Recent Comments
Comment by Catherine on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 5, 2025 01:14 AM)
On the subject of security software, I used Avast happily for several years until its increasing nagging became intolerable. Then I found that AVG cam...
Comment by Wolf! on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 4, 2025 11:42 PM)
Great article! Yes! Security software is important, and I like how the article emphasizes removing the McAfee and other bloatware. This is exactly wha...
Comment by peter on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 4, 2025 01:15 PM)
bob, you did not say anything about windows 11 S mode...
Comment by AstridR on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 4, 2025 06:08 AM)
As Mac user and long term Bob Rankin subscriber, I never cease to marvel at the Windows/Microsoft etc machinations that you reveal. Currently am usin...
Comment by Jeri on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 3, 2025 07:42 PM)
Enable System Protection by typing CREATE A RESTORE POINT in the search box on the Taskbar, Configure: choose how much of the hard drive to devote. Th...
Comment by Jon on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 3, 2025 06:50 PM)
Thank you yet again Bob! Just downsized my computer after a critical crash - physical dropped to hard floor.... I've been trying to remember which c...
Comment by hill on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 3, 2025 06:06 PM)
Also turn off Bitlocker encryption. I've seen it cause frequent problems and even total data loss whenever there are login password issues. If you don...
Comment by cropduster on Your Computer's Worst Enemy (Cows, Bees, or...?) (September 26, 2025 12:18 AM)
Tried Fanny for my Mac. The app didn't open, so absolutely nothing! Plus, there is no way to contact the developer....
Comment by Wolf on Hey, Are You Spamming In Your Sleep? (September 25, 2025 05:08 PM)
Lots of great information presented here! I know that some public areas, such as when I was working at a university, had the employee email addresses ...
Comment by Dan on Hey, Are You Spamming In Your Sleep? (September 24, 2025 11:51 PM)
Address spoofing has been going on since the beginning of e-mail. (And there are a few legitimate uses for the option.) But with all the tech at our c...
Spyware Articles
Geekly Update - 19 February 2014
What would you do if your laptop or smartphone suddenly became 1000 times faster? Why are neighborhood dogs protesting a new technology that improves Internet security? And why are robots generating 60 percent of all Web traffic? Get answers to these burning questions, and the scoop on the latest tech news, in this edition of the Geekly Update. It's guaranteed to make you 146% smarter. Read, think and comment!
...Fake Anti-Spyware Programs
Browsing the web for free anti-spyware programs can get you into more trouble than an accidental spyware infection. Bad guys are actually disguising their malware as beneficial anti-malware utilities, and inducing the gullible to not only install their malware, but even pay them for it! Here's how to tell the difference...
...Top 10 Spyware Blockers
A good spyware blocker program protects you from online marketers who want to know where you go online; identity thieves who want to steal your usernames, passwords, and sensitive personal information; and hackers who want to seize control of your computer and Internet connection to distribute spam and more spyware. Which spyware blocker is best for you?
...Best Spyware Protection
Spyware is a type of malicious software, distinct from viruses, Trojan horses, and other cybernasties. Spyware does no damage to your computer and does not bombard you with annoyances like popup advertisements, generally speaking. Spyware is designed to go totally unnoticed, in fact. But in the background, spyware is spying on you and reporting back to its master. Here's how to protect and defend against spyware...
...Google Toolbar is Spyware?
I just got a new computer at work. On my last one I had downloaded the google toolbar. The tech people here have now blocked it because they say it contains spyware. Is this true? It was so convenient to have the toolbar. Thanks for your help!
...Malware Scanners
There are so many malware scanners to choose from, when trying to protect against adware, spyware and other online threats. Which one(s) do you recommend?
...Removing Winfixer Popups
I've been getting those very annoying Winfixer popups. My popup blocker is set to High. I have Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy and even Microsoft AntiSpyware. But no matter what I try they keep coming back. I’ve searched for help on removing Winfixer, but all the info I found is too technical for me. Can you help?
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