Windows Updates due Thursday January 13th

By PC Bits on January 12, 2022 6:44 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

January 11th is Windows Update Tuesday!   Thursday the 13th is the day to check Windows updates.

NOTE:  Microsoft is "pushing" Windows 11.  First they want to check your computer for compatibility.  MOST computers will not be compatible!

DO NOT install Windows 11.  Every new version of Windows has had major problems for no less than two years!

NOTE 2:  Microsoft is has been offering the Feature Version 21H2 for Windows 10. You may see it offered in the Windows Update screen if you don't already have it.  Click the Download and install link.

It may take a long time to install.  DO NOT turn it off because it is taking longer than you think it should!

Note: Microsoft is planning on removing Internet Explorer (the oldest browser) soon.  It will happen automatically.  You should stop using it if you still do!

Dean

CCleaner Update 5.88 December 15th, 2021

By PC Bits on December 15, 2021 9:40 AM
New CCleaner Update!  AGAIN.
Cleaner version 5.88 has appeared. 

You can force this to happen by clicking on the "Check for Updates" link on the bottom right corner of the main CCleaner screen.

DECLINE, Turn Down, say NO, "No Thanks", "Maybe later" any offers of AVAST or the CCleaner Browser, Pro Edition, AVG, Free VPN or anything else!

It closes 5.87, downloads, installs, then opens the new 5.88.  Very quick and easy.  

Dean Hancy
PC Bits

Things You Must Do! Windows 10

By PC Bits on October 9, 2021 12:49 PM
9 October 2021
Here is a new updated version of my "PC Bits Things You Must Do" document.  Just for Windows 10 Users. 

It contains several updates that reflect current versions and experience.

Google Chrome opens a "Preview"  of the document.  You can print or download it from the preview.


All ideas for improvements to this document are welcomed.  

Email me at service@pcbitsnews.com

Dean

Windows Feature Update 21H1 Appearing

By PC Bits on May 25, 2021 9:28 AM
The newest "Feature" Update for Microsoft Windows 10 21H1 has started to appear.

It is not automatic, you must "Download and Install" it from the link in the regular Windows Update screen.

They will be rolling it out slowly so you may not see it right away.  They will also not roll it out to computers they know will fail.  Don't panic if you don't see it.

Dean

Norton Purchases Avira

By PC Bits on December 8, 2020 2:26 PM
NEWS bulletin:  Norton Lifelock has announced they are purchasing Avira.  I will be watching this and writing about any changes we need to make.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/nortonlifelock-purchases-avira-for-360-million/

Dean Hancy

New Avira Security - September 3, 2020

By PC Bits on September 5, 2020 7:34 AM
Avira is beginning to download and install Avira Security.  

Avira Security Install Screen I.jpg

This will replace our old Avira AntiVirus.  Avira Security contains and runs Avira AntiVirus but also has many more features.

Most of these features are OFF because it is the free version.  They are using these features to SELL you the Premium or Prime version.

Just like the ads we have always ignored, we are going to ignore the "prompts" Avira Security pops-up.

"Run a Smart Scan", "Your smart scan found 6 issues to fix".  These are clever ways to convince you to buy.  We don't buy.

You do not need to run a Smart Scan.  

Avira Security Prompt.jpg

Your AntiVirus program is still running. It is still protecting you.  

New Spywareblaster 6.0 August 15, 2020

By PC Bits on August 15, 2020 10:10 AM

A new version of Spywareblaster Version 6.0 is here.  All instructions assume you are using Google Chrome.


Click on the link below to download spywareblastersetup60.exe.

Chrome will automatically start a download. Google Chrome pops up Microsoft's Save As window. Make sure you know where it is going (the folder name) before you save.



1. Click on the spywareblastersetup60.exe file name in the left corner of my  blog webpage.
2. When the install program starts:  Click the Next> button on the first screen.
3. You must Accept the agreement and click the Next> button.
4. Click the Install button.
5. Click Next> on the colorful Welcome screen.
6. You must click the Manual radio button then the Next> button.
7. Click the Finish button.
8. Now click the Enable All Protection link.

You are Done!

Delete the downloaded install file when you are done.

Dean - 763-360-2163

Scams!

By PC Bits on December 2, 2016 9:18 AM
I am constantly getting phone calls from frightened customers claiming that someone called them or a web page popped up claiming that their computer is infected.  The latest scam claims to be from Comcast.

They even claim to be ME! Gary just called me and said a guy with a foreign accent called him and claimed to be "PC Bits Support."  When he began to question him, he hung up.

This is a scam folks.  NO legitimate company or government agency EVER calls people claiming to know their computer is infected.  Neither do web pages "know" that your computer is infected.

People have brought me iPhone's, Chromebooks, Macs, Androids and Windows computers, all with webpages claiming their computer is infected. These scammers just lock up the browser so you can't close the page.  They have a loud voice yelling at you or a loud beeping sound.

Please take some time to read these two web sites.  Educate yourself and your friends and family about these scammers.


If you receive a phone call from anyone claiming to know your computer is infected, do not listen to anything they say!!!  State clearly that you know this call is a scam and that you are reporting this call to the FBI.  Then HANG UP!

If a web page pops up claiming to know your computer is infected, DO NOT call any phone numbers!  Shut off the computer with the real power button.  Just hold it down until the computer goes off!  Reboot and run all your scans.  Do not "Restore" the web page when you open your browser again. Restoring would bring you back to the infected web page!

You can report the scam here: http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx 

Dean Hancy  PC Bits Inc.

Help, I have a Virus!

By PC Bits on January 16, 2012 9:19 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

What should you do if you suspect you have a virus?

First you must know your PC.  What is "Normal" behavior?  What is your web browser's "Home Page"?  What does normal Internet traffic look/sound/feel like?  How fast is the Internet?  How fast do you get/send emails?

One of the first symptoms of a virus is a "change"!   The Internet is "Slow".  The PC is acting "funny"!  There seems to be lots of activity going on over the Internet wires but "you" aren't doing anything.  Your "Home Page" changes to some other web site, either porn or a site that tries to sell you something.  You can no longer get or send emails.  Google searches that don't show you the right "results" is a frequent complaint.

The obvious symptoms are "pop-ups".  These can happen anywhere and at random times.  They pop-up inside web pages, they pop-up in the system tray (down by the time/clock), they just pop-up on top of everything and they won't go away!  These fraudulent pop-ups can be "official" looking warnings, or advertisements claiming that you are "infected".  They FALSELY claim that they have "scanned" for viruses and found a "Trojan" or some such thing.  Another type of virus pop-up claims that your hard drive and/or RAM is failing.  To prove it the virus begins to erase your icons!

You have Avira AntiVir Guard.  Just who is claiming to have found something?  You should only respond if the warning pop-up is from Avira! (Look for the Red Umbrella and the Remove button.)

If you suspect a virus Immediately shut down the PC using the Power Button then call me immediately at 763-360-2163.

Dean

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