Another Day With My PC

Do you have that habit of clicking on “Next” whenever you install something on your computer?

There used to be a time when installing applications required having read the 50-page ReadMe file that comes with the pack. Worse, there were times when you’re even required to have certain applications in order to proceed with the process, such as ZIP programs. Needless to say, having a new resident in your hard drive back then wasn’t so easy.

It’s a good thing that hair-pulling installation processes are already things of the past. Installation wizards have practically reduced user participation in the procedure to a point that even a paralytic who could only move his finger could go through the steps and finish the installation.

Installation wizards seem so reassuring that we’re often beguiled into mindlessly clicking the Next button until the whole process comes to its conclusion. If you give a little thought about it, that practice of clicking through the whole procedure like an epileptic is dangerous. Introducing new programs into your computer means introducing changes into your system files. The changes may be unpleasant, especially if it tinkers with your system’s registry.

While it may seem tedious and sometimes needless, you should devote a sufficient amount of time in going through the installation process (meaning you have to read what the installation wizard is flashing on the boxes). Don’t take the procedure lightly. You may be inadvertently allowing or agreeing to drastic system changes or interferences by mechanically clicking Next or Yes to every prompt or query that you get whenever you plant something in your hard drive. The consequences might be harmless (but annoying) in some cases, like having an additional toolbar in your Web browser. However, the repercussions could also be debilitating, such as incessant pop ups.

If the claims and ads of antivirus software makers are to be believed, then all that separates us from a Trojan-free PC is $19.99 + VAT. Indeed, almost all security suites claim that they could prevent malware infection by up to 99.9%. However, as many of you might have already noticed, that .01% that’s unaccounted for almost always stands out.

I guess I’ve already told you a couple of times already that the battle against malicious programs should not be left to security suites alone. They can’t ward off all attacks, especially if the user is careless and gullible enough to click on every pop up or ad that tickles his fancy.

Every program must be conscripted in the fight against computer viruses. I’m not saying that Microsoft should include a virus-scanning feature on Excel or Powerpoint. That would be absurd (but somewhat cool, don’t you think?). Each application could contribute to the fight by keeping their fences intact, meaning that every hole or weak spot in their algorithms should be patched.

The most important application that should be patched well is the Web browser. We all know that browsers serve as our PCs gate to cyberspace, and we all know, too, that cyberspace has lots of tiny programs that bear crossbones tattoos.

Hence, when choosing a browser, pick the one that has an extra layer of cement on their wall. Mozilla and Opera have already acknowledged their products’ role and responsibility in the fight against malware by incorporating antiphishing functions, as well as anti-pop up features. Microsoft would also be photocopying the same features in the final version of Internet Explorer 8.

There used to be a time when OS X seemed too impregnable for viruses and other types of malware. Mac users used to pride their machines as something that doesn’t need an antivirus.

Things have changed since then. The Mac’s rapidly increasing popularity has made it the Apple of every hacker’s eyes. Indeed, the major reason why malicious programmers have focused on Windows is because it’s the most widely-used operating system.

It’s only a matter of time when OS X would become as troublesome and problematic as Redmond’s OS . I don’t know if Apple will be able to ward off attacks from all sides. Maybe it will. But this doesn’t mean that you should just lean on your OS X’s maker for security. Start building a wall on your Mac as early as now by installing the necessary security suites that commonly litter Windows-based PCs. Antivirus and registry cleaner software are must haves.

Once in a while, some of us install old applications to bring back a part of the good old days. I’m sometimes guilty of clearing a few megabytes in my hard drive for circa 1990 software, some of them even DOS-based.

Nostalgia isn’t the only reason why some people are resurrecting old programs. For those who abhor the clutter of options that software-makers litter in their creations, it is indeed not surprising why a good number of PC users are missing the old applications that are simpler and easier to use.

While it would seem that breathing life back to your outdated programs may be harmless, analysts are discouraging using old software. For one thing, installing them might just induce migraine as new operating systems don’t support obsolete applications anymore.

But the real reason why experts advise users not to reinstall old programs is because they could chisel a hole in your computer’s wall. Malware could easily exploit the security gaps that unpatched software creates. Although program makers regularly releases security patches or updates, they usually do so only to products that have been recently released. Very few would even bother putting a band aid on apps that were issued more than 10 years ago.

Be very careful then when reinstalling or running programs that are not supported by their makers anymore. If you’re bent on using old software again, try to look first on the Internet for patches or updates. If there are none, then don’t connect to the Internet whenever you’re using them as malware in cyberspace could smell unpatched software from thousands of virtual miles away.

Newegg.com will give a three-user license for Panda Internet Security 2008 for free, after rebate. The anti-virus software that is tagged at $40 will be made available for free if users “purchase” it thru a special URL.

Despite this new offer, not many appear to be excited. PC Magazine as well as other authority websites recently gave the software a not so enthusiastic review, calling the anti-virus as “a mixed bag of some really stellar features and some areas where the suite is simply ineffective.”

Sources indicate that the 2008 version of the Panda Internet Security poses not much difference compared to last year’s release. But despite the minimal chances, others are still happy with the 2008 model.

The software now sports many additional features such as Wi-Fi security and backup and performance tuning. The software now also uses TotalScan technology, Panda’s online security scanning system which many software reviewers such as Neil Rubenking really like.

Purchase of the anti-virus from Panda’s website instead of Newegg will cost you $69.95. That purchase includes upgrade to the Panda Internet Security 2009 for free.

Source: AppScout

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.

The Internet has definitely revolutionized the way files are being shared or transferred. Gone are the days when you have to rely on FedEx or DHL to send important files or programs to another person who’s residing on a different continent.

While the process has indeed become much simpler and easier, it has also become less secured. File repositories don’t usually check the data that are being sent to them for storage. The task of ensuring that they are clean, then, falls upon those who will be downloading them.

Don’t just download anything on the Web even if the link or file comes from a trusted friend. Who knows, that friend of yours might have gotten the file from somebody who has 10 for an IQ on PC security, or worse, has an IQ 150 for malware dissemination. Always scan the files or programs that you hoard from the Net. If the program that you’ve downloaded doesn’t do anything when you click on its icon but your hard drive lamp is flickering like crazy, then that’s a sign that something fishy is going on. Conduct a full system scan right away.

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.