Computer Security Archives - Page 3 of 4

How to bypass the Windows Login screen

Posted on November 23, 2014

skip-login-screen If you’re the only person who ever uses your computer you can have Windows boot straight to the Desktop or Start Screen without prompting you for a password.

It’s easy to set up and the instructions below will show you how to do it. Simply skip to the section with instructions for your particular Windows version.

Windows XP

1 – Click Start > Run.

2 – Type control userpasswords2 into the box and click Ok.

3 – Uncheck the box beside Users must enter a username and password to use this computer, then click Ok. [Read more…]

Avoid malicious websites by installing the AVG Secure Search toolbar

Posted on May 21, 2014

Regular readers of this blog know that I’m not a fan of toolbars. Quite simply, this is because most of them are actually malware. There is one exception however, and that is the AVG Secure Search toolbar.

The AVG Secure Search toolbar helps prevent your computer from downloading viruses by scanning web pages for malware before you actually visit them, then warning you if malware is found. That way you can avoid visiting the page and unknowingly infecting your computer with the malware contained within the infected page’s code.

Installing the AVG Secure Search toolbar is easy. Here’s how: [Read more…]

7 tips for keeping Windows XP secure without Microsoft’s support

Posted on May 7, 2014

Microsoft’s abandonment of Windows XP means you’re now on your own when it comes to protecting your XP-based machines against security threats.

Although they have already broken their promise not to release any more security updates for Windows XP, Microsoft likely won’t release more of them unless they feel pressured to do so.

In my opinion, the best move for XP users is to simply move to another operating system, but I realize that doing that is simply impractical for a lot of folks, especially small business owners.

If you feel that you really need to keep using Windows XP, there are several things you can do to keep your PC(s) as safe from security threats as possible: [Read more…]

10 New Years Resolutions that every computer user should keep

Posted on January 1, 2014

2014 I’ve never really been one to make New Years Resolutions, but this year I’ve come up with 10 of them that can help all of us keep our computers running smoothly and the hackers at bay. I hope you find at least a few of them useful.

Note: All of the links contained within the following list of resolutions will open in a new window. This will make it easy to return to the next resolution by simply closing the current browser window or tab.

Rick’s 10 New Years Resolutions for computer users: [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I put a password on my computer?

Posted on September 11, 2013

Question from Jeromy: Hi Rick. I have a Gateway SX2855 running Windows 7 Home Premium. I also have 2 brothers who love getting on it and playing games.

The problem is they download viruses to it at least once a week. My question is how can I put a password on my computer to keep my brothers from using it?

Rick’s answer: Jeromy, it’s very easy to add a password to your computer. Here’s how: [Read more…]