A Self Contained Web Browser For Your Flash Drive

When I am on the internet on a public computer, it worries me that I may leave traces (or a digital footprint) behind that could potentially compromise my privacy and the access to my online accounts. To remedy this problem I resort to running my own web browser from my flash drive in the form of a portable app. I have tried numerous variations of these portable browser types and have found that there is still a potential for data leakage on the host machine and have found that these browsers have a tendency to slow down after a period of time.

Recently I came across another portable browser variation that is based on the Firefox platform, called Pale Moon, that is currently on my plate for testing.

The portable version of  Pale Moon is supposed to be completely self contained where nothing is stored on the host computer (such as your bookmarks, passwords, downloads, etc). Pale Moon portable has been specifically designed to run on removable media (such as a flash drive) where high wear and slow read/write access is the nature of the beast. With Pale Moon portable there appears to be no active disk caching going on to keep this wear and tear to a minimum. This may slow actual web page loads, but I found it to be actually quite responsive.

The really good part about Pale Moon is that the Pale Moon project is really a custom-built and optimized Firefox-based browser for Windows. It has been optimized to make sure to get the most speed and efficiency out of your browser!  So, if you use Firefox, you will surely like Pale Moon.

This means that this browser, however extremely close to Firefox in the way it works, does not have all the functions that Firefox has. A few, carefully selected, features have been disabled that are not in high demand, and that do not interfere with the way web pages are displayed or function; all to maximize speed and efficiency of the browser. Please see the page with technical details to learn exactly what the browser supports, and what it doesn’t support. In short, if you need accessibility features or parental controls, then please visit the firefox homepage and get the official, non-optimized build.

GEEK BONUS AREA Visit Bookmarks4Techs.com Free Instant Messaging App For Windows 8: Ribbit Chat Release The Kraken! The Gold Karat Authenticator – the electronic gold and platinum tester NotePal X2 – Creates Optimal Comfort For Laptop Users

Subscribe by RSS

Get What's On My PC by Email

[ CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ]

WinPatrol Remains The Smallest, Fastest System Monitor Of Its Kind

There are those occasions where I will rehash a FREE software product and WinPatrol is one of those occasions.  WinPatrol is a mainstay on my computers and is one of the first software products I install when setting up a new computer. It is a “must have” layer of protection that will compliment your other security software.

After you install WinPatrol a snapshot of critical system locations and resources are recorded and you will find that a small Scotty dog shows up in the tray on the taskbar. This little dog is on patrol and will alert you if any changes occur to those critical system resources. The dog will even bark.

WinPatrol, in conjunction to constantly monitoring your system, also serves as a system utility that allows you to review the services and task that are running on your computer and the programs that automatically load in the background when your computer starts. There is a whole lot to this little dog, as you can see from the features below.

Features of WinPatrol:

Detect and Review New Auto-Startup Programs
Alerted you to New Browser Add-Ons like BHO’s and Tool Bars
Alerts you to newly installed Window Services
Alerts you to creation of Scheduled Tasks
YesAlerts you and Locks Changes to File Type Associations
Alerts you to newly registered ActiveX components
Alerts you to changes in IE Home and Search pages
Alerts you to changes in the Windows HOST File
Lets you know if your AutoUpdate or UAC settings change
Add/Remove and Review Auto-Startup Programs
Automatically Disable Reoccuring Startup Programs
Delay Auto-Startup programs for quick bootup
Review and Remove unwanted Scheduled Tasks
Remove Unwanted Brower Add-Ons like BHO’s and Tool Bars
Review, Display and Kill Multiple Running Tasks with a single click
Review, Stop and Control Window Services
Manage and Automatically Remove Unwanted Cookies
Review and Edit your Windows HOST File
Review and Remove Hidden Files
Track Date/Time when programs are first detected on your system
Multiple System Report Options
Undocumented or HIDDEN Registry Startup Keys
Now Available FREE

GEEK BONUS AREA Frustrations With The Android Phone How to Back Up Your PC Site Speed | Visitors Love Speed! A Mouse That Works In The Air

Subscribe by RSS

Get What's On My PC by Email

[ CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ]

Use Chameleon To Get Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Installed and Running To Remove Malicious Software

Experiencing a malware infection (malicious software infection) is likened to being locked in a cage with someone poking a stick at you. You try to grab the stick and it is just out of reach or you are not quick enough to stop the constant barrage of poking.

Most folks who get these infections are often at a loss and actually experience anxiety, fear, and anger… Your computer is working fine one minute, then suddenly you experience slowness and then the fake security software (scareware) starts popping up (that you don’t recognize) telling you that you have hundreds of infections and that you need to click a button to fix the problem.  Also, you most likely will be prompted to enter a credit card number to fix the problem.

Once a malware infection has started it will worsen to the point that it will disable access to the tools and security software that you need to detect, identify and possibly remove the infection. These infections will often impede or shutdown the normal operation of your web browser, preventing you from downloading the software that you need to remove the infection.

I highly recommend keeping, at all times, a FREE version Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on your computer and make it a habit to keep it up-to-date.  The FREE version does not provide real-time protection; however, by performing routine updates and routine scans is better than nothing.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free utilizes Malwarebytes powerful technology to detect and remove all traces of malware including worms, trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware and more.

As I stated, when the malware infection unleashes it will most likely cripple or shutdown the security software on your computer, including Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The developers of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, knowing this to be a problem, have come up with a solution called Chameleon.

Malwarebytes Chameleon Technologies will try to get Malwarebytes Anti-Malware installed (if not installed) and running when blocked by malicious programs. You may have to go to another computer to download Chameleon or if you get lucky, you may download it onto the infected computer from the website [HERE] .

Unzip the contents to a folder in a convenient location.

Follow the instructions in the included Chameleon CHM Help File or, if the help file will not open, simply try to run the files by double-clicking on them one by one until one of them remains open, then follow the onscreen instructions.  When you open the Chameleon CHM Help File, you will see twelve buttons.

Click on the first button and see if it runs. You’ll know it’s working if a black DOS window appears, slays the malicious programs and processes, and then starts Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

If all goes well, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will get your computer back to a workable state.

——————————————-

GEEK BONUS AREA

Freedom of Information or Criminals?

Remove Google search bar from Firefox

Can Tablets Take the Place of Teachers?

Logitech Wireless Mouse M325 with Designed-For-Web Scrolling

——————————————-

Bookmarks4Techs – Over 500 Listed Tech Sites

Links To All Articles Ever Posted At What’s On My PC

——————————————-

[ CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ]

Second Testing Cycle In A Row – Microsoft Security Essentials Has Failed Certification As An Effective Security Application

The title of this post tells it all; AND, as a matter of fact it is a direct quote from Bill Mullins’ Weblog – Tech Thoughts where his article “Microsoft Security Essentials – Breaking Up Is Hard To Do – But, It’s Over; You’re Gone” quickly opened my sleepy eyes this morning.

I had been reading inklings here and there where Microsoft Security Essentials (also called Microsoft Defender on Windows 8) has been faltering here of late and I shrugged it off, thinking the software giant was on top of it; however, Bill’s article was the kick in the butt that I needed.

It is really concerning to me that my main level defense on my PC may be lacking and further concerning (and a lesson to be learned) that even the giant can have weaknesses.  As a matter of fact, I can remember many, many, many, many moon’s ago where Microsoft developed their own antivirus software and they eventually dropped the product. I sure hope that we are not heading in that direction again and history is going to repeat itself.

After reading Bill’s article, I have decided to take his advice and take a look at AVG AntiVirus Free 2013. When I was managing a network, years back, AVG was my antivirus (and anti-malware) software of choice; however, AVG even took a dip there for awhile; BUT, they are back in full tilt, as Bill’s article will highlight.

As blogger’s we can make a difference and I am sure once Microsoft starts to see these articles, we may see a change that will open the sleepy eyes of the giant.

——————————————-

GEEK BONUS AREA

US, EU To Share Cybercrime Data

Why Printed Books Will Never Die

Essential Wrist wear for Tech Lovers

——————————————-

Bookmarks4Techs – Over 500 Listed Tech Sites

List Of All Articles Ever Posted At What’s On My PC

——————————————-

[ CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ]

A FREE Registry Backup Tool For Windows 8

Just talking about the Windows Registry can make the hair stand up on one’s neck; however, if you work in IT there is a high probability, at some point, you will need to dissect the registry to make a system configuration change or to repair a registry setting that has been targeted by malware.

To those who have no idea of what I am talking about; the best and simplest definition I could find to describe the Windows Registry, for those at home, was at WikipediA.

The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems.

Most folks at home are unaware of the registry and the method to edit the registry; which should only be performed by the skilled hands of a computer tech. To put the registry into perspective; ”mess up the registry and you mess up the operation of your computer”.

This is why backing up the registry should be part of your backup strategy. A program, that is FREE, I recently started to use for registry backups is called Registry Backup (go figure) by Tweaking.com .

Screenshot

When I upgraded to Windows 8 I wanted to make sure I had a compatible registry backup program and Registry Backup was the surefire solution.  Note:  Registry Backup is compatible with Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7 & 8 (32 & 64 Bit).

I recently started using this program for several primary reasons:

Registry Backup uses the Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service to backup your system registry, which allows for perfect backups of the registry files and profiles on your computer.

Registry Backup is a full scale backup and restore program that has the ability to restore a backup from safe mode.

Registry Backup has a built-in scheduling option that can perform unattended backups.

I particularly keep registry backups around in the event of a malware infection, which in today’s world of computer, the registry becomes a prime target.  Also, during those rare occasions where I do make registry edits, I feel more comfortable making the edits knowing my bacon is covered with Registry Backup.

 Registry Backup – Features List:

• The program is 100% free.
• One click backup and restore.
• Can restore from Windows Safe Mode.
• Portable version can be ran from a thumb drive and keep backups of multiple systems.
• Automatic cleanup of older backups.
• Set and control scheduling options.
• Can backup & restore all user profiles on the system, not just the ones that are currently loaded.
• Control which registry files are backed up or restored.
• Detailed logs are saved with each backup.
• Multiple easy restore options.
• Online videos showing how to use the program and how to use the different restore options.

——————————————-

GEEK BONUS AREA

How to Remove Ransomware

Advanced System Care 6 – Newbie Friendly (With a Little Help)

10 things you have to know to be computer literate

FEATURED TECH PRODUCT

TRENDnet 5-Port Unmanaged Gigabit GREENnet Switch

——————————————-

——————————————-

[ CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ]

Use the Norton Removal Tool To Remove Norton Security Products

If you have any of the Symantec Norton security products installed, listed below in the screenshot, and you have reached a crossroad where you need to uninstall your Norton product, I highly recommend that use the Norton Removal Tool. This tool is not easy to find on the Symantec site, due that they want to keep you around and not lose you as a customer. The tool has the ability to scan your computer and remove just about any Norton product from 2003 to present.

NOTE:  Due to the power of this removal tool, be doubly careful; especially if you have more than one of Symantec’s products installed. It is also important that if you are using this tool to remove a Norton product with intention of reinstalling it, that you capture (or write down) your product key.

Norton security products (by Symantec) are the makers of the best security products out there, but what typically occurs is that people who let their Norton subscription expire on their PCs will attempt to remove the product using the Windows add/remove uninstall process so that they can install another product. The Windows add/remove uninstall process will not, and I repeat, will not remove these products in there entirety; whereas the Norton Removal Tool will get the job done.

When you install security products such as these, due to their complexity, it is important that you check with the maker of the security product to determine if a removal tool is available.

——————————————-

GEEK BONUS AREA

Technology News, Software, Apps, Wallpapers, Tech Products and MORE… Featured Software – Home Designer Suite 2012

How To Restore the Menu bar | Best Internet Security

Researchers Demonstrate Flaws In iPhone 4, 5 In Hacking Contest – Dark Reading

A Refresher in Upgrading Your iDevices to The Latest iOS Software

——————————————-

[ CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ]

Provide Real-Time FREE Protection For Your Home Or Small Business PC

If you are looking for a security software option, that is FREE; that is easy to understand and use; that uses minimal system resources; and is engineered by a company that we are all familiar with, then Microsoft Security Essentials is a good choice.

You will see me here on the blog pushing this software on a regular basis. It is a layer of defense that I have installed on all of my PCs; not because it is FREE, but because it does the job.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up-to-date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology.

Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so you’re free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long computer wait times.

Before installing Microsoft Security Essentials, we recommend that you uninstall other antivirus software already running on your PC. Running more than one antivirus program at the same time can potentially cause conflicts that affect PC performance.

** IMPORTANT **  –  When changing security software on your PC from one brand to another, it is very important that you completely uninstall the security software you intend to remove. The uninstaller built into windows will not cut it. I highly recommend you either visit the software maker’s site to get information to uninstall the product or use a third party uninstaller such as AppRemover.

The free AppRemover utility enables the thorough uninstallation of security applications like antivirus and antispyware from your computer. Remove computer stress. Simply, cleanly and effectively.

——————————————-

GEEK BONUS AREA

Technology News, Software, Apps, Wallpapers, Tech Products and MORE… Featuring the NEW Norton Internet Security 2013

The New Myspace

Practical Tips to Help You Install a Motherboard

Internet Security:Microsoft Fighting The Good Fight

——————————————-

[ CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ]