Reaper's PSA (Comp Security and Customization)

[Munroe]

I haven't ran an anti-virus regularly since 2008.
Nor did I run one from 2002 until 2005.

I did run one from 2005 until 2008 because it was free to me as a student.

As far as I can tell, I've been virus-free because I generally follow the tips Death and Reaper outlined at the end.

I use Firefox web browser (and occasionally Chrome), and stay up-to-date with the latest version, and I do manually install Windows XP updates as they become available via the auto-updater.

One bad habit I have is I do open my emails from unknown senders, but I don't follow the bogus links inside. I informed my sister a week ago that her Yahoo account is sending out malicious emails. (I've received 2 from her so far.)

I recently updated from Thunderbird 4 to Thunderbird 17, so my email client is current again finally. (They had been releasing service patches to Thunderbird 4, but they finally indicated those will cease soon.) The main reason I wasn't updating is because I was worried about the new version not supporting my older email data but it came over fine. (Upgrading email clients used to be a much bigger hassle than it is now.)

I do occasionally take a drive image of my primary hard drive though with the free version of Macrium Reflect. (The free version is limited to whole drive images only.) My emails and all my other significant data are stored on secondary hard drives, so if I do get something unpleasant installed on my primary hard drive, I can re-image it from a backup image. Haven't had to do that so far, which is good since I only thought to image my PC again last week after a good year from the last image I took. (Even though it only takes approximately 9 minutes to take an image of the drive.)

I have reinstalled from an image before when I switched the drive I was using for my primary hard drive, so the imaging software works.

My parents run anti-virus software and it seems to work for them. They used to get all kinds of mal-ware on their computer. I was like "What did you click on?!" I don't know. You've got to be diligent while using the Internet.

[The Tallest Dwarf]

You know, I wanted to point out how selfless and kind it is of DnR to post all this information. A lot of times these forums get bogged down in negativity and I thought this worth mentioning.

I already follow a lot of this advice but thanks for teaching me a few things. Look forward to more.

[gainreduction]

I just wanted to add a few things to this topic:

Auslogics makes some great software for keeping your computer running smoothly. I especially recommend their disk defrag which you can get for free. It runs a lot faster than the in-built Windows Defrag.

www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/download/

Emisoft Anti-Malware is another program similar to Malwaresbytes Anti-malware.

I've recommended this product in the past to people that have managed to pick up "nasties" from the internet. Generally picks up trojan-horses that Norton/Avast/AVG/ESET NOD32 antivirus programs will not.

www.emsisoft.com/en/software/antimalware/download/

Also: Try and keep graphics/sound drivers up to date if you're playing the latest games.

[gainreduction]

Best pro-tip ever: Don't look at dodgy stuff on the internet.

[Munroe]

What OS is that?

[DM Hawk]

Jun 2, 2013 16:34:57 GMT -5 Fluffy the Mad said:

Updated, more forthcoming soonish. I don't suppose someone could sticky this so it doesn't get lost?

Absolutely!  

*Applies a wad of bubble gum*

[gainreduction]

www.iobit.com/downloadcenter.php?product=advanced-systemcare-free

Best free utility I've used for finding Malware, automated driver update etc.

Just checked out Rocketdock, wow that is a cool program.

I just wish I had spare space on my desk for my second monitor; Oh well I guess I'll have to deal with the single 27" 1080 one!

[Trollfiend]

What do you recommend for an E-mail client? I don't use Yahoo!. I use a paid e-mail service, but Windows 7 doesn't have Windows Outlook.

[Fenix]

Dec 25, 2013 18:06:24 GMT -5 Fluffy the Mad said:

Dec 25, 2013 18:03:13 GMT -5 Trollfiend said:

What do you recommend for an E-mail client? I don't use Yahoo!. I use a paid e-mail service, but Windows 7 doesn't have Windows Outlook.

I use the web-based Outlook, but some people use Thunderbird. I'll do some research and add any additional popular choices to this post shortly.

Actually Outlook was replaced by Windows Live Mail, which still works just the same. I may be wrong but there might still be versions of outlook currently, or just compatability with older versions for windows 7

[Fenix]

Dec 25, 2013 18:59:18 GMT -5 Fluffy the Mad said:

Dec 25, 2013 18:44:21 GMT -5 Fenix said:

Actually Outlook was replaced by Windows Live Mail, which still works just the same. I may be wrong but there might still be versions of outlook currently, or just compatability with older versions for windows 7

There's a web-based system by the name of Outlook. There are older or compatible versions, however, as you say. I was going to suggest alternative e-mail clients. (Like the aforementioned Thunderbird)

Edit: This is from my Outlook, for proof.



Secondary Edit: Here's a fairly comprehensive list of email clients, in a comparison form. It isn't fully updated, but has the majority of popular clients on there- with links to their respective pages, websites, and information!
Linky

Yes yes! Thunderbird and live mail are the top, though I prefer web based and I centralize everything onto my gmail.

[Trollfiend]

Thanks! I'm going to go with Thunderbird

[EDM Entori]

Feb 26, 2013 1:06:56 GMT -5 Fluffy the Mad said:

With the UICC recently over (and along with it some fascinating lectures about computer science in general) I thought I might post a few tips on computer use and safety by a student in the field. Feel free to use these as you will; if you want any information added post it here or PM me and I'll update this original post. Note: Everything on here so far is for Windows users.

On A/V (Antivirus) Programs:
The best medicine for viruses and malware is prevention, but barring that, this is the next best thing. (I'll cover practices in another spot) So you need antivirus software but don't know which to use, right? There are dozens of programs out there, for pay, for free, and fake ones. Never install one unless you know where it comes from and whether or not it's reliable. If it appears out of nowhere, it's likely a virus and you should get rid of it immediately. (Using another computer to look up removal is helpful)

Two free programs that you can download are the following, and both are helpful. Don't run scans on both at the same time, and uninstall any prior AV programs before installing these.

1) Malwarebyte's Anti-malware

2) Microsoft Security Essentials

3) Emerisoft Anti-Malware (Similar to Malwarebytes, thanks Gain)

A highly-recommended one that can be paid for is the following:
1) ESET NOD32

(Note: The free are about as useful as the paid antivirus if you have good habits and practices in your use of computers. Don't pay for AV unless you absolutely need to.)

AV Tips and Preventative Practices:

• Don't click links that you don't know.
  
• Don't open emails from unknown senders.
  
• Don't download any files unless you know the vendor is trusted, they have good reviews (more than two), or have a review from a reputable website.
  
• Keep the executable files for your antivirus programs on a flash drive in case you need to run them from there or another virus blocks those installed.
  
• ALWAYS update and keep your AV software up-to-date.
  
• Even if you have windows auto-updates turned off, manually update often. (Once a week is good) so that any security holes are patched. No software is perfect, and there is no real warranty on an OS, anywhere.
  
• Don't use Internet Explorer as a browser. Use Firefox, Chrome, Opera, or another, more safe browser. Each have additional security measures that I'll cover later.
  

I'm giving this its own space, not because it's the most important, but because if you use this you have to follow instructions explicitly and to the letter.
HEAVY-DUTY ANTI-VIRUS
-----------------------------------------------------
This is to be used ONLY when there is no other solution. You've already searched for this virus and have nothing, and it is shutting down every attempt to stop it. You can't even boot normally anymore, and need to run in safe mode just to get data. But, you need what's left on the disk- you can't afford to flash/wipe the drive and reinstall everything.
-----------------------------------------------------
Have no fear, there is a solution. However, this involves relying on professionals, and doing EVERYTHING they tell you to. If you miss a step it could ruin your computer and force you to do a clean install or worse. You can use the diagnostics tool Hijack This! to give you information that you need to diagnose the problems. I've lost the link for the original professionals that ran with this tool, but you can ask for support here. I'll change that link if I can find the original boards I used the tool with. This is a last-step for my list because it involves spending a lot of a volunteer's time digging through a detailed diagnostics log, and you generally need someone who is knowledgeable about the systems to help you out. Use this when it's needed and only AFTER you've done moderate to heavy malware removal steps of your own.





Default Programs and Efficiency
Most of you likely know this by now, but the default programs aren't that great. Some are clunky, both in user interface (UI) and in operation. They take up extra memory and disk space, and don't provide enough functionality for what you need. Well, it's not just programs that have this issue- it's the underlying processes that can make a waste, too. The following should give you some programs that are useful and efficient, and allow you to cut back on some memory and improve your start-up times. (Windows, unfortunately, has a large amount of bloat that other OS don't have.)

Let's start with processes, since those are a fairly easy fix:
1) Before you do any of this, create a system restore point. (Or a disk image such as Munroe suggests below) You can do this by going to Start Menu -> Control Panel -> System & Security -> System Protection.
2) Go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs & Features, select "Turn Windows features on or off"
3) Make sure that ONLY the following are checked:

• Games (If you play them. If not, remove them. You can reinstall them later if you want by checking the boxes)
  
• Internet Explorer (Only if you're a web developer and need it)
  
• Internet Information Services (Should be a filled box by default, leave it if so)
  
• Internet Information Services Hostable Web Core (Checked)
  
• Media Features (Filled. Have no sub-sections checked.)
  
• Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5.1 (If you're a developer. If not, uncheck.)
  
• Remote Differential Compression
  
• RIP Listener
  
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) (Should be filled by default, leave it like this)
  
• Simple TCPIP services (i.e. echo, daytime etc)
  
• Tablet PC Components (If you have a tablet PC--Will NOT affect graphics tablets)
  
• Print and Document Services (If you print a lot and don't use an external program or feature)
  
• Windows Search (If you use it and won't use one of the later-suggested programs)
  

4) Restart your computer for these changes to take effect.

Now let's cover replacement programs.
These are, for the most part, better or more efficient alternatives for those we just removed.

Process Manager:

• Process Explorer (Credit Blade)
  

Internet Browser:

• Mozilla Firefox -This is my browser of choice.
  
• Chrome
  
• Opera
  

Firewall Software
-This is not essential, usually your router will provide some fair amount of coverage. If you're worried, though:

• Comodo Firewall
  

Media (Images)
Viewing/Editing:

• Honeyview
  
• Irfanview
  

Editing:

• Gimp
  
• Paint.NET
  

Media (Audio)

• Foobar2000
  
• WinAMP-I recommend this one.
  
• Songbird
  

Media (Video)

• Media Player Classic
  
• VLC (Recommended)
  

Performance Suite & Defragmentation

• Auslogistics (Credit to Gain for this one)
  
• CCleaner - For cleaning all the gunk out!
  
• Smart Defrag 2 Just what it sounds like.
  
• Defraggler Another by Piriform. I haven't used it, myself.
  

Searching (Replaces Windows Search)

• Launchy
  

Highly-Optional Gadgets & Launching Platforms (Stuff to make your desktop look pretty)

• Rainmeter
  Used to give you gadgets on your desktop. Search Customize.org for any skins you'd like, or learn to write your own! It's easy!
  
• RocketDock
  Gives you a mac-style launching dock if you want to store shortcuts in a smaller, easier-to-manage format.
  

Messenger
You can either download each separate program (I've done this, won't link them all here) but an alternatives are multi-use messengers.

• Pidgin
  
• Trillian
  

Services & Booting
We dealt with processes already, but this is affecting a few other things- windows services that run in the background, and things that will affect your boot speed. (If your computer is moving slow on start-up, you likely have too many programs set to start with your compy)
We'll start with services. Be careful and follow the instructions, since these WILL affect your computer. (Look up any of these with Google or Startpage if you aren't sure what it does or think you may need it)
1) Make a restore point, as above.
2) Open MSConfig (Windows key + R, then type "msconfig" OR go to Start Menu -> Run -> "msconfig"
3) Select the Services Tab
4) UNCHECK the following:

• Adobe Flash Player Update Service
  
• Application Layer Gateway Service
  
• Application Identity
  
• ActiveX Installer
  
• Bitlocker Drive Encryption Service
  
• Background Intelligent Transfer
  
• Bluetooth Support Service (Optional)
  
• Certificate Propagation
  
• COM+ System Application
  
• Homegroup Listener
  
• Homegroup Provider
  
• Windows Backup
  
• Adaptive Brightness
  
• Superfetch (Optional)
  
• Credential Manager
  
• Windows Process Activation Service
  
• Diagnostic System Host
  
• Problem Reports and Solutions
  
• Windows Error Reporting Service
  
• Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
  
• Parental Controls
  

5) Click on the 'Boot' tab and enable 'no GUI boot.' (This will stop the windows loading screen from showing up)
(I'm going to update this as I go)

trying to add a gadget, well, temp monitor to a skin from another skin, is it possible?

[Kiyohime 🐍]

I need a software to take screenies. Go go go.

[Fenix]

Mar 20, 2014 11:35:04 GMT -5 Kiyohime 🐍 said:

I need a software to take screenies. Go go go.

In nwn? Print Screen.

Anywhere else? CTRL Print Screen <3

[Kiyohime 🐍]

Mar 20, 2014 11:36:14 GMT -5 Fenix said:

Mar 20, 2014 11:35:04 GMT -5 Kiyohime 🐍 said:

I need a software to take screenies. Go go go.

In nwn? Print Screen.

Anywhere else? CTRL Print Screen <3

Hahaha. I need one of those softwares you can smash Print Screen a hundred times and all your screenis are automatically saved in a nice little folder. <3

I am lazy.

[Fenix]

Mar 20, 2014 11:45:17 GMT -5 Kiyohime 🐍 said:

Mar 20, 2014 11:36:14 GMT -5 Fenix said:

In nwn? Print Screen.

Anywhere else? CTRL Print Screen <3

Hahaha. I need one of those softwares you can smash Print Screen a hundred times and all your screenis are automatically saved in a nice little folder. <3

I am lazy.

Lol.

Im not DNR, but I will at least give my piece.

Dropbox has a feature that will screenshot when you hit printscreen, place it in a folder, and upload that to your cloud storage there to keep it backed up, or prepared to share.

[Kiyohime 🐍]

Mar 20, 2014 12:27:45 GMT -5 Fluffy the Mad said:

Mar 20, 2014 11:46:22 GMT -5 Fenix said:

Lol.

Im not DNR, but I will at least give my piece.

Dropbox has a feature that will screenshot when you hit printscreen, place it in a folder, and upload that to your cloud storage there to keep it backed up, or prepared to share.

I'm glad someone thought of me. <3

There are a number of freeware projects designed to help people take screenshots, but I don't have a ton of experience with using them. A popular, higher-rated one (by CNET standards) is ScreenHunter Free. Dropbox is doable as well, but I don't use that either- I'd prefer to save to file somewhere and edit to avoid any metadata trickery that happens sometimes.

You are always on my mind. Rawr.

Dropbox's feature is pretty neat, but I will have a look at Screehunter.

Thank you two.