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Secure Browsing
Since most malware gets to our computers through our browsers, we should use every tool we have to protect ourselves.
As mentioned before, I use Google Chrome for several reasons.
1. It runs sand-boxed
2. It has malware warning. If you attempt to navigate to a known bad site it will give you a warning.
3. It has several extensions which will help protect you and make your browsing more enjoyable.
The extensions I use include Adblock, Flashblock, and Web of Trust (WOT) which gives your search results ratings as to safety.
Happy surfing!
As mentioned before, I use Google Chrome for several reasons.
1. It runs sand-boxed
2. It has malware warning. If you attempt to navigate to a known bad site it will give you a warning.
3. It has several extensions which will help protect you and make your browsing more enjoyable.
The extensions I use include Adblock, Flashblock, and Web of Trust (WOT) which gives your search results ratings as to safety.
Happy surfing!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Protect Yourself from Malware
Everyday I see computers compromised by drive-by infections, malware, rouge anti-virus, and scam-ware. To protect your computer in this current environment you must be proactive and take preventative measures. Here is a checklist of things you must do:
1. Setup and use a limited or standard user. I set up a user called "Superuser" as the administrator account with a password, and then downgrade my personal account to a standard user. The standard user can still install programs by downloading them and then right clicking on the file and selecting "run as" the administrator account. Be advised the administrator account must share the printers for the standard user to be able to print under XP. Both Vista and Windows 7 implement reduced rights using the User Account Control even for administrators.
2. Use a firewall.
3. Keep your computer updated. Both the OS and all programs. Use Secunia PSI (free) for the programs.
4. Use an anti-virus and keep it current. I use Microsoft Security Essentials (free).
5. Use an antimalware program on a regular basis. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Superantispyware both have free versions.
6. Use a sandboxed browser. Chrome runs sandboxed and Sandboxie will let you run any browser sandboxed.
7. Dump Adobe Reader and get an alternate PDF reader. I use Foxit Reader.
Take these measures and you will have a better chance of keeping your computer clean. Still be smart and do not open attachments in email unless you are sure of the source, and do not use peer 2 peer downloading software.
Happy computing.
1. Setup and use a limited or standard user. I set up a user called "Superuser" as the administrator account with a password, and then downgrade my personal account to a standard user. The standard user can still install programs by downloading them and then right clicking on the file and selecting "run as" the administrator account. Be advised the administrator account must share the printers for the standard user to be able to print under XP. Both Vista and Windows 7 implement reduced rights using the User Account Control even for administrators.
2. Use a firewall.
3. Keep your computer updated. Both the OS and all programs. Use Secunia PSI (free) for the programs.
4. Use an anti-virus and keep it current. I use Microsoft Security Essentials (free).
5. Use an antimalware program on a regular basis. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Superantispyware both have free versions.
6. Use a sandboxed browser. Chrome runs sandboxed and Sandboxie will let you run any browser sandboxed.
7. Dump Adobe Reader and get an alternate PDF reader. I use Foxit Reader.
Take these measures and you will have a better chance of keeping your computer clean. Still be smart and do not open attachments in email unless you are sure of the source, and do not use peer 2 peer downloading software.
Happy computing.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Keeping up
How do you keep up with what is going on the world of computing?
I check several web sites daily and weekly. Among them:
Daily Rotation- a collection of headlines from tech web sites
Paul Thurrot's Supersite for Windows
Cranky Geeks (no more new shows)
Cnet TV
Windows Secrets Newsletter has both free and paid versions, comes to your email weekly
I also read PC World which seems to have a good balance of articles.
I check several web sites daily and weekly. Among them:
Daily Rotation- a collection of headlines from tech web sites
Paul Thurrot's Supersite for Windows
Cranky Geeks (no more new shows)
Cnet TV
Windows Secrets Newsletter has both free and paid versions, comes to your email weekly
I also read PC World which seems to have a good balance of articles.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Malware Removal
Malware, rouge antivirus and antispyware programs, rootkits all are proliferating at an alarming rate. Every week I get one or two computers that are crippled by these programs. See my previous posts on how to set up your computer to avoid these pests.
If you find yourself plagued by the pests, go to Major Geeks Malware Forum . They guide you through cleaning up your computer and even seeking additional help.
Also, a new addition to the new Antivirus/Antimalware list. Microsoft Security Essentials has just come out and is rated pretty good, plus it replaces the functions of Windows Defender.
Happy computing!
If you find yourself plagued by the pests, go to Major Geeks Malware Forum . They guide you through cleaning up your computer and even seeking additional help.
Also, a new addition to the new Antivirus/Antimalware list. Microsoft Security Essentials has just come out and is rated pretty good, plus it replaces the functions of Windows Defender.
Happy computing!
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