reset...
Finally resolved my computer issues...after fighting with them for 2 days. Programs kept locking up and I couldn't get online. I was barely able to edit my Friday and Monday YouTube videos and save them to an SD card so I could upload them from my other computer. Got pretty close to giving up and taking my computer in to Nectar Computers in Alpine and pay them deal with it. The only thing I know for sure is that it wasn't a virus problem and had something to do with the recent updates I tried to install. After numerous attempts, I was finally able to do a "refresh" of Windows 10 - wiping and reinstalling the OS. The problem with doing that was my anti virus software (McAfee) kept popping up and stopping the process. Once I figured out how to disable it (McAfee kept locking up too) - everything went fine and now the computer is back to normal. Another thing a refresh does is wipe all programs added to the computer that weren't originally there, but fortunately it does not affect saved files like documents, pictures, and videos. The only wiped program I really needed back was my video editing software so I purchased a new download from Amazon. It took a painfully tense 4 hours to download...then it wouldn't install! After banging my head on the table a few times I remembered that when I first bought and installed the program back in January, I had ordered a disk instead of a download and was able to find the disk and the installation went fine. Ordinarily, Amazon does not refund software downloads but I politely asked anyway. The next morning they responded and said they would issue the refund ($75) as "a one time courtesy". 89,95,77,0,B
12 comments:
After my borderline badmouthing of Microsoft the other day, it feels a little odd to recommend a Windows product, but I don't think anybody with a Windows OS can do much better for an antivirus program than Windows Defender, which has the added advantages of updating itself automatically and being free of charge. When it notices something suspicious, all activity on the computer stops- it "freezes". When it has dealt with the problem, applications you had going resume where they left off. I've been using Windows AV for years now and have not been infected with a virus (that I know of). Another program is "Malwarebytes", which is also free (but does not update automatically) and will sometimes pick up adware that Windows misses. CCleaner Free, used regularly, will get rid of unneeded clutter that may slow or jam your computer, and it's *free*. Those programs and a well-supported browser, like Firefox, will do a lot towards keeping your machine trouble free.
Left out ZoneAlarm Free Firewall, which seems to do a good job.
You may want to buy a helmet if you use that method for recalling stuff often.
The general consensus in the computer world is that if you use the internet extensively, you are better off with a 3rd party solution rather than relying on Windows Defender. I have always trusted Norton for most of my computers but made the switch to McAfee with my new laptop because it came pre-installed with a trial offer. I would never trust free anti-virus software...you get what you pay for. In almost 20 years of having an above normal internet presence, I have never had a problem with a computer virus.
Windows Defender is pretty good .. I have it stand alone on one or two and also on two that also have Norton and anti-Malware bytes or some such.
The thing about 3rd party AV is that they don't necessarily know you are doing an "official" Windows update and sometimes they freak when lots of system files start to get changed.. they're supposed to be protecting you from that kind of thing.... normally
A few years ago, Windows got endless flak because of the constant patching that was necessary to keep users safe on their OS that was perceived as being full of security holes. Eventually Microsoft saw this as something they had to address and committed significant resources to developing an AV application that would be free to Windows users and would be an effective counter to their bad security reputation. So while Defender is free to users, it's NOT free to Microsoft and conveys serious benefits to them. They have a motive to make Defender the best AV possible and huge resources to carry it out.
I've deleted McAfee from many a pc & laptop.
People always notice how much faster their pc is once that's been removed.
If it's security you're after, do a fresh install of Ubuntu on a jump drive, every time.
I took a Windows Security course & that's how my instructor surfs the webz.
Hollis
Just deleted McAfee from my Dell computer and can't believe the difference in speed!!
Mr. Wells,
As a former IT professional, I would like to make a suggestion. When you get "your PC just the way you like it", take a few minutes and download Macrium Reflect 6.
This software will take a "snapshot" of your entire hard disk. The program spins this "picture" off to another drive. You have an exact copy of the PC; OS, programs and data. Whenever you need to, just attach the disk with the image and "RESTORE" the previously saved image. Takes about twenty minutes and you are right back to the date you made the image. You still have to install any MS updates, but you do not have to stress over loosing anything. I will assume that you store your data on a separate spindle and/or back it up religiously.
Russ
www.cyber2lz.com
PS Their software is very intuitive and free for non commercial use!!!!
I fell for Ya John. My work / home computer was always loosing signal and I would have to manually shut down loosing stuff I was working on. After tons of research on the problem and 3 different graphics cards in 6 months a bought another computer and it took my IT guy almost a day to transfer over everything. Of course I fear change and am having a hard time getting everything set up and working the way I had it and want it to.
I think I am bringing my old computer out to Terlingua on my next visit and get the pleasure of blasting it full of hole with a final couple of wax and shot shotgun slugs to finish it off! :)
I haven't used Norton's or macafee for years.......malwarebytes, ccleaner, windows defender on windows 10 .........and so far so good
Thank you, Russ/Cyber2lz. Good to know.
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