Baroni's Computer Services, Inc.

•   Locate and exterminate running viruses.
•   Identify and eliminate spyware applications.

•   Install new software on your computer.

•   Assist with hardware installation.

•   Solve pesky computer glitches.

•   Unlock hidden features on your computer.

•   Teach you the best way to maintain your computer.

•   Increase the security of your Internet connection.

•   And much more!

 

Cleaning Your PC

This section provides links to tools to scan for Trojan horses, viruses, worms and malware. You can use any or all of the tools as long as you scan with at least one antivirus and anti-spyware. The quick scan tools, while convenient for removing infections, will not protect you from infections and should not be substituted for maintaining antivirus software on your personal computer.

Quick scans - Choose one of these quick scans to determine if your computer is infected.

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
McAfee Stinger
Trend Macro Housecall
Symantec Online Scan
F-Secure Online Scan
BitDefender Online Scan

 

Step 1 - Choose one antivirus scan tool from the list

Kaspersky - 30-day free trial
AVG 30-day free trial or AVG Free Edition
CA Internet Security - free to Road Runner subscribers
Malwarebytes - free/pay
iAntivirus (Macintosh only) - free
Avast! - free/pay
Microsoft Security Essentials - free to Microsoft Windows users

Step 2 - Choose one anti-malware, spyware or adware program

Spybot Search and Destroy - free
Bazooka - free
AVG Anti-Spyware - trial
Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE - free/pay

 

Securing Your Computer

Once you have cleaned your computer, secure it to decrease the possibility of future infections.

Step 3 - Updates to Windows

If you use Windows Internet Explorer, download all critical security updates and service packs from Windows Updates. Critical updates fix or reduce security vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.

Step 4 - Choose one firewall software from the list

CA Internet Security - free to Road Runner subscribers
Zone Alarm - free trial of the pro version.
Sunbelt Personal Firewall - free trial
Comodo Internet Security - free/pay

 

Step 5 - Choose one software update tool

Outdated programs on your computer leave your system vulnerable to attack. Software update tools will scan your computer to see which installed programs have available updates. It is good practice to protect your system by keeping all of your computer programs up-to-date.

FileHippo.com Update Checker - free
Cleansofts.org Update Notifier - free
Secunia Online Software Inspector - free, web-based, no installation required

Securing Your Network

 

Step 6 - Wireless security

If your computer does not connect to the Internet with a wireless router, skip this step.

Wireless security is a way of protecting your wireless network connection from unauthorized users. Wireless devices will scan for available networks to connect to within range. This range varies because of equipment up to 500 feet. That means neighbors (especially in an apartment or dorm situation) within range can connect to your internet service if you do not protect your network.

You are responsible for any activity on your Road Runner account even if you are not the source of the activity. It is the responsibility of the account holder. As an example, if a neighbor connects to your unsecured wireless network and downloads or distributes copyrighted materials (movies or music), you are responsible for his activity.

If they get caught, the activity can be traced back to you as the owner of the account. You could be held responsible. Unauthorized users connecting through your unsecured network can infect computers with viruses or Trojans. You could be held responsible for that activity.

There are five ways to protect your wireless network.

1. Enable Wireless Encryption Protocol. It is a password in hexadecimal format (numbers and letters) and from 64-bits to 128-bits in length. WEP passwords of 128 bits are stronger than 64-bit passwords.

2. Some routers offer WPA encryption. It uses a long phrase instead of a password. A long phrase can be easier to remember.

3. MAC filtering bans all computers from connecting to your network except for the computers you add to the allow list. MAC filtering is more advanced and requires that you record the MAC address of each device connected to the network or added to the list.

4. Give your network a unique name. The router default is usually the name of the manufacturer (Examples: Linksys or Netgear). Change the names to something more specific or unusual. Unique names make it easier for you to identify your own network and distinguish from a neighbor's network -- especially if your neighbor has the same router manufacturer as you!

5. To hide your network altogether, do not broadcast the SSID network (usually by deselecting that option in the configuration screen).

For specific instructions or general help about setting up security on your network's router, contact the manufacturer.

 

Contact us now to get started:  (727) 393-9400

* A high speed internet connection is required to properly connect to to your computer.

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