Apple products have long touted that they are more secure. Times are changing...

It this report from thenexweb.com (link), the explore some of the recent security threats to Mac users, Safari users (the default web browser on Apple Mac O/S), what users should be aware of and how to remove the latest threat.

As in Windows platforms, many of these malware infections have the primary purpose of scaring users into handing over credit card information as well as tricking them in to potentially exposing other personal information.

We feel it is necessary to once again remind all users that if an application you don’t recognize shows up on your computer, take action immediately. Do not ever enter credit card information into an application or website unless you have initiated the transaction with a trusted vendor online.

This is only the beginning for Mac users. The long held belief is that Apple products are safer, more secure and don’t get viruses. However, a lot of that is due in part to their past lack of market saturation. Apple has started to cut into Microsoft’s heavy penetration into the desktop O/S market, and with that as their popularity in this market segment increases so will the number of threats specifically targeting Apple’s products.

Mac Users, Beware. is a post from: @ Blog

1. Uninstall unnecessary browser tool bars. Having one search engine tool bar on your browser is convenient. Your security software may install another that you will find useful. However, having multiple search engine tool bars and other tool bars is not only redundant but will slow down your browser.

Many applications will insist on installing a tool bar when you install the application. There is usually an option to not install the tool bar, but often the wording of the installer is tricky – pay attention to all install options when installing new software, especially anything downloaded online.

Most tool bars can be uninstalled through the add/remove programs utility in the control panel after the fact or have their own uninstall utility in their program folder.

2. Clear your temporary internet file cache. Frequently we get calls from customers experiencing sudden and unexplained browser issues. Your browser saves temporary files – graphics, HTML code, forms, etc. – from the sites you visit so the next time you load that site, it can call upon those temporary, locally saved files to speed up the page loading time. Unfortunately if this cache is not purged, the file directories become cumbersome for the browser and the browser will start to malfunction. Clearing the cache is as easy as a couple mouse clicks and the controls for this are usually found in the browser’s options menu.

3. The more data you have on your hard drive, the slower it will perform. Keep frequent backups of your data and consider storing infrequently used files (such as family photos) on other media, such as flash drives, secure-digital cards or USB hard drives. Although none of these media alone is the ideal back-up solution for irreplaceable data – secure, remote backup solutions should be considered. But for the sake of keeping your PC running smoothly, less data means quicker read/write times on the hard drive, adequate virtual memory space and quicker disk cleanup and defrag utility run times.

4. Reduce the number of applications that launch on startup. Some programs will run an auto-updater service in the background that can be turned off. These applications will most likely go out to find updates once they are launched, but turning off features that run automatically every time you start the PC will improve boot times and reduce the system resources being used on a regular basis.

5. Registry optimization can help improve system performance in Windows operating systems – customers frequently ask us for our opinion on different optimization programs; most of these costing either an annual maintenance fee or one-time purchase fee. We have found good success with I/Obit Advanced SystemCare Free edition. Running this manually on a regular basis will help keep your registry and other system resources running well.

IOBit Advanced SystemCare

Advanced SystemCare does have a malware removal utility, which we have found to be adequate for removing cookies and not much else. Stick with a quality malware removal tool like Malware Bytes for any heavy duty malware clean-up.

As always, Aspire is here to help. Call us at 716-200-4479 or email service@aspiretechnet.com if you have questions.

Five tips for Windows Optimization is a post from: @ Blog

These are real threats, putting your data and even your personal security at risk. 

One of my colleagues once phrased it as, “Going online without security software is like jumping into a shark tank wearing nothing but raw meat.”  A colorful analogy, to be sure, but an accurate one.  Every day more new viruses, spyware, Trojans and other malicious applications are released into the wilds of the internet.  Experts (and not just me) say it’s close to the range of 22,000 new malware samples per day. 

What is really at risk when you leave your PC unprotected?  First off, and probably most importantly is time and money.  The expenses of having to have a virus removed can cost 10-times as much as a one-year subscription to a consumer level security application.  This is further exacerbated through down-time and the loss of productivity, not to mention the loss of data. 

I mean, who reading this article doesn’t depend on their PC these days to help them find information online, pay bills, manage bank accounts, communicate with friends and family or Twitter endlessly about how they had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch?  Just from a life-management perspective, how much time do you lose without having these conveniences at the tips of your fingers? 

And to compound this further, one infection might not even be noticeable, but simply serve to open doors for many more, and more damaging infections to creep in.  Malware programs designed to propagate across a network, key-loggers that try to steal your personal information or bugs designed simply to cripple your PC and make it unusable. 

Yet, so many people walk into our office with horribly outdated security software, or none at all. 

It is sad.  Of course, we fix their problem for an affordable rate, and not a single one ever walks out without a new security software install with a current subscription. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

What is running, or not running on your PC?  Do you have P2P applications such as LimeWire or Kazaa?  They might seem like a convenient way to download files and applications for “free” but their networks are also littered with infected files and malicious applications disguised as popular downloads.  Also, an improperly installed P2P application will run at all times and possibly leave your entire hard drive open to the P2P network – did you want to share your new mp3’s or your personal financial files? 

Has your PC slowed down recently?  Does it take a long time to finish a boot cycle?  Do you have intermittent and unexplainable internet connection interruptions?  Do you get messages telling you about how many malware applications have been found followed by offers to buy some really professional looking (or sounding) security software you’ve never actually heard of until now?

 All of these symptoms may point to a possible malware infection. 

So, how do you fix this?  What precautions should you take? 

First off, having current security software with an active subscription AND making sure it stays updated is the first step.  If you don’t have that, get it. 

Secondly, making sure all of the current Microsoft security updates are installed.  Yes, yes, it is all Microsoft’s fault there are all these viruses….  Uh, no.  Sorry, it’s not.  They need to make sure their software is secure, for sure, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could just trust people won’t do bad things?  It is still the fault of those who write and distribute the malware.  Microsoft, owning 98% of the operating system market, is just their biggest target. 

Different soap-box there; we’ll go off on that tangent another time.  

Third, make sure your data is backed up.  Current and complete.  Having a computer crash due to any reason is always less painful when the data on it is duplicated somewhere else and can easily be restored.  We’ll discuss backups in another blog article. 

A good first step is to stop using P2P applications and make sure your network is secured.  A good Firewall can be your best friend – another topic we’ll address at a future time.  This also includes putting a security key and encryption on your wireless network. 

Those are some of the precautions – but nothing, and I mean NOTHING goes as far as having some common sense. Don’t open random email attachments, don’t surf questionable websites, make your internet passwords strong and keep them secure. 

And if you need help, we’re always around to answer questions.

Viruses, Pop-Ups and Spyware? OH MY! is a post from: @ Blog