|
Why is my computer not working?
|
|
|
Teacher (Me) :
|
What antivirus software do you have?
|
Pupil/Teacher/Parent :
|
They normally say a brand name that is not Spyware Doctor or Internet Security.
|
Teacher (Me) :
|
Download Spyware Doctor and see how many problems you have.
|
Pupil/Teacher/Parent :
|
But I already have a virus checker (they normally indicate it is a free one, or came with the ISP or for pupils their parents pay for it and they will not purchase another one)
|
|
|
|
I then relate the following story.
|
I had been using a well known brand name antivirus/spyware software for a number of years. I would update the virus definitions every day and run quick scans every time I started up
the computer – yes it was a pain, but better to be safe than sorry. I would also run full hard disc scans every 3-4 days (4 hours each time).
Unfortunately, one particular day I noticed my computer was running much slower than usual. I ran a full hard disc scan with this brand name software
and it indicated ZERO problems. I still had my doubts and searched the internet for any advice. I found a site that recommended Spyware Doctor
– I installed it and ran a full hard disc scan. The scan revealed a number of malicious files and one KEYLOGGER.
A KEYLOGGER is a program that notes down every key you type in and every website you have visited (including screenshots). It then sends this information to the hacker.
This meant when I had been using my credit card, all of my details had been open to this program.
Obviously at that point I decided never to use that brand name ever again. I purchased Spyware Doctor (later I upgraded to Internet Security (Spyware Doctor with additional features including Firewall)).
I also point out to the pupils that my friends had the same problem and after running Spyware Doctor they found 482 malicious files on their computer – and yes they had been using the same brand name antivirus/spyware software that had caused me problems.
The most recent occurrence of was from one of my S3 Computing students. When he ran Spyware Doctor he found 1127 malicious files and yes the class laughed .. and then wondered how his computer was still able to work, and yes he had been using the same original brand name antivirus/spyware software that had caused me big problems.
At this point the pupil/teacher/parent is still very hesitant
I point out this is risk free and I ask them to download the software, run it and just see if there are any problems. If there are, we should talk some more.
|
So far, not one person has ever came back and indicated their computer was free from spyware/viruses after running Spyware Doctor/Internet Security.
|
In summary I would recommend Spyware Doctor or Internet Security (Spyware Doctor with additional features including Firewall). I know it can be a hassle to even think about changing your antivirus software but for me the credit card issue was the decider and I would urge you to at least run the free scan to see just how safe you are.
When I am talking about virus checkers to pupils I usually ask what registry fixing software they have – normally they shrug and ask what’s that?
I sigh, then explain that when you install and uninstall files sometimes things are not placed or removed correctly. I also explain that when a computer crashes there are temporary files that are still about, and over time the misplaced or damaged files can quickly lead to big problems such as the “Blue Screen Of Death” crash or system slow-downs or programs just not working properly. Ultimately this means you have to have some software to fix it and no, defragmentation doesn’t solve this (as several pupils suggested). Again the pupil is hesitant and again I point out this is risk free and ask them to download and run Registry Mechanic or Desktop Maestro and see how many problems they have – if none, then the package they have is fine.
I personally use Internet Security and Desktop Maestro and without hesitation would thoroughly recommend them to pupils/teachers and parents.
|
|
