Another Day With My PC

One of the wonderful things that wireless technology has brought us is Bluetooth. I’m sure many of you have already heard of this innovation. Bluetooth is a wireless protocol which allows devices to communicate or connect with each other. While signal coverage is generally limited, it’s versatile enough to handle a variety of devices. It works similarly with infrared technology, albeit the former features a broader range and could handle greater volumes of data.

Cutting the Tentacles

Bluetooth has freed computers and other devices from the tentacles of wires and cables that normally accompany them.  You could now attach devices to your PC without tripping on their long and ugly appendages.  It makes desktops less cluttered and enables laptops to be truly mobile. Mobile phone users also owe a great deal of comfort and freedom to this innovation as hands-free devices, such as earphones, connects to your cellphone without requiring anything in between them

Not Perfect

Of course, no innovation is free from limitations. As had been said earlier, Bluetooth devices could only be united up to a certain distance. Old versions can only tie both gadgets up to a meter. The latest ones, though, could put an invisible extension cord of up to a hundred meters.

Bluetooth was built to build personal networks, not to host wide areas and a multitude of devices. This limitation is what differs it from Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi has the capacity and is primarily meant to blanket large areas. It can host and serve numerous devices that need access to the Internet. Bluetooth was never meant to serve this need.

Security Concerns

As Bluetooth bridges computers to other devices, hackers could exploit this invisible highway by letting malicious data traverse it. Indeed, introducing malware through Bluetooth connection is a no-brainer. There is no need for the user to define access points or provide IP addresses. Bluetooth devices are already programmed to detect similar apparatuses. Connection could be immediately established by just a touch of a button. Sometimes, mere proximity is what all it takes for a road between the contraptions to be built.

Fortifications

This doesn’t mean that Bluetooth is a very unsafe communication tool. As with any other network, Bluetooth connection could be made restrictive. Make sure that you alter the settings of your device in such a way that you would always be prompted whenever another Bluetooth appratus tries to connect with yours. Don’t just accept any file or data that is being sent to you via this connection unless you’re absolutely sure about the integrity of the source. Create pass codes or passwords. This wall will be your first line of defense.

Breach

Even the most vigilant person could not prevent every attempt by hackers to get a hold of his Bluetooth device. Therefore, antivirus and registry cleaner software are indispensable. These programs complement your other filters and will ensure that your device’s fortification is strong and that even in case of breach, damage could be prevented or at least be controlled.

The Antivirus program has long been taking credit for malware-free PCs, and many say that it should rightly so. Indeed, as its very name suggests, it is the one tasked to filter or ferret out viruses in our computers. However, the claim and accolade cannot be solely attributed to the antivirus software anymore. Times have changed and threats have multiplied. It is not surprising then that the antivirus program’s monopoly on PC security has gradually been eroding.

One of the security tools that’s already considered as indispensable as the antivirus is the firewall. A firewall is program, system, or device that acts as a gate between your PC and cyberspace. It checks every data or packet that comes in and out of your PC, thus ensuring that nothing unwanted goes in and out of your unit.

Unheard Of

Firewalls were not considered as important a few decades ago when the Internet as we know it today was still being brewed. In fact, only bespectacled computer science majors may have known of its existence. Firewalls gradually started to become a household name when the Internet was made available commercially.

Today, firewalls are already integrated in almost all operating systems, thereby highlighting its importance in PC security. Antivirus makers also bundle firewalls in their merchandise, acknowledging the fact that an antivirus software cannot fend off malware alone when the computer is connected on the Internet.

Tag Team

Firewalls and antivirus programs complement each other. They cannot effectively defend our PCs without each other. While you may contend that an antivirus is already enough on a unit that is not connected on the Internet, the lure of cyberspace and the various ways by which you could easily connect thereto is too strong and too tempting. It should be noted that many programs already require an Internet connection for registration and updating purposes.

Registry Cleaners

There are other applications that complete the security tools line up of every PC. A registry cleaner, such as RegCure, is also a must-have. There are times when malware escape firewall and antivirus checkpoints. When this happens, the unwanted programs almost always turn their sights first on the operating system’s registry. No antivirus and firewall function or feature could save your unit in this situation. The complicated task of ridding your registry of unwanted alterations is within the competence and expertise of a registry cleaner alone.

Each security program has its own area of responsibility. Keeping your PC free from malware is a team effort between your system’s firewall, antivirus, and registry cleaner software. Make sure that you have all installed in your computer.

Do you ever wonder why your computer seems to be doing something even if you’ve already finished using it?

While you may think that something’s fishy is going on when your hard drive or DSL light blinks on you even when you haven’t touched the keyboard for quite some time already, your PC may actually be doing something that’s completely legit albeit without your permission.

Legit?

Take for example auto updates. Many programs update themselves automatically whenever you’re connected to the Internet. Windows XP and Vista are well known for this. There are many other programs that update themselves without prompting the user for each download session. Hence, do not be surprised why the hard drive and DSL lamps on your PC keep on flashing.

This doesn’t mean that you should smile whenever your PC seems to be working overtime. We all know that malware works undercover. Hackers take time and effort to make sure that their creations are as invisible as the latest bomber of the US Air Force.

As the saying goes, though, no bad deed goes undetected and unpunished. There are many ways by which you could check if malware is slowly taking over your system. If you’re observant enough, you could detect the presence of unwanted programs even without an antivirus’ sirens.

Circumstantial Evidence

While flashing DSL and hard drive lamps on an idle PC is not a concrete sign of spyware or virus infection, you could reasonably presume that something quite smelly is going on inside your unit. Many types of malware need Internet access so that the hacker or other malicious programs could access the host unit. Every upload and download, then, would naturally trigger the DSL light. Data are also being transported in that process. Hence, your hard drive lamp would most likely be flickering signs of impending doom.

Blinking lights are not sure gauges malware activity. However, they could help you in detecting them. Hence, antivirus and registry cleaner programs are still indispensable. Even if you develop a very good nose for sniffing viruses out, you would definitely need help in eradicating them.

Talk about timing or coincidence. While I was giving a short discourse as to what ActiveX is and the possible dangers that it may bring, Symantec and Microsoft were already giving advisories on the recent spates of malware infection caused by the ActiveX control for the Snapshot Viewer made for Microsoft Access.

Symantec reported that the attacks are being perpetrated through a toolkit that could be used even by novices. The fact that this program is being disseminated on the Internet aggravates the problem.

Microsoft’s security advisory on the matter revealed that the ActiveX trap are set by creating bogus Web sites that seem harmless or legitimate. Upon accessing the infected page, the user would be prompted that an ActiveX control needs to be loaded in order for the site to be displayed properly. Once the malicious ActiveX control is allowed to run, the hacker would then be able to use or access the unsuspecting user’s PC to execute damaging codes or instructions.

Microsoft has yet to release the patch that would cover the problem. Until then, be wary of the Web sites that you visit. If you can’t stop yourself from checking the page, then at least refrain from acting on the ActiveX prompts that you get.

There used to be a time when Web sites were as exciting as your newspaper’s business section. There were hardly any picture on the Web pages back then and interaction was limited to the e-mail address of the webmaster. Surfing the Web 10-15 years ago was like browsing through huge post its!

Web page design has come a long way since then. Text-only Web pages are already relics of the past. Nowadays, you could hardly find any site that has no pictures, videos, or graphical options or controls which allow you to interact with the page. All these would not have been possible if Microsoft had not created ActiveX.

What is ActiveX?

ActiveX is an innovation by Redmond which allows programs to be executed and/or loaded on the Web Site. The codes that ActiveX execute enable the surfer to interact with the page as it gives him a variety of options as to how he could wander about in the site. Take for example your favorite NBA team’s Web site. Whenever you visit their page, you’ll almost always be prompted if you would want ActiveX controls to be executed. Click “yes” and you’ll be presented with a wide array of features, such as being able to vote for your favorite player or view the highlights of last night’s game. Click “no” and you’ll be stuck with a page that doesn’t have much flare to keep you from leaving after 10 seconds.

Is it Dangerous?

While ActiveX controls make the waves we’re surfing on more interesting, it could also make them very perilous. Take note that ActiveX works by executing codes embedded on Web pages. If the codes contain malicious instructions, then you’ll probably be spending your next weekend reformatting your hard drive and reinstalling all your programs and files, that is if you were able to back up all of your precious data.

You should therefore be very cautious in clicking the links that you see. If the URL seems dubious, don’t click on it. If you have the curiosity of a cat, then at least don’t immediately run the ActiveX controls of the page when you’re prompted for it. Examine the index page first before you respond to prompts or queries.

Install Safeguards

While Internet Explorer prompts you if a Web page wants to execute or run an ActiveX control, thereby keeping you safe from malware infection, such feature doesn’t provide you with an adequate security or safeguard. Malicious codes usually target the Windows registry first. Hence, investing in a registry cleaner is imperative. Hackers have more than one ingenious method by which you could be tricked into running a malicious ActiveX control. If you do fall for those, your registry cleaner and antivirus would be there to catch you.

Hmmm I wonder what that does

While I’m definitely curious about that key, I don’t have the habit of pressing any or all the links that are pasted on the Web sites that I visit. We all know that bogus sites are rampant these days, and obliging to any of the come-ons on the pages that we view could be disastrous.

You may contend that your antivirus and other security tools allow you to press on any link with impunity. However, security programs are not absolutely impregnable. There are times when the user has to participate in manning the tower once in a while, especially when checking on links or opening programs that have dubious origins.

It’s true that everything has almost been taken from the hands of the user as far as PC maintenance is concerned. Almost. That tiny percent that has been left for us to do is by no means inconsequential. Sometimes, that ordinary prudence of checking or scrutinizing the page or file could very well be the thread that separates you from malware infection.

Don’t you find it amazing that kids as young as 3 years old are already tapping their fragile fingers at keyboards? Let’s face it, generation X, Y, and the coming Zs will be exposed to computers as early as their first year outside the womb.

Time will come when kids at primary school will be more literate than us when it comes to computers. Whether or not their first experience with the PC will be pleasant or frustrating depends largely on us adults. We all know that malicious and pernicious materials abound in the Web, and we can’t monitor or filter everything that they read, see, or download in cyberspace.

One of the best ways by which we could ensure that they won’t stray to forbidden Web sites is by installing applications that restrict child movement in cyberspace. This also protects them from logging on to Web sites that disseminate files that are infected with malware.

Invest in programs that put virtual barb wire around your PC whenever it’s connected to the Internet. Antivirus and registry cleaners are must haves. As for Web site filters, there are various applications available in the market. Check your Web browser’s maker if they’re offering a free add-on or built-in filter. This could save you a few bucks. But don’t scrimp on security software, though. They are very good investments.

What do you do when your PC slows down?

While some people try to examine what’s wrong with their computer when it’s performing under par, others are quick to put their unit out of its misery by discarding it and replacing it with a new one.

Computer manufacturers have mix reactions as to the option or solution of early retirement for PCs performing below expectations. Of course, they’re very happy with people buying new computers all the time since this would mean millions or billions in profits. However, this impatient and wasteful attitude of PC owners may also damage their name and goodwill since their units’ underperformance might be taken as a sign of poor manufacturing techniques.

Many users exhibit more patience in handling PC slowdown situations, though. Oftentimes, the problem lies not on the hardware but on the applications that are running the show. Indeed, Acer, HP, Dell, and other PC makers take pride in their units and warrant them for any defects.

PC slowdowns are usually caused by malware. You don’t have to kick the hard drive out of your system when viruses or spyware make it their abode. The simple, most effective, and cost-efficient solution for this is to run an antivirus and registry cleaner scan on your system. This does the trick almost 99% of the time. So please, don’t euthanize your computer. There are many cures out their in the market, such as RegCure.

In this age where dial-up is already extinct and 1Mbps is considered as just a trickle, one would definitely be up in arms if his Internet connection chokes or coughs up kbps phlegm. An uprising is definitely in place considering that Internet Service Providers are now promising 20-foot waves whenever you surf the Net using their surfboards.

While many ISPs are notorious for exaggerating their connection speeds, they are not actually the usual suspects when your bandwidth slims down to a needle thread. Indeed, they wouldn’t dare you into jamming their customer service phone lines by scrimping you on your broadband diet.

Surfing With Malware

Not every slow browse is caused by greedy ISPs, though. Most of the time, the problem lies in your PC. If you haven’t invested in an antivirus program or in a registry cleaner, such as RegCure, then chances are is that your Web browser is being choked by malware. Malware is considered to be one of the major causes, if not the primary cause, of slow browse. If your ISP insists that the problem is not at their end, then you could bet your modem that it is coming from yours. Fortunately for you, slow Web browsing caused by malware could easily be spiked up by simply running your antivirus and registry cleaner. Those programs easily fix slow browses in a jiffy by ridding your browser of its excess baggage.

Update Your Browser

If your PC is as clean as a sterile gauze and your ISP insists that it is providing you with tsunami waves to surf on, then your problem probably lies on your Web surfboard. Faulty browsers could definitely make Web surfing a drag. Visit Microsoft or Firefox’s Web sites and see if they already have a new version. Check for patches, too, as browsers with too many holes are susceptible to malware attacks. We all know what those malicious software could do, so be diligent in searching for updates.

Unplug Your Plug-ins

If you could still finish singing Beyonce’s latest single while waiting for a Web site to completely load up or appear on your screen, then your browser might have some problems with its plug-ins. Plug-ins are small applications that enhances programs by adding functions or features to it. Many of these programs are made for browsers. They’re definitely welcome add-ons to Internet Explorer or Firefox. However, faulty plug-ins could also slow down your browser. The best way to know if this is your slow browse culprit is by disabling your add-ons or by choosing to open a version or copy of your browser that has no cosmetics on it. You could do this in IE 7 by clicking Start • All Programs • Accessories • System Tools • Internet Explorer (No Add-ons). If you’re using firefox, just click on Tools • Add-ons, then disable the items listed as your browser’s plug-ins.

Before you call up your ISP and complain that your DSL or wireless Internet connection is acting up like a dial-up, check your bandwidth meter and see if your service provider is really the guilty party. If you don’t have one, download a copy at Cnet or PC World.

Microsoft’s announcement that it will release the public beta version if Internet Explorer 8 during the third quarter of this year drew mixed reactions from both fans and foes of the most widely-used browser in the world.

Redmond has already released a beta version several months ago for developers. Unfortunately, it drew flack on many of those who tested it. But that’s not surprising though, considering that IE8’s authors precisely released it to the experts so that they could put a few cents on it.

Of course, the public beta version would already be about a mile and a half better than the previous test release. While Microsoft’s purpose of releasing the unpolished product is for people to be bugged by it and for them to report the annoyances that they’ve experienced when using it as a surfboard on the Internet, still many welcome this pass-the-responsibility-of-detecting-the-bugs move or policy of Microsoft. I guess many are of the opinion that it’s better to be bugged now when we’re ready with the repellants.

I just hope that IE8 would be a lot faster and more secure than the current one that we’re using. Sometimes, a quad-core, spyware-free PC still seems to be a laggard due to the sloth-y Web browsers that we’re using. Security is also a main concern. Take note that many of the malware that we inadvertently welcome in our systems come from the Internet. Gone are the days when viruses get introduced to our PC by carelessly exchanging floppy disks or other storage media from friends or officemates. Everything is done online now, and our browsers are our primary gateway to cyberspace.