Tag: antispyware

More tips for avoiding Windows 7 upgrade bumps

October 08, 2009 by Jason

For most PC users, the migration to Microsoft’s new version of Windows will go smoothly with a little preparation.

Spending a few minutes getting your system ready before you insert that Windows 7 installation disc may save you hours of troubleshooting and repair afterward.

- “If any of your products have a limit on the number of times they can be installed with the same serial number, you might be denied permission to install them as part of a fresh install of Windows 7. Most of the time, there’s nothing you can do about this. You just have to try the installation and hope that you’re under the limit.

“However, some software companies allow you to deactivate the serial number from your old computer and reactivate it when you reinstall. This keeps you under the limit. Adobe in particular does this. For example, in Adobe Acrobat Standard or Professional, you can go to Help, Activation and click Deactivate. By doing this, you’ll stay under the limit and you’ll be able to reinstall the product.”

A reader who goes by the name Alrock discovered a couple of quirks when he used Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor: Read More»

Optimize your computer for peak performance

February 01, 2008 by Jason

The following tips can help improve your computer’s performance. These examples use Microsoft Windows XP. Some of the screens may differ from version to version, but overall you’ll find these tips work for all versions of Windows, including Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition (Me), Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.

By the way, in no way can you blow up your computer or files with any of these procedures. These tasks use utilities provided within the Windows operating systems to aid you in achieving the best system performance. This article does not address tinkering with the registry files. Read More»

Remove spyware from your computer

April 11, 2007 by Jason

Use an antispyware scanner and removal tool
Windows Defender, which ships with this version of Windows, helps prevent malicious software, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software from infecting your computer. When Windows Defender is on, you’re alerted if spyware and other potentially unwanted software tries to run or install itself on your computer. You choose if you want to ignore, quarantine, or remove each item that is detected. For more information, see Scan for spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

Spyware scanners are also frequently included in antivirus programs. If you have already installed an antivirus program, check to see if that program includes spyware protection features or if you Read More»

Windows Defender for vista

February 01, 2007 by Jason

The flood of spyware, adware, and malware of all stripes doesn’t seem likely to abate anytime soon. Antivirus software alone isn’t enough to keep it in check, because a lot of malware programs aren’t viruses or worms in the traditional sense. They’re products developed by halfway-legitimate companies that take advantage of users who are careless or rushedâ€â€those of us who don’t bother to read the tedious legalese of programs’ end-user license agreements during installation
Read More»