Windows Updates due Thursday October 15th

By PC Bits on October 20, 2020 6:44 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

October 13th is Windows Update Tuesday!   Thursday the 15th is the day to install Windows updates.

NOTE:  The new Windows 10 20H2 is appearing in your update screen.  You should download and install it.  

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

The new Windows Edge is installing without any warning!  You will get this.  Do not shut it off or uninstall it, it will just come back!   Do not let it set up a Microsoft Account.  It will make a new desktop and you will appear to lose your files.  They are not gone but it is frightening.

I tell it I want the focused look, then you must click the confirm button.  I do not let it "Sign-in".  Then close it down.  You will need to set Google Chrome back as your default Browser.  go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps then click on Edge and a list will pop-up.  Click on Google Chrome.  Now close all windows.

Dean

CCleaner Update 5.72 September 24th, 2020

By PC Bits on September 24, 2020 9:40 AM
New CCleaner Update!  AGAIN  2nd this month!
Cleaner version 5.72 has appeared.  

Click on the link below.  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.


Watch quickly the small pop-up that opens in the bottom left corner of my blog web page. Run the downloaded file by clicking on its name in the bottom left corner.  

This version of CCleaner does not try to install other products.  BUT!

Check your settings.  Click on Options then Privacy.

Uncheck all the boxes.

CCleaner 5.70.jpg

Delete the downloaded file after you are done.


Dean Hancy
PC Bits

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

Avira Update Advertisement - June 10, 2020

By PC Bits on June 10, 2020 4:52 PM
Big new pop-up from Avira wanting to install the "New Avira".

This is an advertisement and we NEVER click on Ads from ANY of our free products.

Dean 

Windows 10 "2004"

By PC Bits on May 27, 2020 9:48 AM
Microsoft is starting to download/install its newest version of Windows 10 "2004".

Short for 2020 the 4th month.  They delayed its launch due to the Pandemic.

It will be a large download and will take a long time to install on slower computers.

Watch for it!  If you see it offered in Windows Update, be prepared for it to take far longer than other updates.  DO NOT turn off the computer during this update.

Several changes will be apparent,  The "start" pop-up screen will change.  The "live tiles" are being replaced with "icons".  We will have to see how this works.

If you don't already have it, you will get the new Windows Edge browser.  It will probably set itself as the default browser.  That means any "links" you have on the desktop will change the icon to the new Edge Icon.  If you open Google Chrome, you should see a button to "Set Google Chrome as the Default".  That should set them back to what you want.

It will open a Settings screen for the Default Apps.  Under the Web Browser click on the Edge icon and a menu will open.  Click on Chrome and it will change.  You can then close the screen

As this happens I will be updating this post as we learn new things.  Come back and read it again several times.

Dean

ZOOM

By PC Bits on May 12, 2020 10:21 AM
During this stressful time many people are turning to Zoom to stay connected and work!  I think the Zoom company is doing a great job and of course they are having massive growing pains.  I do not believe they are "spying" on you.

There are however hackers and scam artists.  Here is part of a warning from an authority:

Fake Zoom Downloader Is the Latest Method of Attack on Remote Workers 

Riding on the coattails of the massive rise in popularity in the video conference solution, remote workers new to Zoom need to be wary of where they get the Zoom installer program. 

We've written before about the various types of Zoom-related attacks that have sprouted up over the last two months. The latest chapter in this saga involves an actual Zoom installer program laden with backdoor malware. Available on malicious third-party sites (and not from Zoom's official website), these installers are offered up using phishing emails and spam campaigns designed to direct potential victims to these alternative installers. 

The compromised installer does deliver an installation of Zoom, but also installs the remote access trojan (RAT) WebMonitor, giving attackers remote access to an infected computer via a web browser. 

This kind of attack isn't new, but the rise in necessity and popularity of video conferencing solutions makes Zoom the perfect brand to leverage. 

To avoid becoming a victim, the simple answer here is to remind your users to do these two things:
  1. Don't act on unsolicited emails about software updates, even if they seem pertinent.
  2. Only download software from the official website, if at all.
Dean

Things You Must Do! Windows 10

By PC Bits on March 26, 2020 12:49 PM
26 March 2020
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.

All ideas for improvements to this document are welcomed.  

Email me at service@pcbitsnews.com

Dean

JAVA Update

By PC Bits on August 7, 2019 8:19 AM
NEW Information on JAVA

You no longer need to have it installed.

New changes in Windows and JAVA mean you no longer need it installed.

Open "Control Panel".
Click On "Programs and Features"
Scroll down to the JAVA entry.
You can highlight it then click on Uninstall at the top of the list OR  I "right" mouse on it then Left mouse on Uninstall.

Dean

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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