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IT serendipity

This is my blog of serendipitous discoveries and useful tips. 
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Microsoft Safety Scanner

posted 21 Apr 2011 16:40 by David Kirk

Do you think your PC has a virus?

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free downloadable security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software.

Note: The Microsoft Safety Scanner expires 10 days after being downloaded. To rerun a scan with the latest anti-malware definitions, download and run the Microsoft Safety Scanner again.

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is not a replacement for using an antivirus software program that provides ongoing protection.

For real-time protection that helps to guard your home or small business PCs against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software, download Microsoft Security Essentials.

Stuff happens: The Backup and Restore Guide

posted 21 Apr 2011 15:48 by David Kirk

MakeUseOf's comprehensive and easy to digest guide to backing up your computer:

CNET Starter Kits

posted 17 Apr 2011 04:31 by David Kirk

Really useful collections of software utilities:

Utilities Starter Kit

Security Starter Kit

Windows Starter Kit

Blue Screen Of Death

posted 16 Apr 2011 09:29 by David Kirk   [ updated 17 Apr 2011 02:29 ]

Having suffered from a couple of BSOD's recently I thought I'd itemise things to do if it happens to you. The order you use these in is entirely up to you and your common sense.

  • Run antispyware (e.g. MalwareBytes)
  • Run antivirus (e.g. AVG) preferably pre-boot if available
  • Run anti-rootkit (e.g. Sophos free tool)
  • Run CheckDsk (disk tools - requires reboot)
  • Run Memory Diagnostics (via Control Panel - requires reboot)
  • Run registry cleaner (e.g. CCleaner)
  • Clean up files, cookies etc using CCleaner (or FCleaner or similar)
  • Roll back to a system checkpoint when things were working fine (requires reboot)
  • Uninstall any recently installed applications
  • Run 'perfmon /rel' (Vista/7) to look for reported problems
  • Check Event Logs (Administrative tools) to look for any warnings
  • Run 'sfc /scannow' to verify integrity of Windows system files

Windows 7 Libraries

posted 16 Apr 2011 06:14 by David Kirk   [ updated 16 Apr 2011 06:15 ]

See Downloads for a useful page from the latest Web User magazine on customising Windows 7 Libraries.

Happy Patch Tuesday

posted 12 Apr 2011 08:00 by David Kirk   [ updated 12 Apr 2011 08:03 ]

Today is Patch Tuesday. Look out for Windows Updates.

Your PC is infected!

posted 11 Apr 2011 09:12 by David Kirk   [ updated 11 Apr 2011 09:15 ]

When you see one of those "Your PC is infected!" warnings, close the dialog without clicking any of its links. Go directly to a security site that you know and trust, and run their on-demand scanner. Sites with good, free, on-demand scanners include McAfee (Security Scan Plus), Trend Micro (HouseCall), Symantec (Security Scan), and ESET (Online Scanner).

Five tips for using CCleaner to degunk your system

posted 11 Apr 2011 02:59 by David Kirk   [ updated 11 Apr 2011 09:16 ]

Link to TechRepublic article: http://is.gd/N0ckGx

Internet Buttons

posted 9 Apr 2011 04:29 by David Kirk   [ updated 9 Apr 2011 04:31 ]

Nice site for the creation of home pages for people with basic Internet skills:

"Create a page of buttons for someone you know that makes it super easy for them to use the internet."

Top 10 terms every parent of teenagers should know

posted 4 Apr 2011 14:26 by David Kirk   [ updated 4 Apr 2011 14:27 ]

Maybe a bit transatlantic, but this page could be of use for any parent who is worried about what their teenager is texting or posting to friends via social networking sites: http://www.computerhope.com/tips/tip81.htm

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