July 11, 2014
The meeting was called to order at pm by President Chuck Horner. See Lola Hunter at the ticket table, for raffle tickets, door prize tickets, and 3" x 5" cards to write questions for discussion/answers at the end of the Meeting. Get at least one $5 raffle ticket for this month's raffle prize, 32 GB USB 3.0 flash drive.
Presentation: Via Skype, Bob Gostischa, the Avast Evangelist, noted that schools and libraries can obtain a free license. Nevertheless, it is critical to back up regularly and often. Only have one anti-virus program on your computer: they will compete.
Bob noted several very useful programs every computer should have:
PC Decrapifier cleans up the garbage installed by the manufacturer before you got it.
Unchecky helps prevent installing unwanted add-ons via checkboxes.
Ninite makes adding new programs to your computer safer. It makes sure that add-ons are unchecked, checks for the correct version,
Malwarebytes does an excellent job of getting rid of junk and works well with any antivirus program.
MCShield protects from infections from USB drives—before the antivirus program has a chance to look at the drive.
WinPatrol alerts you of proposed unexpected changes to your computer.
CCleaner cleans up leftovers from visiting the Web and using your programs. Just use the default settings. Don't mess with it.
Unlocker helps you bypass programs that lock up the computer without having to restart.
Recuva has a simple wizard that helps you locate the deleted files on your system. It is made by the same people who make CCleaner.
Classic Shell gives you back the classic Start Menu if you're stuck in Windows 8. Windows 8 is safer and faster than other operating systems.
VLC Media Player lets you play CDs in Windows 8.
Paint.net is an excellent graphic program that can do much the same thing that Photoshop does. Being so powerful, it is complicated.
Nitro PDF Reader is safer than Adobe. It is free and allows you to create and edit a PDF file.
CutePDF converts most kinds of items to a PDF file.
LastPass is a password manager that lets you create and manage and safely store your passwords. It can create strong passwords, remember them, and fill them in.
Cloud Storage is storing your file on someone else's server—there are many services. Your data is probably safer there than on your computer. Be sure you choose a service that will be there when you want your files back. Google and Microsoft
Kingsoft Office, OpenOffice, Google Docs, LibreOffice are free alternatives to Microsoft Office.
7Zip is a compression tool to work work with zip, rar, iso, and most other compressed files.
Driver Booster Free is an excellent utility to keep your drivers updated.
EaseUS Todo Backup Free is an excellent program to create reliable backups including an image. C:\Windows\System32\sdclt.exe is a shortcut to the Windows backup system.
Some more programs and utilities to make your computer life better:
ShouldIRemoveIt checks the reputation of programs to see if you might want to look for something better? herdProtecct is a cloud-based antivirus that should be used for a second opinion. Windows 8 App Remover will let you get rid of the apps you don't use; it addresses apps, not programs. Klondike Forever is 150 ways to play solitaire.
Search for Heartbleed in Chrome for a chart of compromised programs for which you need to change your password.
Avast still supports Windows XP. The recommendation is do not use Internet Explorer or anything based on it.
Some more tips:
If you get a notice to update, do it. The notice probably means a security breach. Don't be click happy. Use a strong password . Gamers: keep security software on; use the Silent Gaming mode. Avoid P2P and pirated software. Social engineering attacks are rampant: not everyone is not your friend. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi.
There is a scam going around that involves a phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft and offering to take over and fix your computer.
If you own an Android smart phone or tablet, install avast! Free Mobile Security. A phone is a small computer and it is just as susceptible to malware as a computer is. Avast! Mobile Security also has an anti-theft feature.
Avast! offers free protection for Macs as well.
Follow up information, including a 40% discount for paid versions of Avast! Programs, is available at: http://goo.gl/daVH38. Be sure to check all the pages.
Bob's website is at http://bob3160.googlepages.com
After the break, Chuck reminded attendees to take business cards promoting PC Community.
Door Prize Winners:
Sutter Home Health radio arm band: Michael Wong
Stack of 25 Memorex CDs: Lola Hunter
Fellowes computer tool kit: Sally Holt
Universal Inkjet refill kit: Yorkman Lowe
USB printer cable: Bayle Emlein
Raffle Prize:
32 GB USB 3.0 Drive: Bayle Emlein
Question: if you put a link from an email into your browser, is it safer? No. For starters: hover your cursor over the proposed link and check that the address in the lower left matches.
Another current scam: Do not use the links that appear as a pop-up asking to update a program. Go directly to the site (Adobe, etc.) and initiate the update download.
Thank you to George Kornbluth for taking care of refreshments and to Michael Wong for managing the signs and room logistics.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bayle Emlein, Secretary
