You know what it's like when your hard drive fails, your system crashes or you do a format….you have to reinstall all the drivers from countless CD's.  With this program, all your drivers are stored in one neat little package, either in a folder or zip file.

DriverMax helps you backup all the drivers installed on your Windows computer. When needed you will be able to reinstall all your drivers or just the ones you choose in a single step that takes less than a minute; a very handy tool especially after reinstalling Windows or when the hardware driver CDs which came with your computer are no longer available.

DriverMax also helps you check if you have the latest versions of drivers and displays detailed information about all drivers. No more searching for rare drivers on disks or having to track them down on the Internet or inserting one installation CD after the other.

Simply export all your current drivers (or just the ones that you want) to a folder or a compressed file. After reinstalling Windows you will have everything in one place.

Version 3 is a completely new release which features Windows Vista rating tools, hardware identification tools and the background of a powerful hardware information database.

Behind a smooth interface, this program backs up all your PC's drivers in case you mess up somethin. From registration to implementation, DriverMax works fast, runs smooth, and does more than simply backing up.

When you run the application, it asks you if you'd like to run the trial version or apply for a registration key. The key is free, requiring only an e-mail address and your name.

Once you've entered the key, the program interface appears, with simple button navigation: Driver Operations, Updates and Identification, and Popular Hardware. Mousing over one reveals more options, so you can export your drivers, import drivers, or view an installed drivers report.

Updates lets you update both the DriverMax software and the drivers themselves, although as of this writing there is a warning label on the DriverMax Web site that downloads are not currently functioning. The program can also identify unknown hardware and point you in the direction of popular hardware options, pointing users to a compilation of statistics about different video cards and processors.

The strongest features relate to driver backup and reinstalls. They function smoothly, offering users the option to back up all drivers or compile a customized list. Reinstalling an "accidentally" deleted driver was as pain-free as could be. This is a great utility tool that should appeal to newbies as well as seasoned pc users.

The user interface is entirely wizard based; any chosen task is conveniently broken down into 2 or 3 simple screens.

You can export all drivers, drivers that belong to a certain category, or any specific selected drivers. Export to a folder or to compressed zipped folder. Then burn it to cd / dvd or store on an external device.

Some 30% of computers with a security solution installed scanned last week  were infected with some kind of malware.  In the case of computers without any kind of protection, the figure goes up to 44%. Source:http://www.infectedornot.com

Malware creators are trying to put a large number of threats in circulation and install them silently to prevent security companies from detecting them and generating the necessary vaccines. 

Therefore, traditional security solutions must be complemented with other types of online solutions like BitDefender, which uses the ICSA Labs certified scanning engines, so you can feel secure about their virus protection.

As for the malicious code that has appeared in the past week, highlighted are the Bindo.A and Nuwar.HU worms.

Bindo.A aka autoply.exe is a worm designed to spread and infect as many computers as possible by copying itself under names like autoply.exe or MSshare.exe to the shared folders of any P2P programs that the targeted user might have installed.

It also creates a file called AUTORUN.INF in all drives it copies itself to, in order to be run every time that the drive is accessed It is very easy to detect the presence of this worm on the system, as it increases the number of shared files in the P2P shared folders on the computer.

Bindo.A also changes certain shortcuts in the desktop so that they have two execution paths: the original one and one that runs when the original program is launched.

BitDefender is a FREE online virus scanner, which takes a while to run and it is advisable to run this when you have no other programs using resources.  When opened, you will have to click the 'I Agree' user license after which you will be taken to the Options page.

The default setting is to scan all of your computer, which is the safest option.  Under the 'Settings' the default option is for BitDefender to try and clean the infected files.  There is a warning that if disinfection fails, the files will be deleted.  You can change this option where it says 'click here' and a pop-up window opens (ensure you do not have pop-up blockers turned on).

Under the heading 'Action options' select 'Prompt user for action' and under 'Second action' again select 'Prompt user for action' then click OK, then click where it says 'Click here to scan'.  BitDefender will then load the anti-virus engine and virus signatures.

If it fails to update, select 'Yes' to continue and scanning will start.

When scanning, if an infection is found you will be prompted for an action and you will see the location of the infected file.  You can select ignore, disinfect or delete.  If disinfection fails however, the file will be deleted so use this with caution and ensure that it is not an important file.

Nuwar.HU is a new variant of the infamous "Storm Worm" which takes advantage of Halloween to spread. It ends processes of certain security tools that might be installed on the computer.

Nuwar.HU drops a rootkit called noskrnl.sys on the system and sets it as a service so that it is run automatically when the computer is started. Nuwar.HU spreads in email messages with subjects like "Have a Happy Halloween everyone" or "Party on this Halloween" among many others.

These messages include links to certain web pages that show a 'dancing skeleton' animation. If the user downloads and runs the animation offered on the website, the worms infects the computer and turns it into a zombie system at the service of a malicious user.

Rootkit detection

Methods to detect rootkits fall into two categories: Signature-based and heuristic/behavior-based detection.

There is an article about rootkits here and advice on searching your hard drive for the presence of rootkits and tools to remove them which you can get more information by clicking here.

Give your computer a full free tune-up at PC Pitstop.

Its basic aim is to fine-tune the performance of your PC, and this is done automatically for you over the internet. PC Pitstop runs a series of diagnostic checks on your PC to identify things that might help improve performance.

The process is fully automated, private and safe. After the diagnostics have done their job, you get a list of suggested improvement tips for your computer. As well as checking out your machine, PC Pitstop can also test your internet connection and can even check your computer to make sure you haven't picked up any nasty viruses.

When you open the page, just click on New Members and you have the option of creating an account or running the tests anonymously. 

If you wish to run this anonymously just click the New Members key.

After reading the page click on Let's Go and you will get a pop up on which you must click Yes to run the utility.

After the tests have run you will get a summary which will show  a serious problem, a minor problem or a winner! 

Simply click on the flag and you are taken to a suggestion page where the Tip is in blue with a yellow dot preceding it.

Click on the blue text and you will be taken to a page with information regarding your settings and recommendations to follow.

So if you are tired of seeing your PC slow down like it's an old beat up car, run the diagnostics and turn your PC into a high flying machine again.Take the PC Tune-Up, not only will it make your computer worker better and faster, but it's also FREE!

No personal information is recorded and this is a very safe utility to use.

Click here to test your PC.

Make your PC safer with this utility from Secunia, a company that tracks known vulnerabilities in software and operating systems.

AVG Anti-Spyware (previously ewido anti-spyware) can be used as a supplement for existing protection systems under Windows 2000 and XP to help protect you against the latest threats. That's why AVG Anti-Spyware also works with all current anti-virus programs and firewalls. It protects you against spyware, adware and identity-theft.

Click Images to enlarge

AVG Anti-Spyware offers a high protection level, with many useful features. After 30 days, some of the features get disabled, ie: Resident Shield, but you're still able to search for and remove malware, and update definitions manually.

Using AVG Anti-Spyware you can perform a complete system scan, a fast system scan, but also registry scans, memory scans and custom scans, and a shredder that offers Fast, Secure, and Paranoid levels of deletion.

The diagnostic tools are spread through different tabs, from running processes to start-up entries to connections. Analysis offers in-depth essential information not only on system processes but Internet connections, programs running from startup, browser plug-ins and LSPs.

System requirements: Windows 2000/XP/2003

Download File Size: 11.84MB

Download your copy here

There is also a pdf user manual available here

Try this very simple and easy to use state-of-the-art encryption utility. Even for novice users this is the easiest and most reliable way to secure your data with strong encryption.

This product is multi-lingual, available in: English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish languages. Just choose from the language list inside the program, and it will appear in the language preferred by you.

You can encrypt both standalone files and complete folders. The high level security is ensured by using the 128-bit key BlowFish algorithm.

You can build self-extracting encrypted and compressed archives and send them to others. The only thing a recipient needs to extract the encrypted files is the correct password. 

You can add several files or folders to an encrypted EasyCrypto ZIP file. When you send this type of archive to someone, the recipient just needs to install EasyCrypto to extract the folders.

After you encrypt files, EasyCrypto automatically and securely wipes the originals.

You can encrypt and decrypt your files or folders from Windows Explorer integration. Simply select the files/folders you want to process, right click with your mouse and from the pop-up menu select encrypt or decrypt.

To avoid situations where you try to encrypt a file/folder already encrypted, or decrypt a file/folder which has not been encrypted, the program first checks the file/folder to check the status before processing.

Should your PC shut down or suffer power loss, your data remains intact. EasyCrypto copies the files before processing.

You can assign names for the passwords you use. For encrypting you just have to enter the assigned name rather than the password and confirmation each time. For decrypting, you will still need to enter the password.

Customize the program appearance to suit yourself, with a choice of 11 backgrounds.

Context sensitive tips are shown in the top section of the window. This will help you to use EasyCrypto in the simplest way.

In the Help menu you can get further support via the internet.

Click here to download

This program is Free for Personal use.

Macs are much more secure than Windows systems. In addition to having most unnecessary services disabled by default, Macs face very little threat from viruses, spyware, adware, and other malware, but this does not mean that Macs are immune from security threats though.

Apple computers need good security practice to remain secure just as Windows systems do. By configuring user accounts, assigning proper permissions, complex passwords, regularly updating Mac OS X and installed applications, ensuring the Mac's built-in firewall is properly configured, and by following other steps reviewed here, users can help ensure they have taken steps to protect their systems from unwanted breaches.

Antivirus and antispyware options

Spyware on the Mac platform, however, is basically not an issue. Unlike the Windows OS, which is sometimes crippled by the never-ending onslaught, Macs are relatively immune from the threat. However, there are very few utilities exist to protect Macs from unwanted software and malware. Such offerings include SmithMicro Software's Internet Cleanup and SecureMac.com Inc.'s MacScan.

Security efforts on the Mac, therefore, quickly turn to focusing on user account security. Once user accounts have been implemented and separate, complex passwords assigned to both user and local administrator accounts, users can take several steps to help ensure Mac OS X systems remain secure.

Software update

Keeping systems current with the latest security updates and patches is a necessity. The Mac's Software Update feature is the equivalent of Windows Update. By configuring Software Update to automatically download and apply security updates, users can keep systems current and help protect Mac OS X from unwanted breaches.

To configure Software Update, users should follow these steps on Mac OS X version 10.4 systems:Open System Preferences. Double-click Software Update within the System section. Press the Update Software tab. Select the Check For Updates box.

Specify how often the Mac system should check for updates (options include Daily, Weekly, and Monthly). Weekly updates should be sufficient for most users.

If you want to review downloads before they install you should check the Download Important Updates In The Background box. When the box is checked, the Mac will notify you that important software updates have been downloaded and are awaiting installation.

If you want to review which software updates have been loaded you can check the Software Update's Installed Updates tab. A window will appear listing installed updates, for which version number information also appears.

You can check for new updates at any time by pressing the Software Update's Check Now button.

Application updates

In addition to ensuring Mac OS X remains up-to-date with the latest security patches and fixes, you should ensure that all installed applications remain current. For example, a number of Mac programs connect the Internet and other resources. Those programs must remain secure with the latest security patches. By regularly updating Web browsers, office applications, utilities, antivirus programs, and other software, users can help prevent common causes of system breaches.

IP Firewall

It is essential to familiarize yourself with the Mac OS X IP Firewall, known as IPFW. The built-in firewall offers a powerful tool for protecting against unwanted network access.

To enable Mac's IP Firewall and reduce network threats, follow these steps:
Open System Preferences.
Double-click the Sharing option within the Internet & Network section.
Select the Firewall tab.
Press the padlock icon and enter an account username administrator password and press OK.
Ensure the firewall is enabled (press the Start button if the firewall is stopped).
Disable as many of the incoming network services as is practical within your operating environment.

To disable services (for which default options include Personal File Sharing, Windows Sharing, Personal Web Sharing, Remote Login — SSH, FTP Access, Apple Remote Desktop, Remote Apple Events, Printer Sharing, iChat Bonjour, iTunes Music Sharing, iPhoto Bonjour Sharing, Network Time and CVS), simply uncheck the respective checkbox. You can add new services using the supplied New button.

When enabling new incoming services, you must specify a port name - options include ICQ, IRC, Timbuktu, VNC, and Other - TCP port number, UDP port number, and a description.

Under Advanced Options you can choose to block all UDP traffic, enable firewall logging and trigger Stealth Mode. In Stealth Mode, uninvited traffic receives no response from the Mac system, which increases  security by preventing the Mac from automatically responding to even simple attempts to learn whether it is online.

FileVault

To ensure Mac data remains secure you can take advantage of Apple's FileVault feature, which is particularly important on laptops used by mobile users. FileVault automatically encrypts all the data within each user's Home folder. Without knowing a user's password, the 128-bit encryption makes it much more difficult for another user or hacker to access another Mac user's files.
To enable FileVault, follow these steps:
Open System Preferences.
Double-click the Security icon within the Personal section.
Select Turn On FileVault (you'll be prompted to set a Master Password for the system if one hasn't already been assigned).

The Mac will present a warning message stating that files will be encrypted. Users must enter the administrator password to proceed. Once the password has been entered the Mac begins to encrypt the user's Home Folder. This process can take some time depending upon the number and size of files stored within the Home Folder.

When complete, the Mac will present the login Window. You can then log back in to the Mac system and will find the Home Folder contents are now encrypted, as shown by a FileVault icon on the user's login window.

Secure virtual memory

Virtual memory is the data the Mac stores on the hard drive when operations exceed available RAM.

By enabling Secure Virtual Memory you can prevent hackers from accessing information including passwords etc. from a user's live swap file. While it sounds unlikely, the increase of unencrypted Wi-Fi hotspots has increased the chances of such a breach.

To enable Secure Virtual Memory, follow these steps:
Open System Preferences.
Double-click the Security icon from within the Personal section.
Press on the padlock to enable changes.
Supply a username and administrator password.
Check the box for Use Secure Virtual Memory.

Other recommendations

Mac users can also take further steps to help secure their system. In addition to disabling automatic login (the checkbox is accessed using the Security applet within System Preferences), you should disable fast user switching (accessed from the Accounts applet in System Preferences). When using new Macs, care should be taken to leave the UNIX-powered machine's root account off.

To disable the root user account (if enabled), follow these steps:
Open the Mac's Finder application.
Navigate to the Applications folder.
Open the Utilities folder.
Open NetInfo Manager.
Select Security from the top menu bar and select Authenticate.
Enter a username and administrator password and press OK.
Highlight Security from the menu bar. 
Select Disable Root User.

FreeFixer is a general purpose removal tool which will help you to delete potentially unwanted software, such as adware, spyware, trojans, viruses, and rootkits.

FreeFixer works by scanning a large number of locations where unwanted software has a known record of appearing or leaving traces.

The scan locations include the programs that run on your computer, the programs that start when you reboot your computer, your browser's plug-ins, and your home page setting.

FreeFixer does not know which the bad files and settings are, so the scan result will contain items you want to keep and perhaps some that you want to remove. 

To assist you when determining if anything should be removed you can find more information at FreeFixer's Web site for each item in the scan result.

You can also save log file of your scan result and consult the  FreeFixer helper forums.

There is also an in-depth user manual online here

FreeFixer is freeware and Windows 2000/XP/2003 compatible.

Click here to download

So you delete a file and it goes into your Recycle Bin, then you empty the Recycle Bin and it's gone.  You think so anyway.  It isn't.  Windows simply removes the reference to the files, and with Recovery Software it is very easy to recover deleted items.  

Use these programs with extreme caution, ensuring your PC is backed up first.

With these products you can safely shred confidential information.  If you are replacing your PC or Hard Drive, would you leave any personal identification on it?  Many people do, thinking that a reformat will wipe any sensitive data, yet most Recovery Software programs can easily recover these files.  If it has been securely shredded it is almost impossible to recover depending upon the algorithm of the shredder. 

File Shredder is a free program for Personal and Commercial use.It is a fast, safe and reliable utility. 

You have the option to shred files or complete folders, along with 5 different algorithms:

Simple One Pass

Simple Two Pass

DoD 5520-22.M

Secure Erasing Algorithm with 7 Passes

Guttman Algorithm 35 Passes.  

It has a Windows Shell Integration which means that you can right click any file or folder and select File Shredder which then gives you the option to Secure Delete, Remember to be deleted later or to Call Up the File Shredder which will open the program. 

You will be asked for confirmation before shredding any items, they do NOT get shredded by adding them to File Shredder and you have the option to remove items before shredding is started. 

You can also Shred Free Disk Space on your hard drive, which will shred unused or free space across the whole volume which includes previously deleted items.  This option may take some time depending on which algorithm you choose and the speed of your PC. 

The author of this program has issued it in the belief that everyone has the right to permanently remove private and confidential documents as a basic right to privacy.  

File Shredder is compatible with Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003 Server and Vista. 

The download file is 1.2 mb and is available here.  

There is another File Shredder from HandyBits, which is free for personal use only and again is compatible with Windows OS. 

This shredder features simple drag&drop files or folders to the Desktop Icon, over writing data up to 15 times, Windows Shell Integration, Multi Language Support, Custom Backgrounds, a Drop Target Window which stays on top of other windows, Useful Tips and Online Help. 

The download file is 1.55 MB and is available here

A word of caution.

Backup your system before making any changes.

Any files that are accidentally deleted to the Recycle Bin and subsequently deleted upon emptying the Recycle Bin can be recovered using a recovery program such as Recuva.

Once shredded using file shredders, they may well be beyond normal recovery methods.

Skype, the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is considerably less secure than traditional telephone lines.  Many people have switched to using Skype because of the savings they can make, and many have abandoned their traditional telephone lines altogether.

Skype was founded in 2002 and was bought by ebay in 2005 for US$2.5 billion.  It has seen a steady rise in the number of subscribers to its service. 

However, it still has many pitfalls, including the latest Worm called 'W32/Ramex.A'.

It spreads through the peer-to-peer instant chat utility and is activated when a user clicks on a link within an instant message asking recipients to download a file.

It is very cleverly disguised within a jpeg image of soap bubbles, one of Windows default built-in wallpapers which has been embedded with a malicious executable code.

This code installs Spyware that can easily steal passwords and other personal information. It may also block users from visiting certain websites and stop programs from running or responding. It also connects to a remote server to download additional malicious code.

It is often titled 'really funny' or 'look at this crazy photo sent to me' with a clickable link.  Once clicked, users who continue to download the file then have the risk of their machine becoming infected, and it then uses Skype's application program to access files on the infected machine. The worm then attempts to replicate itself and then send out messages to recipients on the users contact list.   

Ensure your anti-virus is up-to-date, windows updates are downloaded and installed, especially The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, which was last updated September 11^th 2007.  To remove the worm and its variants go to the link below and Download the file, save it to your Desktop (or location where you store downloaded files) and once the download is complete, select Run and the program will install.

You then have the option of a Quick Scan, Full Scan or Customized Scan.   

Select Quick Scan and if any Malicious Software is found you will be prompted to run a Full Scan which may take several hours depending on your machines hard drive capacity but it's worth it for the safety and security of your PC.

Download Here