NEWS: CCleaner Update Aug 4th

By PC Bits on August 9, 2018 9:40 AM
DO NOT install the new CCleaner Update!

The version 5.45 permanently turns on "monitoring"!  I don't want CCleaner/Piriform monitoring us.  I am hoping that they fix this in a later version.

Use 5.44 if you put in 5.45.  ccsetup544.exe

News bulletin: Read this article: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/software/ccleaner-v545-pulled-due-to-anger-over-usage-data-collection/

Piriform pulled 5:45!

Dean Hancy
PC Bits

Windows Updates due Thursday August 16th

By PC Bits on August 6, 2018 6:44 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

August 14th is Windows Update Tuesday!   Thursday the 16th is the day to install Windows updates.

ERROR! Windows 7 Updates:  A few people are reporting an error with Windows Updates.  The box is red and says "A service is not running."  We have a fix for this but I am not allowed to upload the file.  You need to call us.  We will talk you through a fix. 763-360-2163.

Only install all Important updates.

 
No Optional.

Dean

JAVA Update July 17th.

By PC Bits on July 17, 2018 8:19 AM
There is another JAVA update out.  Version 8 Update 181.   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.

Don't worry about the messages about JAVA changes coming.  We are a long way from that time.

Dean

SpywareBlaster Update June 2018

By PC Bits on June 11, 2018 9:45 AM
There is a new update for SpywareBlaster.  Good time to check it.  12-more.
Total is now 17,864.


Dean

Avira Update 26 April 2017

By PC Bits on April 26, 2017 2:32 PM
Avira is downloading a major update.  If it wants to reboot the computer to fully install, then you must agree and let it happen.

Dean

Things You Must Do! - Is New Again!

By PC Bits on February 4, 2017 12:49 PM
PC Bits Things you must do.pdf

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

Adobe Google Chrome Extension

By PC Bits on January 11, 2017 6:55 PM
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

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.

New SpywareBlaster 5.5 Install Instructions

By PC Bits on May 22, 2016 8:00 AM
There is a new version of Spyware Blaster.  Version 5.5.

Follow all these instructions.  Do not guess.  All my instructions assume you are using Google Chrome.  If you use any other browser you must know where the two files are downloaded.

There are two files to download.  The Instructions and the Install program (exe).
Click on each link to download the file. When the Save window opens you must note where the files are stored on your computer!

Open (double-click) then print out the instructions first, then begin the install.

Carefully read each instruction and follow it.  Don't guess your way through after starting!

Malwarebytes Update 26 March 2016

By PC Bits on March 26, 2016 1:31 PM
Watch for it!  A new version of Malwarebytes is coming out!  2.2.1   It will want to download and install.

Just agree to all the screens but watch for the very last wizard screen and UNCHECK the Enable free trial of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware box.

Don't click the Finish button until you are sure the Trial is UNCHECKED!
Dean
Thumbnail image for Malwarebytes.jpg

Windows 10 - DO NOT Install

By PC Bits on December 10, 2015 1:05 PM
This is an update on my views of Windows 10.  

I have been testing Windows 10, reading about Windows 10, repairing MANY Windows 10 computers, and consulting with my peers.

I cannot recommend Windows 10.  It is simply the biggest invasion of your privacy Microsoft has yet invented.  We read the contract that Microsoft makes you "Agree" to.  They will record everything you do and sell it to third parties.  You agreed to this!  They also have your permission to stream in advertising.  You also agreed to let them use your computer to send files/updates to other computers.  You also agreed that they can send you updates whenever they choose.  No more "Let me choose" when and what to update!

We have been repairing Windows 10 because of the many bad updates Microsoft repeatedly sends out.  After you fix it, they send the bad update again!

There are reports of Microsoft removing programs from Windows 10 computers.  Read the angry notice to Spybot customers on their web page.

Another irritant to us and our customers are the pop-ups on Windows 7 and 8 computers calling for you to install Windows 10.  Microsoft has been hiding this "nag" in several "updates".  They have announced that the Windows 10 install program is going to become an "Important" update.  They have been hiding it in the "optional" updates, but checking it!  Even though they said this was a mistake, they are still doing it!

We still have 4 more years to go on Windows 7.  Resist the advertising.  We can remove the nag for you if you stop by.

Dean

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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