I don't know about you, but for me other than my telephone, my computer is my lifeline! I am disabled and have no money to spare, so imagine my horror when last night a virus snuck into my computer and I knew I couldn't afford to pay anyone to remove it! This particular new virus is called System Tool 2011 and it's a rogue Trojan that completely takes over your computer if you allow it to finish its scan!
At first, it looks like your personal security system alert has popped up to tell you that your computer has become infected but this is a tactic to trick you into thinking you've got a virus and need to remove it when, in fact, the virus alert is the virus. It's not like the old "ignore it/don't click on it and just reboot immediately to get rid of it" viruses of days gone by. Oh no, this one is already automatically downloading. Oh, and if you do try to reboot, it doesn't matter because what comes up on your screen are nasty "HA, HA in your face" comments that basically say, "Tell your boss, your family, and friends that no matter how careful and safe you are that we can get you!" (I almost took a screen shot of it but decided I had better not waste time keeping my computer on while allowing the virus to continue taking over my computer) Anyway, this virus will not allow you to access "any applications whatsoever" including your security system or even your documents!
So now what? Thankfully I already have extras beyond my McAfee like Malwarebytes, C Cleaner and Spybot downloaded on my computer and a desktop shortcut for each. So what I did was turn off my computer, take a deep breath with lots of prayer and restarted while constantly clicking F8. I chose 'safe mode' and then ran Malwarebytes via the desktop shortcut first. Yep, it found the virus and I clicked to delete. Then I used Spybot and it also found a bad registry and I deleted it. Then on to CC Cleaner to get rid of any other possible hidden items and finally did a full McAfee scan. Bessie is now clean as a whistle ;-)
Should you choose not to download these three completely free programs now (and make shortcuts for them on your desktop for easy access) please don't panic should you happen to get an infection! Just print this tip, keep it in a safe place, and instead of when turning off your computer and restarting by clicking F8 and choosing 'Safe Mode'; keep clicking F8 and choose "Safe Mode With Networking" and type in the links in your search engine for downloading and running the programs one at time (in this order) Malwarebytes, Spybot and C Cleaner.
Here are the links to download for virus (and junk in general) removal help:
Malwarebytes: You do not need the full 'pay for' version! Also, once you've run it on full search the first time you will probably not ever need to do more than a quick search ever again :-)
Spybot: Do not worry about a donation to start because you can always donate 'if you want' at a later date. Just scroll down until you see the download button for Spybot Search and Destroy.
C Cleaner: (Used to be known as Crap Cleaner. Seems everything has become politically correct - LOL):
By Deeli from Richland, WA
This page contains the following solutions.
You have probably heard of the computer viruses that will automatically send themselves to everyone in your email address book, there are several different ones out there. If someone opens or clicks a link in one of those emails, they can 'catch' the virus, too.
There is a malware Trojan called "DNS Changer" that has infected millions of computers worldwide. The FBI plans to pull the plug on DNS servers that are currently providing computers infected with the DNS Changer malware.
Are you having problems with virus', worms, Malware, and other such nuisances on your computer? Here are some free software links and advice to set you on a better track while surfing the wonderful world wide web.
Next time you replace a PC plagued by viruses buy a Mac (Apple) computer and you will have no more virus issues. ;-)
I recommend this FREE Malware program to help you protect your computer. It doesn't replace virus or spam software, but does a super job of trying to keep your PC running in top shape and it's easy to install.
If you're a 'home-only' computer user that typically leaves the computer 'on' during the day, but leave your computer for moments in excess of 15 minutes, do this: activate one (Virus, Trojanware or Malware) of your protection programs.
I went into the office to use my PC and it had a page covering the screen advising me to STOP or my PC would eventually crash! I tried everything I knew of to erase or make my computer usable again.
Thousands (possibly millions) of users are receiving what looks like an innocuous daily missive from CNN.com (it sails right through spam filters), offering links to the "Daily Top 10" stories and videos. Flag these emails as spam, and do not click the links inside.
Each day you use your home computer, tablet, or smartphone, you risk the chance of installing viruses, malware, spyware, or Trojans on your devices. Therefore, it's necessary to protect your devices with antivirus and spyware programs.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
My paid AVG Internet Security is about to expire. I'm looking into free software and am overwhelmed with all the choices. I'm using Firefox as my web browser with Windows 7. I've Googled questions and can't determine what I need and what conflicts with what. I'm running around in circles trying to figure what to do.
If I use Microsoft Security Essentials is that all I need? I'm reading good things about Avast and Spybot Search and Destroy and from what I see both can be used at the same time. Can they be used with Microsoft Security Essentials? People are saying we need multiple protection, but some software can conflict and cause computer freezes. My AVG subscription runs out in four days and I don't want to put out unnecessary money. I want to know what software my ThriftyFun friends are using to protect their sensitive information.
By Betty from Lubbock, TX
You can get a free version of AVG, it you like it. My computer guy told me to never buy security programs, because he said as a whole the paid ones aren't as good as the free versions.
Try askbobrankin.com for advice. He tells you about the top free down-loads for security of all kinds. He lists the best, tells you what is good about them, and not so good. That way you can choose the ones you want. He also says what he uses himself.
My daughter was having major problems with her computer. She tried everything over a period of weeks, to no avail. I told her about this website. She chose to download Avast entirely free, Well, it fixed things for her. I have a friend who uses free downloads to keep her computer running well, and is very satisfied. I have Defender Pro 15-in-one, and love it. But when it expires, I will download free programs from his lists. He gives a lot of good computer advice.
I use AVG free version and have for years. I am very happy with it and no problems.
DAW Realtor in Virginia.
Thank you for your suggestions. Since posting my question I called a couple of computer repair shops and the advice they both gave me was Microsoft Internet security. It's free also. Any more comments?
I am using AdAware for free for years, with Essentials as a backup. No problems on this end.
I have used the free version of Avast plus SpyBot with Internet Explorer as web browser for more than 10 years with no problem.
I need to install new security soon. Any recommendations? I am not very computer literate, I need something that's easy to install.
By joan pecsek from South Norfolk , VA
It depends on what operating system you have. I have windows7 and I love MSE. It's made by Microsoft and it's free. Even a dud like myself can easily set it up. Once that is done, it works quietly in the background and you can just forget about it.
I really like Panda Cloud. It doesn't take up space on your computer but is always there working and running in the background. I also use Malwarebytes for anti-malware. Easy to download and cleans up any malware that may be latching onto your computer. You should run this at least 3 or 4 times a month.
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
There are many virus programs available for your computer and I highly recommend you have a virus program.
What anti virus does everyone use? Has anyone found that Norton slows your computer down?
