Importance of Updating and Upgrading Software

This handout may seem overlapping with previous handouts, but it is of great importance. Computers, these days, must be protected against ‘bad guys’ with Virus Checkers, Anti-Malware, Anti-Spyware programs and Cleanup Utilities. In previous handouts I gave my thoughts about installing these types of programs. You might want to re-read that posting. In summary my recommendations were:

- Remove virus checkers you have to pay for, such as Norton, McAfee or Web Root

- Install a free virus checker such as AVG, Avast or Microsoft Security Essentials

- Augment the virus checking program with a Malware Checker, e.g. - Malwarebytes

- Install a Cleanup utility such as CCleaner

- Add a spyware checker such as SuperAntiSpyware (or Spybot Search and Destroy)

My thoughts have not changed on the above recommendations (remember these represent my opinion), but here are some very relevant points:

Programs, like cars, require maintenance. Two words you often hear are ‘update’ the program and ‘upgrade’ the program. An update brings in new information that is needed to make the program effective. If you think of the anti-virus program as a doctor, the doctor must keep current with knowledge of the latest diseases and drugs to be effective. This makes updating important. UPGRADEs happen less frequently, but are also very important. An upgrade is a whole new version of the program that represents a complete overhaul – like getting a new (younger and smarter) doctor. Going back to my car analogy, an update is like changing the oil and an upgrade is like getting a new car.

Also make sure you know which programs update by themselves and which ones don’t. Programs seldom upgrade themselves.

Virus Checkers

AVG Free, my favorite virus checker, issues daily updates. In September of 2012 they also issued an upgrade. Version 2012 was the current version until then. Now to be up to snuff you must install latest version, which also goes by the name 2013. This can be obtained for no charge from a website named www.filehippo.com. With its new offering AVG has a different installation version for 32 bit versus 64 bit machines. Make sure you load the correct one. Check your machine by going to the Control Panel and then System. This will tell you what kind architecture is on your machine. Download and install the most current version with the same type.

Since virus checkers don’t get along with each other, part of installation of AVG 2013, is the removal of AVG 2012 or 2011. During the install a reboot takes place. This is normal. Also, as stated above, remove all previously installed virus checkers before installing the new one. Some virus checkers may even stop their installation if they see another one loaded.

With AVG, updates take place automatically… daily if your computer is turned on and online. The schedule for running can be configured under “scan schedule” and should be set to run at least twice per week. Make sure scan time is set for when you are not using the machine. Also, it goes without saying that your machine must be on for the scan to take place. Don’t set AVG to run at 2 AM and then turn your computer off every night.

Anti-Malware, Anti-Spyware and Cleaner Programs

Malwarebytes (MWB) is an anti-malware scanner that has a free version and a pay version. The free version, which I use, must be updated through your action. You open it, click on the update tab and then check for updates. You must be online for the update to work. You should check this a couple of times per month. Your trigger to run this program (which you must initiate if it is the free version) should be once per week OR if you computer displays some aberrant behavior. This is a great program for diagnosing and eradicating things that cause strange symptoms. Having it up to date is crucial.

CCleaner also must be run through your actions. Twice per month is good for this too. It gets rid of files that you didn’t even know were there such as temporary files.

SuperAntiSpyware is a wonderful program for targeting and eliminating "Tracking Cookies". These eavesdrop on you and for that fact alone, should be gotten rid of. This is also offered in a free or pay version. The main advantage of the pay version is that it can be made to update and run without your intervention. Running this program once per week is good, but the more you are on the Internet the more you will accumulate these undesirables.

With all the safeguards described above there is STILL a chance a virus can get into your machine. A common type encountered today is often referred to as a Rogue Virus or one that tries to extort money from you, or blackmail you, by essentially taking over your computer and locking it up until you pay them. Two common ones are dubbed the FBI Virus and The Department of Justice Virus. Both of these freeze your machine until you pay. Although Malwarebytes can usually eliminate this type, the viruses have gotten more sophisticated and some will disable MWB. Don't pay the blackmail… ever. Here is a procedure that often works.

System Restore

This is a feature built into every version of Windows since XP. It is found under Accessories, System Tools and then System Restore. In Windows 8, get to it with the run command (Windows Key + R) and type in "rstrui.exe" and hit enter. A System Restore window will open. Pick a restore date that is before your problem began and set the restore in progress. Machine will shut down and take you back to the date picked. Data, documents, pictures and email will be unchanged, but settings and things that got installed/uninstalled will be revised. This is an important point, because any virus installed will be reversed. After system restore, your machine will either tell you that the restore was successful or it failed. If it fails no changes were made and you must try plan B. If it was successful, you may have cured your problem.

If you can't get System Restore to run in regular mode, start your computer in Safe Mode. Tap on the F8 key while booting the computer. This will give you a list of choices called "Advanced Boot Options". Use arrow keys (mouse doesn't work at this point) to choose safe mode with networking. Then use procedure in previous paragraph to execute System Restore. As last resort you can get to this procedure though the Command Prompt using DOS. This is too detailed to describe here.

Disk Defragmentation

Lastly, I am often asked how often you should defragment your hard disk. If you are running Vista or Windows 7, defragmentation is likely set to take place by itself. In Windows XP you should check for the need to defrag – Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Systems Tools and then Disk Defragmentation. Do an Analysis. If it says to defrag, do it. If your drive is more than 80% full you will need to do some purging of old files, pictures or unused programs. When a hard drive gets to 85% occupied, a defrag becomes almost impossible.

Dan Phelka

Cell Phone: 586-703-2082