Here is an overview of the articles in three categories:
Privacy / Security:
- A Personal Encounter with Ashley Madison (Oct 03)
- Antivirus Solutions (Aug 01)
- Signs of a PC Attack (Dec 05)
TuneUp / Clean Up:
- Restore Browser Speed (June 13)
- Don’t Get Bogged Down by Your Internet (May 16)
Support:
- Groovy Windows Shortcuts (Oct 24)
- The Art of PC Support… and You (Dec 12)
Here are the articles we have chosen from 2015.
A Personal Encounter with Ashley Madison (Oct 03)
About: We examined both the overall effect of the greatest modern day hack as well as how it came to our attention via someone seeking our support and professional guidance. This event involved hackers stealing close to 40 million users’ records from Ashley Madison. The online “hook up” site that is marketed to married people and committed couples, made claims shortly after the incident that its members remained anonymous. However, in early August of this year it was clear that this was not the case as hackers released details of millions of email addresses, billing information, and account details tied to the site.
Recommendations: We rolled out some “be aware” recommendations that include: be aware of the data on your PC, be aware of what data becomes stored on your PC, and be aware of what data is sent from your PC. Read the entire article here.
Antivirus Solutions (Aug 01)
About: Drum roll please… We were more than a little excited to unveil our latest product – CompuClever Antivirus PLUS. And, what better way to do it than to include feedback from our user base on what they want in an AV product. The most critical aspects of AV products include the potential of slowing down a PC, becoming a nuisance with popup messages, and virtually “taking over” operations of your PC.
Action: Take a look at what CompuClever Antivirus PLUS offers: best protection from virus attacks with lowest impact on PC speed. Safety provided by proactive technology; safe online banking functionality; safe social networking; safe search and web browsing! Here’s the AV solution that is vigilant, silent and hassle free. Read the entire article here.
Signs of a PC Attack (Dec 05)
About: PC attacks and hacks can be targeted at systems that are well guarded and protected. Two examples: well used online sites such as Ashley Madison and the CIA director John Brennan’s email account. Two of the biggest hacks this year! We examined these and then brought the message home: we provided 11 signs that your PC is compromised or is the process of being attacked.
Action: Be familiar with what many users experience and DON’T let it happen to you. And don’t forget to get real protection for your PC in the form of AV protection. CompuClever Antivirus PLUS has proactive technology that can monitor suspicious activity and can take the necessary action – including blocking your browser from surfing to malicious websites. Read the entire article here…
Restore Browser Speed (June 13)
About: This article was about web browser add-ons – those items that mysteriously appear on your browser toolbar with redirection links. We asked the question… are you feeling intimidated by overbearing bully software that either slows you down to a stop, or adds functionality you do not need, or redirects you to online destinations you don’t want to travel?
Action: We covered how these items get added to your PC and how to avoid them in the first place. We also instruct you how to return your browser to its previous condition using PC Clean Maestro. Read the entire article here.
Don’t Get Bogged Down by Your Internet (May 16)
About: Where to start here? This was the second article that we covered on Internet traffic slowdowns. In the first article we revealed items that exist that are out of your control. In this article we examine software running in the background which can also bring about web browser overload. We looked at “bog down” – computer and network resources that can affect PC responsiveness. We looked at installation of unwanted items on your PC. One ubiquitous example is software packages such as McAfee Security Scan being bundled with Adobe Reader where you have to de-select it (opt out) from installing.
Action: There were three action items that we covered here:
- Use PC Clean Maestro to examine and uninstall unwanted items using the Uninstaller tool.
- Use the Startup Manager available with PC TuneUp Maestro to enable and disable items that open automatically each time you start your PC.
- Use safe practices that include examining email attachments and files that can negatively impact your PC.
Groovy Windows Shortcuts (Oct 24)
About: This article was well received by our readership. We dealt with the special case of the Windows
Logo key – that Windows flag key on your keyboard. This and other shortcuts can save a lot of time and energy. Who doesn’t want to know how to navigate easily from one window to another, how to easily get to your desktop when you have multiple windows open, and how to find certain Windows tools that are typically hard to find?
Action: Create a shortcut link to this article. You then have access to shortcuts and PC tricks including:
- How to shake the active window so that all other windows are minimized to the taskbar.
- How to easily toggle from one window to another using the Alt + Tab key combo.
- How to easily magnify your screen.
The Art of PC Support… and You (Dec 12)
About: Drum roll, one more time… We are pleased to introduce Tech Corner articles from our technical support team! This was the first one and in it we examined PC error messages and what to do when you come across them.
Action: We provide instruction on writing down the required information, contacting technical support, and resolving the issue with the assistance of a qualified technician. We also provide instruction on how to take a screenshot. Read the entire article here.
Here’s to 2016…
We thank you for taking interest in our articles this past year. May you continue the rediscovery of using your PC without stress or frustration in 2016. Welcome to the New Year!
We will continue to provide story lines like this that benefit all of us and we will describe them in a manner that is within reach of everyday computer users. If you have some ideas of topics you would like us to cover, email us at: newsletter@compuclever.com