Microsoft Security Essentials

In the past, I would advise people to use the free version of AVG Anti-virus software. I have now officially changed. Anytime anyone asks about AV, I will steer them in the direction Microsoft Security Essentials. You can find the Microsoft download page for Security Essentials here. I personally use it on all my Windows boxes.

Why is MyWindows PC Slow?

I'm often approached by friends and family that they have a PC that is running sluggish. So I thought I would publish a story that explains some of the reasons why this happens.

1) Probably the number one reason a Windows PC starts running slower is because some type of malware (malicious software) has been installed. More than likely you the user does not know this has happened. This is probably the top reason why Windows PC's start to run slower.

2) Another reason Windows PC's start to run slower is because when you purchased the PC, the amount of memory that was installed was not enough and as you purchase more applications to run, it just starts running slower due to lack of memory. You may want to visit www.crucial.com and see about purchasing more memory.

3) Many programs when you install them, have a service that starts up at boot up time. Many times they are not needed and you may want to review those applications that start up at boot time. Adobe, RealPlayer, and others can be eliminated from the start up. You can click this link I wrote on CCleaner. It has a handy tool that shows you what applications start up and gives you an easy way of deleting them.

4) As time goes by, you've installed and uninstalled many applications and sometimes the Windows Registry can get sort of frapped up. Once again, my previous reference to CCleaner, it has a tool that cleans up your registry. Click here for that posting.

5) Another reason that Windows PC's perform sluggish is due to a too intrusive of an Anti-Virus application. OK, I believe that Symantec's AV product is too labor intensive for home users. I personally use AVG's AV. Not as labor intense.

These are just a few reasons that slow Windows PC's. There are others but I consider these as the top ones that you can conentrate on. Stay safe and have a great rest of the week.

Is Anti Virus Dead?

Sometimes, you hear comments like anti virus is dead. It all depends on who is saying it. One thing is for sure, AV vendors have a tough job today. Keeping up with the bad guys is harder and harder everyday. They are producing more and more malicious software and some of the software they write can even change slightly so that the electronic signature so every time the malicious is written, it changes slightly.

I don't believe AV is dead. It has its purpose. There is enough malicious code floating around on the Internet for the script kiddies to get a hold of, it is a good idea to have AV. Many times when reading the Internet Storm Center's website (isc.sans.org), they will post documentation from a site I use where you can submit a file that you suspect being malicious(www.virustotal.com). It takes that file you suspect and run it against 33 anti virus engines and it documents if it is detected. Many times, only one or two actually detect it.

When trying to keep up with those really smart bad guys, AV has a more difficult time. I have always said that your behavior when browsing the Internet can either protect you or get you into trouble. Always use AV, use a firewall, and keep your signatures up to date so you will be able to detect that malicious software.

Stay safe and take care. Rock Chalk!!