Five Signs Your Computer May Have a Spyware Infection
August 3, 2009 by admin
Filed under Technical Tips You Can Use
Is your computer infected with spyware
Author – Justin Williams
For this article, I thought I would go ahead and give you five signs that your computer may have some type of spyware infection.
These days, spyware is everywhere. As Anti-Spyware programs get stronger, spyware continues to become trickier. Because of this, in my opinion, you simply cannot rely on running a spyware scanner to tell you if you have a spyware infection or not. You need to be able to notice other signs that you may have a spyware infection. Because let’s face it, unless you have some type of spyware guard that runs 24/7, it’s possible you will get an infection between scans with whichever spyware scanner you use. And if you go weeks between scans, the spyware could really harm your computer.
Now, just because you may notice one of these signs doesn’t mean for sure that your computer has a spyware infection. It is still possible it doesn’t. However, in my opinion, noticing any of these signs is enough reason to run a scan as soon as possible. Anyway, let’s get right to the signs. Here they are, in no particular order.
1. IExplore.Exe
Try looking at the list of running processes on your computer. (Ctrl+Alt+Del – Processes (On Windows Xp) ). Do you see IExplore.Exe running? Well, if you are viewing this article in Internet Explorer or have Internet Explorer open in the background, then you shouldn’t worry about seeing IEXplore.EXE in your process list. However, if you close out of Internet Explorer or you restart the computer and IEXplore.Exe or IEXplorer.exe is running when you clearly don’t have Internet Explorer running, then this is a sign that you may be infected with Spyware. Many types of Spyware and Virus will run as IExplore.exe in the process list to confuse you with Internet Explorer. I have seen this happen many times when fixing computers.
2. Unexplainable Pop-Ups?
Pop-Ups can still be a problem for some internet users who don’t use pop-up blockers. It can be common to go to websites and experience many pop-ups. However, if you are getting pop-up windows at times that you don’t think you should be any, that may be a sign of an infection. This could be when you aren’t surfing the web, when you first turn on the computer, etc. If you are experiencing this, run a scan!
3. Infection Warnings?
Are you receiving numerous warnings of an infection on your computer? If so, the warnings may be the infection in itself! Spyware programs displaying fake warnings to get you to download more spyware is becoming a lot more common these days. Many times they will use pop up boxes from your windows tray to warn you. They do this because these boxes look legitamate and look like they come from Windows. They don’t! I can’t think of a scenario where you would get any type of box like that unless it is from a spyware scanner you already use. Even if you feel this box may be from your scanner, play it safe and don’t click the box. Just open up your scanner regularly and do a scan.
4. Start-Up Items
Another quick way to look for a possible infection is to look at a list of items set to run on startup. Now, you can do this without downloading any programs. But I recommend downloading a program like StartUp Manager that will easily show you a list of what is running at startup.
Anyway, look at the list of items running at startup. Has anything been added since the last time you checked what is running at startup? If there are new items and you don’t recognize them, this may be a sign of a spyware infection that is set to run when you turn your computer on.
5. Different Browser Home Page?
And finally, if you open your internet browser and your homepage has changed, this is definitely a sign that you may have a spyware infection. Changing your browser homepage is one of the oldest tricks in the book for a Spyware Infection. If your homepage has changed and you didn’t change it, run a scan!
If you remember to look for these signs, you just may spot a spyware infection before you find out from your spyware scanner. Remember though, before running a spyware scan, ALWAYS update it first!
Stay safe!
About the Author: Justin has been working with computers for over 10 years. He enjoys helping people with computers. He is the creator of EasyTechReviews.com
If you are currently experiencing signs of Spyware please contact us at 720-306-5001 and set-up a time to have your computer scanned and cleaned of spyware.
How to Password-Protect My Documents on My Computer
There are many ways to protect or limit the access to a file on your computer. Applications like MS Word, Open Office and MS Excel have a password protection feature found in their settings. If you are not convinced with the protection offered, you can hide the document in a zip file or any third party program that offers password protection. Just remember to backup the confidential file, in case you forget your password or for other emergency situations.
Built-In Security Feature
Password protection comes as a default feature for programs used for making documents. Accessing it is easy, since you just have to look for it the menus. If you aimlessly click on the items found on the menu bar, you will surely stumble upon the security feature.
MS Word and MS Excel
The menu setup of MS Office programs are similar, so the security feature is practically found in the same location. Once inside security, you can set the password for your document. Make sure you use one that is difficult to crack, possibly random numbers and letters or something that is unrelated to you, so guessing the password is nearly impossible.
Procedure:
1. Open a new document in either MS Word or MS Excel.
2. After finishing your document, click on Tools, which is found on the top portion of your screen.
3. Select Options. A smaller screen will appear containing several tabs.
4. Click on the Security Tab.
5. Place corresponding passwords for opening and modifying the file.
6. Keep clicking OK until you are back to your document.
Aside from placing a password, you can hide parts of the document by changing their font color to white. You can also toggle on the other security settings to totally restrict the access to your file.
PDF Files
The PDF file, being a common platform for creating documents, is blessed with a password-protection feature. In addition, its security measure can be boosted further when coupled by third party programs. No wonder the PDF format is preferred in professions where much confidentiality is involved.
Procedure:
1. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Click on the File menu on the top left portion of the screen.
3. Select Document Security. Another screen will then appear.
4. Hit on Security Options then select Acrobat Standard Security.
5. Once done, mark the box beside “Password Required to Open Document.”
6. Place your password on the space provided.
7. In the same screen, you will find an option for placing a password when modifying the first password or permissions. Supply a password if you choose.
8. Click OK. A screen will appear asking you to confirm both passwords.
9. Retype both passwords. Take note, the passwords are case-sensitive so be careful.
If you want to fortify the Acrobat Reader’s password protection, you can download third party programs on the internet for more security. Those programs let you encrypt the file and portions of the doccument easily, aside providing another layer of password protection.
Protection Using Data Compression Programs
Some programs not only provide password protection, they also compress files and folders, so they consume less space inside your computer. Data compression programs are pretty useful, especially when delivering files through email. Given their features, you can send several files and folders safely, without exceeding the attachment limit, in a single email message.
WinZip
Protecting documents and folders with a password is easy using WinZip, one of the world’s premier data compression programs. You can simply toggle on the password feature when you are about to compress a batch of files. Once the files are compressed, they can’t be opened until the password you set is supplied.
Procedure:
1. Let’s say the files and folders you want to password protect are in My Documents. Double click My Documents on the desktop.
2. Right click on a file, which brings out a list of options.
3. Select “Compress to .zip.” This automatically creates a new zip folder.
4. Right click on another file then select Copy.
5. Go to the zip folder via WinZip then right click on the empty white space (the section where the compress filed is stored). Select Paste.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all the files and folders you want to compress and password protect.
7. When all the files are in, select File on the top left portion of the WinZip screen.
8. Click on Add a Password.
9. Supply the password for the Zip folder then confirm it.
Zip files are versatile. You can compress any folder or file that you choose, even the My Documents folder. It is a good move when your computer’s memory is nearly filled up, given the zip file’s space-saving features.
WinRar
WinRar, much like WinZip, compresses files and supports a wide array of file extensions. It can also restore damaged archives and is more resistant to file corruption than most data compression programs, which makes it a pretty popular. Best of all, you can get it for free on the internet.
WinRar works just like WinZip. The procedure for password protecting files is exactly the same, only you have the choice of turning the compressed folder into a RAR file. WinRAR appears to be the best choice for data compression protection, as its security features give it a distinct edge.
To Serve and Password-Protect
The password may be a basic form of protection, but through the years, it has proven to be an effective means of file security. Besides, correctly guessing a password is, by all means, no easy feat, which is why it is the means used to protect your email account or your credit card information. Give your files the same amount of security by password-protecting them.
Wisdom is the sharing of wise experiences and knowledge, but a lot of it is common sense. The difference is how we apply this common sense – we all have the ability to keep going even when we face challenges in our lives – basically it comes down to your attitude. Learn more helpful how-to do stuff by visiting Monster Guide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Paguio
Have you ever needed to convert a file to another type??
If you have ever needed to convert a file type from one type to another then ZamZar is a tool that you need to bookmark. ZamZar is a completely free online tool that you can use to convert between almost any possible file format.
This tool can be used to convert document types, music formats, image types and video formats. In fact they also added text to speech conversion. The conversion from text to speech allows you to upload a file that is in a word, txt, pdf format or works and then select that you want ZamZar to convert it to MP3 and sit back. Once the file is converted you will be sent a link in your E-Mail.
There are other tools around that do the same thing as ZamZar, but since ZamZar is available online it is accessible from anywhere with a data connection and it is FREE.
Foolproof steps to installing a new printer
Author: Cindy Waxer
Shawnda Walker-Leu knows the trials and tribulations of installing a printer. Chunky cables, CD-ROMs and endless dialogue boxes — the Toronto mother has seen it all. Despite these frustrations, Walker-Leu knows there are times, especially on special occasions, that call for a printer.
Take the time she was planning her daughter Abigail’s first birthday party. Instead of going with store-bought or electronic invitations, Walker-Leu decided to print custom-made cards.
“For certain things, I really like to have a printed piece,” she says. “A handmade birthday invitation is a perfect memento.”
Fortunately, the days of lengthy installations are long gone. If you connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable, Windows Vista will automatically detect and configure the printer for you. If you do need to install the printer manually, the Add Printer Wizard makes adding a local printer (one that’s directly connected to your computer) or a network printer (one that’s remotely connected to your network with an Ethernet connection) a breeze.
The first step to installing a printer is going to Start > Control Panel > and selecting Printers.
If you have a USB-connected printer, Windows Vista will automatically install it. The Add a Printer program automatically detects USB-connected printers.
If your printer was automatically installed, click here for printing tips.
How to install a local printer
Step 1: Click the Start button > Control Panel > Printers > Add Printer. Make certain your printer is connected to your computer and is turned on. Click Next to launch the Add Printer Wizard.
Step 2: Select Local printer.
Step 3: Choose a printer port.
Step 4: Select the manufacturer and model of your printer.
Step 5: Once you have located the printer you wish to install, click Next.
Step 6: If you have a disk with the software for the printer, put it into your CD-ROM drive and then click the Have Disk button. Select the drive that contains this disk and click OK.
Step 7: Supply a name for the printer and determine whether you’d like this printer to serve as your default printer. It’s always best to select the printer directly connected to your computer as your default printer.
Step 8: Indicate whether you’d like this printer to be shared. (This function is especially useful if your home is networked and the printer will be shared with other users.) If so, click Share Name and assign a name to the printer that will be easily recognized by family members.
Step 9: Click Yes to print a test page from your newly installed printer.
Step 10: Click Next to review the settings for your new printer before completing the installation process.
How to install a network printer
Installing a network printer that’s down the hall from your main home computer is just as easy. When the Add Printer Wizard asks you to select a printer, simply click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
If your network doesn’t appear in the search box, select “The printer I want isn’t listed” to browse for a printer or search for a shared printer by name. Alternatively, if your network printer is on a network that uses an Internet address, click Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname and follow the prompts. The Add Printer Wizard can guide you through the installation process, but playing with preferences is up to you.
Learn some printing tips and tricks
You’re ready to print documents. Here are some tricks to getting the most out of your printer.
Joli Ballew, author of a dozen or so books on technology, including Windows Vista: Home Networking (Microsoft Press, 2007), recommends that the user, when confronted with a large print job, alter the settings to print the last page first by checking the Collate boxes on the Print tab. By ensuring that documents are printed in sequential order, you’ll save yourself from having to “mess around for 15 minutes putting all your documents together,” Ballew says.
Given the high cost of ink cartridges, Ballew also suggests using discretion when determining printer quality. While it’s wise to take advantage of high-quality settings for color photos and web pages, Ballew says the Plain Paper and Gray scale Printing (which may be called First Draft or something else, depending on the printer program) preferences are ideal for text documents and can reduce costs. “There’s no reason to go overboard,” she warns. “You don’t need to print a document on highest quality. That’s just going to waste a lot of ink.”
