Windows 10: Know just enough to get myself in trouble

I am considering using Kaspersky for virus protection on my computer. I would also like to clean up any unnecessary software/start up programs, but don't want to download something that will only make it worse. I came across a program called The PC Decrapifier - sounds sketchy, yet their website looks pretty legit.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. *Smile

:)

 

Migrating W10 from a defective HDD to a "new" HDD

Thanks guys, I think you've given me enough information to get myself in trouble or I should say, myself out of trouble.

Thanks guys,

Bob

 

Signing into Windows using a pin

Please understand I am not the sharpest tack when it comes to computers. I know just enough to get myself into trouble. Anyway, I am ashamed to say I am unable to navigate to C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoft. I seem to be able
to get as far as C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService but can't find AppData to proceed. Not for sure if I am even doing the correct thing.

 

Kaspersky is very good - use Defender until Kaspersky is on sale (sometimes free for one year)

I just installed Bitdefender Antivirus Free today, it is also highly regarded and it's free. Nice, small unobtrusive, no config - so far I like it.
Answer No thanks in the pop-up trying to sell you the paid version - the download starts.

Piriform cCleaner is well regarded and has some other useful features (managing Universal Apps)

Select the FREE version (in the 1st column as of this post)

Pay attention during or after the install.
The installer might display a window offering you other software (Chrome, or a Toolbar)
Remove the ticks from the check boxes before hitting the next button.

 

Just get Vipre Internet Security. I use it (alongside Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro) and it's really good. A couple local computer repair shops recommend it. Even though it's expensive, it's definitely worth it in my opinion. I've never heard of this "PC Decrapifier" but run the site and download file through the VirusTotal scanners. Here is a link to their website:

VirusTotal - Free Online Virus, Malware and URL Scanner

 

I have used CCleaner before - any difference between that and Piriform cCleaner?

How I have never been aware of VirusTotal, I have no idea! Thanks!!

 

Pririform cCleaner & CCleaner are the same thing.

VirusTotal is a great site for testing a suspicious file for malware
Jotti.org
and
VirSCAN.org
are two other sites malware hunters trust. VirusTotal is the one I use most often.

All of the above are really specialized sites and services used more to investigate and help you make a determination on a file, they are not real-time protection against malware.

I also used herdProtect - Anti-Malware Multiscanning Platform when it first came on the scene as an on-demand scanner.

 

Personally I only use WD plus a free version of Malwarebytes. IMHO, all anti virus softwares are just junks. Never use them, never will.
My only protection is to make at least 2 backup images of Windows using: Macrium Reflect Free in case I got any virus or my PC behaves strangely then it only takes at most 3~5 minutes to get back online since I use SSD's for my Windows and backup drives. Most people might not agree with me and that's fine.

Here's my reasons for not using them:

• Always watch where I surf. If I got a popup that seems suspicious. Open the task manager and kill the browser, don't even answer Yes or No to the question. These answers are sometimes deceiving, Answer Yes is Yes, answer No is still Yes.
• Never open any strange emails. Just delete them.
• Viruses are being created everyday, hour, minute, second... so the Anti Virus software is only good if they have it in their definition database which requires constant updates. So where do these companies get the definition from ? The answer is the first person who got it then reported it. If you did not get the update in time, your system is still vulnerable for virus attack. That's why there's different opinions on different Anti Virus softwares.
• Anti Virus software would sometimes slow your PC down to its knee.
• Often causes BSOD.
• If one of the system files got infected by virus and the anti virus software will clean it causing missing system file(s) in Windows, in turn causing it to be broken.
• Never install freeware without reading every single screen for other offers. However, I found out that 80% of freeware can also be made into a portable version (no installation needed), Just use 7-zip (for .exe installer) or MsiTools.zip (for MSI installer) to extract into a folder then run. For example: VLC, CCleaner, Speccy, 7-zip, WinRar etc... can be made into portable.
• Turn off Autorun. Even though it's convenient to have this option, However, Hackers use this as a way to sneak into your PC .