How to do a Tune-up/Clean-up with Virus Scans for your PC!

General PC Tune-up/Virus Scan Procedures:

Uninstall/Install Software:

1. Uninstall Obvious Bloatware:
   • “Free Trial” software
   • Obvious junk programs & toolbars (One Search, Driver Support, One Bar, etc)
     1. Use the PNW Computers “Browser Hi-jack” blog article as a reference to find and remove software malicious Adware Programs.
     2. Computers that are heavily infected should be checked with ‘TDSKiller’ to rule out the presence of a Rootkit BEFORE any cleaning procedures begin. Unless cleaning is needed to run the utility.
2. Install/Update Essential Programs:
   1. Security Clean-up Software List (Ninite.com can be used for installing most apps):
      1. Chrome, Firefox, Edge - Update
      2. Java, .Net & Silverlight Runtimes - Update/Install
      3. Malwarebytes Antimalware
      4. Malwarebytes ADWCleaner
      5. BleachBit

Security Scanning & Virus/Malware Removal:

1. Virus and Malware Scanning:
   Run FULL (not a quick/fast) Virus Scan with Local AV as well as Malwarebytes and ADWCleaner

2. Web Browser Clean-up:
• Check all Installed Web Browsers’ Extensions/Add-ons for anything unwanted/needed.
• Check the general browser settings (Start Page, Default Search Engine, Etc.) for any tampering or modifications and reset to defaults if needed.
• ADWCleaner is an excellent tool for finding and removing browser hijack apps.

Performance Tune-Up:

1. Junk File Clean-up - Bleach Bit

   • Download and Install Bleach Bit: https://www.bleachbit.org/download
   • You may need to install C++ 2010 Runtimes if you receive an error during installation https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/msvcr100-dll/826a842c-7a2f-4ebc-bb21-4cee86b234b0
   • On its opening turn on the following cleaning options:
     • Temporary Files
     • Web Browser(s) Cache
     • System Prefetch, Recycle bin & Temporary files
     • Windows Defender Quarantine & Log files

2. Paging File Optimization

   1. Set the PC's paging file to either 1.5 the amount of RAM or set to 4096MB.
      1. Settings > System > About > Advanced System Settings
         1. Select the “Advanced” tab at the top
         2. In the “Performance” section click on “Settings”
         3. Click on the “Advanced” tab
         4. Under “Virtual Memory” click on “Change”
         5. Set the paging file accordingly

3. Optimize System Performance Options

   1. Right-click ‘My Computer’ > Properties > Advanced System Settings> Click ‘Advanced’ tab > Click ‘Settings’ under the “Performance” area.
   2. Un-check all of the PC's visual effects performance options except for:
      1. "Use visual styles on windows and buttons"
      2. “Smooth Scroll List Boxes”
      3. “Smooth Edges on Screen Fonts”
      4. “Show Translucent Selection Rectangle”
      5. "Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop"
      6. Start-up Program Entries can also be managed using the Task Manager.
      7. Disable all unnecessary start-up items
         1. Typically leave start-up programs related to:
            1. OneDrive/MS Office
            2. iCloud Drive
            3. Printers
            4. WIFI Software
            5. Audio/Video Software
            6. Specialty apps such as Garmin, Fitbit, etc

Windows Updates:

1. Access Windows Updates through System Settings
2. If the Microsoft Update feature is not/has not been enabled, enable Microsoft Updates in the Windows Updates “Advanced Options”. You can also enable the “Notify me when a restart is required” option too as well.
3. After the Microsoft Update feature has been enabled, Windows Updates will now check for both Windows and Microsoft Updates.
4. Allow the computer to check for new updates.
5. Once checking for updates is finished, download and install all available updates.
   1. You may need to do this process more than a few times to make sure the system is fully updated.
6. Some Windows Updates may fail. Do not hyper-fixate on failed updates, as they will likely resolve on their own after a few update/restart cycles.
7. Verify Installation of all currently available Windows Updates AND Upgrades

Pacific NW Computers

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Protect Yourself From Cyber Attacks & Digital Fraud!

PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION

Make sure you know who you're communicating with.

• Fraudsters pose as credible organizations, such as banks and the IRS, "phishing" for your information.
• Be aware of COVID-related scams.
• Criminals are taking advantage of the pandemic. Learn more about the top scams criminals are using during these difficult times.

Report suspicious texts and emails.

• Fraudsters impersonate companies to get consumers to click links and provide personal information. These deceptive emails, phone calls, and text messages appear to come from a legitimate source.
• Don't let online shopping scams trick you.
• Before providing your billing information online, make sure you are working with a credible site. 
• Don't download any software or click unknown links.

SECURITY BEST PRACTICES

Layer your protection.

• A strong password is the first line of defense against cybercriminals. We recommend using multifactor authentication for an added layer of protection for all your accounts.

Be alert.

• Monitor your accounts regularly, respond to fraud alerts, and report unauthorized transactions promptly.
• Watch out for phishing attempts.
• There are some easy ways to ensure an email is from "who you think" sent it. There are some simple methods to spot Email Spoofing, which you can find here.

Set your preference for digital documents.

• Mailbox fraud has been an ongoing strategy for criminals. 
• Safeguard your correspondence by signing up to receive digital information for your products and services instead of by Mail/USPS.
•  Use a shredder to destroy paper documents when you are done with them.

Stay alert about industry trends on cybersecurity threats!

Identify and Remove Un-needed Programs from your PC or Mac!

Ever wonder how to clean out your computer? Many people do, because it’s not unusual to have your PC filled with adware, toolbars and other programs you no longer need or probably never intended to install in the first place. But like most people, what programs should you remove is the tough question. 

Well we have your answer!

For PC users, you just simply need to visit and download "Should I Remove It?"! "Should I Remove It?" is a tiny, lightweight program designed to show you what programs you have installed on your computer and quickly determine what programs you can safely remove.

For an even deeper clean, we can't recommend CCleaner enough! CCleaner can help restore your system speed by removing unnecessary files taking up room on your hard drive as well as clear out errors and broken settings to improve stability. CCleaner can also help boost your browser speed and help protect your privacy by securely erasing tracking cookies and history!

Now, for the Apple Computers, there is CleanMyMac.com. CleanMyMac finds the junk that got installed on your Mac and full system cleaning. It helps you figure out if your system has extra/unneeded add-ons installed and even left over junk files from old programs and software/system upgrades. When everything on your Mac works twice as fast, you accomplish more every day. All you need is the right tool to make your Mac clean and fast again. CleanMyMac is perfect for the job: it removes the clutter from hard drive and speeds up your system. Plus, it’s super easy to use!

Should I Remove It? ~ www.shouldiremoveit.com <-- clean-up="" div="" program="" windows="">

CCleaner ~ www.ccleaner.com <-- cleaning="" deep="" div="" program="" windows="">

CleanMyMac ~ www.cleanmymac.com <-- app="" clean-up="" div="" macintosh="">

Pacific Northwest Computers

www.pnwcomputers.com