It’s only money. Get ready to spend what little is left.
Author: S.Hogan
Conduit Update
I became aware of conduit when my browser was HiJacked and my system became unusable.
This is a PIA software that is contaminating an alarming number of people. You must do everything you can to avoid this scum.
PC Matic Passes VB 100 Testing
On April 30th, 2013 it was announced that PC Matic with SuperShield protection has completed and passed the prestigious VB100 March comparative.
Beware Search by Conduit
✔ “Before a virus can be removed from your system, it must be found, identified, and added to each antivirus companies definitions list. Only then can your antivirus detect infections.” Until your antivirus products adds an infection to their list, you are helpless to remove it. Because of this we developed SuperShield. SuperShield stops all executable files (.exe) from running on your system unless you add them to your “safe” list.
BEWARE SEARCH BY CONDUIT
Scroogle You
I’ve always been a fan of all things Google , but a while back I noticed things aren’t what they used to be.
Old eyes can be easily fooled. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, and let me know what you think.
Remove FBI & Babylon Zombie Virus
You thought you just removed them and rescued your PC, but NOoooooooooooooooooooooo!!! They just keep coming back. Relentless. They are the Undead!
To Kill a Zombie Virus you must kill their brain. Let me show you how.
Tame Windows 8 in 4 Easy Steps
Windows8 for Desktop is the fastest most powerful operating system to date. It’s built for speed and endurance but is like a pack of wild sled dogs. Without the proper controls, you’ll be going in circles. Grab control now, show it who’s boss with these 4 Easy Steps.
Computers for Cheap
Everyone likes to save money, including me. Check out what’s going to put money in your pocket in 2013. You may be surprised.!
Windows8-The Last Nail
Knowing that Nothing is forever, I’ve always wondered when we’d see the fall of Windows. Unfortunately, I think we are seeing that happen now.
In the past two years we’ve seen mobility reshape the form of computing. Cell phones have become mini computers and tablets have become the fastest growing form factor of computing today.
Pushers Foisting on Every Corner
Foistware– I know you’re familiar with it. Most of the time it is served up as a small check box that is already checked. The purveyors of this crap are hoping you click so fast that you don’t notice their presumptuous check mark . Sure it’s legal, but it’s irritating, it’s a pain, it’s annoying. It’s just one more example of someone trying to force things on us that we don’t want. Like ordering a cheeseburger and getting a fish sandwich.
Cure Found
This morning I completed my work on a cure for Mad Cow disease. By noon I was working to find the cause of Hotchkins Lymphoma.
My Absolute All Time Favorite FREE Software
My favorite FREE software has been the same for 10 years running. I’m talking about the FREE OVERDRIVE SCAN from PC Pitstop. I’ve been using this for the entire time that I’ve had computers and still use it to this day. When it comes to diagnostics, it is absolutely the best.
My very first computer was tested and tweaked with what was called The Free Pit Test. In 2000 we would compete to see who could get the best scores. We eventually graduated to other benchmarks from the likes of PassMark and FutureMark, but in the beginning THE PIT TEST was the bomb.
3 Ways to Get Trapped by Malware
Surviving a day of computing is tougher than a chinchilla trying to live in Central Park. The bad guys sets traps at every crossing and your email and Internet are their favorite paths. Don’t for a minute, think you are safe without first taking a close look at what you click. Today more than ever before, you should be wary of everything you encounter. The figures vary depending on who you’re quoting but I’m comfortable with sayng that at this moment 50% of the computers in the US are infected with some form of malware.Save your skin. Look before you click.
Microsoft is the Bad Guy?
You buy a PC. There is crapware all over it. Unwanted trial programs slow your brand new system to a crawl. We’re talking about the programs installed by the OEMs, you know, HP, Sony, Dell, those guys. The programs we’re talking about are the trial office and antivirus, games and photo albums. You name it and it’s there. You don’t need it and you shouldn’t want it.
The Best Free Media Player
One of the best things about computing and the Internet is Free Software. VLC Media Player is an open source, cross platform FREE media player. that is better than the paid options.
Services That Can Kill Your PC
Services allow a lot of good things to happen on your system, but Rogue Services can kill your system. Rogue services come into your system under the guise of being something else. Maybe an email that you thought was from a friend, maybe an address from a Google Search, who knows, but Rogues exist because you clicked something.
6 Magical Fixes For Windows 7
Whether you are a brand new user or a seasoned veteran, there are some basic procedures that every computer user must know. These few items will go a long way towards making you a happy Windows user.
BTjunkie Shuts Down Voluntarily After FBI Raid
YOUR free movies may be a thing of the past. The Feds are closing in on those handy torrent sites and torrent owners are heading for the hills. What’s next, the resurgence of Drive Inns?
Not likely, progress is unstoppable and the next new technology will insure your entertainment future.
Rogue Infection Goes Live
It’s bad enough that vicious Fake antivirus infections like XP Antivirus 2012, and similar are multiplying like the swine flu. Now, rogue infections have gone live, using real people to scare you into purchasing worthless programs and services.
What About Tomorrow
Wax seals and goose quills were all the rage. They were soon replaced by fountain pens and ballpoints. Then we had mice and keyboards. Now it’s touch, voice, and even gestures.
Are you ready to see a penny at 100 yards, hear a whisper at 50 yards and have all the information on the internet available without any external devices? Well, if not, then get ready because it’s on its way.
#1 Operating System In The World
Windows 7 #1 in the world
I’ve been using Windows 7 since before the beta release.The fact that it has assumed the number one position is not news but how fast it got there is.
Chrome Blows Past FireFox
A Lean Mean Windows 8 Machine
The popularity of tablets, and netbooks is pushing Microsoft to lower the memory needed to operate the newest Windows. Longer battery life and reduced background services are replacing the muscle computers of yesterday. Windows 8 is going to take Microsoft into the new age, but what about the faithful desktop user? Will they come along?
AV Software – An Exposé
The biggest worry I have on a daily basis is someone just flat emptying my bank accout or maxing out my credit cardes. If you are like me you rely on security software to protect this information. It’s easy to forget that virus and trojans are designed to steal your information, bank account numbers and identity.
Download Windows 8
Starting today, Tuesday, September 13th, 2011, @ 9:00AM, is the new event known as BUILD. It is designed to show hardware and software developers how to take advantage of the latest Windows, Windows8.
Download Windows8 Developer Preview NOW!
Windows 8 – Big Change
The new Windows8 may be nothing more than an application on your next computer. The future sees you using a browser based, application intensive, system that may not even require you to load Windows. The future is looking bright and different, Windows, the operating system that put personal computing on the map and kept it there is changing and you’re going to see it happen.
9 Windows Treasures – The Hidden Magic
1. Sticky Notes: I use them everyday to help me get things done. Calendars, Word docs, and Notepad, are too cumbersome when all you want is a simple reminder that stays where you put it.
Check out what others are hiding in your Windows. Let us know your favorites.
5 Computing Mistakes
Everyday I hear from people who are having computer problems. One of the first things I do is have them run a PC Pitstop OverDrive scan and send me the results. It’s free and it’s the best diagnostic around. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years and I’ve seen hundreds and maybe even thousands of systems and talked with their owners. After a while you see the same problems and hear the same answers.
Mango vs. Apple iOS
For anyone who is a Microsoft fan, the past few months have been anything but exciting on the mobile phone front. The last release of Windows for phones was a big bust that left everyone feeling flat. Finally that is all going to change. Microsoft has announced the release of their new mobile OS, WP7 Mango and talked up the wonderful newness of it all to partners at the Worldwide Partner Conference. This final release to manufactures (RTM) should allow builders to deliver real phones to some markets as early as August and September.
ISPionage and CyberBreak Ins
Remember a time when you were safe in your home, when you could talk to your family about important matters and feel safe? Remember when you wrote “CONFIDENTIAL” on the outside of an envelope and it meant something? Those days are gone and what’s worse, seem almost laughable. Bye bye privacy, it was good while it lasted.
Acer or iPuke – Tablets Are Toys
The quest for the perfect communication tool has led me on yet another wild goose chase. Is it really asking to much to have a simple, easy to carry, computer, TV, phone, book, photo album, typewriter,copy machine, camera, camcorder, and handy flashlight, all in one package?
Microsoft Alert – Huge Phone Scam
What’s the weakest link in your security? You are! When you’re phone rings don’t believe anything you hear. That Microsoft employee your talking to could be eating sardines and swigging vodka while empties your bank account. This is big, very big. If you live in the US you have a one in seven chance of being contacted. Don’t be caught wondering what happened. Exercise the one precaution that can save your money.
I Can See You In Your Home
Hope you don’t owe any money on that Jacuzzi or the refrigerator in your kitchen. The store that sold it to you might have a camera in it and be watching your every move. Think I’m kidding? Think again. How many computers can 1,500 stores rent? It is a question that needs your consideration.
Ask The Pros
Keep in mind that the biggest threat to your system is you. If you click OK and allow every request without scrutiny then your chances of infection increase drastically. I suggest everyone use a router even if you have only one computer. I wouldn’t be without one.
Ask The Pros
By Steve Hogan
You can access Windows System Restore right here from the same System Properties. Click on the System Protection tab/ System Restore /Restore Files and Settings/Next/Pick a Date and follow the prompts. This is also the same area to create a new restore point or to reduce the amount of space alloted to system restore or even turn off System Restore.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with this area and you will feel much more confident in your ability to use your computer.
Department of Justice and FBI Take Down Huge Coreflood Botnet
Score one for the good guys this week as the The FBI and US Department of Justice unleash a powerful and quick take down of the “Coreflood” botnet.
Coreflood was a massive international network of more than two million infected computers; computers that were used to empty bank accounts, score sensitive corporate data and steal untold financial data. This is a huge victory as this particular botnet has been in operation for 10 years.
Customer Service
This past year I decided I needed to get out and get some fresh air. I had already tried golf and that was a disaster. I also decided there was no way I was going to stuff 222 lbs into a pair of flimsy nylon sport shorts, so running was out of the question. I thought about kayaking but since I live in S.W. Florida that seemed kinda like sticking a 200+ lb. meat pie in front of America’s deadliest predator, the alligator.
Internet Thugs Enforce Copyright Law
According to the latest PC Pitstop figures, 15% of us have some sort of file sharing or torrent client on our computers. That’s down 5% from a high of 19% two years ago.
What stops you from using peer to peer file sharing? Is it the law or is it virus and malware infections? The bad guys surely nab more people than the law.
Crisis in Japan – Help List
All of us are focused on the horrible tragedy unfolding in Japan as a result of the recent 9.0 earth quake and crushing tsunami. Descriptions fall short. We feel the sadness and try to deal with these feelings as we watch the Japanese people struggle through this time. Although we are removed, being human in combination with todays technology, insures that we are emotionally involved.
Check on curent weather conditions, make donations, find missing friends and family.
PC Matic Community Chat
PC Matic just keeps getting better. PC Matic now has Chat to provide users with a feature rich chat experience not found in other programs.
It won’t end here. Behind the scenes we’re working at a feverish pace to provide you the absolute best software on the market.
When you buy PC Matic you are getting inovations and features found no where else.
Wait till you see what’s next!
The Internet is Crumbling
Chicken Little and The Internet
Chicken Little was walking down the path to another regular day when PLOP something hit him on the head. “Woah, what the heck was that”, said Chicken Little. He looked on the ground and saw…nothing. He looked in the air and saw… clouds. “Oh No”, cried Chicken Little, “the clouds are falling, the clouds are falling”.
IE9 RC-Release Candidate
On February 10th, 2011, Microsoft launched the IE9 Release Candidate. This release does not come without bugs however. Be sure you’re ready for some unexpected error messages if you use this version. Will Microsof get it right? Yes. Is it right now? No, that’s why it’s only a release candidate.
Hold your clicker and wait till it’s official.
New Operating System Announced by Google
Better, faster, easier. That’s what the world is all about and it going to be easier to connect than ever before.
Just be sure you know where you’re headed
PC Matic – 2010 Marks Dramatic Improvements
First of all, “Thank you very much”. Your faith that PC Pitstop will keep your systems running clean and fast is our reward for 2010. We respect this trust and want to tell you about some of the improvements and additions that were made to PC Matic this past year.
PickPocket Biggest Cyber Threat for 2011
STOP! THIEF! Grab him, he’s got his hand in your pocket right now.
The convenience of banking from your pocket is hard to beat, but be aware of new thieves and new methods.
Pads, tablets, and Other No-Shows
Earlier this month InformationWeek ran a piece describing how Goldman Sachs expects tablet sales to cannibalize PC sales at a rate of 33% to 35%.
Great copy but I don’t think we’ll see anything like that. Especially since there are no tablet sitting on shelves, with the exception of iPad.
Let me know what you think.
Merry Christmas Microsoft and Happy Patch Tuesday
Send a big Merry Christmas to Microsoft and thank them for the continued support of their products. Be sure to beat the exploit makers to the patches being offered on Patch Tuesday and the corresponding exploits that always follow on Hacker Wednesday.
Remember, first patched is never hacked.
Thank you Microsoft.
Google’s First Netbook Leads to Implants
Are you ready for a netbook that doesn’t use an operating system? Google is banking on it, as it unveils the first Google branded netbook. Today, Tuesday, is the day of the anouncement and while the thought of a browser driven netbook is interesting, it does have some hurtles to hop.
AVG Bug kills 64 bit computers
Here’s hoping you didn’t update your AVG software in a timely manner. It seems the update will turn your system into a looping machine. Nothing is more fun than a Merry-Go-Round on a Monday Morning. Enjoy the ride!
Zombie Virus Attacks Millions of Smart Phones
ZOMBIE VIRUS attacks millions of smart phone users. Are you ready for the next big attack?
Is your premium cell phone account protected? What would you do if you received a false text alert? Do you know what an attack looks like?