How to Avoid Getting Viruses on Your Computer

Posted on June 11, 2018June 11, 2018 by LINKSCEEM

Access for computer viruses

Computer viruses have access to computers wherever data and programs are exchanged with other computers. First of all, the program and data exchange via e-mail and exchangeable data carriers such as floppy disks, ZIP disks or CDs. Then the application of programmed websites and the program download from the Internet.

Computer virus detection capabilities

Computer viruses can be detected in various ways. The first and oldest detection method is the unusual modification of files and the boot blocks of the disks. Checksums are created for this purpose, which display unforeseen changes if they are checked regularly.

Then there is pattern recognition. Particularly successful with computer viruses that do not change. Here, the bit pattern is simply compared with program files. If the pattern is present, a virus is suspected.

All computer viruses usually have only one purpose, copying each other and sometimes interfering with the computer system. Usually the same program functions, program patterns are used. These can be monitored. If a program function is used unexpectedly, e.g. format the hard disk, this function can be prevented.

General protection

Before an antivirus program is used, there are general protection options that can be taken.

Emails of unknown origin, with unexpected attachments, should not be opened.
Program exchange by means of exchangeable data carriers should be carried out with the utmost caution. Original CDs or certified downloads are good alternatives.
Passwords should not be stored, as this allows a virus to use your inbox or Internet provider without hindrance.
High security settings when surfing are very important, because if the setting is too low, a program in which a virus is located can be executed unnoticed on the computer via a web page.
The antivirus program.

The antivirus program can provide additional security through general protection. It should have the following abilities:

Monitoring of data carriers during operation (online).
Monitoring of incoming mail during operation (online).
File monitoring while surfing the Internet.
Appointment calendar for the examination of the whole computer system.
Update of virus data.

Without an update of the virus data, an antivirus program is quickly ineffective. The widespread use of antivirus programs has resulted in only new computer viruses circulating.

Summary

Restrict virus access.
Exploit general protection measures, because what they can generally do against computer viruses, they do against all computer viruses.
Use optimal virus protection. Find out and use an antivirus program that protects all applications.
Provide the virus protection program with current virus data, e.g. from the Internet.

6 Things that Could be Slowing Down Your PC

Posted on June 6, 2018June 11, 2018 by LINKSCEEM

Start-up for minutes, delayed reactions: It can really freak you out when your computer goes lame. There are many reasons for a slow system. That is why hope should not be given up in the first place. Before going to the expensive specialist, users can try to get the PC up and running again.

If the device is only temporarily slow, a restart may help in some cases. The computer can then rearrange itself and make any updates. However, if this does not remedy the situation in the long term, it could be due to these other reasons:

Lame autostart menu

If Windows starts up too slowly, cleaning up the autostart menu can help your computer. “Many programs nest unnoticed in the car launch,” explains Florian Holzbauer of “Chip” magazine.

If you enter the “msconfig” command in the Windows command line and then select System Start, you will see the listed programs and services that are started directly with the operating system. They then brake the system at startup.

Too many files on the hard disk

If there are a lot of files and programs on the hard disk, the PC may work slower. It’s not just large amounts of pictures, videos or songs that bring a computer to its knees. Rather, it is the programs that run on the side: “Large amounts of data alone do not lead to slower system executions,” explains Manuel Fischer, Head of Software at the IT industry association Bitkom.

Ten years ago, hard disk cleaning on lame computers still meant defragmenting. The reason: programs are not stored on the disk in one piece, but in many individual segments. The more unsorted the hard disk is, the longer it takes the computer to find and access related files. Therefore, defragmentation is still recommended for older, lame systems. Newer computers from Windows 7 have an automatic system that does this. In newer Windows systems, users can also use the search keyword “Memory” to view the “Windows memory diagnosis” to see what takes up a lot of space.

A storage space management is also available for the Mac from the Sierra operating system. Users of older MacOS systems can use search terms such as “image” or “video” in the Finder to see which of these files are stored on their PC and display them in size to locate the data giants.

But don’t forget to empty your trash afterwards! If tidying up does not bring much improvement, a new installation of Windows is recommended. Important: back up the data beforehand.

Programs

Without you noticing it, many programs often run in the background of the computer. You should take a closer look using the Task Manager (Windows shortcut: CTRL-ALT-ENTF, on Mac with Spotlight search under “Activity display”) and pay attention to the CPU load. This gives an overview of how much computing power the individual programs currently require. If you recognize an unusual load there, you should have a closer look at the program and possibly delete it.

Obsolete system

Computers need a little care – and now and then a rejuvenation cure. It is therefore important to carry out regular software updates. Drivers, i.e. the interface between operating system and hardware, should also be updated from time to time. These include graphics cards, WLAN routers or printers. To find out which drivers are outdated, PC users can also use tools such as Driver Booster 3 for Steam to get an overview.

Windows XP and Windows 7 have set the automatic updates for drivers as a support service. For the Mac, current driver versions are usually displayed in the App Store under the updates, and you can also search for the latest version on the provider’s website.

Viruses

Viruses can sometimes be found behind a slow computer. This malware runs unnoticed in the background all the time and thus slows down the speed of the computer. Apart from the security of your data, you should therefore always have an antivirus program activated. A detailed virus scan can be performed to find out whether there is malware on the computer. It is also sufficient to use free offers from reputable providers.

Avoid overheating

To prevent the highly stressed technology from running hot, fans are installed in every computer. Like a fan, they cool the modules, which have a lot of computing power. However, long or incorrect use can affect the fan, causing the computer to heat up and slow down.

Therefore, it is very important to keep the ventilation openings on the sides of the laptops always free – and to use a laptop stand instead of a blanket, for example. In serious cases too much dust has settled in the fan, then it may have to be replaced.

How to Ensure Your Security When Playing Online Casinos

Posted on May 26, 2018June 11, 2018 by LINKSCEEM

If you want to play online, you may wonder at the beginning if playing at the online casino is really that safe. Only when players are convinced that gambling in the chosen casino is particularly safe will they give themselves over to online gaming and participate in the game to their heart’s content. But what does it actually look like? Is the personal and financial information that must be provided at the casino secure? The article contains a few tips to help players find the best information in advance. This minimises the risk of getting a dubious provider. One thing is for sure, there are black sheep in every area. But not all providers are the same. Many online casinos are particularly reliable and pay out the requested amount very quickly.

Signs of a truly reputable Casino

Licensed under EU law
Constant controls by independent companies
Secure payment methods
Fast payouts
Security of data

Secure licenses – no worries

Many of the online casinos have a gambling licence, are therefore regulated and are constantly monitored. This stands for a plus in safety. But there are also some providers who do not yet have such a license. It is therefore important to check whether the selected online casino is licensed and regulated before registering. The information about a license can usually already be found on the start page or under the terms and conditions and information about secure gaming. The most common gambling licenses include:

Gaming License Malta
Gaming license Gibraltar
Gaming License United Kingdom
Gambling License Canada

Experience has shown that many online casinos are licensed under the license of Malta or Gibraltar. All online casinos that choose one of the licenses have a trusted look and feel. They have opted for a particularly fair gaming policy and offer players a certain degree of security. If there is no information about a license at an online casino, players should stay away and choose a truly reputable and secure casino as a precaution.

Secure payment methods of casino providers

There are so many different payment methods offered in the online casino. Players can choose their preferred payment method. Secure and reputable online casinos also offer the most common and popular payment methods. Probably the best and safest payment methods that players like to use:

PayPal
PaySafeCard
Instant bank transfer
Credit card
Neteller
ClickandBuy
Bank transfer

Of course, not all payment methods are always offered by all providers. This includes, for example, the payment method PayPal. These can be found in some, but by no means all online casinos among the payment methods. That’s a bit of a pity, but if the other payment methods are offered, you still have a large choice between secure and common payment methods.

Regularly check account statements

Especially when players are gambling on the Internet and have provided their bank details, account statements should be checked regularly. You can never be too careful these days. Some fraudsters take a particularly clever approach and always debit only particularly small amounts, which at first glance are not noticeable at all. Therefore, you should always look twice. It is preferable to choose a well-known online casino with a good reputation. Those suppliers who have been active in the market for many years have built up a certain reputation and will certainly not spoil it with fraudulent machinations. But there are also providers that are not yet so well-known. Of course, at new online casinos, it does not mean that they are all dubious. But they certainly also have a hard time convincing at the beginning.

Data security – an important sticking point

As is already known, there are always glitches with regard to electronic data transmission. This can have fatal consequences and cause enormous damage. However, well-positioned online casinos rely on proper data encryption. Preferably the data should be transmitted with at least 128-bit SSL data encryption. This offers players a plus in security. This type of encryption has proven itself in practice and is therefore also used by many different large companies. Before players transfer money to the selected casino, they should be informed of the encryption method used. The casinos that use a particularly secure encryption method usually indicate this under Information or on the start page with an appropriate encryption symbol. Gamblers do not need to worry about the security of their personal data.

Guaranteed and secure payment

But what about the payout? Are player funds really safe and where will they be stored in the meantime until the withdrawal request? Secure and reputable online casinos have a fiduciary account or have agreed to securely manage customer funds in the fiduciary account. The players’ funds end up in this escrow account. It is the case that the provider cannot access the funds flowing into the specially set up account. This means for players that the funds are safe in any case and cannot be collected from the provider. A payout can therefore be guaranteed. This means that online providers with such an escrow account do not require players to worry about the funds and the payout. The advantages of the escrow account:

Money is kept safe
Cannot be used by the provider
Withdrawal is secure and guaranteed

Transactions verified and secure against fraud

Fraudsters keep coming up with new things to get money and clear away other people’s accounts. Well-positioned casinos have technology that protects against fraud. Verified transactions are offered that give you the necessary security. A sign of a high level of security is when the casino provider cooperates with a legitimate company that takes care of the casino’s financial affairs. If the service and protection of the DataCash group against fraud is also used, then hardly anything can go wrong. Serious and good online providers are known to strive to offer their customers optimum security in all areas. High security standards are already provided when the casino software from Microgaming, Cryptologic and Playtech is available. When it comes to safety, you can’t be too careful. That’s why they always have to look several times before they wet their pants.

Trust and discretion are very important

Players should be able to rely on their personal information being treated confidentially and discreetly. Passing on players’ data is an absolute no-go and must not occur in a good casino. If the data gets to third parties in any way, it can quickly happen that you become a victim of fraud. Of course, the casino providers also want to advertise themselves. Therefore it can happen that after the registration in the casino again and again advertising mails flutter into the e-mail box. But it is also important that the provider accepts if no mails are desired and these are then turned off. When selecting an online provider, care should be taken to ensure 100% security and discretion. Furthermore, it should be excluded that the data are made accessible to other people.

Experiences of other users help

Who has acquaintances and relatives, which let off steam likewise within the gambling range, can give surely good Tipps with the choice after a suitable Casino. Hearing the opinion of someone else who has been active in an online casino is especially helpful and interesting. This way difficulties can be ruled out right from the start. But there are also many opinions and experiences on the Internet that can be read. New players will thank you for the hints and information and may choose another provider before it is too late. For example, new players can learn the following things from other users:

Methods of payment
Payout speed
Contact Customer Support
Are problems known

Good reputation from the casino already says a lot

Especially those players who haven’t had a thorough look at the subject should make sure that the selected casino already enjoys a very good reputation and offers transparency and fairness. There should always be access to the course of the game and the transactions made, so that players can quickly get an overview. At good casinos it is regulated in such a way that the player account has a good overview of all possible important data. Among other things, bets are listed with date and time, winnings and game results. In addition, reliable and trustworthy casinos offer tips on controlled gaming behavior. This also shows once again that the company strives to ensure that players do not gamble and accumulate debts and perhaps also get into a gambling addiction.

Conclusion on security in online casinos

Playing in many online casinos has become very safe and reliable due to the technology and possibilities. If attention is paid to the important things, then it should be possible for every player to recognize the black sheep among the casino providers in time and still prefer to switch to another provider. Before choosing a provider, it is therefore important to thoroughly examine the provider and read up on the experiences of other players. Only with optimal preparation and obtaining a lot of information can players be sure not to get to a dubious provider in the online world.

Everyone should really know these 12 computer tricks

Posted on April 25, 2018 by LINKSCEEM

You just want to save a certain section on your computer as a screenshot, quickly reopen the last closed tab of the browser or clear your cache in a flash? We have 12 computer tricks and tips that everyone should know.

1 Tailor-made screenshots with the Snipping Tool

Screenshots are taken quickly, but often you only want to capture a certain section. Of course, the screenshot can be quickly edited and adapted in appropriate image processing programs such as Adobe Photoshop or IrfanView. It is easier to record only the part that is to be used. The snipping tool is used for this purpose. Simply search for “Snipping Tool” using the Windows search, open it and select the desired section before recording.

2. Repeat last entry in Excel at the push of a button

Excel has become an integral part of everyday working life. It is helpful if you can make working with the software a little easier. To do this, simply press the F4 key and your last command will be repeated. Example: You give a line the color blue. Now you can simply select any other lines and press F4 to add a blue line to these fields. It couldn’t be faster!

3. Copy files by drag and drop

You want to quickly copy a file on your computer? That this works with the right mouse button or with the combination Control + C is probably common knowledge. But did you know that drag and drop works the same way? To do this, click on the desired file and hold it down while holding down the Control key. Then you can simply move the file, the system will automatically make a copy.

4. Reverse image search made easy

In Google Chrome, inverted image search works with just a few clicks. So if you want to know where the image still appears all over the net or if there are possibly higher resolution offshoots of it, this goes as follows: Simply press and hold the S button and click on the desired design. It couldn’t be easier or faster.

5. Useful shortcuts for YouTube videos

If you like watching videos on YouTube, you may have noticed that you can pause the clip using the space bar – provided you have already clicked around in the video before. This works better if you simply press the letter K instead of the space bar to pause a YouTube video. If you want to rewind for 10 seconds, press the J key, 10 seconds forward works with L.

6. Reopen last closed tab

Everyone should know that: You have several tabs open in the browser, surf back and forth and suddenly it happened – and a browser tab quickly closed by mistake. Of course, in this case you can reopen the tab with a few clicks using the toolbar of your browser. But you can do this even faster with this key combination: press Control + Shift + T simultaneously and the last closed tab is opened again.

7. Move window in Windows with arrow keys

Easily move an open Windows window? Hold down the Windows key and press one of the four arrow keys to move the window. If you work with several monitors, you must also hold down the shift key if you want the window to move to the other display.

8. Empty browser cache easily

The cache of the browser should be cleared from time to time, as otherwise a lot of unnecessary data garbage accumulates. Hold down Control + Shift + R to clear your cache.

9. Protect your computer with a simple key combination

You need to get away quickly, but don’t want to leave your computer unprotected? Then press the Windows key together with the letter L, and you will immediately find yourself in the Windows login menu. Of course, this is only effective if you have also assigned a password for your Windows account.

10. Mouse wheel opens links in new tab

Did you know that? If you want to open a link in a new tab, simply click on the mouse wheel in the middle and the page opens in a new tab.

11. Use browser as simple editor

The browser as a simple text editor? Nothing could be easier. Just copy the following code into the address bar of your browser: data:text/html, <title>Text Editor</title><body contenteditable style=”font-size:2rem;font-family:georgia;line-height:1.4;max-width:60rem;margin:0 auto;padding:4rem;”>

12. Zooming in the browser

The text or image of a website is too small for you? Then you can easily zoom in and out by pressing +. If you want to zoom out again, this works with control and -. To restore the default view, press Control in combination with the digit 0.