Flu Season and Viruses

I hope you've gotten your flu vaccinations, but if not, remember that hand washing in any event is a great way to reduce the likelihood of passing along (and receiving) viruses.

I say that to say this: Computers, as we all too-well know, are prone to virus infestations without a degree of maintenance and updating.

This week I went into a mobile lab. Just two of the 25 laptops I examined were HEAVILY infected. Preventative,  periodic maintenance takes only minutes, versus hours spent trying to sanitize infected systems!

My multi-pronged approach to system integrity and the prevention of the nasties includes:

1. Norton AntiVirus (NOT Norton Securities)
2. Hard Drive Powerwash
3. SUPERAntispyware
4. Malwarebyte's "Antimalware"

The last two require periodic (weekly for me) updating. Items 2 - 4 are free. Norton Antivirus isn't free. Download these free programs. Install, and update items #3 and #4.

Learn how to disable "System Restore" before conducting full-system scans and deleting suspicious files. Once scanned and deleted, "System Restore" can be re-enabled.Don't forget to defragment the hard drive after all has been cleaned.

To defragment the hard drive, I use one or both of the following free programs, because they are faster and more efficient than that which is included with windows:
1. UltraDefrag
2. Smart Defrag

I run checkdisk (Windows XP) to find and correct hard drive errors.  Click here to learn how. Basically you click "Run", type chkdsk /f, then press enter.  Enter Y at the prompt, then restart the computer.

Because of regular maintenance, my home computer (now 10 years old) runs faster than many I see that are 3 or 4 years old.

Stay safe and healthy!!!

Summertime Cleaning

My wife (a teacher) made the comment, as have other fellow educators, that summer is when we get things done around the house that are usually done in the spring. I'd have to agree with that sentiment! Summer is also a time when many educators "fill their cups" with inservice trainings, conventions, and by taking classes.

Summer is also a good time to give your computer a little TLC. A few suggestions below are offered, as well as a link to a handout that I received this week at a virtual ISTE conference in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It addresses the many features of Google Apps and how they can be employed to increase productivity and lead to more efficient learning.

First, let's give our computers a little "spring cleaning":

1. Dispose of non-essential files residing on your computer's hard drive. Two free programs do this chore very easily and quickly. One is called Hard Drive Powerwash. The other is named Disk Cleaner. Download and run both programs.  You'll be amazed at the amount of space reclaimed on your computer!
2. When you've sent all of the non-essential files to the Recycle Bin, empty it and run Smart Defrag. First run "defrag only", then run it in "Deep Optimize" mode.
3. After you've defragmented the hard drive, defragment your computer's registry using Free Registry Defrag.
4. I'd be remiss if I didn't put in a plug for checking the computer for malware, trojans, and viruses. Two excellent products to use: AntiMalware and SUPERAntispyware. Download and install both.  Update both.  Run a "full system scan" using both. Delete anything they detect.
5. It used to be that the most common way viruses were spread was via floppy disks. Times have changed and flash drives can now become carriers of viruses. To reduce the likelihood of contracting a virus using a flash drive, download and use USB Guardian.
6. Lastly, back up your files! If you suffer the misfortune of contracting a virus or other form of malware, a degree of "peace of mind" will be had by doing so. Would you like a free, quick program that makes a backup of your computer's drivers? Try  Double Driver.I've recently used it to reinstall drivers after reformatting a PC. It works very well! DriverMax is another free, easy-to-use application that backs up drivers. It's easy to learn, fast, and reliable.

When these chores have been completed, download the handout I received this week at a virtual conference. You'll be amazed at what all can be done with Google Apps! Dr. Howie DiBlasi did a superb job drafting this handout. We spent three uninterrupted hours reviewing this document and trying the various features Dr. H. prepared for us.  The time flew! Thanks, Doc!

Triple Whammy!!!

I'm receiving calls again from folks whose PCs have been infected with malware so intrusive that it prevents them from accomplishing anything at all. Symptoms include slow computer operation, a proliferation of pop-up windows, and a program that launches itself and scans for infections.

It may well be that the "self-installed antimalware scanner" program is the source of the problem! How did it get there? Let me count the ways...

I suggest you read this PDF document to learn what malware is and the many ways it can be installed on your computer. Additionally, read Protect Yourself from Fake Anti-Virus Software.

I've said it before: It's gotten to the point where folks have to be proactive to head off these threats. Below is my "regimen" for being proactive. I perform these steps at least once a week.

As for the details of how to perform individual steps, that's another story for another day, OR you can take the initiative and learn how to perform them.

1. Backup your documents, songs, PowerPoint, and other files BEFORE the day of reckoning arrives.
   
2. Disable System Restore
   
3. Download, install, and update Malwarebytes Antimalware (free edition) from http://www.malwarebytes.org (NOT .com).
   
4. Download, install, and update SUPERAntiSpyware (free edition) from http://downloads.superantispyware.com/downloads/SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
   
5. UPDATE your antivirus program.
   
6. If you don't have an antivirus program, say 100 "Hail Marys" for penance, then download, install, update, and run AVG Antivirus.
   
7. Delete all files that you are able to from the C:\Windows\Temp folder.
   
8. Empty your web browser's cache, offline files, and cookies.
   
9. Download and run SmartDefrag from http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html?Str=download
   
10. Disconnect from the Internet (make sure that wireless is off and that no Ethernet cable is attached).
    
11. Reboot your computer to "Safe Mode".
    
12. Conduct full scans using AntiMalware, SUPERAntiSpyware, and your antivirus program.
    
13. Allow those programs to remove the threats.
    
14. Run SmartDefrag ("Deep Optimize")
    
15. Restart your computer.
    

It sounds like a lot to do, but considering the alternative.... Tips:

1. Remove any discovered infections 2 or 3 at a time. Don't allow the applications above discover and allow to accumulate more than a few at a time. Don't try to eliminate them all in one fell swoop.
   
2. Once finished with all of the above, run "Windows Update" as often as needed to install ALL of the critical updates.
   
3. Update Antimalware, SUPERSpyware, and your antivirus program regularly. I do this at least once a week.
   
4. Scan for infections any external drives (flash drives, external hard drives, SD cards, etc.)
   
5. Eat plenty of vegetables to reduce your risk of becoming infected. Momma was right after all, and she knows best! ;-)

Time to Clean Your Filters!

With the changing of the seasons, it's always a good idea to clean your filters, whether they're furnace or air conditioners, and yes - digital projector filters!

Eventually your digital projector will prompt you that it's time to clean the filter. If you're left wondering what to do, check out the owner's manual. Can't find it? You might locate it online at the manufacturer's website.

Don't seek to just reset the warning - doing so will shorten the life of the components! Clean the filter (it's easy to do), THEN reset the warning (equally easy to do).

Another source for manuals is at http://www.scribd.com. It's here that I located a manual for a bluetooth headset I own, as well as for a Viewsonic digital projector manual that specifically addresses the cleaning of the unit's filter.

Locate the manual/tutorial for cleaning the Viewsonic's filter at http://tinyurl.com/qvuuu5

Periodic Maintenance

At least once a month, it's a good idea to keep the files on your computer in order. Here are 2 things you can do to help keep your computer running faster and more smoothly:

1. Run the "Check Disk" utility (for Windows XP). How? Click on Start, then Run. In the box, type the following: chkdsk /f. Note the space after the "k". After you've typed that, click on "OK". At the black screen prompt, type Y and press the Enter key on your keyboard, then restart your computer.
2. Run the Disk Defragmenter utility. How? Click on Start, mouse up to Programs, mouse over to Accessories, then to System Tools, then down to Disk Defragmenter. Click the "Defragment" button.

   Note: Disable your screen saver before running disk defragmenter.

Performing these two routines once a month will pay big dividends in helping to keep your computer running more optimally!