Category Archives: Security

Questions and answers about computer security and privacy

Q. How can I secure my Mac?

Posted on May 27, 2011 by quill

What? Secure my Mac?  Why? Mac owners sometimes exist in a bubble of avoidance – believing that since Mac OS X is more resistant to viruses, they don’t have to worry about a thing to do with security. Bubbles inevitably … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Questions and Answers, Mac questions, Security | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Q. What is running on my PC?

Posted on May 17, 2011 by quill

How do I tell what programs are running on my machine that aren’t listed on the Task Bar? Hit Control – Alt – Delete — this brings up the Task Manager. Windows XP http://vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/taskman.htm Windows 7 http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/window-on-windows/reap-the-benefits-of-windows-7s-task-manager/2576 You can now … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Questions and Answers, Performance, Security, Windows questions | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Q. Is PayPal safe?

Posted on May 17, 2011 by quill

PayPal the company is trustworthy However you are dealing with third parties who are sellers or buyers — and those third parties can be good or they can be a problem. There are many terms and conditions that can affect … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Questions and Answers, Internet and Networking, Security | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Q. What is a Rootkit?

Posted on May 14, 2011 by quill

A rootkit is a persistent virus that is much harder to remove than a normal virus because it gains privileged access to the machine, modifies the system at a low level and cloaks its visibility. Once established, rootkit infections often … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Questions and Answers, Security, Viruses and malware, Windows questions | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Favorite: TrueCrypt open source encryption

Posted on May 13, 2011 by quill

Here’s something that makes me shudder – when I hear someone complain that they lost their USB memory ‘keychain’ drive, and then to hear them say “yeah, now I’m out $30 to buy a new one”.  It’s not the money, … Continue reading →

Posted in Favorites, Free stuff, Hard Drive News, News, Security | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Q. I’ve been offered a job online working from home. Can I really make money working from home or filling in surveys?

Posted on May 10, 2011 by quill

Read up on employment scams so you know what to watch out for. Google “Employment Scam” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_scams Google the company name to see if there are reports and forum discussion The basic rules are: Do not pay anything to someone … Continue reading →

Posted in Internet and Networking, Security | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Q. Is there any Internet security threat if I only visit reputable sites?

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Trevor

Yes there is a threat even if you only visit ‘safe’ places.  You could get a virus through emails, which redirects your links from what you thought was a reputable site to a phony site.  Banner ads on a reputable … Continue reading →

Posted in General Computer, Internet and Networking, Security, Software, Viruses and malware | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Q. I got a “Windows Recovery” virus – I removed it but now all my data folders are empty.

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Trevor

It sounds like you may not have completely removed the virus,  it doesn’t delete the files, but it hides your data folders and shows you fake empty folders. Follow these instructions to remove and repair Windows Recovery, SmartHDD, HDD Recovery, … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Questions and Answers, Security, Viruses and malware, Windows questions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment