Virus and Adware - Fix them Both!

We all get the odd virus now and then, but sometimes that one virus could cause so many problems. In this article I shall be going though just some of the problems that these virus software programs can do, and how to fix them.

One of the worst type of virus is one that effects the Boot Config, if this happens you will notice an error such as “Invalid boot sector” or “unaccessable boot device”, there are many other errors for the same problem, if you don’t get even a windows loading screen then your issue may be the Boot Config, sounds like a hard problem to fix don’t it, infact its pretty easy. For this we shall need a Windows XP install CD, if your computer never come with one then please go down to where you paid for your PC and ask for one, insert the CD and then turn on your PC, you will get a text messege saying “To boot from CD press any key”, so press anykey!, now wait for a few mintues untill it says the terms and conditions, read though them and then follow the onscreen instructions untill it warns of another operating system already installed. It will give you a option to go into the recovery console by pressing R, this is what we want to go into. Wait, and a Dos like screen will show itself, type the following “/fixmbr” and then “/exit”, and then load up your PC and windows should load up. Now I would advice for you to do a virus scan using what ever software you use!

Another type of virus is one that cuts you of the network or internet often, these can be hard to fix as they most of the time merge with the system files. First of all check that you can’t just fix it by using MSCONFIG (Start - Run - Msconfig - Startup - Disable all), if you can then do so and then run a virus checking peice of software, if this fails then read on. Load up in Windows safe mode (Press F6 before the windows loading screen and then select safe mode) and now wait for safemade to load, once loaded use your virus checking software to rid yourself of the virus that is creating this problem, almost all viruses can be removed from Safemode. If this fails then seek professional help or reinstall Windows.

Yet another type of virus is not really a virus its spyware and adware, this is the type of problem most people get and it is the most common caluse for computers to slow down over time, you may ask where you could get spyware from and the most common places are p2p software such as Kazaa or websites offering Illegal content or even porn sites, but you may also get it from any other type of site. Spyware and Adware are big issues for slowing down your PC so I am sure you want to get rid of them, to do so you will wish to download Anti-Spyware software and I reccomend Spysweeper by WebRoot, others may wish to try Ad-aware, download the anti-spyware tool you want and then UPDATE the softrware, now do a full system scan and go make a drink, when you get back the scan should be done and it will list all of the spyware and adware, right click and click remove all and then wait again for it to remove the software. When done it may ask you to reset, do so as surgested, but now you will want to get another peice of software called Spybot S&D, this is free and can be downloaded from http://www.security.kolla.de, download and update that then run scan, it will find more spyware and adware so don’t be shocked by thinking the other software did not work, in turn they work together to make a better peice of anti-spyware, Spybot also gives you the chance to immunize from some spyware, click that and now your system won’t get the same spyware again. I reccomend doing a spyware check every 1 week.

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Ceasing Spyware

Spyware has the capability to penetrate, record and send off your personal information kept and keyed into your computer. Credit card numbers, social security numbers, passwords and more can be tracked by spyware applications who then sell it to advertising companies or individual intruders use it for identity theft.

Most spyware will run silently on your computer, leaving you no signs of the information being transferred out. While anti-virus tools are important to use, external software is necessary to catch spyware because virus programs are not designed to detect spyware files.

Downloading freeware such as music and game programs will install spyware in your computer almost certainly. The information gathered by spyware is most often sold to companies who will then use it for advertising purposes. They will target you with product ads they feel you would purchase based on the information spyware gathered.

Running one or more spyware tools on a regular basis and keeping them updated is the primary way to guard you from spyware infections. No Adware and X-Block are two recommended spyware scanning tools. Each can run through the computer system and detect spyware infected files needing to be erased.

Safety First-Duty Always

A military manual asks the question which is more important: safety or duty. The question refers to how hard should you train and to what extent.

A good question. Should you train so hard that you compromise safety for the proficiency of the troops? Should you train in the manner that produces the most effective outcome for the mission at hand or sacrifice battle readiness for the peacetime safety of the troop as a whole?

Whoa! I’m not in the military. I’m not a General or even a soldier.

Fine. You have that option. In the military, these types of questions, not only come up, but have to be answered. All probabilities and outcomes have to be considered, analyzed, and used to determine possible COA’s (courses of actions) to affect the counter or defense of an offensive action.

In the military, there is no saying, “Gee, I never thought that would happen.”

In your home, why should you think anything different? Protecting your home, your spouse, your children is a primary concern for everyone. Many don’t think about the malevolent possibilities that do, in fact, happen to many people. To steal a phrase, yes, it’s unfortunate, bad things do happen to good people.

Being proactive is how our Army trains. It should also be the way you get your family prepared. This doesn’t mean scaring the beejeesus out of them. It means planning for the event that will hopefully never actually materialize. Do your children know what to do when accosted by strangers? Does your spouse have adequate means to protect themselves. When you turn the lights out at night, do you have an early warning device in place that lets you know someone is inside your protected perimeter?

Being educated and prepared actually reduces your chances of suffering from bad stuff. Making your spouse and children aware of the possibilities of bad stuff will lend to them the recognition of something possibly happening. Would it hurt to spend a little time explaining this during the entire time you have together? Wouldn’t it be better that they are aware of wrongdoings as opposed to thinking everything will always be peachy keen?

It has to do with extent that you are willing to train (encourage) your family to be prepared for unexpectantcies. Choosing how you will deal with things you hope will never happen, prepares you in the event you are confronted with the unexpected.

The question of Safety First, Duty Always boils down to this: You have a duty to protect. You do that in the manner most effectively safe, while at the same time, making sure all concerned are prepared to deal with any eventualities.

“The Army exists to deter war or, if deterrence fails, to win in combat.”
Ref. FM 25-101

Steve Thibeault is the owner of TBO-TECH Self Defense Products located at http://www.tbotech.com. In business since April of 2000, TBO-TECH has become one of the largest online outlets for personal protection and self defense products in the US. Product offerings include stun guns, pepper sprays, tasers, home and personal alarms, spy and surveillance equipment, and many other products not usually found in stores.

Safety Alert! - All the Predators Come Out After Dark

When darkness falls all the foxes come out to hunt. Unfortunately, the same thing happens in the human species. Every criminal bash-artist, robber, general thief, hold up merchant, car thief, house breaker, home invader, burglar, mugger, rapist and general recidivist crook also comes out to hunt. Sad, but true.

After dark you certainly need to have your “radar” turned on. Those who would do you harm or want to damage or steal your property prefer to operate anonymously. Darkness is their unfair advantage over you. Darkness is their ally.

Here are some safety issues that you should consider when day turns to night:

In summary, recognize that criminal activity is always more prevalent at night. Darkness emboldens otherwise cowardly criminals who seek to do personal or property harm. Take extra precaution when darkness falls. Trust that “little voice” inside. This is your “safety alert.” When it tells you that danger is present take note of it. Danger will be present.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web. Gary’s email address is budo@iinet.net.au. Click here to go to his
Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website where you can receive his “Zenspirational Thoughts” plus an immediate FREE copy of his highly acclaimed, life-changing e-book “The Power of Choice.” You might also like to inspect his powerful self-defense e-book courses here.

Self Defense - Pepper Spray or Stun Gun - a Comparison

To be or not to be?
In New Mexico, the question is red or green? (referring to the chile)
In Chicago it’s the Cubs or White Sox?

Okay so maybe it doesn’t rank up there with those lofty questions, but people ask me all the time which is better a stun gun or pepper spray. Here is a comparison of stun guns and pepper spray using criteria that most people would consider before making a purchase.

COST—Pepper Sprays are less expensive but require refills or replacement. Stun Guns need new batteries occasionally. Pepper Sprays can run from$12.95 - $29.95. Stun Guns from $22.00-$79.95.

EASE OF USE—Both are equally easy to use.

AIMING —Pepper Spray requires some skill and can be effected by wind and rain. With Stun Guns aim is not an issue.

CLOSENESS TO TARGET—Pepper Spray 6-18 feet; Stun Guns have to be right on the target.

LEGAL LIMITATIONS—Pepper Spray is legal in all states but some cities and states have restrictions. Stun Guns are illegal in some states. Check your local police or sheriff’s department for specifics.

LASTING DAMAGE—Neither Pepper Spray nor Stun Guns have lasting damage to the assailant.

SIZE—Lipstick size and larger for Pepper Spray. Stun Guns can be as small as a handheld blackberry and bigger. Both can be concealed in a purse.

STOPPING POWER—Pepper Spray if on target-excellent. Stun Gun-very good.

PERIOD OF IMMOBILIZATION—Pepper Spray will put someone out of action for 15-30 minutes. A Stun Gun will immobilize someone for 3-10 minutes. Both are long enough to get away and/or get help.

INTIMIDATION FACTOR—Pepper Spray will not likely intimidate anyone. However a fully charging Stun Master creates quite a sight and sound-enough to scare some assailants away.

DISGUISABILITY—Both Stun Guns and Pepper Sprays can be disguised as different objects easily.

On the face of it, trying to be objective, I would lean to the pepper spray all things being equal. The problem is all things are not equal. If the attacker is more than 6-10 feet away one or two things can go wrong that could cost you. And remember we are talking about the lives of you, your children, your spouse-you don’t want to leave this to chance.

If the wind is blowing at more than 10-15 miles per hour, which really isn’t much, it can cause the spray, mist or stream, to either go off target or worse blow back in your face. I am not sure which is worse. In any event it will not get you the desired result. You must have a hit right in the face preferably the eyes on the first or second shot. Can you hit that small a target from 10 feet away in the wind, in rain, under stress?

Practice might be one way to instill some confidence in your ability. Hook a string to a paper plate and hang it from a tree branch and fire away. This will instill some confidence in your ability to effectively use pepper spray.

There is so much at stake, potentially your life or those of your loved ones, why not have both? They are both very easy to carry and conceal. Both are effective. Start with the pepper spray and end with the stun gun.

If you think crime can only happen to the other guy you are wrong. The “other guy” is thinking the same thing and YOU are that “other guy”. There is a reason why they call it self defense. You have to protect yourself, your family, your home and business!!

Keep Your Family Safe from Home and Holiday Fire Hazards

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), over 1.5 million fires were reported in 2004, and there was an estimated $9.8 million in property loss due to fires. Even more alarming, there were close to 18,000 injuries and 3,900 deaths due to fires in 2004. The USFA states that, during that year, the death toll from fires was more than all natural disasters combined. Further, the agency claims that the actual numbers are higher, since many fires go unreported.

Fully 83 percent of all fire-related deaths and 80 percent of all injuries occurred in home fires. These numbers are all the more tragic since most home fires are fully preventable. The USFA offers these fire safety tips to protect your home and loved ones:

Home Fire Prevention

* Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, test them monthly, and change the batteries yearly. Smoke detectors can double your chance of survival during a home fire.

* Prevent electrical fires. Don’t overload extension cords, and keep cords away from rugs. Unplug and replace appliances that sputter or spark.

* Use alternate heaters wisely. Keep combustible materials away from portable heaters. Use fire screens in your fireplace and have it cleaned each year.

* Plan your escape. Develop and practice an escape plan from every room in your house.

* Teach your children. Children of all ages set over 100,000 house fires each year, but children under five are especially curious about matches. Teach them the dangers of fire.

* Never smoke in bed. Careless smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths.

Holiday Fire Prevention

* Select and care for your Christmas tree. Choose a Christmas tree that is fresh; if you bounce the trunk on the ground and needles fall off, it is not freshly cut. Once you put your tree up, keep it watered, and don’t leave it up for longer than two weeks. Once you take it down, don’t burn it in the fireplace; instead, take it to a recycling center or have a service come and pick it up.

* Maintain your holiday lights. Inspect your lights each year for frayed wires and wear. Check the wires; they shouldn’t be warm. Finally, don’t leave lights unattended.

* Decorate with care. Use only non-flammable or flame retardant decorations, and keep them away from heat sources. Don’t put wrapping paper in the fireplace, as it could trigger a chemical explosion. If you put up an artificial tree, ensure that it is flame retardant.

There are many products available on the market that can help with fireproofing and offer fire protection. From Christmas tree fire prevention products to fabric treatments that make textiles fire resistive, these products, together with good home fire safety practices, can save lives and property.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
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