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MG TD TF 1500 - Is my computer safe

I am concerned about the Russian computer virus that the news broadcasts are warning us of. I have the Microsoft virus checker on our laptop and tablet. I propose to delete all emails without opening them, for the next few weeks, but would like confirmation that opening up posts on this site are OK. Perhaps one of out "techies" can advise.


Cheers

Jan T
J Targosz

I haven't heard anything about it, Jan.
Gene Gillam

Posts on this site are completely safe. The Microsoft security software is good, but I would always install a third part anti-virus application such as AVG or Norton Antivirus. They will run in the background and keep you safe.

You can open your email to read them, but don't open any attachments from untrusted sources, or if they look suspect.
Steve S

No the Microsoft Security is not adequate.
It does not detect virus. You need something Much better.

I suggest AVAST. There is a free version.
Avast has both a sandbox, that less you run your browser in a protected environment so anything accidentally downloaded is isolated from your computer an it has as a "boot time scan". It uses its on operating system and scans you system files that are normally unaccessible during boot-up.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

No single antivirus program does a good enough job, in my opinion. I would run at a minimum, Windows Defender AND AVG (both free) and also download and run antiMalwarebytes on a regular basis. And still expect to get infected from time to time!
And before anybody tells you to buy a Mac because they don't get viruses ... a) yes, they do; and b) Mac's flagging sales of computers (down to less than three percent of total sales compared to over 50% in the 1980's) means that as one of the smallest OS's around, they aren't popular targets for virus writers - is NOT a good argument. On that basis, I'd still be running my old CP/M Kaypro and telling you it's simply better than anything you have, and you should buy it from me for $2000 ...
Geoffrey M Baker

If you run a good anti-virus application, keep it up to date, and practice safe computing then you should NEVER get a virus no matter what operating system you run. Getting infected with a virus is due to carelessness or lack of knowledge 90% of the time. I've been computing for 35 years and outside of server environments have never been infected with one.
Steve S

Nothing really works except a really good rigorously adhered to backing up regime (which neither I nor anyone I know actually does). My wife's computer had all the Norton stuff you can get and still one morning we were presented with "You've been hacked by Cryptolocker - Send $450 immediately) We didn't and we lost EVERYTHING on that computer. Whatever wall you build the bad guys will find a way to tunnel through. Just the cost of modern stuff. I wonder if there were monks who planted little heretical "viruses" in their manuscripts?

Jud
J K Chapin

>>Nothing really works except a really good rigorously adhered to backing up regime (which neither I nor anyone I know actually does)
>>

I have two 100 GB USB drives. My computer is set to do a weekly backup. I switch drives bi-monthly. so that if an "Invader" gets my computer I have a relatively fresh drive NOT connected to the computer. (Although I am not all that good at swapping the drives)

I have just, last month, purchased a private "Cloud"
It is essentially a password protected network drive.

Again not directly connected to the computer. It is set to do an automatic backup also.
It has 2 Tb.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Auto off-site backup (Carbonite), cloned HD - refreshed weekly, and AVG.

The hope is the clone will take of the programs and the Carbonite will take care of the data in case of a serious hack or simple failure.

I'm shocked at the number phishing emails that come through and the phone calls that tell me they're from Microsoft and I must go to my computer right away. My wife starts messing with the callers telling them she has a Mac or runs Linux or has an abacus and the batteries are dead or other total nonsense.
JE Carroll

Jim B, could you elaborate on "No the Microsoft Security is not adequate. It does not detect virus. "

Any specifics? I do use it on 2 computers so am concerned about your statement although I have never had a virus on either using them. I've used AVG and Norton in the past and have them totally THRASH my computers during their forced updates!

Thanks,
Ed

efh Haskell

>>Jim B, could you elaborate on "No the Microsoft Security is not adequate. It does not detect virus. "
>>>


Here are some comments;

First
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Defender

Then some lessor ones.

http://www.esecurityplanet.com/windows-security/microsoft-security-essentials-flunks-av-test-certification.html


http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/95625-does-windows-defender-actually-do-anything.html

Now I do run BOTH Microsoft Defender and AVAST. I like the little warnings Defender gives me when something changes on my computer.


So far they are not fighting each other (Windows XP Yes I know I should upgrade OS. I am about to switch to a MAC however. Not because it safer but because it more easily will integrate with an I-Phone and and (existing) I-pad.)

Jim B.

JA Benjamin

There is not a computer or program out there that can't be hacked! It's just the nature of the beast! I use MS programs and iobit software in my computers and have no big issues. I gave up on Norton a few years back, when they started hitting their customers for more money upgrades. Just be very careful about opening attachments in the mail. JMHO. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Jim B, how can you be running Windows Defender under XP? WD is ONLY for use with Windows 8 or 8.1. Are you sure you aren't running MSE?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download
Ed

efh Haskell

Defender was available for XP and all later OS until a year or two ago when it was superseded by MSE.
Steve S

Gents,
Since this thread is not about our beloved cars My guilt is minimal at being OT. As to the comment on the Mac, And as owner of four currently I do not believe that there was a time in the 1980s when the Mac (Apple) had a 50% share of the PC market. As a matter of fact if they got much above 5% I would like to see the comments from that era.
As to virus immunity the writer is correct. Mac's are not immune. Never the less hackers and virus writers are looking for efficiency in their efforts like anyone else. When it is difficult to hit the bull's eye a much smaller target is not attractive. One small example is that since 1986 my many Macs (About 10 machines over the years) have had one successful attack. That was on a 3.5 inch floppy to give you an idea of the time frame. Pay your money and take your chances.

Jim Haskins
J. M. Haskins

Thanks for the responses but they make my problem worse. Being a recently retired engineer I could machine a left hand thread or TIG weld an aluminium casting but computer terms are a foreign language to me. To make matters worse pour children don't live close by so they can only help when they visit us. Our computer has a virus checker that shows as a shield icon and I do run full scans every few days. Our computer is only used for emails from known sources, Googling for info on cars or perhaps hotels, searching eBay and of course this site. The recent virus scare was plastered over all the UK news broadcasts but for one day only - possibly a no news day? From now on I will delete all emails from unknown sources immediately and enven those from people who I do know who are forwarding on joke emails.


Jan T
J Targosz

Was "Defender" years ago according to Steve above.
Renamed "MSE" for a while.
Now it's back to being called "Defender" for Windows 8.
Typical Microsoft!
efh Haskell

The problem is, that no one provider of AV programs, has a complete AV library. Each provider has their own virus library, so no two AV programs treat a virus the same way.

The US government has offered to set up a master library, but that would put Norton(ugh!!) and other AV providers out of business, so we continue to struggle with only partial protection.

You only get what you pay for, and Free is good only part way. I use (buy) Vipre for spyware and Malwarebytes for the other malware.

And don't kid yourself about a MAC. My neighbour just got hit for the second time in three weeks. Apple threaten you with death by a hot poker if you open their can, and he had to pack it up and leave it at the dealers for 3 days, each time resulting in a re-format.

No cloud for me. I've just switched to removable SSD drives and I switch off my connection when I'm not on-line. I don't want some .cn or .ru hackers fooling around in the background. In addition to my files, I also back up the registries and other critical files using Acronis True Image and Disk Director

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A Clark

Even disconnected backup drives can't save you from everything. Theft and fire will still wipe out your data! Cloud backup service is not the answer, as I believe it opens more cans of worms than it closes and gives a very, very false sense of security. The best way to backup is to put it in a safe deposit box. But who is going to go through all that, even once per month, let alone weekly or more.

Jan, if you use your computer just to browse car forums, check email, visit eBay, etc then chances are you are completely safe. Just make sure your anti-virus software is set to automatically update at least once per week (daily is better) and every now and then do a manual update to make sure there aren't any program updates that won't install automatically. Once or twice per month is more than enough. And if you aren't using a web-based email service then ensure that it is checking both incoming and outgoing email. If you use web-based (gmail, yahoo, etc where emails are stored online, not on your computer) then in my opinion you have practically nothing to worry about.
Steve S

I'm sorry....couldn't resist.........

David Sheward 55 TF1500 # 7427

I didn't mention it before, but I have Linux Mint on my desktop with duel boot into W-7 if preferred. I get no problems in Mint! The language is a little different, but not that hard to learn. Email, browsers, photos, all work very well in this OP system with no issues. I still have W-8 on the lap tops, but might change. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Jim, I stand by my statement regarding Apple market share... sorry to get wordy, but I felt the need to answer your comment...

In 1976 the Apple I sold 200 units. At that time, there was no other computer in the market with a screen; so in terms of what we even remotely understand as a PC, the Apple I owned exactly 100% of the market.

The Apple II was one of what was considered the three "1977 Trinity" computers generally credited with creating the home computer market (the other two being the Commodore PET and the Tandy Corporation TRS-80). - Wikipedia. Note, this still isn't a "PC"... that's four years away...

The advent of Visicalc (the first "killer app") on the Apple III gave it the lion's share of the three computers in sales. - Wikipedia

However, we still hadn't entered the age of the "PC"; nobody looking at a TRS80 or a PET would call it such a thing. It wasn't until the advent of IBM into the home computer market that the term PC was born; when an IBM group cobbled together a machine using 100% off the shelf parts, an open architecture, and third party software (from a tiny company called Microsoft) that the first PC was born, in 1981. And for the first few years, the two dominant players would be Apple and IBM.
In the era of 8 bit computing, and excluding the Commodore 64, Atari and other "non PC" computers,

In 1981, Apple sold 250,000 units compared to IBMs few hundred.
In 1982, they were neck and neck with around 250k units each - 50% share.
In 1984, Apple sold a million computers vs IBM's 2 million, a 33 percent share.


From 1984 on, despite stellar products, Apple continued to drop in market share as its products were (and still are) twice the price of competing IBM and clone PC's. Apple has maintained the highest internal profit margin - typically 40% in an industry dominated by companies who make as little as 2 percent profit on production.
Geoffrey M Baker

How can you exclude the Commodore line? The C64 was one of the greatest home computing devices ever made! More than 15 million C64's were sold in its 12 year run, and even today it remains the best-selling home computer of all time. I loved mine.
Steve S

Both Commodore and Atari were machines developed from game machine roots. They were inexpensive but were sold without screens or disk drives. While you could say they ushered in the age of computers, I would not describe them as a true PC. They sold by the million. (outselling both Apples and IBMs for a while) but withered later. I would describe a PC as a machine with screen, keyboard, integrated disk drive that could also accept internal modules including memory, processors and cards.
I don't mean to knock the Commodore or the Atari or RS TRS80 or even the Sinclair 80... But none of these are true PCs...
Geoffrey M Baker

But, the Commodore64 was a fantastic learning machine for anyone who wanted to learn about such things as indirect addressing and how to program in that magical language, BASIC.
Bud Krueger

And the Sinclair Z80 did the same... for something like $50... There were plenty of wonderful machines out there filling one niche or another. I loved my first "portable" computer, a Kaypro 2000 with a 4 inch green screen and a keyboard clipped onto the machine and the whole thing couldn't have weighed more than 30 pounds! Two disk drives and no hard drive, it was FAST! :)
Geoffrey M Baker

Amiga~!
David Sheward 55 TF1500 # 7427

Sliderule!!
J K Chapin

Abacus!!
Bud Krueger

Fingers!
Geoffrey M Baker

Amiga! I remember the OS name and I believe the system is still available, but is it worth the price? My first computer was a Commodore 64. Thinking about that, it's amazing how technology has moved these things into miniature electronic works of art that no one but a few could think what we have today would ever even exist. Who would have ever thought that the massive radio tube would ever be replaced by something not much bigger than the head of a pin! Fascinating! PJ
Paul S Jennings

Amiga was the first one I had that was "on-line" via phone modem. Actually still have a 1000 & a 2000 in the basement. The Amiga community offered all kinds of "dyi upgrades" ...normally a circuit board you installed with little clip leads attaching to ic chip legs on the mother-board! When they went under, at first, these sold dirt cheap....then went balli$tic as everybody wanted to get them!
Last time I used it, (10+ years?) the 2000 still worked, but God help me if I ever drop it and those little "up-grades" pop off as I wouldn't have a clue where to clip them back on! LOL
The "Toaster" was (still is) amazing for manipulating video footage.
X-Cad was a fantastic program and I did some of my earliest designs on it for television systems. When Auto-Cad came out I was able to render those drawling's to that format using an "IBM Bridgeboard". It only took about 16hours to render/convert a simple line drawing to AC! WOW!
A friend could send a picture over the Amiga Network from across the country and within half an hour (and long distance phone bill) I could see it on my screen! It was sooo cool! LOL
Had to build a VGA adapter as Amiga Monitors used their "own format" and it became impossible to find a working example at a reasonable price.
Damn ...thinking about this makes me want to play Leasuresuit Larry again!
David Sheward 55 TF1500 # 7427

I remember those days of 300 baud modems and $1000 phone bills!!
Geoffrey M Baker

The first computer I had with a hard drive was a Phoenix. The hard drive was a whopping 164 Meg! Had to compress everything to get it on the drive. Needless to say, as soon as I got the opportunity, I installed a bigger drive, then put an Evergreen doubler on the processor. Was great at the time. Gigabyte, what's that! LOL. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Ooooo "the doubler" !
My Amiga 2000 has this big honking toggle switch drilled into the face plate & labeled with a sharpie:
2meg/4meg!
The blistering speed of a supercharged hourglass!

Actually remember converting my GE Bag-Phone to be able to get the Amiga "On-Line" (along with a handful of others) via cell phone in the car.
History making moment:
The Not-So-Smart-Phone!
David Sheward 55 TF1500 # 7427

The first computers I actually worked with (IBM twin 360s in grad school and analog in ChemE don't count) were, I was told, IBM serial number 3 and 4 (supposedly the plane carrying S/N 1 & 2, the first fully transistorized IBM computers, crashed into the North Atlantic) in Thule Greenland in 1972. These were housed in freezers with frost all around. Data was stored on 8 huge reel-to-reel tape drives and programs were fed in via punch cards (remember the big card sorter that selected the final question on the $64K Question TV show?). Output was via a "line printer" (a bar with all the characters that banged back and forth like a shuttle in a loom and when the correct character was over the correct spot on the continuous feed paper a hammer would strike that spot. The paper moved fast enough that it actually flew up 12-18" above the printer. Each AM we printed a catelogue of everything we had identified as orbiting our blue sphere so we'd recognize something new if it reared its ugly head. At least we could buy Danish beer ("Ceres" - do they still brew that?) for 49 cents for a case of twenty-four 12 oz. bottles.

Beautiful naked woman behind evry tree and good times had by all.

Jud
J K Chapin


>Geoffrey M Baker, Arizona, USA View vehicle profile

>I remember those days of 300 baud modems and $1000 >phone bills!!

The year was 1984. I remember dragging a portable Modem/keyboard/printer (Thermal) on a plane from Milwaukee to SF.

I had a Semiconductor processing Lab in Milwaukee. All the furnaces were run by a PDP 11-44. I could access this via the modem and see where all the runs stood, and what was in the furnaces.

Very advanced for the time.
today I could do it on my cell phone.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

The Commodore did have an optional monitor, but to cater to the gaming console crowd as well as offer a cheaper buy-in, they also integrated a composite output to connect to a TV screen. It also came with optional tape drive or floppy drive (the infamous 1541), and later a hard drive. It could be programmed in many different languages, usually Basic, C or machine language (there's a nifty term) and the programs could be saved to disk or even sent using a modem (mine was a Mighty Mo 300 baud). I would definitely consider a C64 as a personal computer.

My first experience with computers was a Lear Seigler ADM 3 terminal connected by 150 baud to a mainframe 30 miles away. You could read the text of a page faster than it could load! But my first actual computer was the Commodore 64, also had a 128 later. First real PC was an Osborne II Portable, or as we called them "luggable". Those things were heavy! And the screen was about 4" as I recall. Some things have indeed changed for the better.

I remember being jealous because my father had a hard drive with a massive 20mb capacity. He wasn't sure why he bought one so big because he knew he would never fill it up. Today we have digital photos bigger than that, taken with cell phones.
Steve S

Mate

Check out the "Trend" product line, "Norton" has passed its "use by date". You will have to pay for the "Trend" product, however having been infected twice using other company protection products I have complete faith.
G Evans

This thread was discussed between 03/06/2014 and 14/06/2014

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