How To Manage Startup Programs

General, Software, ,
05
Nov 2013

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In the never ending battle to keep your computer running quickly and smoothly, one of the less obvious culprits are the programs that start each time you start your computer.  Most if not all programs load in the background so you don’t actually see them starting up.  They are however taking up resources and slowing your computer down not just when they are running, but especially when they are starting up.

Here’s how you can use the free program CCleaner to manage your startup programs, spare your computer’s memory and keep it running fast.

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1. Download and install CCleaner free

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2. Open CCleaner

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3. Click on Tools and Right click on any startup programs that are not 100% needed and disable them from starting up

If you are not sure which programs are necessary and which are not, consult with your office or home IT support.

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Anti-Virus Updates Ending for Windows XP

Security, Software, ,
04
Nov 2013

OnsitePCSolution_MSE_Protecting_Computer

In our previous article on Microsoft ending support and updates for Windows XP, we described what made Windows XP so commonly used and the dangers of continuing to run it after April of 2014.  Microsoft has put another nail in the coffin for users who want to continue running Windows XP: no more virus definition updates for Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows XP after April 2014.

This will be quite a problem as Microsoft Security Essentials (download here) is the most commonly used free anti-virus and anti-malware on Windows computers.

In this article from ZDNet, a Microsoft spokesperson states:

“Microsoft will not guarantee updates of our antimalware signature and engine after the XP end of support date of April 8, 2014…”

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The message further pushes users to upgrade to more modern Windows operating systems such as Windows 7 (which we recommend) and Windows 8.  If you want to risk running Windows XP after the April 2014 end of life date, you can use free anti-virus solutions such as AVG or Avira.  As long as you are running regular backups or Windows XP isn’t running on a business computer, then the risk is minimized.

If you are not sure if you are running Windows XP or whether you need to upgrade, contact your office or home IT support.

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Keeping Your Website Safe and Clean

Internet, Security, ,
03
Nov 2013

OnsitePCSolution_Main_Image_v1

 

Your website is crucial in helping the rest of the world to find your service or to learn more about you.  As more websites are built on WordPress allowing you to easily manage your site pages, blog and online stores, it has become a target of criminals.  In this article we will cover why it’s important to avoid free premium WordPress themes.

I have a website, what’s the problem?

If you have recently (in the last several years) had your website updated or created, there is a good chance  your main website or a sub section such as the blog is running WordPress.  The best way to check if WordPress is being used is to ask the person that designed your website.

 

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A theme is then used to change the layout, colors, fonts and general look and behavior of your site.  Themes can either be free, or premium where you pay for more features, updates and typically support.  Since premium themes cost money, some people decide to do a quick Google search to find the premium theme for free.

Premium themes that are quickly available over Google can contain malicious code that will infect your website, and as a result anyone that visits your website.

What happens if my site is infected with malicious code?

Once your site has been infected, the malicious party can then run programs and code on your website.  This not only puts your website at risk but also puts your website visitors at risk.  Your website can also be flagged for malware by Google.

Snippet_of_malicious_code

A snippet of malicious code as described by Sam Parkinson in his blog post on the details of pirating premium WordPress themes

How can I keep myself safe?

The next time you talk to your website designer, ask them these questions:

1. Is my website running WordPress?

2. Is the theme of my website free or premium?

3. If it is premium,  where was it downloaded from and paid for?

If the site runs WordPress and a premium theme, make sure it was paid for and downloaded from the theme designer’s official webpage, or from the official WordPress premium theme site.

Also, as mentioned in this article, ask your website designer to disable dangerous functions that are not being used on your site as explained here.

We always recommend giving your office or home IT support all of the details so they can keep track of and inventory potential risks to your business as well.

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