Can Malware or Spyware Do Any Real Harm?

Question: Can malware or spyware do any real harm to my computer, or is it all just a bunch of hype?

Answer: Yes, malware, spyware, and adware can wreak havoc on your computer – from capturing financial account information, using your computer to make expensive phone calls or send spam emails, keeping you from using your web browser due to obnoxious (and fake) security warning popups, and even placing hard core porn links on your desktop.

I used to naively think that malware was just a minor but harmless annoyance, or that spyware was limited to just reporting my online preferences much like a grocery card at Safeway. That was until my home computers became infected with MalwareAlarm and I was unable to use my web browsers altogether, due to the constant popups claiming I needed to send this company money to get rid of the security popups.

More recently I turned off my anti-spyware software for a couple of days to troubleshoot some performance issues, and my system was almost immediately infected with IEMonster and another nasty adware infection called zlob.PornAdvertiser (and not from visiting any questionable or adult-related websites either).

November 19, 2022Posted inAnti-virus, Malware, Security

How to stop misdirected text messages on a Razr phone

Question: Your website is incredible – packed with info! Thanks for creating it.

I have an ongoing cell phone problem. I have Verizon (numerous Verizon tech people have checked out the phone with no resolve). I get text messages every single day (about 10-15) that are not for me. They come from all area codes and from —-@vtext.com.

Verizon says my settings are correct and all they can offer is to change my number. I’ve had this number for so many years, I would much rather not go there but to say that it is annoying is the understatement of the year. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Answer: (this question is waiting for an answer. If you know the answer, please feel free to use the comment form below and be sure to leave your name and a link to your website, so I can give you credit for your answer)

November 18, 2022Posted inCell Phones

Where can I download free Holiday screensavers?

Question: Where can I download a free Christmas screensaver?

Answer: There are a lot of free screensavers that you can download, but be careful because many of them come loaded with spyware or adware that can invade your system. It’s not worth downloading something that appears to be free, but then slows down your system, tracks your online activites, or steals private financial information.

A better way to go is to download a shareware screensaver from a trusted company like Astro Gemini, that makes high quality 3D screensavers for every holiday. You’ll get the chance to use the screensaver for free to make sure it’s the one you like.

Here’s a snippet of the extremely popular Christmas Time screensaver from Astro Gemini, which is part of their Christmas Collection CD:

This 3D screensaver will help you feel the magic of the Holiday Season. You will find yourself in a quiet winter forest with a few cottages scattered around. Everything is covered with snow and the nature is waiting for a miracle to happen.

A huge Christmas tree in the middle of this peaceful setting and the outstanding background music add to this unique holiday mood.

Check out the huge selection of high quality – and safe – 3D screensavers from Astro Gemini. Each screensaver comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which means you get your money back risk free if you aren’t completely happy with their screensavers (but I know you will be!)

November 18, 2022Posted inGames, Apps

How do I change the default Windows installation folder?

Question: Hi Ricky, I'm trying to install a computer game with the cd rom included. It wants to install to the "C" drive, but when my original hard drive was fried in an unfortunate accident several years ago Dell came out and replaced it and said it had to be an "I" drive from here on in. So I'm getting…
November 17, 2022Posted inWindows

Aifone.A Bot threatens iPhone buyers

The recent iPhone launch is being exploited by cyber-crooks for financial gain. Panda Labs (makers of Panda Internet Security 2007) has uncovered a tool that controls a botnet made up of over 7,500 zombie computers infected by the Aifone.A bot Trojan. If the user of an infected PC tries to buy an iPhone online, their confidential data might end up in the hands of cyber-criminals.

Here’s how it works: When a PC is infected by the Aifone.A bot Trojan, it automatically turns into a bot of the server in question (ie. it controls your computer over the Internet). The first time you connect to the Internet, the Trojan will send several requests to the server, in order to receive some instructions that will be carried out by the Trojan in your computer.

November 16, 2022Posted inAnti-virus, Malware, Security