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Comment by Wild Bill on Who is Winning the Robocall Wars? (November 20, 2024 01:35 AM)
I suspect (based on the number of calls to our landline and the near impossibility of tracking and apprehending the miscreants) that some of the 50% d...
Comment by Erik S on [SCAM ALERT] Smishing is Getting Worse (what you need to know and do) (November 19, 2024 11:38 PM)
"WHAT IS MY NAME?" Whenever I have doubts, this is the question that I send back (in capital or regular letters). Not a single time so far h...
Comment by Ernest N. Wilcox Jr. (Oldster) on Who is Winning the Robocall Wars? (November 19, 2024 11:00 PM)
I have MagicJack for y home phone. The service includes call screening, where a caller must enter a random number to complete the call. This feature h...
Comment by BobZ on Who is Winning the Robocall Wars? (November 19, 2024 09:09 PM)
On my iPhone I have turned on “Silence unknown callers,” which automatically sends calls from numbers not in my contacts to voicemail. I can’t r...
Comment by Radische on Who is Winning the Robocall Wars? (November 19, 2024 09:02 PM)
I voted early this year. Two days after leaving my ballot in the City Hall of the City I live in, I got a "Probable Scam Call" from an unknown number....
Comment by S G on Which People Finder Sites are Legit? (November 15, 2024 01:03 AM)
I searched my name and address on fastpeoplesearch.com and found that the information was mostly wrong (including the address that I have supposedly l...
Comment by Mike H on Which People Finder Sites are Legit? (November 14, 2024 11:49 PM)
After checking out fastpeoplesearch.com I got a very suspicious series of emails that I will block. I use https://www.usphonebook.com/people-search ...
Comment by jerry on Which People Finder Sites are Legit? (November 14, 2024 10:32 PM)
Even if I don't mind paying, how do I know the information is for the correct person before paying? It is truly amazing how many people with unusual n...
Comment by BDD on Which People Finder Sites are Legit? (November 14, 2024 10:22 PM)
I would use one of the pay sites if they charged a one time fee. My issue is paying for a monthly service which I will never do....
Comment by Patti Dowie on Which People Finder Sites are Legit? (November 14, 2024 10:11 PM)
I have great luck with truepeoplesearch.com, and it’s free. Works 99% of the time for me!...
Anti-Virus Articles
Is It Okay to Use Multiple Antivirus Programs?
An AskBob reader says: “I have security software on my PC, but I still got a nasty computer virus. Is it a good idea to run more than one anti-virus program, and how can I tell which one I have? Also, which anti-virus has the best protection against viruses, spyware, and other online threats?” Read on for my tips and recommendation...
...Will Your Antivirus Software Fail You?
The latest report from AV-Test, an independent anti-virus testing lab, has some surprising results. Is your favorite Internet Security tool on the list of the top 16 products tested? Read on for my assessment of this report...
...Fileless Malware: The Ghost in Your Computer
A clever but pernicious software technique that's been known for more than a decade is being adopted by today's malware authors, complicating the work of anti-virus developers and digital forensic analysts. Tracking down so-called “fileless malware” is to detection of regular malware what ghost-hunting is to catching a garden-variety burglar. Read on to learn about this resurgent threat and what you can do to stop it...
...Security Tip: Offline Malware Scanners
You almost certainly have an “always on” internet security tool already installed on your computer. It provides constant protection against viruses and other malware that may sneak into your computer. But no anti-malware program is foolproof; something may slip through its defenses and infect your hard drive. So what can you do if a really nasty virus disables your anti-malware protection, or fouls up your hard drive so Windows won't even start? Here's the answer...
...Fileless Malware: Are You Exposed?
A software technique that's been around for more than 15 years is finding favor among today's malware authors, complicating the work of anti-malware developers and forensic analysts. Tracking down so-called “fileless malware” is to detection of regular malware what ghost-hunting is to catching a garden-variety burglar. Read on to learn about this resurgent threat and what you can do to stop it...
...Can I Use Multiple Antivirus Programs?
A reader asks: 'I think I have security software on my PC, but I still got a nasty computer virus. Is it a good idea to run more than one anti-virus program, and how can I tell which one I have? Also, which anti-virus has the best protection against viruses, spyware, and other online threats?' Read on for my tips and recommendation...
...Review: PC Matic Gets a Zero!
After years of hearing from AskBob readers about PC Matic, I finally decided it was time to give the popular antivirus and PC optimizer software a test drive. So 18 months ago, I did just that, and published my PC Matic review. At the time, I was impressed enough to ditch my current security software, and entrust my home and office computers to PC Matic. A year and a half later, I'm giving PC Matic a ZERO. But wait... that's actually a GOOD thing! Read on for my updated review and recommendation...
...Does Your Antivirus Software Do This?
Antivirus software’s first job is to detect viruses and other types of malware before they do their damage. There are three ways to identify malware, and a number of variations on these basic strategies. Here's a plain-English description of how antivirus software gets the job done...
...Windows Defender Now Plays In Sandbox
Windows Defender is now the world’s most secure antivirus software. Even if malware compromises Defender’s virus detection module, the malware cannot go on to take over control of the host device. Defender’s impenetrable shield is a “sandbox” - a virtual machine that exists in RAM, isolated from other components. Does that make it the best at malware detection? Read on for the scoop...
...Kraken Ransomware Masquerades As Legit Software
A ransomware program named Kraken Cryptor is disguised as the popular anti-malware program, SuperAntiSpyware. Users are being tricked into installing what they think is anti-malware protection but which is really a wicked app that encrypts their data and demands money in exchange for the key to decrypting it. Here's how to avoid traps like this...
...AVG AntiVirus is Actually Malware?
In many dysfunctional families Dad is a hard-working alcoholic, Mom is his long-suffering enabler, and their kids are tragically scarred victims. A very similar dynamic exists in the security suite realm. AVG is the Jekyll/Hyde father, Avast is his apologizing accomplice, and users of both brands are the traumatized children. Is my metaphor too harsh? Read on, and I'll explain my reasoning...
...[HOWTO] Run a Deep Scan for Malware
A reader asks: 'My anti-virus software offers me an option to run a quick scan or a full scan. I've always run the quick scan, because that's the recommended setting. What does a full scan do, and how would I know if I need to do one?' Read on to learn about deep scanning, to check every nook and cranny of your computer for malware...
...AVG Anti-Virus Gets A New Look
AVG Technologies merged with rival Avast! Software in mid-2016. Nonetheless, the two popular anti-malware suites maintain separate existences, although they now share some of their best features. AVG is rated very highly by one independent testing lab, while another gives 100% perfect scores to both AVG and Avast! on crucial real-world protection tests. So what’s left to improve about AVG, except for its appearance? Let's find out…
...[FREEBIE] Kaspersky AntiVirus is Now Free
Kaspersky Lab has always charged a fee for its popular and powerful security suite. That’s changed as of July 25, 2017, with the release of a free anti-virus package similar to other vendors’ basic protections offered free of charge for non-commercial use. Read on for the details and download link...
...Is Kaspersky Anti-Virus Spying for Russia?
The Cold War is heating up again, as suspicion of everything Russian sweeps the nation. Among the objects of paranoia is the well-regarded Internet security firm, Kaspersky Lab. Kaspersky is based in Moscow. Is that sufficient reason to suspect it of spying for Vladimir Putin? Read on for the scoop…
...Is This Your New Internet Security Tool?
MalwareBytes Anti-Malware, commonly abbreviated as MBAM, has long been recommended as a supplement to full-coverage security suites. Now with the arrival of MBAM Version 3, it's a full-coverage security suite. Read on to see what’s new, and if you should switch...
...Are the Bad Guys Winning the Malware Wars?
The arms race between malware authors and anti-malware developers is constant and frenetic. The bad guys keep getting better at what they do, and the white hats are having a more difficult time detecting and eradicating malware when it attacks a computer. In one test lab, the average efficiency of popular antivirus programs was a pitiful 66.6 percent! But there's one product that succeeds at blocking 99.9 percent of all malware. Let's dig a little deeper into this...
...Do I Have A Virus?
A reader asks: “Do I have a Virus? My computer will stop and it says I have a virus and to unfreeze everything I must call a number on the screen. Then they will walk me through the process to fix it. Is this true? I have antivirus installed but still, it pops up now and then.” Here's my diagnosis…
...What's New in Avast Antivirus 2016?
Avast 2016 has arrived, and the overall performance and user-friendliness of this highly-rated security software have been improved. New versions for PC, Mac and mobile devices are available. Some new features are included even with the free edition, and the mobile version has converted many of its premium features to freebies. Read on to learn more about the latest version of Avast antivirus...
...UPDATE: Free Antivirus Programs
Readers often ask for my recommendations on antivirus protection. A common question goes something like this: “I got a trial version of Norton (or McAfee) antivirus with my computer, but the subscription expires in a few days. Should I pay, or switch to one of the free anti-virus programs? What do you recommend?” Read on for my updated list of the top FREE antivirus tools, and some tips on choosing free versus paid...
...Has Microsoft Security Essentials Improved?
Since MSE debuted in 2006, Microsoft had hyped it to the heavens as the first free antivirus protection built into Windows. Many users of Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 (and now Windows 10) were persuaded to rely upon MSE as their only real-time antivirus protection. But in 2013, I called MSE an "EPIC FAIL." So has it gotten any better since then?
...Best AntiVirus Software for 2015
The malware threat landscape changes constantly, and so does the effectiveness of the anti-malware programs designed to keep you safe. Also, the system resources impact and user-friendliness of anti-malware software are constantly refined, resulting in ever-changing rankings on those important criteria as well. So which is best? Let's look at the data, and see if it's time to switch...
...Has The NSA Hacked Your Security Software?
According to new documents released by Edward Snowden, the NSA and its British counterpart have, for several years, been hacking away at popular consumer security programs in order to subvert their protections. Read on to find out if your anti-virus protection is actually the WEAKEST link in your security chain...
...AntiVirus Protection No Longer Needed?
A startup firm says that security software on your computer is unnecessary. Their solution to protect users against viruses and other malware is simple: keep malware out by not letting the Internet in. Here is how Menlo Security plans to do it...
...Where is Your Antivirus Made?
Recently, I ran across a new free antivirus program that scored well on Virus Bulletin’s detection tests. I was about to download it for a thorough review when I discovered it’s made in China. That got me thinking: does it really matter where antivirus software is made? Are the good guys who defend us against bad guys all completely good? Can we trust them implicitly just because they make antivirus software and get it tested by independent labs? Well, it seems we do. But should we? Read on...
...The Best Antivirus for 2015?
All year long, white-coated geeks at the AV-Comparatives laboratory work in obscurity, torture-testing antivirus software. But once a year they make headlines with their annual report on nearly two dozen antivirus and Internet security suites. Here's their take on the top antivirus programs for this year...
...Add THIS to Your Anti-Malware Arsenal
No anti-malware program eradicates every bit of every infection. If problems persist after a full scan with your standard malware killer, you can try a specialized program that digs deeply into the dark corners of your system where advanced malware hides. Read on to learn about this tool that you should have in your internet security toolbox...
...I Didn't ASK For This!
A reader asks: “How do I get rid of the ASK virus that hijacks my browser and configure my computer so I never see it again?? I have internet security software, but that didn't stop it. Is there a way to block ASK so I never have to deal with it again?”
...REVIEW: Avast Free Antivirus 2015
The holiday shopping season starts earlier each year, and so does the release of major annual updates of security software. The 2015 edition of Avast Free Antivirus arrived before Thanksgiving, for instance. Avast 2015 contains some features never before seen in Avast. Read on for the full story, and learn how you can get the paid version for free...
...Fight Malware With a Stinger Missile
The “free virus scan” offer is a favorite hacker ploy to get unsuspecting victims to download and run malware disguised as security software. Such traps are so common that users are very reluctant to try any free anti-malware tool. But not every sheepskin contains a wolf. Here’s a bona fide, effective, and totally free anti-malware tool that you should know about...
...Is Your AntiVirus Getting a Bad RAP?
One antivirus program shattered two records in the latest VB100 antivirus protection test. Read on to learn which program dominated a field of 35 competitors to earn the “best overall protection” honors and the highest test score ever recorded in the “proactive detection” category...
...No More Free Antivirus?
I have noticed an increase in puzzled, indignant emails from readers asking why I say antivirus programs are free when they aren’t. Typically, the writer says he/she downloaded the 'free' program and has been using it happily for anywhere from a month to a year, but suddenly the program says it’s time to 'upgrade' and that’s going to cost money. I’d like to clear the air on what’s happening here...
...Antivirus Software: Doomed to Failure?
Antivirus software is “doomed to failure” according to Symantec, maker of Norton Internet Security. That's pretty alarming. It sounds like we’re losing the war against malware… barbarians have breached the castle walls and the best we can do is fight them from room to room. But the truth is something quite different. Read on!
...Best Antivirus Programs for 2014
The uber-geeks at AV-Comparatives have once again settled the burning question, “What’s the best antivirus software?” Their year-end summary report, which runs over 40 pages, tells us which popular antivirus programs scored best on lab tests for detection, eradication, and blocking of malware. There are a few surprises in the results.
...Why I Switched from AVG to Avast Antivirus
After eight years of using AVG's antivirus software, I've decided to switch to Avast! Antivirus. Read about the frustration that pushed me over the edge, and why I chose Avast as my free anti-malware protection...
...How Does Antivirus Software Work?
Antivirus software’s first job is to detect viruses and other types of malware before they do their damage. There are two ways to identify malware, and a number of variations on these basic strategies. Here's a plain-English description of how antivirus software gets the job done...
...Is The FBI Holding Your Computer for Ransom?
A concerned reader asks: 'A popup on my screen says an FBI Online Agent has detected illegal activity on my computer, and is demanding $200 to unlock my computer. What should I do?' Here's what you need to know about this so-called FBI Virus...
...Which AntiVirus Has the Best (and Worst) Protection?
Internet security suites have become exceedingly complex over recent years. That’s partly due to the ever-increasing number of vectors via which hackers and malware attack. It’s also due to feature-bloat, as anti-virus vendors add new bells and whistles to differentiate their products. But one bedrock feature of a security suite remains the same: how well does it detect virus-infected files? Here are some real-world test results you won't want to miss...
...Is MBAM Enough Security?
On the advice of a friend, I've installed MalwareBytes Anti-Malware. It claims to detect and remove viruses, spyware, rootkits and other nasties. Do I still need a separate anti-virus program, or will MBAM provide all the protection I need?
...Which Kaspersky Internet Security Product is Best For Me?
Kaspersky Labs is one of the most respected names in anti-malware and Internet security software. Its Internet Security suite has won awards from many testing organizations. But Kaspersky Internet Security is not Kaspersky's only product. The company actually offers four packages of increasingly comprehensive protection. Let's take a look at Kaspersky Antivirus 2012, Kaspersky Internet Security, Kaspersky PURE Total Security, and Kaspersky ONE Universal Security. Which one is right for you?
...Which AntiVirus Software is Best?
When it comes to antivirus protection, you want the best. But how do you get objective reviews and test results for internet security software? AV-TEST, an independent IT security institute, has tested and certified anti-malware software for over fifteen years. Now, for the first time, AV-TEST has announced awards for the best anti-malware solutions of the year. Read on to get the scoop on which internet security tools are tops...
...What's The Smallest, Fastest and Best AntiVirus?
Most anti-virus programs and Internet security suites are resource hogs that take up a sizable chunk of your hard drive, and consume dozens of megabytes of precious system RAM. But there's a new kid on the block, and Webroot SecureAnywhere 2012 is here to say that smaller is better. It's blazingly fast, too. But is it the best of the bunch when it comes to protecting you online? Read on and find out...
...Is BitDefender the Best Antivirus?
I saw an advertisment in a popular PC magazine claiming that BitDefender was the #1 ranked antivirus protection. It made me wonder how antivirus programs are tested, and if the results are truly objective. Who does these tests, and is BitDefender really the best antivirus program on the market?
...AVG Internet Security 2012 - Review
The latest version of AVG's anti-virus and internet security software has arrived. And just as in the automobile world, their 2012 release is several months early. But is AVG ahead of their time, or have they ventured too far? Read my review of AVG 2012 to see what's new, and my take on the pros and cons of this release...
...Which Free AntiVirus Software is Best?
I'm convinced that paying for anti-virus is a waste, so I've decided to dump Norton and go with a free program. I can't decide whether to go with Avast or AVG, since I have friends that swear by both of them. Is there any hard data on which is better at protecting against viruses?
...Free Anti-Virus For Windows 7
Free anti-virus programs for Windows 7 abound online, but if your anti-virus software has not been updated since 2009 it may have some incompatibilities with Windows 7. You should update to the latest version of your anti-virus program, at least. While you're at it, you may want to try one of these popular free anti-virus programs for Windows 7...
...How Good is AVG Anti-Virus Free 2011?
The big news about AVG Anti-Virus Free 2011 is that it now includes the same core virus-fighting engine of the expanded, paid version, AVG Internet Security 2011. For the first time, we can get independent lab tests reports on the free version of AVG. Find out how the free AVG Anti-Virus 2011 stacks up against the competition...
...AntiMalware Doctor
I'm usually very careful, but somehow I got infected with a program called AntiMalware Doctor, which is a fake security tool. Now I'm having trouble removing it. What do you recommend to get rid of this nasty virus?
...Antivirus for Smartphones?
I have a Blackberry and an iPhone, and my wife has an Android smartphone. Do we need protection from viruses and malware, or are these devices immune from that kind of attack?
...AVG Rescue CD
You may not be able to boot your PC at all if you catch a really bad computer virus infection. That's when a free toolkit from the well-respected AVG Technologies antivirus and security software team can come to your rescue...
...More Than One Antivirus Program?
I'm not sure which anti-virus program is installed on my computer. I think I might even have more than one. How can I find out which one I have, and is it good to have multiple anti-virus programs?
...Repair Vista or Windows 7
A hard drive glitch, virus, or other data catastrophe can delete or damage critical system files in any operating system. Windows Vista and Windows 7 offer new repair procedures not found in earlier versions of Windows. Here are a couple ways to attempt repairs of Vista and Windows 7 installations without having to reformat and reinstall Windows from scratch...
...AVG 9 Review
AVG Technologies has been protecting computer users against viruses, spyware, and other malware since 1991. Its eponymous software, simply called AVG comes in a free version for personal basic protection use and a commercial version for enhanced protection use. The latest release is version 9. Let's take a look at AVG9 and see how it measures up to the security challenges looming online...
...Avira Free Anti-Virus
I'm confused by all the free antivirus products. I've read in some forums that Avira is the best, others claim that AVG or Avast is definitely the way to go. Which one do you recommend?
...Avast Free Anti-Virus
It seems there are lots of choices for a free anti-virus program. My neighbor swears by Avast! Anti-Virus and says it's better than Avira, which I currently use. Is Avast! worth looking into, or are they all pretty much the same?
...AVG Review
Is your computer safe from viruses? Without the proper protection, your computer can catch a virus faster than you can recite your email address three times. Viruses can destroy files, compromise your privacy, and make you vulnerable to identity theft. What to do?
...Spyware or Virus?
I had an anti virus program by McAfee but uninstalled because it was bogging my computer down. I now have anti spyware software, so do I still need to get an anti virus program? What is the difference between viruses and spyware? To me they seem very similar...
...Remove PurityScan
This PurityScan software is driving me crazy with popups. Spyware Doctor claimed to remove it, but after a restart it was back. Adaware and other spyware removal programs couldn't even detect it. Can you help me remove PurityScan from my computer?
...Secure Your Computer!
Cyberspace malefactors are enslaving millions of unsecured computers into zombie networks that are responsible for spewing out mountains of spam and attacking legitimate websites that oppose the spammers. Is your PC part of the problem? Find out now...
...Is spoolsv.exe a Virus?
When I boot up, my ZoneAlarm firewall says that Spooler SubSystem App is trying to access the internet via spoolsv.exe. I know that spoolsv.exe is the print queue manager in Windows. What I don't understand is why it would need to access the internet.
A google search reveals that several viruses exist with that name. My anti-virus program does not detect anything nor did the Trend Micro or Panda online virus detectors. Am I infected with a virus? If so, how do I detect and eliminate it?
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