Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Computer Down

Sorry no posts for several days. My computer went down last Saturday and this is the first I’ve been able to get on another computer since. I’ve seen a lot of anti-virus programs, but I have yet to see one that’s worth a damn. Since I got my new computer about a year ago I’ve spent $500 on de-virusing it, in two visits. This is the third time. I can get another new computer for that much! When I complain, they tell me there is no way to COMPLETELY protect my computer since hackers usually stay ahead of them, coming out with new viruses almost quicker than they can update their programs. What this means is those programs are useless and a waste of money. They say without them I’d get ten times as many viruses. Do you believe that? (Just common sense)

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Make certain you have a firewall. Virus programs do not necessarily also include a firewall.

Another good idea is to change your firewall and virus programs at least once a year rather than staying with the same one. Other programs find stuff the one you were using did not see, or was "made blind to".

Additionally, scan with MalwareBytes. It is a free software program that finds malware (spy programs, tracking programs, etc.).

I am exceeding efficient with computers and have been working with them since the early '80s. The more I work with computers, the more I HATE them. However, I have to make a living so I am stuck.

Ray Thomas said...

Anon: I do all those things and still get viruses. It almost seems like there's no way NOT to get viruses. I'm like you. I like computers for what they can do, but hate them for their weaknesses. I've got my computer back with a clean hard drive. Back in business! Now we'll see how long it lasts.

Anonymous said...

Good luck with it. Computers are such a pain in the tush. Periodically it is a good idea to back up your files (also making certain you have all of your program cds and their serial numbers), then totally scrub the harddrive. I need to do that with my computer. It is such a long process, especially re-installing the operating system, that I dread it.


Check and see if anyone who has access to your computer is visiting porn sites. If so, your computer will be killed with viruses and all sorts of malware. I knew someone whose relative was using her computer that way and he downloaded so many viruses that it totally destroyed the harddrive. So if you loan your lap top or others have access to it, you run a huge risk.

Ray Thomas said...

Anon: I back up my files every day to an out-of-computer "thumb drive," using the computer's hard drive only as a back up. I also make sure all my software DVDs are close by. all I lost were a few photos that were irreplaceable. I'll be doing something about that soon. I think my grandson sneaks into my room sometimes and does it. He's pretty slick about erasing the activity from my history. But there are other ways to find out what he's been doing; like a hidden camera (which, surprise, surprise, I happen to sell, so I can get them wholesale).

Anonymous said...

LOL. Got to watch those sneaky grandsons. Have you surprised him with the evidence yet?

Ray Thomas said...

Anon: No. I'm just taking steps to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Anonymous said...

Computers are a pain in the butt enough without someone getting on your computer and downloading viruses because of the sites they visit.