The Official Computer Tech Support Thread

[Plankton]

Originally Posted by Trollheart

MalwareBytes only does spyware though, doesn't it? I use both the ones I mentioned, in conjunction with MWB and Hitman Pro. Works for me.

No, it does quite a bit more. Even the free version will detect and quarantine trojans and worms. Most antivirus 'bloatware' isn't needed if you know how to use what I mentioned. Windows defender works just fine, but isn't fool proof for people who aren't intuitive about threats and when to act on them. That's when I run ProcessExplorer and Autoruns to kill the process of the immediate threats, then eliminate any recursive startup processes. I use Malwarebytes to detect and quarantine, then run a Boot Time Scan as a final 'polish'. I've been doing this for over a decade with 100% success with my own PC's and about 99% with coworkers and friends. Once in a great while I'll come across someone's PC that has been infected for too long and the infection is too deep.

Edit: I should mention that I disable Malwarebytes until needed.

[Plankton]

Originally Posted by Trollheart

AVG Free is good, so is (believe it or not) MSE (MicroScum Security Essentials).

MSE is basically Windows Defender now. You must be on an older PC. Like I said, AVG and even Avast! (Grindy) is bloatware that isn't needed, but hey, as long as you're protected and having your system resources hogged up doesn't bother you, then no harm no foul.

[Trollheart]

Originally Posted by Plankton

No, it does quite a bit more. Even the free version will detect and quarantine trojans and worms. Most antivirus 'bloatware' isn't needed if you know how to use what I mentioned. Windows defender works just fine, but isn't fool proof for people who aren't intuitive about threats and when to act on them. That's when I run ProcessExplorer and Autoruns to kill the process of the immediate threats, then eliminate any recursive startup processes. I use Malwarebytes to detect and quarantine, then run a Boot Time Scan as a final 'polish'. I've been doing this for over a decade with 100% success with my own PC's and about 99% with coworkers and friends. Once in a great while I'll come across someone's PC that has been infected for too long and the infection is too deep.

Edit: I should mention that I disable Malwarebytes until needed.

Okay. This is news to me. While we're on the subject, do you get the annoying "new update available" screen constantly from MWB? I keep getting it, downloaded, installed and it STILL keeps hinting at me. If you know how to disable/sort that I'd be in your debt.

Originally Posted by Plankton

MSE is basically Windows Defender now. You must be on an older PC. Like I said, AVG and even Avast! (Grindy) is bloatware that isn't needed, but hey, as long as you're protected and having your system resources hogged up doesn't bother you, then no harm no foul.

Yeah I'm on Windows 7, so I still have MSE. You reckon AVG bloats out the resources? I could do with a little more speed for sure. If I disable it, then MSE and MWB are adequate protection?

[Plankton]

Originally Posted by Trollheart

Okay. This is news to me. While we're on the subject, do you get the annoying "new update available" screen constantly from MWB? I keep getting it, downloaded, installed and it STILL keeps hinting at me. If you know how to disable/sort that I'd be in your debt.

Yeah I'm on Windows 7, so I still have MSE. You reckon AVG bloats out the resources? I could do with a little more speed for sure. If I disable it, then MSE and MWB are adequate protection?

I disable MWB all together until needed and then update the virus database before a scan.

You only need to have MSE (in your case) running. Anything else is just just overkill and will battle for system resources. Also, make sure you're up to date on your security patches, since a lot of that legacy stuff is susceptible to viruses with the old architecture.

I've never totally trusted the MSE, or Windows Defender, which is why I use it as well as MWB, but not at the same time. The Windows stuff is good, but if one doesn't catch something the other more than likely will. It's just a system with safe catches that has worked through the years.

[Trollheart]

Originally Posted by Plankton

I disable MWB all together until needed and then update the virus database before a scan.

You only need to have MSE (in your case) running. Anything else is just just overkill and will battle for system resources. Also, make sure you're up to date on your security patches, since a lot of that legacy stuff is susceptible to viruses with the old architecture.

I've never really trusted the MSE, or Windows Defender, which is why I use it as well as MWB, but not at the same time. If one doesn't catch something, the other more than likely will. It's just a system with safe catches that has worked through the years.

OK. Good to know. Thanks, big guy!

[Plankton]

Like I tell everyone who's PC I clean up: Just keep off the porn sites.

[Trollheart]

Originally Posted by Plankton

Like I tell everyone who's PC I clean up: Just keep off the porn sites.

[The Batlord]

Originally Posted by Plankton

Like I tell everyone who's PC I clean up: Just keep off the porn sites.

That's what Chromebooks are for.

[Frownland]

Originally Posted by Plankton

Like I tell everyone who's PC I clean up: Just keep off the porn sites.

*whose unless you're saying that TH is PC and you guys met up.

[Plankton]

Originally Posted by The Batlord

That's what Chromebooks are for.

Until someone runs a sandbox attack. You're not impervious Mr hypertrichosis of the flexor.

Originally Posted by Frownland

*whose unless you're saying that TH is PC and you guys met up.

Hehe, ya got me they're.