PC Software Upkeep

Our recent morning QSO on 3740 kHz included some discussion of software maintenance on Windows-based PCs. The most important reason for this task is to avoid software vulnerabilities that can provide opportunities for criminals to take control of your PC, either for extracting your personal information or for using your PC in criminal activities, or both.

We all recognize the need to use and regularly update anti-virus programs. Since no anti-virus program detects every instance of malicious software, you may consider occasionally running supplemental scans with other programs. However, you should avoid installing multiple anti-virus programs as they may conflict with each other. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has a free version that I've found to be very effective in removing malware on some friends' and relatives' PCs that had other well-known anti-virus programs installed. You may also consider running Spybot Search & Destroy. Note that serious malware infections may require much more aggressive software tools and techniques, up to and including clean installation of the operating system!

Anti-malware programs should not be relied upon for complete protection. Software updates are often issued to patch vulnerabilities that criminals are exploiting to gain access to computers. FileHippo has a very nice free update checker, a small program that you can download and run to check many of the commonly used programs installed on your PC to find out if updated versions are available. If you'd like a more thorough scan of many more programs installed on your PC, specifically for vulnerabilities, try one of the two free consumer products from Secunia.

Many web sites offer free or shareware programs that appeal to PC users' wants and needs. Purveyors of malware can also use their own (or compromised) web sites to push their programs. Here are a few trusted web sites where you can download free or shareware programs:
cnet download.com
FreewareFiles.com
FileHippo.com
One example of a popular utility program available on these sites is CCleaner. I like to use it periodically on my PCs. The publisher's web site encourages you to purchase the program or make a donation, but you can download a free copy from FileHippo or from a separate link on the Piriform web site.

When installing programs that you download, be sure to pay attention to various options presented during the installation. Some programs will have options pre-selected to install extra web browser tool bars or extra software that you probably don't need. Many programs will pre-select an option to run automatically every time Windows starts. You may want to de-select that option to avoid burdening your CPU with too many things starting and running all the time.

News about PC software and security can be found at many web sites. You may consider visiting some of the following to see which ones you might want to check on a regular basis:
Krebs on Security
cnet
Kim Komando
PC World
MakeUseOf
ZDNet
ars technica
There are MANY more to choose from.

Finally, be sure to use caution in your Internet usage to avoid the risks that exploit human carelessness and gullibility. See the following sites for well-written guidance:
OnGuard Online
GetNetWise
These two sites are well-suited for sharing with your family members and friends.