Free Programs to Ensure Computer Nirvana

We have all heard the expression "nothing in this world is free", but cyberspace can be the exception. And while these offerings might not be as feature-rich as their paid counterparts, you might just be surprised at the scope and quality of the selection that’s out there today. So it's time to put away your wallet and take advantage of free advice on getting these freebies!

Before I get into this list, I want to mention one important thing. Many new computers come pre-loaded with lots of software. Usually some type of anti-virus program is included. What many fail to realize is that it's all trial software. I have many clients bring their systems to me infected with viruses, all because they didn't know their trial expired. This leads to my first category . . .

Anti-Virus Programs

AVG Free 2013 has just been optimized for Microsoft Windows 8. AVG delivers security features usually only found in paid-for products.

AVG also goes beyond detecting and removing viruses on your PC. Its 'AVG Do Not Track' feature gives you control over which websites can collect and use your data (available if you take AVG Security Toolbar as part of your installation). This feature joins Anti-Spyware and WiFi hacker-defeating technology to deliver powerful personal protection at home or on the move. 

Avast Free Antivirus is a full-featured product, with the same anti-virus and anti-spyware scanning engine used in their premium products. 

The free version of Avast has arguably the most comprehensive set of freely available security features on the market. There's a reason these guys have more than 150 million active users (at the time this article was written). 

Anti-Malware Program

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware combines powerful new technologies designed to seek out, destroy, and prevent malware infections. 

Malwarebytes is an easy-to-use anti-malware application available in both a Free and PRO version. This free version is well-known for its detection and removal capabilities. You might recall my blog Spyware Protection and Garden Gnomes, which references this program. When installing, make sure to uncheck the 'trial' of the PRO software unless you want to try it out.

Performance Boosting Utility

Advanced SystemCare Free is a comprehensive PC care utility that takes a one-click approach to help protect, repair and optimize your computer. 

This software utility focuses on the performance of your PC. It helps to repair your registry and clean up what most programs fail to find. It also repairs the parts that are missing and makes the PC complete to run optimally.

Bringing It All Together

Just by utilizing these free resources, you can ensure your computer performs at its best. I personally use these programs to not only protect my own systems, but to also clean up the infections of my client's computers. 

Not only will you save money by taking advantage of these programs, you will save even more from unnecessary computer repairs. To add another layer of protection, see my article on Don't Let Your Data be the Next Tragic Love Story.

All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of, their respective owners.

Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.

Coursera: How to Take Ivy League Classes for Free

How often do we find ourselves needing to further our education? Whether it's to expand our job skills or broaden our mind, finding a good educational resource is difficult. There is a multitude of choices and the costs can be astronomical!

What if I told you there was a way to take online courses from Stanford, Princeton, Brown, or 33 other universities for FREE? Yes, FREE! Lucky for you it won't take hacking the admissions site or forging your transcripts to make this happen. All it takes is a site called Coursera.

Stanford professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng launched Coursera earlier this year to provide a platform to host courses, via the Web, for an elite education for free. With over 200 courses being offered, from 33 prestigious universities, they have already reached over 1.3 million students.

Will this bolster your job resume? Absolutely! Many have reported that completion of these courses has opened up more job opportunities. And employers are starting to watch for students completing some of these courses. Coursera is even exploring career placement opportunities to further help students.

Will it enhance your degree? Not exactly. The courses being offered currently are not accredited but that is also in future development. With accreditation, surely there will be some type of cost structure put in place. Nothing has been formally announced as of yet.

You won't exactly get your letterman's sweater from your favorite Ivy league school, but you can get the bragging rights to say you took Cryptography from Stanford University!

All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of, their respective owners.

Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.

Computer Shopping Tips

Shopping for a computer can be a daunting experience. Trying to understand what all the specifications mean is like trying to learn another language. Well, until Rosetta Stone® figures out a way to teach computer lingo, I am going to simplify the process for you.

Finding the right computer can be a very rewarding experience. But that doesn't come without some basic understanding of what the features mean and how they apply to your needs.

So go grab your favorite pocket protector and beanie hat. It's time to learn a little computer geek lingo with my article on:

Computer Shopping Tips

All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of, their respective owners.

Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.

Facebook Fake-out: Exposing the Hoaxes

Everyone has fallen for some sort of Internet hoax at one point, and there are plenty to fall for. Facebook is the perfect platform for spreading untruths, misinformation, rumors, and propaganda.

So how does one tackle this plethora of false rumors? The good news is that it won't require a digital CSI lab to investigate these mysteries. Let's debunk a few of the most popular hoaxes spreading now, and then I will give you the tools to be your very own Hoax-Buster!

Facebook Copyright Notice Hoax

Posts are circulating lately that implore Facebook users to protect their information. The post states that copying and pasting the message protects the user's information under "copyright laws". As much as I would love to flex a little free legal muscle, this is a complete hoax. Facebook Statement of Rights and Responsibilities is what governs how your info is used. You agreed to that when you signed up. No post on your wall can change that. Not all is lost. Facebook users who post original content onto Facebook are still the copyright holders of that information.

Exhibit B-5: Girl Dies from a Prank Gone Wrong Video Hoax

This video shows a man in a mask jump out in order to scare a poor, unsuspecting woman. In a frenzied panic, the woman runs into the street only to be fatally struck by a car. 

I will admit, I was completely fooled by this one. It is very convincing. However, the video is staged, and all the people featured in the video are actors.

A Facebook page belonging to Cindy Vela, who played the "tragically killed" girl in the video, can be seen here, which includes information about the video.

Facebook to Start Charging Fees Hoax

It appears you just can’t make a good hoax go away. Repeatedly, spammers and uninformed users are spreading the falsehood that Facebook intends to start charging. These rumors circulate every time Facebook makes a significant change. The next time you see this post, keep this in mind; Facebook generated $4.27 billion in revenue last year, 89 percent of which came from advertising. Do you really think they need to charge?

See Who's Viewing/Stalking Your Profile Hoax

One of the most popular scams on Facebook includes applications made so that you can see who has blocked or viewed your profile. Facebook prohibits these activities. As such, all of these applications are phony. Many contain viruses and other malware, so beware!

Time to Load your Hoax Busting Arsenal

Separating the fact from fiction is much easier than you think. It takes only a few minutes to do your research. Here are a few sites to aid in your crusade.

• Snopes.com - This site is great for hoax-busting! Paste the information you want to check into the search box to see the results.
• Facebook - The Facebook help center is the place to debunk the latest scams.
• HoaxBusters.org - A good site with an index of known Internet hoaxes.
• Hoax-Slayer.com - This is a hoax research site that has been around since 2003. He also has a Hoax-Slayer Facebook page and newsletter.
• Google.com - There are an army of sites checking hoaxes daily. Use Google to do a quick search to validate your suspicions.

Now you are a hoax-busting vigilante! Wear your badge with honor. Spread the word, too. Your friends will thank you for keeping the egg off their faces.

All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of, their respective owners.

Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.

10 Tips for Shopping Safely Online

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and if you're like me, you will do most of your shopping online to avoid frantic crowds. Online shopping is a great way to snag major deals, but you want to do it with minimal risk. Finding that "Zombie Ninja that shoots lasers from his eyes" toy for little Johnny is hard enough without dealing with the nightmare of identity theft. Here are 10 tips to ensure you have a happy holiday shopping experience.

1. Make Sure the Site is Encrypted
When checking out or inputting any personal information, make sure the web address has an "HTTPS". HTTPS verifies that your connection is encrypted and safe to input personal data. In most cases you will also see a padlock icon next to the web address. This also signifies the site is encrypted and will also provide certificate information about the seller.

2. Try to Use Familiar Sites
There are tons of sites all fighting for your business but keep in mind cheaper is not always better. Try to stick to sites you know. The big online retailers will usually provide better security and services as compared to some of the cheaper sites. Plus you want a company you can depend on if you have to return or exchange an item.

3. Make Sure Your Anti-Virus is Updated
Remember my blog on Spyware Protection and Garden Gnomes? Well this is a perfect example of when to take those safe guards. Updating your anti-virus and malware protection programs will ensure you are only buying gifts, not receiving one from a hacker!

4. Use Strong Passwords
Most online retailers will require you to create an account before making your purchase. Make sure to use strong and unique passwords for each site. This will maximize the security of your data now and for future purchases.

5. Never Give Out Your Social Security Number or Birthday
NEVER give any retailer your social security number! No reputable retailer would ever ask you for this information. Although many sites ask for your date of birth for trend data, it should not be a requirement. You want to avoid matching your social with your birthday. This gives a thief exactly what they need to steal your identity!

6. Check Seller Ratings
Most retailers have some type of rating posted on their site and the items you are looking to buy. Look for customer satisfaction comments. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you place your order.

7. Avoid Using Public Computers
Using publicly accessible computers to do your shopping comes with many risks. What sites you visit and the data you entered is cached in the system. You may not have the ability to clear the cache yourself so that leaves you vulnerable.

8. Check Your Credit Card Statements
Just as an extra precaution, it's a good idea to watch your statements closely for any suspicious activity. If possible, monitor them online so you can act quickly. In most cases, you have 30 days to notify your card company of fraudulent charges.

9. Avoid Gift Card Scams
It's no secret gift cards are the most purchased item this time of year. Many auction sites have people selling gift cards at a discount. Be cautious with such offers. Many people have been scammed with cards that are already used or have small balances on them.

10. Know Where to Go if You Think You've Been Scammed
If you find yourself in a circumstance where you have been scammed, you need to know where to go. Here is a small list of resources. Your bank or card issuer will also work with you to get your situation resolved.

• Internet Crime Complaint Center
• Computer Crime Research Center
• CCIPS

Shopping online can be a great and rewarding experience. Use these tips to safely get the bargains, not more than what you bargained for!

Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.

Don't Let Your Data be the Next Tragic Love Story

It's no big secret we live in a digital age. We store thousands of digital pictures of our loved ones, documents, tax returns, and videos on our computers. But what if your computer was destroyed today? That very nightmare is a harsh reality for many hit by Hurricane Sandy. This is just one of many scenarios that could take away years of memories in an instant.

Well before you beat yourself up for your digital dependence,  let's take a look at some easy back up solutions to ensure you have a happy ending in any tragic computer mishap.

How you back up your data is really dependent on how much data you have. For those fortunate to have small amounts of data, there are plenty of free online backup solutions. But if you are like me, you have amassed enough data to rival the National Archives! So let's take a look at three options we can utilize for peace of mind.

Online Free Solutions
Like I mentioned earlier, this is a great option for those of you fortunate enough to only need small amounts of data backed up. Dropbox is one such product that will give you 2 GB of storage. Google Drive offers storage up to 5 GB. Both services give you an easy to install client that syncs your critical data.

Online Fee Based Solutions
For a nominal fee there are an abundant amount of choices for backing up your data. Here a few of the most popular ones.

• Carbonite - Offers an unlimited storage plan for $59 a year.
• IDrive - Offers a very affordable 150 GB storage plan for $49.99 a year.
• SOS Online Backup - A little more expensive at $79.99 a year but you can do multiple systems including mobile devices.

External Hard Drive Solution
This method involves using an external hard drive or pen drive to back up your data. Many hard drive manufacturers install their own brand of backup software to simplify the process. I have to admit this is my least favorite option. Don't get me wrong, backing up your important files to an external hard drive or pen drive is better than doing nothing, it's just not the best solution in a disaster recovery scenario. Unless you take that hard drive to an offsite location or lock it up in a data rated lock box, you are not truly prepared for all disasters. Plus, it makes it difficult to keep your data always current.

So as we are bombarded with the next vampire-werewolf-zombie tragic love story, you can breathe a little easier knowing your data doesn't have to be one of them.


Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.

Spyware Protection and Garden Gnomes

Have you ever been surfing the Internet only to feel like you are being watched? It's like that creepy feeling you get from the neighbor's garden gnomes because you just know they are watching you? Now, I do share your conspiracy theory about the garden gnomes but I can only help you with your computer suspicions. In most cases, you probably are being tracked in one form or another, but that doesn't mean it's always malicious. A lot of our Internet surfing activity is tracked for trend data, marketing, and research. And that's to be expected. What I want to address today is Spyware.

Many of us have heard this term, but what does it really mean? Spyware is a type of malware (malicious software) installed on computers that collects information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden and can be tricky to detect. Spyware can collect almost any type of data, including personal information like user logins to bank or credit card accounts. Now, before you go ripping out all your computer cables and start planning your move to a remote Alaskan retreat, let me put your mind at ease. With a few simple applications and precautions, you too can create a happy and secure Internet experience!

We are going to use two steps to accomplish this . . .

Step one: First, we need to install anti-spyware software. This will accomplish two things. One, it will clean up any existing infections. Two, it will give you a new barrier of protection against future attacks. There are plenty of great free and commercial software options out there. By far, the most used program is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Both the free and commercial version do a phenomenal job. Ad-Aware and Spybot - Search & Destroy are also widely used for the same purpose.

Step two: We need to get that browser of yours secure. There are a few things you can do to ensure your web browser is not giving away your information like a politician giving away campaign promises.
Here are a few items to consider:

• Password remember function – Web browsers usually contain some kind of password manager. From the point of personal security and online account security, do not automatically save your passwords and user names for your important accounts where you have personal information.
• Keep your browser updated – Developers release fixes for issues found in your browser, and it is the same for security bugs. So have automatic updates enabled.
• Clear browsing data – This data includes your browsing download history, cache, cookies, passwords, and saved form data. Clearing this regularly will ensure your data is secure and keep tracking cookies off your system.

With these few simple steps you can now surf the Internet more securely and safely. In the near future, I will talk about taking it to the next level with anonymous surfing techniques. If only garden gnomes were that easy to deal with!

Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.

My Digital Inauguration . . .

I guess before I throw my hat into the proverbial blog writing ring, I should introduce myself. My name is Steve Richardson. A 20+ year veteran in the computer security field with a focus on education. I am a proud husband, father, grandfather, class clown, and motorcycle enthusiast.

What I'm looking to create here is a technology resource for the community, staff, students, and general public. I want to submit weekly blog posts that empower the reader with useful information that relates to:

• Safe computing practices
• Latest tech gadgets
• Useful software
• Open source and free resources

I know. . .blah blah blah another boring tech blog. There are so many already! And most are as exciting as reading a gastrointestinal medical journal.  I really want to do something different though. The articles will be easy to understand and actually apply to what people use everyday The content will be entertaining, fun to read and just hopefully my comedic style will break the boring tech blog mold! With all that being said, I look forward to the learning adventure ahead . . .