It has been featured with our previous entries that a computer cannot have 2 or more antivirus programs installed. Now, how do you uninstall of the other antivirus programs? Simple, thru “add or remove programs” or “programs and features” in control panel. It is pretty simple and it works in most cases.

A previous case had issues with his programs after uninstalling his free antivirus software.  He also mentioned that a lot of icons in his desktop went missing and that several startup programs stopped launching; when all he did was to click on the uninstall button at the Programs and Features list in control panel.

Here’s the problem: there are other add ons on your antivirus program that may not be listed in the programs and features list. Some are, but you can’t uninstall them; thus causing problems like inability to browse, error messages on startup up to losing internet connectivity.

Even I, as a technician, get problems after uninstalling some antivirus program. Most commonly when removing an antivirus software bundle. I’m not saying that these bundles are not good; they are actually good and gives your computers security from all sides. Just like what I’ve previously mentioned; some add-ons are not that easy to remove because they are all over your system – your browser, your firewall, your registry. More often, these components are related to each other and if a component is removed it would just crash down altogether, causing damage on other components of your computer.

I’m pretty sure that this side problem has been raised to antivirus software developers. Some don’t really know this but each antivirus software has its own removal tool. Some of the popular ones I’ve listed below:

• Norton products
• McAfee products
• Trend Micro prouducts
• Kaspersky products
• AVG products

Instructions on how to use them are also included on the page.  Its quite simple really, all you have to do is to download the tool, install it and run it.

However, in cases where problems are encountered, most especially when network drivers need to be reinstalled or the firewall and/or the browser add-ons need to be reconfigured.  Depending on the situation; in worst cases, you just end up reinstalling everything.

End result: not only did we successfully remove other components of the antivirus program; but we also made sure that everything was in good working condition.  Another happy customer with a working computer.

How can Techie Now help?

Antivirus programs can be very tricky when you’re trying to uninstall them.  There are several components scattered all over your PC to give you all around security.  At most cases all components cannot be simply removed by the built in windows uninstaller and may cause instability to system crash on your computer.  Let Techie now take care of the hassles so you can ensure a working and safe pc.  We’ll also give you our expert opinion because we care for your computer as if its our own.

www.TechieNow.com

We all have experienced many online threats last year. And as year changes to 2010, the more online threats are changing too. Cybercriminals will be more eager to spread online threats and attack computers to benefit with any valuable information challenging users for security.

Here are some of the predictions that will challenge computer security this year:

1. Spam, Scams on Social Networking and Real-time Sites – A group of security researchers belonging from Websense, Breach Security, IBM Internet Security Systems‘ X-Force, and Symantec agreed that cybercriminals will focus their attacks on social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn, and on real-time social sites like Twitter. When it comes to real-time features, Google, especially Google Wave, as well as Bing will be their target. The attackers enjoy the fact it will take time for others to discover the existence of a malicious link or file. Users may recognize one but still one way or another, there will still be victims.

2. Crime Cloud – Security vendors specifically AVG, M86, and RSA predicted that criminals will be attacking and using use cloud services directly to control attacks. and using them to direct and control attacks. IBM researchers are anticipating to see attackers exploiting more services. Take Amazon AWS for example which already served as a host for a malware command and control server.

3. Malware Hijacking Trusted Sites – Breach Security observes continuous improvements when it comes to compromising trusted sites and infecting them with malware. Numerous incidents of SQL injection has been proven successful in attacking sites. No doubt, it will happen again. Cybercriminals prefer to have a third-party that will distribute their malware.

4. Macs Will Be Compromised – It’s been years now that security companies have been talking about Mac being targeted by attackers for malware. According to Websense, exploitation will happen affecting Safari under Mac OS X which will invite hackers to target the Mac platform. Symantec is worried that Mac users who are not spending money to buy antivirus software yearly will not be protected with such attack. Zscaler still believe that Apple can somehow oblige the company to strengthen its security to surpassed continuous attacks. Many think Macs will be widely affected because of Adobe Flash vulnerability.

5. Search Engine Poisoning and Malvertising – Cybercriminals will exert more efforts on exploiting trusted sites. For them to infect sites, they will make use of search engines and advertisements. They will continue to threaten and weaken search results and enjoy the attention breaking news and events. Google together with Microsoft will assure its users for a safe search and advertising. Of course, they wouldn’t want their users to not trust them.

6. Increasing Number of Bots – Why would cyber criminals waste their time with cloud-hosted malware when botnets can do the same thing? Botnets are better than cybercriminals. It can also be a source of income generating cash for criminals and hijacking other botnets for money. This will cause conflict preventing botnets to grow and attracting security experts and law enforcement. It’s botnets against other botnets. It’s like what happened to Zeus/Zbot being shut down by Bredolab botnet. Symantec claimed that botnets have become the foundation of cybercrime.

7. Piracy Gets Riskier – Microsoft has started making a move to lessen software piracy since last December. They received many complaints from users who buy the pirated version of Windows. IBM researchers are expecting that the continuous use of the pirated software will infection more users will malware.

8. Mobile Security Issue – Smartphones like iPhone and Android-based handsets are like miniature personal computers. They are being used for business purposes. In 2010, Websense predicted that smartphones will be targeted for attacks just like the computers. Nowadays, security vendors either have or are developing a mobile security product service. IBM thinks that mobile attacks will still be limited.

9. Major Insider Theft Scandal Will – It is expected next year that someone who has been in a large organization accessing company data will be caught to be working for or with a cybercrime group. The Identity Theft Resource expected that the number of insider cases will increase because of failure to follow basic workplace security protocols.

10. Clickjacking is Back – According to Zscaler, clickjacking will strike back. Clickjacking is a malicious technique that tricks users to reveal confidential information or take control of their computer while clicking the sites. Jeremiah Grossman of WhiteHat Security and Robert “RSnake” Hansen of SecTheory reveal about the technique in October 2008. Efforts have made to lessen the risk of clickjacking but it is still effective to use especially with a social engineering component.

How Can Techie Now Help?

The above security threats serves as a reminder for computer users to be careful over the web. You’ll never know what security threat you will be into. For now, the best protection is a reliable and updated antivirus software that will keep you and your computer in trouble. When it comes to your computer’s protection, Techie Now is the name you can trust. Techie Now offers PC support services: virus and spyware removal, performance optimization, installation and configuration and general repair.

www.TechieNow.com

Free antivirus... which one?

Protecting your PC can be challenging and expensive. Some people spend a lot of money every year buying antivirus software, antispyware products and personal firewalls. Nowadays, you should give a lot of importance to the virus protection of your PC to prevent people from stealing your personal information and identity, and secure your PC. But, what if you don’t have money to pay for your computer security? There’s no need to worry. You don’t need to spend money when you can get high quality antivirus softwares for free. Why not take advantage of it?

The best 3 free antivirus softwares

• Avast Home Edition Free Antivirus – It is said to be the best FREE antivirus protection available in the market. It is for non-commercial and home use only. According to AV-Test.org, it is excellent when it comes to virus and spyware detection. It has a simple, customizable and functional user interface with complete features. It has a strong self-protection and automatic updates which also includes anti-spyware and anti-rootkit protection. Since it’s made as simple as possible, it’s very easy to operate. It is tried and tested in Windows security which supports more Windows versions than any other anti-Malware products.

• AVG Antivirus Free Edition – If you are after an award winning protection that will satisfy your basic security needs, this free antivirus is suitable for you. AVG has been providing the right to have computers secured for no charge. Many users claimed that AVG gives their PC protection from viruses, spyware and others. You will not get or spread viruses. Also give credits to the consistent high-speed PC performance, fast scanning and automatic updates. You will not be bothered if you download or exchange files online. Your PC will definitely be safe from harmful sites.

• Microsoft Security Essentials – A new free antivirus, and our favourite, from Microsoft which protects your PC from viruses, spyware and other malicious software. It is easy to install and use. You can use your PC and do other things while the automatic update is happening. It comes in small package with low resource usage and clean interface. All your files are being scanned to prevent a malicious file from harming your PC. This user-friendly software is created for consumers which assure your PC Malware protection.

These free antivirus softwares are different in many ways. Avast also has light resources and high rate of false positives. Like Avast, Avira has light resources but outstanding detection rate of Malware but the updates is having problems or very slow. AVG Free Antivirus has grown in size and resource usage but slow scan speed. It has also Microsoft Security Essentials has a good detection rate, light resources but slow scan speed and long amount of time to quarantine Malware.

Fortunately, some of the best antivirus software also comes with their free versions that can be used in your PC at home. Some of these softwares are as good as the quality of any antivirus that you purchase online. For now, try using these free antivirus softwares and see for yourself what software suits and works the best for your PC.

How Techie Now Can Help?

Securing your PC is not as easy as you know. You have to protect your PC from viruses and other Malwares. If you don’t have enough money to buy expensive antivirus softwares, you can use some free antivirus available in the web for your computer protection. And if you can’t do that on your own, Techie Now is willing to assist you. Contact us now, we will wipe away those Malwares dragging your PC down. With Techie Now’s virus removal services, protecting and repairing your PC is as easy as 1-2-3.

www.TechieNow.com