Month: June 2018

How to Avoid Getting Viruses on Your Computer

Posted on 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 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.