Free Computer Tips

[scgator]

I am fairly new to the iRV2 forums, however I have noticed from time to time people posting with computer issues; I have a blog that I maintain at FREE COMPUTER TIPS It is a free site that I run now that I am retired; my wife and I are looking at some used Class A's and plan to go full time on the road before the summer is out.
On this site, I have a list of 58 known fake antivirus programs, and in general I post things as they come up. I recommend two free antivirus programs that are excellent. One is Microsoft security Essentials (by Microsoft), and the other is Avast Free Edition. My preferred AV is Avast, as it will allow you to perform a "boot scan" prior to your operating system coming up.
If you have any questions or would like me to comment on anything, you can reach me through the blog, or by clicking on my username to email me.

Since we have ventured into the RV world, I have learned so much from just reading these forums. THANKS. computergator (on these forums as scgator)

[wkdwitch]

Welcome to IRV2, free advice is also a nice addition.

[scgator]

You are quite welcome; I started working on computers in the industrial environment long before PC's were common. My background also includes 1979-1980 Cummins Society of Technicians (1979-4th in the state of Georgia; 1980-tied for 2nd place in the state of Georgia) --I got out of this as back then it only paid $7.35 an hour. Former ASE Master Mechanic Class 8 trucks and down. In the 1990's I got completely out of the "mechanic business" (tools were stolen); and ventured into plant maintenance and automation (PLC's and Robotics). I am retired now, but still have South Carolina Electrical contractors license. AND now, I simply do computer repairs and am getting ready to hit the road RVing. My wife tells me that we need to home base somewhere on I-20 and have a "mobile" RV repair business. It's worth thing about, even though retired, I am only 59.

[Ron & Dee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scgator My preferred AV is Avast, as it will allow you to perform a "boot scan" prior to your operating system coming up. scgator)

scgator,

I have Avast and have been running it with all of the default settings, but don't know if the "boot scan" is one of them. Is there a place to check that setting.

My computer runs 24/7 so I have never noticed if it goes through a boot scan when I restart my computer.

Thanks,

Ron

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron & Dee scgator, I have Avast and have been running it with all of the default settings, but don't know if the "boot scan" is one of them. Is there a place to check that setting. My computer runs 24/7 so I have never noticed if it goes through a boot scan when I restart my computer. Thanks, Ron

I have the same question.

[swamphog]

Thank you for offering your services to us who really do and don't understand the world of PC's. Its very kind of you.

[SeeTheUSA]

I got so tired of the whole anti-virus thing, plus endless security updates and all, that I "retired" all of my PC's and bought a Mac. Recently added an iPad to add to our traveling enjoyment.

Only dilemma now is what to do with all of that extra time which was formerly spent on messing with a PC!

[HD4Mark]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scgator I recommend two free antivirus programs that are excellent. One is Microsoft security Essentials (by Microsoft), and the other is Avast Free Edition. My preferred AV is Avast, as it will allow you to perform a "boot scan" prior to your operating system coming up.

Clamwin is another you may want to try for free. I had good luck repairing a friends PC with it. Pay for Norton myself though.

[scgator]

Go to "scan computer", and on the left side tab select "boot scan" when that comes up, then select "schedule now", and then in the upper right hand side of the window you will select "restart computer". Your computer will restart and begin scanning all of your files. If it finds a corrupt or infected file, it will display a numerical list of methods to repair or remove; I always select "2", this removes the file.

Another added bonus, I forgot to mention is that if in your screensaver settings, select "avast screensaver" and it will scan files while in screensaver mode.

I use this on my wife's desktop (XP), and on my laptop (Windows 7-Pro). As for the comment about Mac's, the majority of the computer world is windows based, and that is why the virus people write windows based viruses....that's where they make their money. see ya on the road somewhere............scgator

[Ron & Dee]

scgator,

I'm pretty computer illiterate and can't find the "scan computer"

I can scan my computer with avast but I don't see the settings you mention.

I'm sure I'm just over looking it but can't seem to find it. I have double clicked the Icon on the task bar, double clicked the Icon on the desktop. I have right clicked the Icon on the taskbar and right clicked the Icon on the desktop, but still don't see a "scan computer"

Thanks,

Ron

[scgator]

Ron,
1-Open the Avast program, and update if necessary, then.....
2-click on "scan computer" on the left side of your screen.
3-three tabs will open directly under that; they are: "scan now", "boot time scan", and "scan logs".
4 select "boot time scan" and when that tab opens, select "schedule now", and then in the upper right of the screen select "restart computer".
5- your system will restart, and at first look like it is booting up, but Avast will take over and run the boot scan.

Let me know if you need anymore help, scgator

[scgator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamphog Thank you for offering your services to us who really do and don't understand the world of PC's. Its very kind of you.

You are quite welcome; I enjoy doing this for people, I simply got weary of seeing people "messed over" by the computer guys. Most of them are akin to the old used car guys of years gone by...........When I have a customer who asks me to clean and update their system, I always leave them with some free programs that IF they will utilize them, they will be able to maintain their computer themselves; my premise is that when they need "bigger and better", they will call me. Some do, some don't. It's okay. Usually, I only see a customer every 1-1/2 to 2 years.

Somewhere down the road, God will allow this to "pan out"; my Daddy raised me to ALWAYS give more back than you are paid for; it's all about people, not things, people. Appreciate the comments, and call on me if needed, anytime.
scgator

[Gary - K7GLD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeeTheUSA I got so tired of the whole anti-virus thing, plus endless security updates and all, that I "retired" all of my PC's and bought a Mac. Recently added an iPad to add to our traveling enjoyment. Only dilemma now is what to do with all of that extra time which was formerly spent on messing with a PC!

WELL, if all you do on the Internet is Email and boards like this one, fine - BUT, if you use your PC a lot for other varied interests and activities, you can use that "extra" time trying to find a program that will work with them - not just one or 2 that *might* do what you want - but DOZENS of them that you can select from that closely fits YOUR need it for...

Hackers and virus developers have a REASON for not targeting Macs - and that REASON is not because of "superior design arcitecture", but because the number of Macs and the applications they run is too limited for them to bother spending time on - perhaps a "blessing", if your PC needs are as limited as the applications that will run on it...

Where's that Mac smugness now?

[SeeTheUSA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD ---snip--- Where's that Mac smugness now?

No smugness on my part! Read my message, sir. I was just commenting on how I eliminated my frustration --- but in your assumption that I was being smug, you come off as a smart-aleck (IMHO).

I made no assumptions about how anyone else might use their computer - didn't even explain how I use mine. I'm aware of the reasons hackers don't target Macs --- and it works for me! If it doesn't for you, well, do what you need to do. Simple.

I don't understand why you seemingly see the need to mess with me?