I’m no computer, internet or virus expert but, in light of my recent computer woes, (

1. Spybot-Search & Destroy What is it? Spybot-Search & Destroy is a Safer-Networking software product. The company is located in Ireland. In their own words, “Spybot – Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven’t intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been “hijacked” (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don’t see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there’s no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.” It is available in multiple languages so you can suggest it to all your friends. It has also been reviewed by PC World, PC Magazine and has been ranked #24 on PC World’s top 50 Tech Products of All Time. And for you Norton users, it is compatible (I haven’t had any problems) There are other products out there, but I use Spybot Search & Destroy. Let’s see what else is free . . .
2. Ad-Aware SE What is it? Ad-ware SE is created by Lavasoft. The company is located in Sweden and their vision in their own words is “that all individuals, regardless of economic status or geographic location, should have the power to protect their privacy and security. Our free anti-spyware product, Ad-Aware SE Personal, gives you that security, providing advanced protection against harmful spyware that secretly attaches itself and takes control of your home computer. After using Ad-Aware, annoying pop-up ads, hijacked homepages and sluggish computer performance will be things of the past. And you can rest easy knowing that your personal information like bank details, passwords and credit card account numbers will be safe from sneaky spyware and hackers.” I run Ad-Aware FREE and Spybot S&E, mainly because my computer guy told me too, but I figure one will catch what the other misses. I like it because it works for me. But there’s is one more free item to discuss before I go . . .
3. AVAST! Anti-Virus Program What is it? AVAST! is created by ALWIL Software a.s. The company is located in Prague. In their own words, “avast! 4 Home Edition is a full-featured antivirus package designed exclusively for home users and non-commercial use. Both of these conditions should be met! Our company offers the Home Edition free of charge, since, in our opinion, it is possible to avoid global virus spreading by efficient prevention; however, many users are not able to or do not want to pay for antivirus software.” I will be testing this one out in the near future. In the meantime for those of you looking for a free solution, it is worth a try. It was referred by another computer guy, he uses all three items on this post to secure his home. The public reviews are extremely strong on one site with 10,000 people giving it 4.5 stars out of 5. Anyway, it’s your call, but at least you know about it, and ‘knowing is half the battle’ (GI Joe, for those of you who were into action cartoons as a kid).

Keep in mind, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If I had kept my anti-virus, spyware and ad-ware protection software up to date, it may have saved me some pain (you know emotional anguish:-(), time, and money. FYI they were all out of date by 8 months to 2 years.

And just in case you were wondering (like I was), Ad-Ware and AVAST make their money by selling upgraded versions of their free products. Spybot Search & Destroy takes donations. None of the programs pressure you about the upgrades nor the donation but they are there.

If you decide not to go with these suggestions, be sure that you download from a reputable site or download based on the suggestion of a reputable source. I’m cautious because the Trojan virus that I downloaded pretend to be a Spyware software. You can read about it in My Computer Caught a Virus! Trojan.KillAV. Remember, the people who create computer viruses do it religiously like a favorite hobby or a full time job. Be wise, so that we can spend more time doing what we love, rather then undoing some “bug” that has invaded our computer life.

Hope this helps.

-J Warner-

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• My PC Caught a Virus! Trojan.KillAV
• $500 Computers, Just To Get Started!

Well, my PC caught a virus! A Trojan virus to be specific designed to make my computer vulnerable so that it could be infected with something worse and possibly steal my personal information, irritate my life and kill my Internet freedom (by making me paranoid). My little PC was down for the count for two days, because I quit using it until the virus was removed. How did I know it was sick? Well, it was series of relatively subtle changes . . .

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1. Every fifteen minutes the message from above popped up. It was irritating to say the least, but it also increased the probability of me accidentally clicking yes, when I meant to click no. And yes would have probably meant that the virus would fully download.
2. It high jacked my initial web page. In other words, when I click on Internet explorer instead of opening to the website that I chose (my blog of course), www.gospelnerve.com, it opened to Google.
3. It restricted my access to the properties on my computer. Meaning, when I went into properties to change my screen saver and the like, it blocked my access (on my own computer no doubt, and if I’m not in charge here then where am I in charge)
4. It blocked my access to antivirus websites (which I was searching for in order to destroy this virus and restore my Internet life to normal)

So, how did I fix the problem? I ran Norton Antivirus which identified it by the name-Trojan.KillAV. This Trojan virus’ entire purpose is to block your antivirus software and leave your computer vulnerable for all manners of ‘diseases’. Well, Norton only ‘partially resolved’ the problem (in their own words). And since I am no expert in this area, I called in professional help (for $100, cheaper than replacing the entire computer) who walked me through the process of removing the virus. It was everywhere, but the technician who helped me said it could have been much worse had I clicked yes to the dialogue box that kept popping up.

Lesson learned, “no unsolicited, random, ‘free’ downloads, because it could be a trap.”

FYI: There are FREE, reliable downloads that can Help you protect your computer. Feel Free to read about it in 3 FREE Ways to Protect Your PC from a Computer Virus. Did I say they are FREE? In the meantime, don’t panic, continue to build your business, and don’t be a victim by learning how to protect your computer (I’m committed now!).

-J Warner-

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• 3 FREE Ways to Protect Your PC from a Computer Virus and Other Threats
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