Secure Computing: Detect And Eliminate Malware Using Windows Defender

While we are covering all of the free anti-spyware applications, it's only fair to talk about the completely free Windows Defender tool built into Windows Vista and available as a free download from Microsoft for XP users.

This application lets you do manual, scheduled, and real-time scanning with automatic updates of spyware signatures, without a large performance penalty. You can also use it to control what applications run at startup.

Of course, if you are already using a third-party anti-spyware application, there's really no reason to have Windows Defender's real-time scan enabled. In this scenario you can get a performance increase by disabling it, and that's not a Windows Tweaking Myth. If you aren't sure, you can always ask a geek.

Using Windows Defender

Selecting Tools and Settings will start you off in the right place to stop applications from running on startup by selecting Software Explorer. We can make other adjustments from here as well. Continue

ifixedmypc.blogspot.com: Here’s a Super Simple Trick to Defeating Fake Anti...

ifixedmypc.blogspot.com: Here’s a Super Simple Trick to Defeating Fake Anti...: "You might be wondering why we have a screenshot of what appears to be AVG Anti-Virus, but is in fact a fake anti-virus malware that holds yo..."

Here’s a Super Simple Trick to Defeating Fake Anti-Virus Malware

You might be wondering why we have a screenshot of what appears to be AVG Anti-Virus, but is in fact a fake anti-virus malware that holds your computer hostage until you pay them. Here’s a really simple tip to defeating these types of malware, and a quick review of other options.

Not sure what we’re talking about? Be sure to check out our previous articles on cleaning up fake antivirus infections.Continue

How to make a computer faster

By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your computer, help increase your PC speed, and help keep it running smoothly. This article discusses how to use the tools available in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP Service Pack 3 to help make your computer faster, maintain your computer efficiently, and help safeguard your privacy when you're online.

Note: Some of the tools mentioned in this article require you to be logged on as an administrator. If you aren't logged on as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account.

1. Remove spyware, and help protect your computer from viruses
Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. From the websites you visit to user names and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance. To combat spyware, you might want to consider using the PC safety scan from Windows Live OneCare. More