Mac is not immune to malware

Mac is not immune to malware

Protect your Mac from Malware

Protect your Mac from Malware. Mac is not immune to malware or virus anymore. People have a common belief that Macs are safer than PCs. It is a common belief that all the viruses are designed to infect Windows computers, not Mac. There are many websites where one can find detailed information about windows malware, but one has to do a lot of research to find out information about Malware for Macs. Here is the list of Trojan malware since the 1990s.

This article not to make you panic or frightened this is just to make you aware of the common belief that Macs are immune to Malware. Today, I was reading an article on Macworld, and I end up landing an exciting page about Malware on Macs “List of Mac viruses, malware, and security flaws” to support my article. Protect your Mac from Malware.

There is no computer system is immune to malware (Malicious Software), even Mac / Apple Systems.

MacDefender and Flashback are the most vulnerable.

Flashback: Flashback virus target security hole in Java. Java is included in OS X (OS X is Operating System such as Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks, and Yosemite). Flashback virus is designed to steal your data or information in the background without even the user noticing. Once your computer is infected you might not see any difference the way your Mac runs.

MacDefender: Also known as Mac Protector, Mac Security, Mac Guard, Mac Shield, and FakeMacDef is Internet rogue security software that will mislead the user into paying money for fake or simulated removal of malware a form of ransomware claim to remove malware from the computer, instead of removing it introduce malware to the computer.

Recently one of our mac was acting funny; slow process, popups and not shutting down properly. I find out that there were popups and adware, here is a picture that you can see.

So yes Mac does get infected. So Protect your Mac from Malware.

Protect yourself by doing this step:

Make sure your Mac Malware database is always up-to-date if you want peace of mind, take an action: Go to System Preferences

  •  Open App Store Preference
  •  Check – Automatically check for updates.
  •  Check – Download newly available updates in the background. (You will be notified when the updates are ready to be installed.)
  •  Check – Install app updates
  •  Check – Install OS X updates
  •  Check – Install system data files and security updates.

Last one up to you:

  • Check/ uncheck – Automatically download apps purchased on other Macs.

This will keep your Mac free from the most malicious software. Also, it is very unlikely, it doesn’t help you to install malicious software on your Mac. If you want to strict installation do this:

  • Go to System Preferences
  • Open Security and Privacy
  • Allow apps to download from:
  • Check – Mac App Store and Identified Developers.

This will strict the installation process. Check out Lexington PC Clinic YouTube channel, we have a YouTube video step by step direction to Protect your Mac from Malware.

Also, get antivirus for mac.
See you again with a new topic. LPC

If you need computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, Laptop screen replacement, iPad, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy Screen Replacement, Mac repair. Contact Lexington PC Clinic. Or Call at  859-408-0948.


Update windows 10 for free, if you have windows 7, 8, or 8.1

What is it? A complete update for Windows

When is it out? July 29

What will it cost? For Windows 7 and 8.1 users, it will be free for one year

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Update windows 10 for free, if you have windows 7, 8, or 8.1. Windows 10 is almost here, and the good news is Windows 10 will be free for windows 7 and windows 8 users. All you (windows 7 and windows 8 users) have to do is keep updating windows 7 and windows 7 from windows updates. Also, you may have received a notification for reservation for windows 10. If you have done that then you won’t have to worry. All you need to do keep your windows updated.  If your machine is up-to-date today, you will soon see a small icon of the Windows logo on your taskbar next to the internet status icon.
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This is from Microsoft website:

“Windows Offer Details

Update windows 10 for free, if you have windows 7, 8, or 8.1. Yes, free! This upgrade offer is for a full version of Windows 10, not a trial. 3GB download required; standard data rates apply. To take advantage of this free offer, you must upgrade to Windows 10 within one year of availability. Once you upgrade, you have Windows 10 for free on that device.

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Windows 10 Upgrade Offer is valid for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices, including devices you already own. Some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device and market. The availability of Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices may vary by OEM, mobile operator or carrier. Devices must be connected to the internet and have Windows Update enabled. Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1. Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 enterprise offerings outside of this offer. To check for compatibility and other important installation information, visit your device manufacturer’s website and the Windows 10 Specifications page. Additional requirements may apply over time for updates. Security and features are kept automatically up-to-date which is always enabled. See the Windows 10 How to Upgrade page for details.

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2Hardware dependent.

3Cortana available in select global markets at launch; experience may vary by region and device.

4App availability and experience may vary by market; some content sold separately.

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5Accessories may be sold separately.

6Broadband internet required for some features (ISP fees apply). Xbox Live features only available with supported games in Xbox Live-supported countries, see xbox.com/live/countries. Limited number of games available in 2015 that support cross-device play; additional games to follow. Stream to one device at a time; streaming with multiplayer from Xbox One requires home network connection and Xbox Live Gold membership (sold separately); Gold also required for multiplayer play on Xbox One. DirectX 12 only available with supported games and graphics chips. Game DVR only available with supported hardware. To check for compatibility and other important installation information, visit your device manufacturer’s website and the Windows 10 Specifications page. Xbox One, PC/Tablet and Phone versions of games all sold separately.”

Portal 2

windows 10 start

Enjoy windows 10.

Cheat Sheet for windows 8.1

 

Keyboard Shortcut Cheat Sheet for windows 8, 8.1 and 10

Keyboard Shortcut:

These are some frequently use keyboard shortcut for Windows 8, 8.1 and 10:

Press this key
To do this

Ctrl+C (or Ctrl+Insert)

Copy the selected item

Ctrl+X

Cut the selected item

Ctrl+V (or Shift+Insert)

Paste the selected item

Ctrl+Z

Undo an action

Alt+Tab

Switch between open apps (except desktop apps)

Alt+F4

Close the active item, or exit the active app

Windows logo key +L

Lock your PC or switch people

Windows logo key +D

Display and hide the desktop

Windows logo key +. (period)

Enter rearrange mode and select apps or dividers across monitors

Windows logo key +left arrow

Move app divider left

Windows logo key +right arrow

Move app divider right

Windows logo key +up arrow

Maximize app

Windows logo key +down arrow

Close app

Windows logo key +Esc

Exit rearrange mode

These are the keyboard shortcut that you can use in Windows:

Press this key To do this
Windows logo key‌ +start typing

Search your PC

Ctrl+plus (+) or Ctrl+minus (-)

Zoom in or out of a large number of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen

Ctrl+scroll wheel

Zoom in or out of a large number of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen

Windows logo key‌ +C

Open the charms

In an app, open the commands for the app

Windows logo key‌ +F

Open the Search charm to search files

Windows logo key‌ +H

Open the Share charm

Windows logo key‌ +I

Open the Settings charm

Windows logo key‌ +K

Open the Devices charm

Windows logo key‌ +O

Lock the screen orientation (portrait or landscape)

Windows logo key‌ +Q

Open the Search charm to search everywhere or within an open app (if the app supports app search)

Windows logo key  +S

Open the Search charm to search Windows and the web

Windows logo key‌ +W

Open the Search charm to search settings

Windows logo key‌ +Z

Show the commands available in the app

Note

  • You can also see some settings and options by going to the Settings charm when the app is open.

Windows logo key‌ +spacebar

Switch input language and keyboard layout

Windows logo key‌ +Ctrl+spacebar

Change to a previously selected input

Windows logo key‌ +Tab

Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps)

Windows logo key‌ +Ctrl+Tab

Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps)

Windows logo key‌ +Shift+Tab

Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order

Windows logo key‌ +Shift+period (.)

Snaps an app to the left

Windows logo key‌ +period (.)

Cycle through open apps

Esc

Stop or exit the current task

 

Windows logo key  +F1

Open Windows Help and Support

Windows logo key

Display or hide the Start screen

Windows logo key  +B

Set focus in the notification area

Windows logo key  +C

Open the Charms

Windows logo key  +D

Display and hide the desktop

Windows logo key +E

Open File Explorer

Windows logo key +F

Open the Search charm and search for files

Windows logo key +H

Open the Share charm

Windows logo key +I

Open the Settings charm

Windows logo key +K

Open the Devices charm

Windows logo key +L

Lock your PC or switch people

Windows logo key +M

Minimize all windows

Windows logo key +O

Lock device orientation

Windows logo key +P

Choose a presentation display mode

Windows logo key +Q

Open the Search charm to search everywhere or within the open app (if the app supports app search)

Windows logo key +R

Open the Run dialog box

Windows logo key +S

Open the Search charm to search Windows and the web

Windows logo key +T

Cycle through apps on the taskbar

Windows logo key +U

Open Ease of Access Center

Windows logo key +V

Cycle through notifications

Windows logo key +Shift+V

Cycle through notifications in reverse order

Windows logo key +W

Open the Search charm and search for settings

Windows logo key +X

Open the Quick Link menu

Windows logo key +Z

Show the commands available in the app

Note

  • You can also see some settings and options by going to the Settings charm when the app is open.

Windows logo key +,

Temporarily peek at the desktop

Windows logo key +Pause

Display the System Properties dialog box

Windows logo key +Ctrl+F

Search for PCs (if you’re on a network)

Windows logo key +Shift+M

Restore minimized windows on the desktop

Windows logo key +number

Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app.

Windows logo key +Shift+number

Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number

Windows logo key +Ctrl+number

Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number

Windows logo key +Alt+number

Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number

Windows logo key +Ctrl+Shift+number

Open the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator

Windows logo key +Tab

Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps)

Windows logo key +Ctrl+Tab

Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps)

Windows logo key +Shift+Tab

Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order

Windows logo key +Ctrl+B

Switch to the app that displayed a message in the notification area

Windows logo key +Up arrow

Maximize the window

Windows logo key +Down arrow

Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window

Windows logo key +Left arrow

Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen

Windows logo key +Right arrow

Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen

Windows logo key +Home

Minimize all but the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke)

Windows logo key +Shift+Up arrow

Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen

Windows logo key +Shift+Down arrow

Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width

Windows logo key +Shift+Left arrow or Right arrow

Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another

Windows logo key +Spacebar

Switch input language and keyboard layout

Windows logo key +Ctrl+Spacebar

Change to a previously selected input

Windows logo key +Enter

Open Narrator

Windows logo key +Shift+period (.)

Cycle through open apps

Windows logo key +period (.)

Cycle through open apps

Windows logo key +/

Initiate IME reconversion

Windows logo key +Alt+Enter

Open WindowsMedia Center

Windows logo key +plus (+) or minus (-)

Zoom in or out using Magnifier

Windows logo key +Esc

Exit Magnifier




 

Windows 10 Tiny PC

Microsoft shows off two tiny Windows 10 PCs, including one that’s inside a power adapter

AVG Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware
quanta-compute-plug

Microsoft showed off a bunch of upcoming PCs that will use Windows 10 during its Computex 2015 keynote address. Two of them are small form-factors designed to connect to big-screen TVs, including one, the Quanta Compute Plug, that has its PC hardware inside a power adapter.


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Microsoft stated:

“The new Compute plug from Quanta is a mini PC and power adapter in one that can be plugged into any outlet and connected to a TV to turn it into a smart computer that can be controlled using Cortana via a Bluetooth remote or headset.”


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foxconn-kangaroo

Another small PC that was shown during the keynote was the Foxconn Kangaroo. Microsoft said:

“The Foxconn Kangaroo is an ultra-portable desktop PC powered by the latest Intel Cherry Trail processor, featuring a six-hour battery and a fingerprint reader that supports Windows Hello. It can turn a TV into a full Windows 10 PC, and be used as a set top box or streaming device.”

Both of these products are the latest attempts to put PC hardware inside tiny form-factors, similar to the recently launched Intel Compute Stick, which put a Windows 8.1 PC inside a HDMI dongle. There’s no word yet on the specific hardware inside the Quanta Compute Plug or the Foxconn Kangaroo, nor any information or a launch date or prices for these PCs.

Source: Microsoft windows central



Windows inbuilt screen capture tool

Windows inbuilt screen capture tool

Problem Steps Recorder

Often we want to capture screenshot to post or keep for some other reason. Usually print screen and paste on word document will do that. Using print screen and snipping tool is too many steps to achieve what you want to achieve in short time.  Windows has its inbuilt screen capture recording tools that will do that as you click through. Actually it will capture everything that you open. But it will not capture sensitive information, such as password or any text that you type. Use comment feature to describe for the recording. With this tool you can capture still image from game, movie or simple screenshots.

To Record screen and save it to your computer:

1. Click to open Problem Steps Recorder. By click on start and type in search screen capture and you will Record steps to reproduce a problem.
start
2. Now click on Record steps to reproduce a problem.
record
3. Click Start record. Once you start record button then go use your computer. It will record everything you browse or open any program. You can pause it to resume it later.
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4. After you finish your recording save it on your desire location, such as My Documents in my case I saved on desktop. It save as zip file. You can unzip (extract) it, after extracting it, you will see filename ending with .mht extension. Click here to know more about .mht. Remember this file always start with problem some number_then four digit number.mth
zip

5. Open .mht file it in word by opening word prom program file or desktop shortcut. Then go to file, open and the file location (My Document) and open the .mht file. It will open in word and save as word document or PDF for documentation or instruction for someone who need it.

 

Security

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Take Ownership of Hard drive

 f-secure.com

Take Ownership of Hard drive

Connect your hard drive using USB enclosure or any other method.
Restart your computer and start taping F8, you will see many options you choose SAFE MODE
GO TO computer (Windows 7, Vista user) windows 8 and 8.1 user MY PC where you see all the drive. Now take your mouse on the drive you want to take ownership, right click on the drive and go to Properties and click on Click on Security Tab as seen in picture below.

properties 

Click On Advanced

Advance

Make sure you have Administrator right to the computer you are using to take ownership of hard drive.

then click on Effective permissions

permission

Now you will see list of control you want, click on full control and scroll down and click on take ownership

full control

take ownership

then click OK. you may get prompt asking if you are sure. just click yes.
Internet Security (Trial)

and once it take ownership you restart your computer and save or transfer file from external hard drive to your hard drive.



Slow Computer?

Slow Computer? Optimize and clean junk file will boost your computer speed.


There are many ways to speed up your computer:

1. Uninstall all unwanted programs.
2. Download CCleaner to clean your unwanted and temporary file and registry extension that are left out after uninstalled programs. Or use windows inbuilt program. Using windows tool to clean unwanted and temporary file:
Right Click on disk, go to properties and click on Disk Cleanup button. And then next screen you can select file type to delete and start clean up.

disk info
3. Optimize your computer using windows tool Disk defragmenter or use third party software. But when you use third party software be careful what you installing. Because it come with adware and spyware. So download good one, do some research before you proceed.
Windows tool: Click on start, click on search box and type disk defragmenter, click on Disk Defragmenter first click on Analyze Disk, once analyzing finish the you can Click on Defragment disk

Disk Difragmenter
4. Check your startup file on Msconfig, sometime computer slow booting because you might have many application trying to run upon booting.
Click on startstart and type in search box msconfig and enter Uncheck the startup program that you do not want to load at startup. Click Ok and it will ask you to restart your computer. Click ok.

system config
5. Run CHKDSK in command mode to fix error in your hard drive. If you are one of those who just push the power button to turn of computers, then you must do CHKDSK all the time. CHKDSK verifies the file system integrity of the volume and fixes logical file system errors. CHKDSK also check bad sector in your hard drive and mark them as bad sectors. Click here to watch Youtube Video.
6. Increase Virtual memory (paging File), If you open more program and windows then you can increase Virtual Memory of Windows 7, Virtual memory work with Physical memory. Hard disk space use as virtual memory to keep temporary information, very rarely used by OS or Programs. It help to run programs and OS smoothly.
a. Right click on My Computer
b. Select Properties
c. Click on Advance system Settings

advance setting
d. Go to Advance tab
e. Click on the setting button the performance

system properties
f. Click on Advance again

Performance Option
g. Customize your virtual memory. Its depend on your hard disk size and physical memory. Make sure it’s not less than system recommended size. Normally recommended size is 1.5 of your computer physical memory.

virtual memory

 

Press set button and you might have to restart your computer.
7. Indexing in Windows 7 made for improve speed of Windows search. When you search a file or folder on windows search, if it’s already indexed by indexing service then results will appear immediately from indexed cache.When you use third party indexing search programs such as Ava Finder, Google Desktop then disable windows 7 indexing service. This method avoids two programs to index your whole data and slow down disk performance.Also windows search service can be disabled in Computer Services. Go to Computer Management, Services and look for ‘Windows Search’. Set Disable to startup type and Click Apply. You can find out indexing options in Control Panel -> Indexing Options -> Modify button

indexlocation

 

8. Virus check, make sure your computer has no virus. There are many anti-virus program. Microsoft Security Essential, AVG and there are more. Download and scan for virus.



Malware Nature

Malware Damage

Computer viruses, worms, and Trojan viruses can cause many different types of damage to computers, networks, mobile devices, and data.

How malware problems can affect home users and businesses

The extent of the damage caused by malicious software will often depend on whether the malware has infected a home computer or a corporate network. The consequences of the damage may also vary according to the specific type of malware and the type of device that is infected – plus the nature of the data that is stored on or accessed by the device.

Whereas, in some cases the results of a malware infection may be imperceptible to the user, in other cases the damage can have serious consequences:

  • For home users, an infection may involve the loss of relatively unimportant information that can be easily replaced or it could result in the loss of information that gives the cybercriminal access to the user’s bank account.
  • On a corporate network, a Trojan virus that sends spam may generate a minor increase in communications traffic, whereas other types of infection could result in the complete breakdown of the corporate network or the loss of business critical data.

Discover more in the following articles:




Dear Readers and Viewers of Lexington PC Clinic,

The computer is my passion and it is my profession too. I troubleshoot and computer repair every day. I write a blog and do YouTube videos on weekends in my workshop. This
Computer Repair blog is for me to educate everyone on current computer issues that I come across while troubleshooting, such as repair Samsung Galaxy screen, repair MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPhone, Galaxy, Windows laptops, Virtual box, replacing hard drives, adding memory, disassembling/teardown of smart phones, laptops, iPads, Surface computer and phone scam.

I blog about and post YouTube videos so you can troubleshoot simple computer problems for yourselves.*
Check out my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/Lexingtonpcclinic for my viewers.

No problem is too small or too big. Ask me via email at lpc@lexingtonpcclinic.com leave a comment on my page. Or ask me on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LPC247.

I try to answer all questions on the weekends. Like and subscribe to my YouTube channel and Facebook page for updated contents.
Thank you
Keep reading and keep watching videos.
Lexington Pc Clinic

NOTE:
*Self-diagnosis of computer problems or following videos and/or general advice is at your own risk. Lexington Pc Clinic is not responsible for any damage or data loss.

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