There is a new update for SpywareBlaster. Good time to check it. 18 new things to avoid! Total is now 18,019
Dean
There is a JAVA update. 8.211
You need to get it.
DO NOT let it install anything else!
They try to sneak in ASK Toolbar or McAfee Security Scan etc.
Look for these additional items and uncheck these boxes IF you see them!
You install the update manually from: Control Panel > Java (icon) > click the Update Tab.
Click the Update Now button.
Tell it to Update not remove Java. Tell it to uninstall OLDER versions of Java.
Dean
New CCleaner Update! AGAIN
Cleaner version 5.56 has appeared.
Click on the link below. Chrome automatically starts a download.
In Google Chrome you must Save the file. Make sure you know where it is going before you save. Run the downloaded file by clicking on its name in the bottom left corner.
As always, watch each screen closely as you install. Don't let them install anything else! Uncheck any Avast check-boxes.
The install now opens a web page that tries to get you to buy! Just close it. We only use the Free version.
Delete the downloaded file after you are done.
Dean Hancy
PC Bits
April 9th is Windows Update Tuesday! Thursday the 11th is the day to install Windows updates.
Windows 10 Users. Microsoft is now rolling out the "fixed" Fall Update 1809. Another complete new version of Windows 10. Just in time for the 1903 May update!!!
These twice a year updates take hours on slow computers and take a LOT of hard drive space. Microsoft makes a complete copy of your current Windows 10, then downloads a LARGE file (the new Windows 10), then installs the new 10 and moves in your "files". Again this can take hours and a LOT of hard drive space! Many old computers have performance problems during this update. You must be aware that this is happening and leave the computer running until it is finished. DO NOT interrupt this process. Computers with very full or small hard drives will fail this update.
We can do the 1809 Windows 10 update here for you. You will have to leave the PC with us.
Everyone else. (Windows 7 & 8.1) Only install all Important updates.
No Optional.
Dean
A new "role-up" Windows Update in the January Windows update is failing on Windows 7 computers. KB4481480 is actually 5 different updates rolled up into one. It is failing to run.
So far Microsoft has no"fix" for this. I also have been unable to find any fix.
If it is failing on your PC, uncheck the box and then RIGHT mouse click on it and then left click on Hide.
Best we can do until I find a fix or Microsoft publishes one.
Dean
Today December 19th, Microsoft released an "Out-Of-Band" or emergency Windows Update for Internet Explorer 11. All versions of Windows use Internet Explorer 11.
You should "Check for Updates" ASAP and when it finds it, install it.
Dean
PC Bits Things you must do.pdf
All ideas for improvements to this document are welcomed. Email me at service@pcbitsnews.com
4 February 2017
Here is a new updated version of my "PC Bits Things You Must Do" document.
It contains several updates that reflect current versions and experience.
After many requests I put the steps in order.
All ideas for improvements to this document are welcomed. Email me at service@pcbitsnews.com
The recent Adobe Reader DC "Update" silently and without your permission installs an "Adobe" Extension in your Google Chrome! Read the link:
Don't click on anything in the link's web-page.
You should "Remove" the extension if you see the warning box open in your Google Chrome.
Adobe is spying on you!
Dean
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.
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
