CompuClever Blog

DIY vs. Repair Shop

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Why is it that asking for help can be an overwhelming obstacle?  The reality is… there is a certain shame that comes from seeking help when we don’t know something.  No one wants to admit to being lost and needing directions and no one wants to feel like they are not smart enough.  Plus, we all want to join the ranks of DIY – Do It Yourself.  To be real, this takes assessing the situation and knowing if the issues are outside our expertise.  When we are simply spinning our wheels, it’s time to take it to the professionals.  The next task is to get good and reliable service that will lead to a real solution.  This article segues from some of our recent articles that focus on assessment of PC problems.  We’ll cover this in brief and provide links.  The main impetus for this article is to shine some light on PC repair technicians that are not trustworthy and to strongly emphasize how our users can benefit from available tools and services including those offered by our CompuClever support team.

Here is the article menu du jour:

  • Background:  We’ll start with the background story of one man’s experience with a not-so-honest repair shop.
  • Assessment:  How to assess what’s up with your PC.
  • What to Do:  Get the right tools and utilize the services that are available.
  • Repair Shop Pointers:  When all else fails and you need to take your PC to a paid professional.

Background

In today’s world, certain buzz words can cause a great deal of stress and concern such as “terrorism” and “virus” (in this case PC virus or “malware”).  We all look on those responsible for the creation of these as being deplorable.  And then there are those that reap a reward by taking advantage of the fear generated from these malevolent and disruptive acts.  In our example we highlight a true case that came directly to us when a PC repair shop accused our software of infecting a user’s PC.  Let’s start with the details.

In the spring of 2013 we received correspondence from a Consumer Protection agency on behalf of a private individual who had been charged a fee for services incurred by a PC repair shop (name withheld).  The specifics begin with a frustrated man who was unable to get an online connection and decided to take his computer to a repair shop.  The technician there said he needed a new hard drive in order to back up his data and that they would need to reinstall his operating system.  This was all done to the excessive tune of $340.

What strikes us as interesting up to this point, and we will put aside how purchasing an external HD can be done fairly cheaply and how it was likely unnecessary to reinstall the OS… what really is of concern is that it could have simply been something related to configuring his online connection.  What is the most outlandish aspect of this story, and how it specifically came to our attention, was that the repair technician had stated that CompuClever Systems had purposefully placed malware on his computer by planting a cookie without the user’s knowledge or consent while he was online.  There was also an accusation that CompuClever software was on his system by means of a silent install.  In the end, this individual put his trust in the repair shop technician, made all these changes to his system and paid a fee far in advance of what was required.

Assessment:

Let’s just say upfront – there are grey areas when determining causes of PC issues.  When it comes to examining symptoms it is a challenge to determine if the culprit is a virus or something else.  Certain conditions such as a slow performing computer, popup messages, applications slow to open, are common to both malware related causes or items referred to as PUP – Potentially Unwanted Programs.  The best thing to do is to retrace your steps and find what the most recent changes were leading up to the issue.  If you can identify some software that was installed on your system you can then begin to examine it more closely – was it from a trusted source or is it a known virus?

Trusted Source: If you have done an examination and find that there are PC cookies on your system be advised – this is not an indication of a virus or malicious program.  As our readership is aware from our previous article on this matter, it is not possible to infect a computer using PC “cookies” – they cannot run programs that deliver viruses or malware to your PC and they cannot access your PC.  We recommend removal of cookies from unknown sources and keeping those from trusted sources.

A definite way to tell the source is a trusted one is to check credentials.  For example, CompuClever Systems is certified as a Microsoft Partner and an Intel Software Partner.  As such explicit user consent is required to install software certified through Microsoft and Intel.  In order to get this kind of Microsoft and Intel certification the software must not contain any virus, malware, or other forms of destructive code.  This means the software undergoes rigorous and thorough review.  Not only does this level of software require user consent to install, all certified software must completely uninstall at the request of the user and at his/her sole discretion without any confusion or any complications.  So… if the disgruntled user in our background story was in the least bit uncertain about CompuClever software he could simply uninstall it.  Or, he could have contacted us and we could assist him in uninstalling it.  What other software companies can uphold this level of support and service?

It is vital to use proper discretion when installing items to your PC.  As we have pointed out in previous articles there are cases where you want to install one program and you end up getting a bundle of apps some of which include annoying popup messages.  Reading the fine print as you go from one page to the next during the install process is critical.  In most cases you have the option of selecting only the program you want to install.

Virus / Malware: Without going into too much detail we will revisit this area briefly and encourage you to look more deeply into the differences between virus/malware and other PC annoyances and unwanted programs.   For more information on this see our article: Virus vs PUP. We also have covered “foistware” – the annoying software that has been forced onto your PC.  See this article for more information.

Basically, a virus is a type of malware (malicious software program), that is installed on your system without consent and will replicate itself in whole or in part.  It behaves in a manner that can be thought of as an infection by targeting one or more areas of your PC.  You can often expect to experience harmful activities or negative impacts such as monopolizing system resources (disk space and CPU), gaining access to private data, sending out spam content, corrupting data on the system, and displaying messages on the screen (popups).

The following are definite and true characteristics of a virus/malware infection:

  • Inability to remove cookies or software from a computer system.
  • PC security software and/or firewall become disabled.
  • Computer starts acting on its own.

If something has gotten onto your system without your knowledge or consent you have some options available to you: find a solution online, try out a trusted virus removal product, get available technical support (by phone), or… take your PC to a repair shop.

What to Do:

Free Solutions:  Do you have anti-virus protection for your PC and is it active?  Recent Windows operating systems provide anti-virus protection (see article: Virus vs. PUP).  There are also other third-party anti-virus tools available and some are even free.  We encourage you to go online and research this by using customer reviews and finding out whether there is a solution that meets your needs.  We are confident that in the very least anti-virus tools will not steer you in the wrong direction by placing the blame on legitimate software.  The shortcoming here is that they may not get the job done that is specific to your problem.  If so, you can take it to the next level… get some support that is available to you.

Available Support:  CompuClever offers a TuneUp Service for performance related issues as an alternative to taking your PC to the repair shop.  What you get is a one-on-one direct PC tuneup service through phone and remote desktop connection.  With remote desktop connection we are able to view and run your desktop environment from our offices to assist with your issues.

Note: This is a free service offered to our full license users.  We will also be offering this to any and all PC users for a fee so as to assist with solutions related to PC performance.   We emphasize here that our service is focused on PC’s that perform poorly and require optimization – at this time we do not repair PC’s suffering from virus/malware infections.

This service is conducted by our senior technical support specialists and our aim is to solve your PC performance issues and enrich your experience and knowledge of our software solutions with our assistance.  The list of symptoms and issues we address include the following:

  • Uninstall unwanted programs:
    Review installed applications with you the customer.  Research and remove unwanted or suspicious applications.
  • Remove junk:
    Use PC Clean Maestro’s scan to remove files considered junk that clog your PC.
  • Optimize startup and shutdown:
    Review the StartUp Manager and disable unnecessary or unwanted startup apps.  Use “System TuneUp” from PC TuneUp Maestro to optimize both StartUp and Shutdown speed.
  • Remove browser add-ons:
    Review the add-on list(s) for the default browser and disable unnecessary or unwanted add-ons.  This could result in the removal of annoying popup messages.
  • Reset and optimize browser settings:
    Reset your browser to factory default settings.
  • Registry cleaning:
    Use PC TuneUp Maestro’s registry cleaning function to clean and optimize the registry.
  • Registry defrag:
    Defrag and optimize the registry using PC TuneUp Maestro’s registry defrag feature.
  • Hard Drive defrag:
    Perform a deep defrag on your hard drive using PC TuneUp Maestro to free up space and improve PC performance.
  • Privacy and security scan/clean:
    Use PC Clean Maestro to clean privacy and security items.
  • System and Internet optimization:
    Use PC TuneUp Maestro’s System & Internet Optimization functionality.
  • Check and ensure Windows Update is turned on:
    Check to ensure that the mechanism is turned on so you receive Windows updates.

If your PC issues are outside our scope of items listed here we will give you our recommendation of taking your PC to a computer shop for hands on repair.  We would also give advice on options related to necessity of repair service and whether the cost of repair is reasonable versus purchasing new.

PC Repair Shop:

Be aware – PC repair shops can rip you off!  An easy way to make a quick buck as with our example in this article is to take advantage of a situation where it is difficult to know the root cause of an issue as well as the actual repair effort that went into the fix.  As with any professional that gives you advice and offers their service, you have to ask the right questions up front before any work starts.  Here are the questions you need to ask:

  • How much do you charge per hour?
  • How many hours do you estimate this will take to fix?
  • Do you guarantee your service?
  • If you run into difficulties can you call me ahead of time to get my approval?
  • Can you save my data?

What you should expect to get in terms of answers are:

  • Cost per hour: somewhere in the range of $50 – 100 per hour.
  • Time it takes: somewhere within 2-3 hours.  They may need to actually see your PC beforehand but they should give you some estimate of time.  If not – do not employ their services.  If they do need more time for repairs then agreed upon, make sure they contact you ahead of time and get your approval.
  • Guarantee of service: Yes.  Somewhere in the range of 30 – 90 days.
  • Call for approval when faced with situations that are beyond the agreed estimate: Yes.
  • Save data: Yes.  In extreme situations where the PC cannot be salvaged and the files can be accessed, they can be saved to external storage.

Other tips:

Keep in mind that you may have to pay a minimum fee – usually the first hour – just for them to look at your PC.  It’s worthwhile to check into this as well.  Also, check to see what the reputation of the company is beforehand.  AND, as with any professional services – get a second quote for purposes of comparison.

Note: After you get an estimate take a step back and think.  How long have you had your PC/laptop?  What are the advantages of repairing this versus buying a new one?  Keep in mind that entry level PC’s and laptops are becoming lower than $500.  And with entry level computers we are talking about specifications that exceed what was offered three years ago!

In Summary:

At CompuClever we are committed to creating PC utility software that improves the performance of your PC and we also offer support designed to address PC issues related to performance.  You can save yourself time, money, and headaches by looking for solutions that address your PC issues rather than getting stuck with a bill from a disreputable PC repair shop.

We will continue to provide story lines like this that benefit all of us and we will describe them in a manner that is within reach of everyday computer users.  If you have some ideas of topics you would like us to cover, email us at: newsletter@compuclever.com

 

CompuClever Free Functionality

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We’ve mentioned before in previous articles how there are some companies of poor repute that offer “free” stuff.  But what you actually get is something not entirely free.  At best you get a free time trial of the product; at worst you get a free app bundled with a bunch of add-ons that you didn’t want resulting in a clogged system with popup ads or other system modifications you didn’t ask for.   CompuClever provides applications that have some functionality enabled for you to try for free.  If you want the full program you can upgrade.  There are no tricks or deceptions.  We want you to try our products and see if they meet your needs.  As you do have one of our paid programs we encourage you to look at our entire application suite and try out anything that looks of interest.

CompuClever offers four programs including: PC TuneUp Maestro, PC Clean Maestro, Ultra eBook Reader, and Ultra File Opener. We will provide a description of each product, introduce what each product is capable of, and highlight the free functionality that is available with that product.

PC TuneUp Maestro

PC TuneUp Maestro is the most advanced suite of PC maintenance software tools available. PC TuneUp Maestro uses advanced error analysis and resolution technology to fix, clean, and optimize your system.  You get a stable and reliable PC that runs at peak performance like when you first began operating it.

  • One-Click PC Error Repair and Optimization
  • Enhanced PC Performance and Stability
  • Faster Windows Startup Time
  • Free Product Updates and Technical Support

Free function list

  1. Free scan: PC TuneUp Maestro includes registry, defragmentation, system tune up and Internet tune up scans. You can scan your system to see results to better determine state of PC health and need for optimization.
  2. Hard Drive CleanUp: Provides easy access to the onboard system tool for your PC. Hard Drive CleanUp works to free up space on your hard disk by searching for files that you can delete safely.
  3. BackUp & Restore: Many of the PC TuneUp Maestro functions involve an automatic backup before making changes. With the BackUp & Restore section of PC TuneUp Maestro you can view all your system restore points, manage them, and create new ones.
  4. Launch Internet Explorer without Add-Ons: From the Fix & Clean toolset, this feature enables you to run a temporary Internet Explorer session without any add-ons, toolbars, or Browser Help Objects. This provides a good preview of how your browser can perform without all these extra items. (Read more about how to optimize your IE…)
  5. Windows System Tools Management: The Windows System Tools tool provides easy and quick access to the most useful and relevant Windows System tools such as the Control Panel, Programs and Features, Task Manager and more.
  6. StartUp Management: This feature provides access to the applications that launch when you boot your system so you can optimize your computer’s startup performance. From the list that is provided you can enable or disable items and you can choose to remove items. (Read more about managing your startup programs…)
  7. Unknown File Extension Search: When you come across a file that your PC cannot handle, the program provides you with access to a comprehensive database of file extensions and matching viewers. You will be prompted automatically when your PC encounters files it can’t open. (Read more about file extension support…)

PC Clean Maestro

Your PC can store unwanted “junk” files and traces of your personal information including passwords, credit card information, and email / chat communications.  As a result your PC runs slower and exposes you and your family to identity and security theft. PC Clean Maestro removes unwanted files and it eliminates confidential information so your PC is clean and safe.  It also comes equipped with an Uninstaller tool to help you identify and remove applications you no longer need or use.

  • Remove Junk Files to make your PC clean
  • Prevent Theft of Your Online Identity
  • Safeguard Your Private Information
  • Uninstall Programs Cleanly
  • Free Product Updates and Technical Support

Free function list

  1. Free Scan: PC Clean Maestro includes privacy, security and junk file scans. You can scan your system to see results to better determine state of PC health and need for optimization.
  2. Clean Junk Files: You can run the Scan and Clean Tool and remove any and all files that are considered junk.
  3. Uninstall Programs: You can run the Uninstaller tool which is specifically designed to display a list of all the programs installed on your system for the purpose of uninstalling, repairing, or changing the way the features are installed.

Read this past issue of our newsletter for an in-depth understanding of how to clean your PC using these free features.

Ultra File Opener

Ultra File Opener (UFO) is the ultimate viewer for opening PC files.  Hundreds of different file types are supported, including images, text files, archive files, audio and video files, and data files.  Equipped with Hex Decoding technology, UFO is capable of opening files of any type.  You can view images, text files, and the contents of archive files.  You can also choose from a number of functions for each of these file types including printing, converting, and extracting.  UFO also enables you to manage the default file association so each file format is handled by the program you want.

  • Open over 280 different file types, including images, documents, data, and archived files.
  • Convert files to commonly supported file types for easy sharing.
  • Make beautiful prints with multiple printing templates.
  • Free product update and technical support for one year.

Free function list

  1. Open and View: You can view images, text files, and the contents of archive files. UFO supports hundreds of different file types, including images, text files, archive files, and data files. With Hex Decoding technology, UFO is capable of opening files of any type
  2. Manage File Associations: You have the option of selecting which files you want the program to open by default. That is to say, any time you double click on the file type you have selected, UFO will open.
  3. Submit a File for Analysis: In the event that you encounter a file format that you cannot open we would like to assist you. CompuClever will analyze the file for the purpose of including it in our list of formats we support.
  4. Partially Downloaded Files: Internet browsers create partial files for the purpose of storing a file that was in the process of being downloaded but was interrupted or left incomplete. UFO can examine the contents of these types of files and extract the original download URL if available. With UFO, you can also restart the download or get directions on how to resume to completion. (Learn more about partially downloaded files generated by Chrome, Firefox, and IE…)
  5. Portable Executable Files: The Portable Executable (PE) format is a file format for executables, object code and DLLs, used in 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows OS. UFO enables you to open and view Windows executable file types by providing access to the contents of the file. You can open, find, and export the decoded resource files available with executable files. (Learn more about PE files…)
  6. Unknown File Extension Search: When you come across a file that your PC cannot handle, the program provides you with access to a comprehensive database of file extensions and matching viewers. You will be prompted automatically when your PC encounters files it can’t open.

Ultra eBook Reader

Open an eBook directly on your PC or device and enjoy the ultimate PC reading experience. Ultra eBook Reader supports 12 of the most popular file types.  You can view your eBook using a variety of display modes.  If you have touch screen support you can use pinch-to-zoom and multi-touch functionality.  You can navigate using bookmarks and with the table of contents, as well as taking advantage of the search functionality. You can create bookmarks and link to them in the Bookmark pane.  You can even print your eBook.

  • Instantly open and read eBooks, PDF, comics, and other document file types.
  • Convert eBook and document files to text files for easy sharing.
  • Print eBooks and documents to make real paper copies.
  • Free product update and technical support for one year.

Free function list

  1. Open eBooks Files:  Open and read eBooks, comics, PDF and document files.  Ultra eBook Reader supports 12 of the most popular eBook formats.
  2. Manage File Associations:  You have the option of selecting which files you want the program to open by default.  That is to say, any time you double click on the file type you have selected, Ultra eBook Reader UFO will open it.
  3. Bookmarks Management:  Bookmarks are a convenient way to mark favorite sections in the book or the place mark where you left off.  You can display the Bookmarks pane and click on a bookmark link to jump to the specified page.
  4. Find Tool:  Ultra eBook Reader comes equipped with a search tool.  You can search for and locate any word or group of words in your eBook file.
  5. Submit a File for Analysis:  In the event that you encounter a file format that you cannot open we would like to assist you.  CompuClever will analyze the file for the purpose of including it in our list of formats we support.
  6. Unknown File Extension Search:  When you come across a file that your PC cannot handle, the program provides you with access to a comprehensive database of file extensions and matching viewers.  You will be prompted automatically when your PC encounters files it can’t open.

Read this article to learn more about how you can use Ultra eBook Reader to enhance your reading experience using your existing computer.

In Summary:

At CompuClever we are committed to creating PC utility software that improves the performance of your PC.  We also offer programs such as our Ultra eBook Reader for the everyday user that makes day-to-day computing more rewarding.  We combine our products and our service to offer a professional package to meet our user’s needs.  Look for our program updates such as a new and improved Uninstaller for PC Clean Maestro, as we continue to improve our offerings to you.

We hope this article has helped gain some knowledge about our product lines and stimulated your interest of trying some of the aforementioned free functionality to make your day-to-day use of computers more enjoyable and productive.  We will continue to provide story lines like this that benefit all of us and we will describe them in a manner that is within reach of everyday computer users.  If you have some ideas of topics you would like us to cover, email us at: newsletter@compuclever.com

 

Virus vs. PUP and how to remove both

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We are going to tread carefully and examine two areas of PC ailments. We will strive to make this more understandable and to provide effective and free solutions for both.  If you look at how Microsoft deals with these categories you will find that they admit these two areas are not mutually exclusive and certain terms are used interchangeably.  For our purposes we want to be more definite so that we can pinpoint what steps you need to take in order to deal with these items if you are or ever have experienced them.  This article also assists you in preventing them from happening, provides free tools, and outlines the steps to get rid of both types.

How could a PUP be unwanted?  Well, in this case, we are not referring to a fluffy, playful dog or even Power Pup the Office Assistant.  We’re referring to a term that is increasingly being used to describe Potentially Unwanted Programs.  We are likely all too familiar with a virus infection; your PC becomes infected when opening something such as an email attachment or having something downloaded without your consent when visiting an infected website – even ones that are considered legitimate can be sabotaged.  A PUP on the other hand can be installed with your consent – even though you may not know it.

It is widely recognized… that many if not most users fail to read a download agreement in sufficient detail to understand exactly what they are downloading.[1]

Let’s Get Started!

We’re going to look at a general definition and description of these two types of PC predicaments.

Virus

A virus is a type of malware (malicious software program), that is installed on your system without consent and will replicate itself in whole or in part.  It behaves in a manner that can be thought of as an infection by targeting one or more areas of your PC.  You can often expect to experience harmful activities or negative impacts such as monopolizing system resources (disk space and CPU), gaining access to private data, sending out spam content, corrupting data on the system, and displaying messages on the screen (popups).  While these harmful behaviours are typically expected not all viruses come equipped with a damaging payload.
Other traits:

  • Creators of viruses exploit security vulnerabilities on your system and are motivated by profit, desire to spread messages, sabotage, or operate for personal pleasure and sense of mastery.
  • Computer viruses cause billions of dollars worth of damage each year.[2]
  • Most viruses target computers running Microsoft Windows operating systems and often using complex stealth and anti-detection strategies to evade anti-virus programs.  As we point out in upcoming sections, Windows offers free tools to prevent and cure issues as a result of viruses.

PUP

This term, short for Potentially Unwanted Program, refers to items that may be unwanted.  This can include spyware (tracking software that gathers information), adware (where advertisements are displayed during operation), and dialers (if you have a modem, a dialer can make pay-per-call phone calls to other computers).  Most frequently it includes items you downloaded but without explicit consent.  In other words, you said yes but didn’t read the fine print.  One or more PUPs are most often downloaded along with software that you did in fact want (bundled together).  These items can bog down your system and can cause poor PC performance.

In a previous article we introduced “foistware” – a term derived from the word “foist” which is to foist upon or impose fraudulently or unjustifiably as with inferior merchandise on a customer.  This includes software that gets installed in addition to software you intended to install without your full knowledge or through stealthy methods such as being bundled with software you actually want.  The result can take the form of:

  • Additional Internet browser toolbar add-ons,
  • Changes to your default search engine (for example, from Google search to Bing),
  • Changes to your browser homepage,
  • Display of pop-ups with scary messages like “Back up your PC or lose it”, or “Your computer has 1000 errors”.

Unlike a virus, a PUP does not have the ability to replicate itself.  As for “unwanted”, they can include behaviours that result in negative impacts such as popups and annoying messages appearing and resources being excessively utilized (hard drive space or CPU).

Software vendors use bundling techniques frequently when offering a free application.  We have mentioned in previous articles how “free” is not always free; this is yet another example.  This is yet another example.  To gain revenue a software vendor will partner with a less desirable software creator to deliver a bundled program that requires you to carefully select what you are installing during the install process as we soon point out.  Once on your system, the manufactures of the less desired software provide advertisement or benefit from you clicking to their site.

These types of unwanted programs are not technically malware but have undesirable side effects for your PC as listed above.  Side effects can also include slower performance as these items will launch processes that run in the background.

Treatments:

There are ways of treating these PC plights.  However, as can be expected there is not one solution that works in all instances.  You cannot expect anti-virus tools to work for items that have been installed to your system with your consent albeit using dodgy methods.  We are going to reverse the order here and start with what should be easier to deal with –potentially unwanted programs.  If you cannot deal with them using these methods… chances are you are dealing with something more malicious.

Note: We are starting here with the Uninstaller tool offered with PC Clean Maestro and it is a free tool.  If an item is not displayed in the list of programs there is a good chance that it is a virus or some form of malware.

Remove PUP

The process of removing a PUP is to begin by identifying it.  With PC Clean Maestro you can use the Uninstaller tool.  Begin by opening the program and following these steps:

  1. Click the Uninstaller button in the left navigation bar.
  2. The Uninstaller tool will appear and a complete list of programs is displayed as seen here:
Cleanly Uninstall any Program - PC Clean Maestro
  1. Review the list by selecting any item and use the Program Information in the right pane to help identify programs.
  2. If there are items you do not know and you are unsure if you should remove the item go online to better verify it.  You can enter the program name in the Should I Remove It website.  This site provides removal percentages and ratings for a wide range of programs.
  3. Return back to PC Clean Maestro when making your decision and uninstall the item if you are certain you do not need it using the Uninstall button.

Clean Virus

There are free anti-virus tools that have been developed and there are pay-to-use solutions that are part of a multi-billion dollar industry.  Unfortunately, no one software program can provide 100% protection and offer the ability to remove all types of viruses as there are countless known viruses and new ones constantly being introduced.  New viruses that appear take time for the creators of anti-virus programs to include in their arsenal of protection.  This is why constant updating of these kinds of programs is required.  Fortunately free tools are open source; that is, free and open for anyone to run, modify and update so as to be available to the public domain.

Free From Microsoft: You can get free anti-virusl tools from Microsoft that will assist you with cleaning up an infected computer.

Tools include:

  • Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT): It supports XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.
  • Windows Defender – provides always-on, real-time protection against spyware, adware, keyloggers, and so on. It supports XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
  • Microsoft Security Essentials – and all-in-one, consumer-security tool to detects and removes a wide range of malware. It supports  XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
  • Win8 Defender – provides the same level of protection against malware as Microsoft Security Essentials but for Windows 8.
  • Microsoft Safety Scanner – for detecting malware hidden at even the deepest levels of your system. It supports XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.
  • Windows Defender Offline (WDO) – Microsoft’s most powerful anti-malware tool for consumers.

Our recommendation to average consumers:

  • For Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 users: Microsoft Security Essentials.
  • For Windows 8 users: Windows 8 Defender.

Detection and Prevention:

To prevent a PUP from being downloaded to your system you need to be very vigilant when downloading anything.  This means you need to detect when a program is bundled with other add-ons during the installation process.   When installing software you typically see a step-by-step install wizard that guides you through the process and offers you choices along the way.  The choices you make – even during the EULA (End User License Agreement) – will determine what you accept to be downloaded.

We recommend that you follow this link for a very clear, step-by-step example of potentially unwanted programs and how you can detect and avoid downloading these unwanted apps.

In Summary:

Even when software is installed to your system using legitimate means there are instances when additional software and add-ons, sometimes referred to as “crapware”, are included.  What you get isn’t what you see.  Removal can be questionable when you don’t know what you are dealing with.  With the information provided here you now have the tools and knowledge to better identify these and to remove them.

We hope this article has helped gain some insight and offered you some effective strategies on cleaning your PC.  We will continue to provide story lines like this that benefit all of us and we will describe them in a manner that is within reach of everyday computer users.  If you have some ideas of topics you would like us to cover, email us at: newsletter@compuclever.com

 

[1] http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/PUP
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus

Improve Startup

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Why settle for a computer that is slow?  Maybe we come to expect that our PC is just not as fast as it used to be – but why?  There are a number of reasons why you are getting poor performance.  We are going to narrow it down in this article to one area of concern: Startup time.  Typically, we download applications and they will by default run when you start your system.  Do you need these to be running every time you start the computer?  It is not likely.  There is no advantage to having them run prior to when you need them and software programs are designed to start very quickly on demand.  Software programs are designed to start very quickly.  So let’s use your available tools to trim this list of startup items.  If there is still an issue with performance we can try out a few other available tools.

Even Microsoft makes the point:

No matter how fast or shiny computers might be when they’re new, they all seem to get slower over time. That state-of-the-art PC you bought last year might not feel like such a screamer after you install a dozen programs, load it with antispyware and antivirus tools, and download untold amounts of junk from the Internet. The slowdown might happen so gradually that you hardly notice it, until one day you’re trying to open a program or file and wonder, “What happened to my poor PC?”[1]

Well… if your PC is suffering from too many installations it’s time for some startup management.  Keep in mind that with many applications you install today – especially free ones – there are most likely add-ons that come with the program.  Add-ons are bundled together with the application you want but you do not need to install the entire bundle.

Tip: Make sure when you install any program you take the time to carefully read every page that comes up during the installation.  We have seen programs include agreements to install software during the license stage where you typically just click “I Agree” without reading the fine print.  When you decline and choose not to install these add-on programs, the installation continues to the application you do want.

Let’s Get Started!

We are going to be using free functionality available in PC TuneUp Maestro.  The Startup Management feature provides access to the applications that launch when you boot your system so you can optimize your computer’s startup performance.  From the list that is provided you can enable or disable items and you can also choose to remove items from the list entirely.

The steps include: Opening the Startup Manager; reviewing the items in the list; and then Enable, Disable, or Remove.

1. Open Startup Management:

Begin by opening PCTuneUp Maestro and go to the “Optimize PC” page as seen in the screen below:

Next, click the StartUp Management link.

2. Review:

There is a list that is provided with all the applications that are launched during the startup process.  The items that appear in the list will look like this screenshot:

You can review any items in the list to make an informed decision about how to best manage each.  This is especially advisable with ones you are not familiar with.

To review a startup application in the list, click the blue link associated with the item.

3. Disable and Remove Options:

From the Startup list, you can check the status of any item in the Select column.  If it is marked as “Disable” then it does not launch when you start the computer – no need to worry.

  1. Disable:  If something in the list is marked as “Enable” you can click the drop down arrow next to it and select: Disable.  The item remains in the list and no longer starts when you boot your computer.
  2. Remove: You also have the option to remove the item altogether but you will see a warning dialog warning you that you cannot use the program to restore it.  This removes the item from the Startup list but does NOT delete or uninstall the application.
Tip: If you see something on this list that is completely unfamiliar and you do NOT plan on using, it is a good idea to uninstall it altogether.  You can use the Uninstaller tool from PC Clean Maestro – a free function of the program – to remove programs and all their components.

Other Troubleshooting Tips:

If you are still experiencing problems you may need to dig a little deeper.  There are other tools available with PC TuneUp Maestro that can improve the situation.  Here is what we suggest:

  1. System TuneUp:   Try the System TuneUp function provided from the Smart TuneUp section (top of the navigation bar).  Make sure the System TuneUp option is checked and then click Start.  There are items that may come up to improve not only the StartUp time but also ShutDown and system speed.
  2. Registry repair:  You can clean and defrag your registry as well.  This can often times result in performance gains.  The registry functions are also found in the Smart TuneUp section.  Make sure the “Registry Repair” and “Registry Defrag” options are checked and then click Start.
  3. Defragment the hard drive:  A poorly performing hard drive can also aggravate the situation with respect to the PC boot speed.  We suggest cleaning any junk files and performing a defragmentation.  Check out our article: How to defrag your hard drives.

In Summary:

We’ve looked at one aspect of PC performance – Startup Management.  This article comes at a good time as we get ready to roll out a new updated Startup Manager that will be released this fall.  The features include:

  • Providing time measurements for each startup program.
  • Categorizing startup applications, startup services, and processes.  The option to enable, disable, and remove applications from the startup process is provided as described in this article.
  • Providing safety ratings and assessments for startup programs.  Users are warned of dangerous or unwanted program that they should disable and remove from the Startup list.

We hope this article has helped gain some insight and offered you some effective strategies on cleaning your PC.  We will continue to provide story lines like this that benefit all of us and we will describe them in a manner that is within reach of everyday computer users.  If you have some ideas of topics you would like us to cover, email us at: newsletter@compuclever.com

 

[1] http://windows.microsoft.com

Cookie Time

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There is one type of cookie that the Cookie Monster would not find appealing – computer cookies. But what are they and what are we to do with them? We are going to expand on what is known as “web” or “browser” cookies that are stored on your PC as a result of online browsing. The benefit to keeping these on your system is minor and they can be used in ways we do not wish. As a result, we pass on instructions on how to safely get rid of them.

This article begins with information about cookies: what they are and what we recommend you do about them.  We will also be covering information related to using PC Clean Maestro.  In this way you are more informed about remaining secure and keeping your information private.

Cookie!

A cookie is a file that is sent from a website when you browse to that site.  Every time you visit the same site the Internet browser sends the cookie from your PC to a server to notify the website of the user’s previous activity.  In this way it is easier to login in to some sites that you have previously visited because your name is already present so you only have to add in your password.  Cookies also track information related to your browsing activities such as items in a shopping cart.  Microsoft states:

Think of a cookie as an identification card that’s uniquely yours. Its job is to notify the site when you’ve returned. While it is possible to misuse a cookie in cases where there is personal data in it, cookies by themselves are not malicious.[1]

Microsoft goes on to mention that they use cookies as they provide information as to how often you visit pages so they can determine what information interests you.  In this way, they provide more of the content you like and less of the content you don’t.  For some websites, you can read this as: providing marketing content in the form of advertisements.  In some cases it means keeping track of items you put into a shopping cart in previous sessions when you did not complete the purchase.

Tip: By knowing the function of a cookies you can have a better idea of what to expect when you remove them.  For example, it’s necessary for you to know your login credentials (user name and password) to the sites you visit beforehand so you can enter them in with each visit.  Or, you can choose to keep only the cookies from websites you trust!

As we mentioned, a cookie tells a web server that you have returned to a specific page.  If you personalize a web page, or you have registered for products or services, a cookie can recall your specific information.  For some people, they may appreciate that this is a simplified way to process your personal information, such as billing and shipping addresses, and so on.  The information you previously provided can be retrieved for you.

There are many reasons a given site would wish to use cookies. These range from the ability to personalize information (like on My Yahoo or Excite), or to help with on-line sales/services (like on Amazon Books or eBay), or simply for the purposes of collecting demographic information (like DoubleClick). Cookies also provide programmers with a quick and convenient means of keeping site content fresh and relevant to the user’s interests.[2]

What are the dangers? It is true – cookies are not malicious in and of themselves.  They cannot run programs that deliver viruses or malware to your PC.  Cookies cannot access your PC.  In terms of security and privacy there is a potential threat.  There are those that say that we commonly reveal our personal information in systems that are designed to provide convenience (frequent buyer cards, automatic payments from our banks, etc.).  These proponents of convenience also point out that in terms of privacy, grocery stores know what we eat, gas stations know what we spend on gas, and banks know what we spend each month.  However… the difference is, with cookies the information is on your PC along with access to your personal and financial data.  It is a vault that holds details you do not want to fall into the wrong hands.  Should someone gain access they could do considerable damage.  Some cookie to be cautious and aware of include:

Supercookies:  These are cookies with a higher level origin such as “.com” or “.co.uk”.  These present security holes and need to be blocked by browsers as they can be used to fake logins or change user information.

Zombie cookies:  These are automatically recreated after a user has deleted them; they remain persistent on your PC.

For a complete list of types of cookies and the known drawbacks see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie

What are the options? You can both delete and prevent cookies from being stored on your PC.  Management of PC cookies is something each of us has to decide on.  You will need to examine the trade-offs and benefits.  The sad reality is disabling cookies may result in some web services not functioning correctly and it falls short in making you completely anonymous and web sites can still track your browsing habits.  However, if you have multiple users on your PC and you do a fair bit of online browsing, it is easy to get hundreds of cookies in very short order.  There are reports[3] of acquiring “30 or 40 in a single hour of browsing.”  While there may be some cookies that provide some useful functionality, most of these are for tracking your activities for marketing and advertisement purposes.

While there are options built into your browser (IE, Mozilla, Google Chrome), to disable all cookies from being stored on your PC, we recommend other alternatives.  You can go into your browser settings and list sites whose cookies are to be rejected.  This is a daunting task however compared to periodic removal of cookies.  By using PC Clean Maestro you can easily remove cookies and you can view the list of cookies and choose ones you want to keep – those from trusted sources!

Removing Cookies

Let’s begin.  We want to have the right tools – PC Clean Maestro for one and a good external hard drive for backup.  Safety first!

Best Practices:  #1. Backup Data

As we have stated in our previous article … backup your data!  This article deals with removal – permanent removal – of sensitive and private items.  It is good practice to make a copy of all files that are important to you and safer practice to keep these stored on an external hard drive.

The Steps:

There are three areas to scan and clean using the CompuClever Clean Tool.  We are staying focused on the privacy and security aspects of PC Clean Maestro.  The following instructions detail how to remove items that are a threat to personal security and privacy.

Step 1:  First you need to open the program.  The window will appear similar to as seen below.  We have expanded the Personal Security and Privacy sub-item sections to get a closer look at the items listed.

Step 2:  Select items to scan.  From the check boxes available you can review and clear items you want to not include in the clean process.

Note: You can refer to the help file for instructions on how to use the three-state check box system.

Step 3:  Initiate the scan using the “Start” button.

Step 4:  Review and Clean.  A summary of the scan is displayed including the number of detected items found in each category, the size that can be reclaimed, and a “Details” link.  The link will provide the complete list of items found and the location of each item.  You can clear any selected items before moving on to the next step.

Cookies you want to keep: This is where you can go through the list of cookies.  You can clear items you do not want removed.  These need to be items from known and trusted sources and you know will provide a useful service.

Step 5: Clean.  Click the “Clean” button to permanently delete the selected items.

Note: Once you begin the Clean process, PC Clean Maestro presents a warning dialog when certain privacy items are selected from the Scan results.  This is a preventive step, a safeguard measure, so as to not unintentionally remove items.  Refer to the help file for a description of the warning, the list of items, and recommendations about what you need to do before choosing an option.

Best Practices:  #2. Regular Use of PC Clean Maestro

Create an automated schedule.  Use the Options button in the Main window and select the Clean Scan Schedule.  From here you can configure when you want an automated scheduled scan to run.

Best Practices – Advanced:  #3. Configure Your Browser Privacy

You can configure your browser settings to better restrict the privacy controls.  Refer to your browser settings and look for “privacy” or “security” (or both).  By configuring these settings you choose what items to block or restrict including cookies and Private browsing or Do Not Track (DNT) browsing traffic.  In recent years all major browsers have included a Do Not Track (DNT) option.  This enables a user to choose to not have their online activities tracked.  This applies to Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Opera.  The one shortcoming of this: “The Do Not Track system is completely voluntary, and there are no legal or technological requirements for its use. As such, not all websites and advertisers will honor the request or may completely ignore it altogether.”[4]

In Summary:

By using PC Clean Maestro you can easily access personal data items automatically stored on your PC.  Any of these items on their own may not constitute a substantial threat.  However, these items together – personal addresses, passwords, account information, and more – can be used together to provide an intruder what they need to gain access to perform financial transactions or use your data unlawfully. Here is a summary of the items that PC Clean Maestro scans:

Personal Security

  • Personal Identity Information: IDs and passwords used for Windows and for Internet access
  • Saved Forms Entry Data: name, address, phone number, credit card information

Privacy

  • Chat & Instant Messaging History: Skype and Windows Messenger messaging content
  • Internet Browsing History: visited URLs, downloads, search history, cached images-Multimedia History: videos watched
  • Windows & Application History: Windows clipboard, document history, applications used
Note: For a complete list including sub items, see: http://support.compuclever.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/47/3/

We hope this article has helped gain some insight and offered you some effective strategies on cleaning your PC.  We will continue to provide story lines like this that benefit all of us and we will describe them in a manner that is within reach of everyday computer users.  If you have some ideas of topics you would like us to cover, email us at: newsletter@compuclever.com


[1] http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/resources/cookie-whatis.aspx
[2] http://www.cookiecentral.com/faq/#2.4
[3] http://surfthenetsafely.com/surfsafely5.htm
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_Not_Track#cite_note-11