DIGITAL SANKALP

Protect your Facebook account from hackers with two-factor authentication

Nobody likes it when their friends suddenly start spewing links to weight-loss supplements and porn on Facebook. Don't be that person. Using Facebook's two-factor authentication feature can help keep undesireables out of your account—perhaps saving some friendships. Two-factor authentication, for the uninitiated, requires you to enter in another piece of private data in addition to your password in order to log in. This typically takes the form of a single-use security code that gets sent to your smartphone, and it can help keep your account safe in case a hacker or data thief ever gets ahold of your username and password. <img alt="" border="0" height="211" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/login_approval_setup-100058826-medium.png" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="300">Setting up Facebook's Login Approval feature takes just a couple minutes. To start, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">Facebook.com</a> and log in with your username and password. Next click the gear icon in the upper right corner, and selectAccount Settings from the menu that pops up. On the next screen, selectSecurity from the list on the left, then select Login Approvals. When the Login Approvals section expands, check the box labelled Require a security code to access my account from unknown browsers, and Facebook will walk you through the setup process. By default, Facebook will send security codes through its mobile app, but it can send you text messages as a backup login method. If you don't already have a cellphone number associated with your account, Facebook will ask you to add one. When prompted, select your country from the list, enter your number, then press Continue. Facebook will send you a text message to confirm that your number is indeed yours: Enter the six-digit confirmation code texted to you when prompted, then clickConfirm. <h2 style="font-family:ff-enzo-web,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Logging in</h2> Facebook will not pester you to enter a security code from a browser it already recognizes, so if you only use Facebook from one computer, you may never be asked to senter a security code. But if you are, here's what to expect: <img alt="" border="0" height="227" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/enter_code-100058825-large.png" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="580">After you enter your username and password, you'll be asked to enter a security code. The next time you log into Facebook on a new computer, enter your username and password as usual, then press Log In. On the next screen, Facebook will ask you to enter a security code.<img alt="" border="0" height="221" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/code_generator-100058827-medium.png" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="300">The Code Generator in Facebook's mobile app. To get that code, open the Facebook app on your phone, tap More (in the toolbar on iOS, swipe left to right to access the More menu on Android), then scroll down and tapCode Generator. Facebook will give you a single-use code that's good for 30 seconds (after 30 seconds, you'll be get a new code). Enter this in on your computer, then press Continue. <h2 style="font-family:ff-enzo-web,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Limitations</h2> Facebook's two-factor authentication feature won't protect everything, though. It only asks for a security code if you attempt to log in from an unrecognized device, and it only works for login requests from Web browsers—you can log into the Facebook mobile app without having to enter a code. Still, it's better than nothing.

Protect your Facebook account from hackers with two-factor authentication

Nobody likes it when their friends suddenly start spewing links to weight-loss supplements and porn on Facebook. Don't be that person. U...

7:33 am

Protect your Facebook account from hackers with two-factor authentication

Protect your Facebook account from hackers with two-factor authentication

Nobody likes it when their friends suddenly start spewing links to weight-loss supplements and porn on Facebook. Don't be that person. U...

7:33 am

Protect your Google account with two-factor authentication

If you're a heavy Google user, your Google account is kind of a big deal. It's the gatekeeper to your <a href="https://mail.google.com/" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">email</a>, and your <a href="https://plus.google.com/" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">Google+</a> account, important<a href="https://drive.google.com/" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">files</a>, online <a href="http://picasa.google.com/" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">photo storage</a>...that Google account is your life. With so much at stake, you probably want to keep hackers as far away as possible. Two-factor authentication can help. Two-factor authentication—called 2-step verification in Google's parlance—adds a second step to your Google login. Not only do you have to enter your username and password, but also a single-use security code, which usually gets sent to your phone via an app or text message. In return for the extra effort, you'll get an extra layer of protection that can help keep hackers out of your persona data. <h2 style="font-family:ff-enzo-web,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Setting up 2-step verification</h2> If you have an account for any of Google's services (Gmail, Google+, and so on), the setting up 2-step verification fairly straightforward. Start by visiting <a href="http://www.google.com/" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">Google.com</a>, and press the blue Sign In button in the upper right hand corner, and log in. Once signed in, look for your profile picture in the upper right corner and click it, then select Account from the menu that appears. (If you didn't set a photo to go with your account, you'll see a generic sillouette in its place). <img alt="" border="0" height="142" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/2step_verification-100065992-large.png" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="580">Click the Edit link to get started. Once you're at the Accounts settings page, select Security from the list along the left. Click the Edit link next to the 2-step verification heading to begin the process of setting it up. Google will give you a brief pictoral overview of what to expect: Give it a once-over, then press Start setupwhen you're ready to rock. On the next screen, Google will ask you for your cellphone number. Select your country from the drop-down list (as represented by the flag icon), enter your number as instructed, then choose how you want to receive your security codes. You can get security codes either via text message or voice call: If you're hearing impaired or aren't great at remembering strings of numbers, you'd probably be better off going with the Text message option. On the other hand, the Voice Call option might be a better choice if you have a limited—or no—text message plan. <img alt="" border="0" height="325" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/where_to_send_codes-100065990-large.png" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="580">Enter your phone number then choose how you want to receive security codes. Once you've entered your number and chosen how you want to recieve security codes, press Send code, and Google will send a test code to your phone. On the next screen, enter this test code where instructed, then press the Verify button. You're almost done! Google will ask you if you want to trust the computer you're logged in on: If you "trust" a computer, you don't need to use a security code on it. This might be useful if you lose your phone and need to get into your Google account, or you're sick of entering security codes on your locked-down, highly secure office computer. Make your choice and press Next; you can go back and change this setting later if you change your mind. Finally, Google will have you confirm one last time that you want to use 2-step verification. Press Confirm, and you're all set to go. <h2 style="font-family:ff-enzo-web,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">There's always a catch...</h2><img alt="" border="0" height="173" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/reconnect_your_apps-100065993-medium.png" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="300"> There is a catch: If you use any of Google's services through Apple's Mail, Calendar, or Contacts apps on iOS or OS X—or through the Mail app on BlackBerry or Windows Phone—you will need to "reconnect" your apps and devices to your Google account. This will let you generate special app-specific passwords so you can still log into your Google accounts through other apps. How you reconnect your apps varies some depending on the apps you use, so we won't get into too much detail here, but when prompted, press Reconnect my apps, and Google will step you through the process.

Protect your Google account with two-factor authentication

If you're a heavy Google user, your Google account is kind of a big deal. It's the gatekeeper to your email , and your Google+ ac...

7:27 am

Protect your Google account with two-factor authentication

Protect your Google account with two-factor authentication

If you're a heavy Google user, your Google account is kind of a big deal. It's the gatekeeper to your email , and your Google+ ac...

7:27 am

Extend your Wi-Fi network throughout the house

The wireless signal from Aidan's router doesn't reach throughout the house. Here are a few ways to fix the problem. Extending a Wi-Fi network can be as easy as playing with cardboard and tape, or as difficult as rewiring your house. It all depends how big a boost you need, and how much time and money you're willing to devote to the task. Here are three ways to increase your signal's range.<h3 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)"> Boosters</h3>You know those little antennas that screw onto your router? You can improve the signal by replacing them with bigger antennas, or more directional ones. <a class="zoom cboxElement" href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1024-booster-homemade-100057621-orig.jpg" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)"><img alt="" border="0" height="88" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1024-booster-homemade-100057621-small.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="140"></a> You can also improve the existing antenna, making it directional. All you need is a few minutes and some common household materials. See <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/150951/router_reflector_hack.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">Extend Your Wi-Fi Range With a Parabolic Reflector</a>for detailed instructions. <a class="zoom cboxElement" href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1024-booster-generic-100057619-orig.jpg" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)"><img alt="" border="0" height="140" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1024-booster-generic-100057619-small.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="140"></a> If you're not the do-it-yourself type, or if you need to boost the signal in all directions, you can buy a generic antenna for a few dollars. I've seen this same antenna (see image to the right) sold under different brand names--priced from $2 to $7. And yes, I've tried it and it helps…a bit. For a more powerful boost than either of those, try the directional <a href="http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?model=TL-ANT2409A" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">TP-Link TL-ANT2409A</a>. You can get it for $25 if you shop around. <h3 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Extenders</h3><a class="zoom cboxElement" href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1024-amped-wireless-rec10-100057631-orig.jpg" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1024-amped-wireless-rec10-100057631-small.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="140"></a> You plug one of these devices, also called repeaters, into a wall socket as far from the router as you can get and still receive a good signal. The extender picks up the signal and rebroadcasts it. In general, I find these more effective than boosters. But they're also more expensive, and are trickier to set up, since you have to find the best location and connect them to the network. The best one I've tested (and I haven't tested all that many) was the <a href="http://www.ampedwireless.com/products/rec10.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)">Amped Wireless REC10</a>. If you look around, you can buy one for $70.In general, I find these more effective than boosters. But they're also more expensive, and are trickier to set up, since you have to find the best location and connect them to the network. <h3 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">HomePlug</h3> I used to be a fan of this technology, which carries network data over your house's electric wiring. The adapters are basically power bricks with Ethernet ports. Some also have Wi-Fi Antennas.<a class="zoom cboxElement" href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1024-homeplug-100057635-orig.jpg" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)"><img alt="" border="0" height="140" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1024-homeplug-100057635-small.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; height: auto; max-width: 100%; float: left;" width="140"></a> You won't have much trouble adding HomePlug to your network--you just plug it in and it works…if it works. All sorts of things can interfere with HomePlug signals--wiring, the location of the washing machine, the type of light bulbs you use. I used HomePlug happily for years. It didn't give me Ethernet speed or even 802.11n speed, but it was faster than my Internet connection and that was all that I needed. Then it just stopped working. I never figured out way.

Extend your Wi-Fi network throughout the house

The wireless signal from Aidan's router doesn't reach throughout the house. Here are a few ways to fix the problem. Extending a Wi...

7:24 am

Extend your Wi-Fi network throughout the house

Extend your Wi-Fi network throughout the house

The wireless signal from Aidan's router doesn't reach throughout the house. Here are a few ways to fix the problem. Extending a Wi...

7:24 am

When malware strikes: How to clean an infected PC

You work hard to protect your PC from the malicious thugs of our digital world. You keep your antivirus program up to date. You avoid questionable Web sites. You don't open suspicious email attachments. You keep Java, Flash, and Adobe Reader up-to-date—or better yet, you <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2030153/how-i-ditched-the-security-risks-and-lived-without-java-reader-and-flash.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">learn to live without them</a>. But against all odds, a clever new Trojan horse slipped through the cracks, and now you're the unhappy owner of an infected PC. Or perhaps a less-vigilant friend has begged you to clean up a plague-ridden mess. Obviously, you need to scan the computer and remove the malware. Here's a methodical approach that you can use to determine what the problem is, how to scan, and what to do afterward to protect the PC from future invasions. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">1. Verify the infection</h2> Is the PC in question really infected? I've seen people blame "another damn virus" for everything from a bad sound card to their own stupidity. The first step in restoring the system's health is to determine whether what you're dealing with is a virus rather than a problem with hardware, software, or user error. If your PC is unusually slow, or if it seems to do a lot of things on its own that you haven't asked it to do, you have reason to be suspicious. But before you decide that a virus must be responsible, take a moment to launch the Windows Task Manager (right-click the Windows taskbar, and select Task Manager from the pop-up menu). Open the Processes tab, and check for any strange or unknown applications running in the background—especially those with nonsensical names and no recognizable authority listed in the description. The odd-looking "wuauclt" process is fine, for example, because it belongs to Microsoft (it's actually part of the Windows Update service, as you can tell from the description.) Of course, this is only general guidance; there's nothing to stop a piece of malware from masquerading as a legitimate process by sporting an inoffensive description. That said, you'd be surprised how often a piece of malware gives itself away with a line of strange characters or symbols where the process description should be. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">2. Check for sure signs of malware</h2> Truly insidious malware will preemptively block you from trying to remove it. If your PC suddenly won't load utilities that might help you manually remove malware—such as msconfig or regedit—be suspicious. If your antivirus program suddenly stops loading, that's a huge red flag. <a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/rogue_malware1-100039329-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/rogue_malware1-100039329-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"></a><small style="font-size:9px;text-align:center;text-transform:uppercase;display:block;float:left;background-image:url(http://csmb.staticworld.net/images/furniture/techhive/backgroundwhite70.png);color:rgb(51,51,51);padding:1px 3px 2px;background-repeat:initial initial">AVGFake warnings like this one try to scare you into running a file to 'remove malware' (read: install malware) or giving up your credit card information to pay for bogus antivirus software. Sometimes the attack is more obvious. If a program you don't recognize suddenly pops up and starts displaying dire warnings and asks you to run an executable file or asks for your credit card number, your PC isdefinitely infected with some nasty malware. Never fork over your credit card information or other personal data to a program or website that tries to warn you that your PC is about to die. More often than not it's a <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/239272/rogues.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">rogue program</a>, fear-mongering malware that tries to scare you into giving up your private info by issuing doomsday warnings of imminent hard drive failure, catastrophic viral infection, or worse. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">3. Check online for possible fixes</h2> The one benefit of those scary pop-ups is that they could point you toward a cure. Use your favorite search engine to look for phrases that appear in the pop-up—you'll probably find other people fighting the same infection. Their experiences could help you identify your enemy or even find step-by-step instructions for removing the malware. Be prudent: Take advice only from sites that seem reputable, and remember to perform a full scan of your PC after you've followed any instructions, even ours. Barring any clues that lead you to a magic solution, scanning becomes your next and most important step. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">4. Assume that your old virus scanner is compromised</h2> Don't waste time scanning your hard drive(s) with your regular antivirus program. After all, that program probably failed to catch the malware in the first place. But don't be too hard on it. Nothing's perfect, and even the best antivirus program can occasionally miss a new or particularly cleverly designed virus. And once that virus slips through, your antivirus program is compromised. You have to assume that the malware, not the security software, is in control. You need a fresh malware scanner—one that's not already installed on your computer. It must be capable of detecting and removing malware from your PC, and you need to run it in an environment where the malware can't load first. Linux is your best bet, but before you jump to that option, try booting into Windows Safe Mode to see if you can outflank your virus infestation there. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">5. Use a lightweight scanner inside Safe Mode</h2> Windows has a Safe Mode that boots a minimal version of the operating system, with generic drivers and nothing else. It doesn't load most startup applications and—most likely—it won't load the malware that's infesting your PC. To enter Safe Mode, boot your computer and press the F8 function key before Windows starts loading. The timing is tricky, so it's best to mash F8 repeatedly from the moment the motherboard manufacturer's logo appears onscreen until you get the boot menu. <a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/entering-safe-mode-100039271-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/entering-safe-mode-100039271-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"></a>Use the Windows boot menu to access Safe Mode. When you reach that menu, select Safe Mode with Networking from the list of boot options. The with Networking part is important—you're going to need Internet access to solve your virus problem. Once in Safe Mode, open Internet Explorer (using other browsers in Safe Mode is often problematic) and run a reputable online virus scanner such as<a href="http://www.bitdefender.com/scanner/online/free.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">Bitdefender</a>. For best results I recommend using the <a href="http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">ESET Online Scanner</a>, a Web-based virus detection app that is always up-to-date and runs off a remote server. You'll have to accept a browser add-in, but the scanner should remove it when it's done. Before you start the scan, clickAdvanced settings and enable as many extra levels of scrutiny as you can, including scanning file archives and browser data. <a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/eset-3-100039274-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="529" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/eset-3-100039274-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"></a>The ESET Online Scanner runs in your browser and does a thorough job of rooting out malware from your PC. You might also try Trend Micro's<a href="http://housecall.trendmicro.com/us/" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">HouseCall</a>. Though it isn't a Web app, it is portable, so you can download HouseCall on another computer and copy it to a flash drive, thereby creating a portable PC virus scanner. Then, when you run into trouble you can plug the flash drive into the infected PC and run the program from there (you'll still need an Internet connection for a definition update, however.) When using HouseCall, don't run it on default settings: Before you click the big blueScan Now button, click Settings and select Full system scan. <a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/housecall-1-100039277-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="460" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/housecall-1-100039277-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"></a>Trend Micro's HouseCall utility is another excellent, free virus scanner and malware removal tool. Whichever scanner you use, don't rush to get through this part of the process. Check the options and select the slowest, most thorough scan. Then, once the scan has started, step away from the PC. Read a book. Do the dishes. Spend time with someone you love. The scan will—and should—take hours. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">6. Remember: The second scan's the charm</h2> When that first scan is done—just to be sure—run another one with a different scanner. It's easy, and you'll sleep better after multiple scanners have assured you that your drive is clean.<h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)"> 7. Look to Linux as your last line of defense</h2>Booting into Safe Mode may not short-circuit particularly malicious malware. If you still have trouble with an infection after running multiple scans in Safe Mode, you'll have to bypass Windows altogether and avoid booting from the hard drive. To manage that trick, use a bootable CD or flash drive running a Linux-based antivirus utility. You don't have to know Linux to take this step. But you will want an Internet connection, since these scanners must go online to update their malware databases. The first step is to download a bootable virus scanner as an .iso file. From it, you can easily create a bootable CD. In Windows 7, double-click the file and follow the prompts. In Windows 8, right-click the file and select Burn disc image. For earlier versions of Windows, you'll need a third-party program such as the free <a href="http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/W7.htm" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">ISO Recorder</a>. With its Windows-like user interface, the <a href="https://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/rescuedisk" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">Kaspersky Rescue Disk</a> will make you feel at home. But you have to be careful in setting up the scan. First, the Kaspersky Rescue Disk doesn't update its malware dictionary automatically. To do this manually, select the Update Center tab and click Start update. Once the utility is updated, return to theObjects Scan tab, click Settings, and set the security level to the highest position. Make sure that all of your hard drives are checked before you start the scan and leave the room. <a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/kaspersky-1-100039281-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/kaspersky-1-100039281-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"></a>When you boot your PC with the Kaspersky Rescue Disk utility, you'll find yourself in a custom Linux environment. Simply update the Rescue Disk, crank all the scan settings up to maximum power, and let 'er rip. If you want to boot the Kaspersky Rescue Disk from a flash drive, you'll need to download the prosaically named <a href="http://rescuedisk.kaspersky-labs.com/rescuedisk/updatable/rescue2usb.exe" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">Utility to record Kaspersky Rescue Disk 10 to USB devices</a>. Save it in the same folder as the .iso file, run the utility, and follow the wizard. The <a href="http://www.f-secure.com/de/web/labs_global/removal-tools/-/carousel/view/142" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">F-Secure Rescue CD</a> isn't as outwardly friendly as Kaspersky's program. In fact, it may make you nostalgic for DOS. But it works, though you may receive the following (unduly alarming) warning message: If a Windows system file is infected, the computer may not restart. I've never heard of anyone whose Windows system failed to restart after an F-Secure scan, and I suspect that the eventuality is very rare. I also suspect that if malware did infect a Windows system file—and if F-Secure couldn't clean the file without destroying it—reinstallation might be your only option anyway. <a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/f-secure-1-100039275-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/05/f-secure-1-100039275-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"></a>The F-Secure Rescue CD is a bare-bones cleaning utility for when you need to wipe every piece of malware from your PC without starting Windows. F-Secure has a stripped down, unattractive, text-based user interface. But unlike Kaspersky, it updates its definitions automatically (if it can find an Internet connection), and starts a full, thorough scan with no fuss—you have to do little more than agree to the EULA. F-Secure doesn't offer a special USB utility. If you want to move a copy of it onto a flash drive, you'll have to download and run the <a href="http://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">Universal USB Installer</a>. In Step 1, you'll find F-Secure Rescue CD near the bottom of a very long list. I suggest you go straight to the bottom, and then look for it while slowly scrolling up. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">8. Protect your newly disinfected PC</h2> When you're satisfied that your drive is clean, try rebooting into good old Windows. Then uninstall your old antivirus program—it has been compromised. Of course, you don't want to stay unprotected. Reinstall the program and update to the latest version, or (if you've lost all faith in it) install a competitor. For more information on how to choose the best antivirus program for your needs, check out our full rundown—with empirical testing—of the <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2025949/security-software-showdown-9-antivirus-suites-empirically-tested.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">best security software</a> available today. Because when it comes to malware, a byte of prevention is worth a terabyte of cure.

When malware strikes: How to clean an infected PC

You work hard to protect your PC from the malicious thugs of our digital world. You keep your antivirus program up to date. You avoid questi...

11:38 am

Speed up a slow PC without buying new hardware

If a once-fast computer has slowed to a crawl, you can't really blame the hardware. Sure, you may be able to improve speed by adding RAM, upgrading the CPU, or replacing the hard drive with an SSD. But none of those solutions--all of which cost money--address the underlying problem. Your hardware isn't underpowered. It's overloaded. Cleaning out Windows will very likely speed up a PC. And no, I'm not suggesting reinstalling the operating system. There are less drastic fixes. <h3 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Look for hog processes</h3><a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1104-processes-100066210-orig.jpg" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="315" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1104-processes-100066210-medium.jpg" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="300"></a>Click for full size Your computer may be running a poorly-written process that's hogging a lot of resources. To find out, right-click the taskbar and select Start Task Manager. Click the Processes tab, then the CPU column header. The top items will be the ones hogging the CPU. If you see an obvious culprit, close the program that's running the process (it's pretty easy to figure out what it is). If that doesn't work, click the End Process button and confirm that you really want to kill this process. Should that fix the problem, avoid using that program in the future. Or find a better-written replacement. Otherwise, back on the Process tab, click the Memory column header and see if you can find the culprit there. <h3 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Clean out autoloaders</h3> When Windows boots, it automatically loads additional programs--sometimes a lot of them. One big autoloader--or a lot of little ones--can slow the PC down. The trick is to bring up Windows' list of autoloaders, and by disabling and re-enabling them, and rebooting, figure out which ones are causing the problem. In Windows XP, Vista, or 7, click Start(Start>Run in XP), type <code style="font-family:monospace,serif;font-size:1em">msconfig</code>, and press ENTER. Once System Configuration comes up, click theStartup tab. You can disable items by unchecking them. <img alt="" border="0" height="391" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1104-msconfig-100066212-orig.jpg" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="585"> If you're using Windows 8, right-click the taskbar and select Start Task Manager. If you see a Startup tab, click it. If you don't, click More details, thenStartup. To disable an item, right-click it and select Disable. <img alt="" border="0" height="600" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/10/1104-win8-startup-100066223-orig.jpg" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="660"><h3 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)"> Check for malware</h3>I doubt an infection is causing your problem--successful malware doesn't draw attention to itself that way. But just to be on the safe side, scan for it, anyway. <h3 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Do less multitasking</h3> The more programs you run, the slower they will all be. Consider changing your working habits to have less programs up at the same time.<h3 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)"> Turn off Aero</h3><img alt="" border="0" height="242" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2012/12/122020example-100016426-medium.jpg" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="300"> Windows 7 and Vista use a technology called Aero to improve the esthetic look of the screen. It's not necessary, and  it slows down the PC a bit.

Speed up a slow PC without buying new hardware

If a once-fast computer has slowed to a crawl, you can't really blame the hardware. Sure, you may be able to improve speed by adding RAM...

11:38 am

When Windows breaks: How to fix it, piece by piece

Windows is so customizable, it's tempting to tinker. Don't like Internet Explorer's default feel? There are settings for that! Hate the way<a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/224146/windows_8_to_replace_your_toolbar_with_a_ribbon.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">Windows 8's Ribbon UI</a> looks? Tweak away! And if you're feeling truly adventurous, a veritable universe of change awaits within <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/240491/9_easy_and_powerful_windows_7_registry_tweaks.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">the easy-to-bork Windows Registry</a>. But there's a dangerous downside to all that freedom: You can really, reallymess things up. And yes, that includes some very vital things. Don't swear off your courageous exploration just yet, though. Microsoft's built a slew of granular controls into Windows that let you reset all sorts of individual aspects of the operating system. There's usually no need to hit an irritating fly with that great, big "clean install" sledgehammer! Read this before you burn your installation to the ground and start all over. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Reigniting IE</h2><a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/reset-ie-100067128-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="345" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/reset-ie-100067128-medium.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="300"></a>That's the metaphorical BIG RED BUTTON. (Click to enlarge.) More than any other part of Windows, the Internet Explorer browser is most likely to suffer from excessive tinkering—especially if you're the type of person who likes to install lots of free software, which all too often comes bundled with tacked-on toolbars and settings that hijack your homepage. If you've managed to trash the desktop version of your browser beyond repair, click the gear icon on the right side of the IE toolbar, then select Internet Options. In the new window, open theAdvanced tab and click the Resetbutton all the way at the bottom of the screen. Decide whether you'd like to clear personal settings (like your homepage) as well, then click Resetonce more to blast your browser back to its origins. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">File History</h2> If you've made the jump to Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, Microsoft's insurance extends beyond the system itself to protect your oh-so-precious personal files—if you make a point of enabling<a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2026546/how-to-activate-windows-8s-file-history-feature.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">the new File History feature</a>. File History periodically backs up your Windows Libraries, desktop, contacts, and favorites folders to an external drive, network drive, or some other storage location that isn't the primary Windows drive. By default, the feature saves once per hour. Even better, each save is stored as a different version, which means you can dive back multiple steps in time to restore an older state. <a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/windows-file-history-100067132-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="199" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/windows-file-history-100067132-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"></a>File History won't work unless you have some sort of auxiliary drive connected to your PC. (Click to enlarge.) To enable File History, make sure another drive is connected to your system, then head to Control Panel > System and Security > File History to set it up. Advanced options can be found in the left-side menu pane. There are some key caveats to this otherwise awesome feature, however—mostly stemming from its reliance on Libraries. (Why no SkyDrive backup option, Microsoft?) First and foremost, Windows 8.1 hides Libraries by default, so <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2056291/how-to-bring-back-libraries-in-windows-8-1.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">you'll want to re-enable them</a>. And what if you want to save a folder that isn't part of one of the default Windows Libraries? Simple: Add it to one. Just right-click the Library you want to absorb the folder (Documents, Music, etc.) and selectProperties > Add…, then point the system to your chosen location. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Reset your Libraries</h2><a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/reset-windows-libraries-100067130-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="165" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/reset-windows-libraries-100067130-medium.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="300"></a>Wiping the slate clean with a borked Library is easy. So easy, in fact, that Windows won't ask if you're sure about wiping the Library associations. (Click to enlarge.) But wait! What if you wind up turning your Libraries into a cluttered, nigh-unusable mess in the midst of all that File History preparation? Fear not. Simply right-click  the Libraries listing in Windows File Explorer and selectRestore default libraries to wipe the slate clean. You can also restore individual Libraries to their pristine states by right-clicking them and selecting Properties, then clicking theRestore defaults button at the bottom of the window. Or, you could just hit theRestore settings button that appears in the Manage tab of Windows 8's Ribbon UI when you're looking at a Library in the File Explorer. Be warned: Windows doesn't ask if you're sure about your decision when you're rebooting Libraries, so don't click that button unless you're committed to action. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Reset the Ribbon UI</h2> Speaking of the Ribbon UI in Windows 8's File Explorer, it's much more customizable than the traditional file menus found in Windows 7 and earlier. As with many of Windows' forays into flexibility, though, it's almost too easy to wipe the slate clean. Open Windows File Explorer in the desktop, then browse to the View tab and click the Options button on the right side of the Ribbon menu. Each of the three tabs hidden within the Folder Options window that appears contains its own Restore defaults button, and each does exactly what you'd expect. Once again: There's no turning back once you click that button. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Reset the taskbar and Start menu</h2> The Windows taskbar is a wonderful thing, providing at-a-glance info about your open programs and popping up system notifications as necessary. Windows being Windows, however, you have the option of muting or hiding individual software in the taskbar and system tray to cut down on the cacophony. <a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/reset-taskbar-icons-windows-100067129-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="337" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/reset-taskbar-icons-windows-100067129-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"></a>I long to see your face again, dearest taskbar icons. (Click to enlarge.) If you've decided that you've hidden too much, right-click an empty section of the taskbar and select Properties. Open the Taskbar tab, then click theCustomize button. Underneath the scrolling list of options is the blue link you're looking for: Restore default icon behaviors. And while you're poking around the taskbar properties, you can restore the Start Menu's defaults (assuming, of course, you're using Windows 7 or another version of Windows that still sports the Start Menu). Just open theStart Menu tab—remember, this doesn't apply to Windows 8—and click the Customize button, then press theUse default settings button at the bottom of the Customize Start Menu pop-up that appears. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Mr. Microsoft, tear down this firewall!</h2> Firewalls are finicky. If you accidentally block a needed program (or accidentally allow a malicious program) then connectivity havoc can ensue. Microsoft's baked-in Windows Firewall is as user-friendly as firewalls can be, but it, too, has a reset button in case everything goes pear-shaped. <a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/reset-windows-firewall-100067133-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="339" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/reset-windows-firewall-100067133-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"></a>That's the ticket. And by "ticket" I mean "option," of course. (Click to enlarge.) Head to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall, and clickRestore defaults in the left-hand pane. Confirm you want to do so, and poof! Sweet stock setup achieved. (Be more careful this time around.) <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">System Restore</h2><a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/system-restore-windows-options-100067136-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="336" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/system-restore-windows-options-100067136-medium.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="300"></a>The buttons you're looking for. (Click to enlarge.) The venerable System Restore acts kind of like File History, but for your system files and programs: It lets you return your PC to a previous, workable state if things go wonky. (Personal files aren't touched.) System Restore points are automatically created once per week, or whenever you install a new app or update. To manually create a snapshot of your system—like say, before you<a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2056292/windows-8-1-launch-weekend-plagued-by-some-show-stopping-installation-issues.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">attempt to install a crucial system upgrade</a>—head to Control Panel > System and Security > System and then select System Protection in the left-hand pane. Click the Create button at the bottom and you're backed up. If you ever need to actually make use of the feature, head to the same place and click the System Restore… button. A wizard will walk you through the straightforward feature from there. <img alt="" border="0" height="462" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/windows-system-restore-100067135-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"><h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)"> Refresh and reset</h2>Now on to the more dramatic options! Windows 8 includes <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/247360/windows_8_reset_and_refresh_microsofts_new_ways_to_restore_your_pc.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">new "refresh and reset" options</a> that restore core aspects of Windows to their native state. Of the two, Refresh is the kinder, gentler option. It won't touch your personal files, but it will wipe everything else. Settings, apps, desktop programs, you name it: All gone, replaced by the stock settings and apps that shipped with your PC. Watch out: Any personal files stored in your PC's Program Files folders will be plunged into the abyss, too. Reset is the nuclear option, the tool of last resorts. Kill it, burn it, clean-install it into the ground. Everything you've installed, created, or changed on your computer disappears, replaced by a fully factory-fresh Windows installation. Make sure <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/170688/7_backup_strategies.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">those important files are backed up</a>! <a href="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/windows-refresh-and-reset-100067134-orig.png" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="441" src="http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/11/windows-refresh-and-reset-100067134-large.png" style="border-width:0px;vertical-align:middle;width:auto;min-height:auto;max-width:100%;float:left" width="580"></a>This is it. Pure annihilation. Pure redemption. Game over, man, game over. (Click to enlarge.) If you've managed to break or clutter your operating system to those dire levels, you can find the Refresh and Reset options in Windows 8's Settings Charm. Open it, click Change PC Settings at the bottom, then selectGeneral in Windows 8's PC Settings menu, or Update and recovery > Recovery in Windows 8.1. Back up your data, kiss your kids, and select the option you'd like to use. <h2 style="font-family:facitweb,sans-serif;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.25em;color:rgb(34,34,34)">Go forth and tinker</h2> And now you know all the ways Windows has your back. Install all those <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2052820/20-free-pc-apps-to-ease-daily-tasks.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">dazzling, incredibly useful desktop programs</a>! <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2046046/how-to-fix-your-pcs-worst-annoyances.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">Tweak those annoying PC irritations</a>! Heck, hack your Registry to <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/228071/6_registry_hacks_to_make_your_pc_faster.html" style="color:rgb(37,167,215)" target="_blank">make Windows leaner, meaner and faster than ever before</a>! Even if you manage to wreck things completely, restored sanity is merely a reset button away.

When Windows breaks: How to fix it, piece by piece

Windows is so customizable, it's tempting to tinker. Don't like Internet Explorer's default feel? There are settings for that! H...

11:38 am

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When malware strikes: How to clean an infected PC

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When Windows breaks: How to fix it, piece by piece

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