One PC Two Anti-Viruses Might As Well Be Infected...If Its Not Already.

The old school saying "Two is better than one" is not so prevalent in the security realm when it comes to anti-viruses. Real time scanning or on access scanning finds viruses when they are opened. This means that the files are scanned when you open them. This usually happens so fast you don't notice. As for having two real time scanners enabled at the same time, they both try to jump on the file and can cause loops, which cause system slowdowns. Anti-virus programs traditionally use a lot of system resources when scanning or updating. Your computer may be running slow due to the fact that you have 2 or more Anti-Viruses running. Your risk of infection sky rockets when you put two Anti-Viruses on your PC. Think of it like condoms, you don't double-up on condoms because you have a higher risk of tearing them both. Yeah I know I just compared babies to a computer virus, forgive me.


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CCleaner Tutorial

CCleaner, Crap Cleaner, is a great tool. Its free and downloadable from PiriForm. The tool lets you clear all of your temporary files and also has a registry repairer. It is available for just about all Windows operating systems. This tool when used the right way can speed up your computer. I am going to show you how to use this great little piece of technology.

Running the Cleaner:

Step 1: Download CCleaner.exe from Piriform's website

Step 2: Install the program using the default settings...basically just keep clicking next.

Step 3: When CCleaner first opens you will be presented with the cleaner menu. Click Analyze to allow CCleaner to find all of your temp files.

Step 4: Once the analysis is complete click "Run Cleaner", this will delete all of your temp files and ultimately speed your machine up a bit.

Running the Registry Cleaner:

Step 1: Download CCleaner.exe from Piriform's website

Step 2: Install the program using the default settings...basically just keep clicking next.

Step 3: When CCleaner first opens you will be presented with the cleaner menu. Click the registry tab to go to the registry cleaner menu.

Step 4: Click "Scan for issues". The cleaner goes over the registry and finds all of the errors and missing information.

Step 5: Once the scan is complete click "Fix Selected Issues"

Step 6: Youll be asked if you want to back up the registry, it is always a good idea to back it up at least once. Click "Yes" then "Save"

Step 7: At the next pop-up menu click "Fix all selected issues" then click "Ok" to confirm. The cleaner runs and you can click "close"

Note: Run the scan a few times, usually 3 is the magic number. You want to run it until CCleaner does not find any other errors

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CCleaner has many other features such as uninstaller, start-up and system restore cleaner. These are pretty useful tools but I wouldn't recommend them for the average users with the exclusion of the uninstaller.

Thanks for reading another TechReally! technology post. I hope this tutorial helps!

Top Three Antivirus Software of 2010

Every year, new breeds of computer threats are created. This is why every year new versions of antivirus firewall software solutions are developed to counter any possible virus that may come up.

A simple scan and virus detection is usually not enough for most people anymore. We want to make sure that every time we use the computer or enter a website, it is safe to do so. Many antivirus firewall software applications today have a complete package and provide features that are not only limited to preventing viral infection to your computer. Out of the many antivirus applications out there in the market, here are three of the best there is for the year 2010.

Shield Deluxe-Antivirus Protection provides updates every hour and totally protects your computer from spyware and viruses. The program will scan all of your email and instant messages immediately without any delay. It monitors your computer traffic so it will detect any activity in your computer. You don't have to worry every time you enter a site or if your email contains a threat. This software will immediately hinder any unnecessary window pop-outs, unsafe websites, and suspicious email. Another good thing with this program is that it provides free-of-charge technical support in case you are having trouble with the program. It is compatible with Windows Vista and requires only minimal system resources. You can get this for about 20 dollars.
Bitdefender Antivirus 2010 is a user-friendly antivirus solution. It has a three-level interface: novice, intermediate, and expert. It has a superb real-time protection and does not need a large usage of system resources. It also has an antispyware protection, so your personal data are safe from being hacked. Just like the Shield Deluxe-Antivirus Protection, it has a technical support service running 24/7. The price of this antivirus is about 25 dollars.

Norton Antivirus has been improved with 3-15 minute updates. It has a two-wall firewall and protects the computer from rootkits, which the program can detect immediately. This blocks any virus-infected sites and any suspicious and unauthorized changes in your computerapplications. Even of your computer is in idle mode, Norton Antivirus 2010 will automatically scan and download updates. Another best thing about this is that it has personal information and logging in storage and security. It also provides a phone and chat technical support with no charge whatsoever. This is also helpful for those who have wireless network for it provides maps for your network. The price of this program is around 40 dollars.

It is good to say that the security programs of today have now become even better. They are more user-friendly and require minimal system requirements, which is also good for those who don't have the latest computers. Identity theft and hacking can now be avoided more efficiently due to the advanced technologies of new and improved antivirus firewall software.


Staying informed and is the best way keep safe in this technology era. Stay tuned and subscribe to this blog for information and help.

Malware! What is it? How can I Fix it?

Malware, you may have heard the term but not know exactly what it is. Malware is exactly what its name suggests, malicious software. Malware creeps into your computer usually without your consent or disguised as something completely harmless. Malware tries to hinder the use of your computer by stopping the use of legitimate programs like antivirus and firewalls. Malware can enter your computer through many means, one of the most popular ways is through file sharing P2P programs that connect to the guentilla network (ie: Limewire, BearShare, Etc). When you download your favorite song, (like no one really does, right?), a small bit of code can be attached to that sound file and ultimately install itself onto your computer. The type of malware that slows your computer down and hinders your use is only one kind of malware. Another type is Scare-ware, this is my favorite type. Scare-ware does just that, it scares you into buying a false program with false warnings. Scare-ware tells you that you have infections on almost every file you try to run. It scares you into thinking you’re at risk. Anti-Virus Pro and Antivirus 2008/2009/2010 are prime examples of scare-ware. As a computer tech, I can tell you that it’s costly to get rid of and downright annoying.

One of my favorite programs to use is Malware Bytes Anti-Malware. This program works wonders and the free version is amazing if you know you’re already infected. Malware Bytes offers quick and full scan capabilities. “Quick scanning” scans all of the processes and files called currently into memory and determines if they are infected. “Full scanning” scans all of your files and registry keys to seek out the bad malware. When an infection is found, Malware Bytes gives you the option of deleting or leaving the file (as a tech tip…just delete the file). Personally, I’ve even seen Malware Bytes take out the nasty polymorphic virus VIRUT. I suggest trying the free version and, after falling in love with it, go ahead and buy the full version. Buying the full version unlocks real-time protection, scheduled scanning and scheduled updating.

Another new tool that is out is Microsoft’s Security Essentials. I have played around with it, and I’ve seen it catch a few nasty worms and viruses that other software is not finding.

I once used Adaware, as I know most of you have heard of and use. I find Malware Bytes to be faster and more reliable.

Please leave comments if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Malware Bytes Anti-Malware can be downloaded at http://www.malwarebytes.org

Microsoft Security Essentials can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials