Sometimes people think that if they are running an Anti Virus program they are protected.  Anti Virus programs are not a silver bullet.  If you voluntarily go to a peer to peer file sharing site and voluntarily download files it is likely you are clicking “OK”, “SAVE”, “INSTALL”, “FINISH”, and all that good stuff.  You better believe you are over-riding anything your Anti Virus program can do to protect you.

These peer to peer file sharing websites are extremely dangerous to your online safety and will corrupt your computer.  All sorts of Malware, Viruses, Trojans, and Spyware are given the opportunity to enter your computer system through these file sharing sites.  Once they get into your system they immediately go to work to disable your Anti Virus protection software.

Here are some very scary consequences of file sharing to consider:

1. When using a peer to peer file sharing network, you are at a major risk of downloading and installing Malware that gives another user somewhere in the world access to your computer files.  These people will look for things such as tax return documents, bank statements, and even student financial aid applications.  They will look for and steal any documents or files that contain critical information about you.  Now, what do you think will be done with that information?
   Do you want something creepier to think about?  This type of security problem may not be limited to one weirdo farming your computer files.  Because you have this Malware installed it’s as if you are holding a bright light out to cyber creeps to stop at your system and see what they can find.  You think you are sleeping all nice and safe in your warm bed but really, you are being digitally violated.
2. Something else to think about are the legal implications of downloading intellectual property.  It violates copyright laws.  Look, there are plenty of open source programs to use to get things done.  If someone put a lot of time and effort into creating something for entertainment value or productivity purposes and their business model was to be compensated for it then, yes they should be paid for their talent.
   When you download music and software through these file sharing applications you can be charged with committing a crime.  And, yes, it can be costly to fight it in court.  It can be costly if you are fined.  It can be costly to your desire for freedom and respect in your community.
3. The most common consequence to consider here is the fact that one day, your computer will become completely disabled due to these viruses that have been downloaded through peer to peer file sharing sites.  So, not only do you have to pay to have it restored but you have to pay for data recovery services.  Sure, if you come to me that whole package shouldn’t cost more than $150 but if you rely on a big box store, it could be 3 times as much.

So, is it really worth it to use file sharing applications such as LimeWire, BitTorrent, and FrostWire?  Personally, I think it is much too risky.  I have seen far too many machines corrupted by engaging in file sharing.  The vast majority of files downloaded through these sites contain malicious code design to exploit your computer system.

If you want to learn more about how to keep your computer running smooth then sign up for the PC Tune-Up Video Course.  The knowledge you gain will pay for itself time and time again.

I had the pleasure of running through the set-up process for several customers that were giving or receiving new laptops as Christmas gifts.  When I run through a PC set-up for someone I optimize the whole system as well as create the system recovery, repair, and back-up discs.  I get rid of “bloat-ware” or “crap-ware”, install desired programs, and make sure there is a good anti-virus program activated and ready to go.

Windows 7 comes packaged with some pretty cool themes but if you want more to choose from you can click on the link within your Control Panel that will take you to a page on the Microsoft website to browse and download additional Windows 7 themes.

That sounds like a safe and great option doesn’t it?  Well, things are not always what they seem.  We even need to be cautious with a Microsoft website that most people would believe to be “safe”.  I have downloaded additional themes and background pictures right from the Microsoft website only to have Trojans included with every download.

These did not seem to be isolated incidents.  I have been using Windows 7 since it came out.  I have run through many PC set-ups in the past few months.  I have downloaded extra themes for several customers and each time found Trojans after installing those themes right from the Microsoft website!

After downloading and installing anything it is good practice to scan your computer with Anti-virus software.  I am a little paranoid and will often use 3 different virus scanners to make sure everything is safe. It is important to understand that a Windows based PC should only run one active Anti-virus engine.  It is possible to run other virus scanners though.  It’s the active Anti-virus protection engines that will conflict with each other if installed on the same machine.  Active AV programs aim to prevent viruses from entering your computer in the first place.  They will also provide alerts if they detect threats already on your machine.  They will run scans at scheduled times and automatically update it’s virus definitions.  A regular scanner does nothing until you interact with it to tell it to scan or update.

A good free Trojan remover to use is Malwarebytes.  You can download it for here.  The free version will scan for and even allow you to remove threats found.

Another free virus scanner is the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool.  It is not something I solely rely on but in combination with other tools and Trojan, or virus removal skills, you can be pretty certain that your system is squeaky clean.

The premium Anti-virus program that I prefer to use is Bit Defender.  I often will keep several pieces of BitDefender and Malwarebytes stocked in my online store.

The most important thing to know is that you must use caution even when using a trusted website!  Whenever downloading files, your computer is immediately vulnerable to malware.  This is another example of how important it is to become an intelligent PC user and practice safe computing.

I fix computers.  My customers are the end users of Windows based PC’s.  From home computer repair to educating people on computer use, those are the things I love to do.  Now more than ever seems to be a growing need for safe computing education.  There are constant threats online and bad things can happen instantaneously even to good people.  A little paranoia will go a far but the proper education will take you even further.

Computers have become more of a necessity rather than a luxury.  Children seem to come out of the womb with some sort of digital device and master using laptops as quickly as they can completely cripple them with viruses.

I have worked with many parents and the laptops or desktop computers that they have given their children to use. Some parents are lucky and able to teach their young child or teenager the best and safest way to use the Internet and preserve their windows based PC.  Some parents come to me asking how they can keep their kid off of really popular sites like Facebook.  Ummmm…. that’s probably next to impossible!  Still other parents are at their wits end because their teenager has completely ruined the best laptop in the house for the 3rd time straight due to visiting questionable websites that just download Trojans and other malware as a welcoming gift.

There are times when computer privileges must be revoked all together.  But in today’s digital age, we all know that is just a bandaid on a gushing wound.  There are great software programs out there that can implement Parental Controls to aid with monitoring your child’s online activity.  But really, the absolute best way to keep your children, yourself, and your computer systems safe from online threats is EDUCATION.

Look, this stuff isn’t going anywhere.  It is advancing at warp speed.  A simple click of a mouse can do amazing things these days.  But, if we teach our kids safe computing than we have a fighting chance.

Some things that can keep you and your children safe online are:

• When using social networking sites such as Facebook, check your privacy settings to make sure everything about you is not disclosed to every random searcher online.
• Create limited user accounts for your children and password-protect your administrator account on the computer.
• Don’t install every toolbar for your browser that you encounter.  Some toolbars are really just spyware or adware.  They can slow down your internet surfing speed and collect information on your browsing behavior.
• Maintain a good Antivirus program.  One with Parental Controls will help. I recommend Bit Defender.
• Keep your Antivirus program active, updated, and run system scans daily.
• Read every pop-up message you get from your Antivirus program and click the appropriate action buttons when necessary.
• Keep your operating system updated with critical security patches.  Windows XP is up to SP3 and Vista is up to SP2.
• If you are using Windows 2000 consider an upgrade since Microsoft is not even supporting it anymore.
• Use browsers other than Internet Explorer.  Try Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, or Opera.
• Practice clicking the red “X” in the upper right corner of dialog boxes when unsure about a pop-up box.
• Avoid Limewire.com and BitTorrent.com.  Those sites are at the root of every crippled computer or laptop that a teenager once used.  They are file sharing sites that just download viruses to your system.
• The most important updates for your computer will come from Microsoft and your chosen Antivirus program.  Beware of imposters.  There is a fake internet protection program that will look completely legitimate as if it is coming from Microsoft or another valid Antivirus program.  There are more than a dozen different names for this thing and most of them start with the letter “A”.  If it pops up on your computer do not interact with it.
• Read every pop up message carefully.  Don’t become complacent and blindly click OK with anything.
• When installing a new software program always read through the setup screens.  Programs will often bundle other unwanted software and install it by default.  Reading through setup screens will help keep those unwanted programs out of your system.

When all else fails, consult a qualified computer repair technician sooner rather than later.  One that will take the time to help you avoid future problems is ideal.