My DH is having problems with his computer, and it wouldn't even shut down........
So, I installed CCleaner, and it's now monitoring his system. I used to be tech support and still keep my hand in a bit.
CCleaner is recognized by my provider and several of my techie friends as safe - just make sure IF you download it that you download it from a safe & recognized site........
If you contact your internet provider, they may also recommend CCleaner - I know mine did.

Good information, Susan -- I'm going to check into that.

I run Spybot and Malware Bytes (both free) pretty regularly, and especially if I notice anything weird going on with my computer.

Just don't click on the pop-ups that say something like "YOUR COMPUTER MAY BE INFECTED -- CLICK HERE!" (because if you do, then it will be...)

Different but the same, sort of -- we've been getting those calls about supposedly being in trouble with the treasury dept. (thank goodness for caller ID and answering machines)

I use CCleaner too.

Tallulah_B said:My DH is having problems with his computer, and it wouldn't even shut down........
So, I installed CCleaner, and it's now monitoring his system. I used to be tech support and still keep my hand in a bit.
CCleaner is recognized by my provider and several of my techie friends as safe - just make sure IF you download it that you download it from a safe & recognized site........
If you contact your internet provider, they may also recommend CCleaner - I know mine did.

Susan,

I've never used a computer cleaner program other than Spybot and suspect it would be a good thing for me to do. Can you recommend a safe & recognized site ... also for Malware Bytes ?

I don't even know what a computer cleaner program does ...

I am still running on XP.

My internet provider never supplies that kind of information.

Lyn, you can get Malwarebytes (I guess it's only one word, thought it was two) at Malwarebytes.org; they have a "premium" version, but I've always just used the free one.

, Sandy.

You're welcome, Lyn!

ouch... XP? I'm surprised you aren't getting "can't update certificate" for websites, because it won't update for WinXP. If you're using IE, it's a Microsoft product and therefore cannot update certificates, nor can you use a Microsoft virus program - you can use others not made by Microsoft though.

Each computer "cleaner" offers different options - you can delete whatever you want - trojans, viruses, recycle bin, cache, log files, temporary internet files, setup files you don't need anymore - your choice.

I like going to Trendmicro.com for a virus program. I had a program on my system to delete viruses, and it got infected, so I went to Trendmicro.com and downloaded House Call (for free) and it cleaned my virus program. I deleted the virus program and shopped around for a good one to scan for viruses.
Right now, I'm using Norton Anti-virus, because it's good, and it's free from our provider. When an extra "boost" is needed, I've called our provider, and they've advised CCleaner as well.

Susan ..

Yes, I get the message ...

I have never used Microsoft IE. I have used Trendmicro in the past.

My ISP only provides a connection to the internet. I described it here in a post on another thread:

http://garden.org/thread/view_...

There is no technical support except for problems with the connection.

I am no longer a power user on the computer, so I really don't need to update spreadsheet, word processing, photo editing software ... all of which is compatible with XP. I only need to upgrade for the internet.

I truly haven't figured out the best way to go, but as you pointed out as time goes by, many sites are no longer compatible with XP. If I have time tomorrow, I'll check into House Call and CCleaner. I didn't like Norton when I used it in the past. I'll have to check that out, too.

Yeah, this whole issue could make me quite grumpy, if I weren't so tired.

Since the time I started using a computer it has been a love/hate relationship and I suppose it will be that way until the day I quit using a computer

That goes for me too, @rocklady (Jean). I love mine when it works properly and cuss it when it doesn't. I don't know enough about computers (or anything else high-tech) to know what's wrong when it isn't working properly.

Me too, Ken and here lately the air has been blue with cussing

I always felt the same way about cars, which were the reason for many of my grumpy days in the past. They always broke down just when you needed them the most. I sold my last car in 1980 and never drove again. Someday I'll probably do the same thing with my computer. .

How in the world do you get around, Zuzu? I cannot imagine being without a car when the nearest grocery store (or anything else for that matter) is a couple of miles (or more) away.

I used to walk everywhere I had to go, Ken, but I now have my groceries delivered, and I hire a local college kid to drive me when I have appointments or errands of various types.

Tallulah_B said:ouch... XP? I'm surprised you aren't getting "can't update certificate" for websites, because it won't update for WinXP. If you're using IE, it's a Microsoft product and therefore cannot update certificates, nor can you use a Microsoft virus program - you can use others not made by Microsoft though.

Each computer "cleaner" offers different options - you can delete whatever you want - trojans, viruses, recycle bin, cache, log files, temporary internet files, setup files you don't need anymore - your choice.

I like going to Trendmicro.com for a virus program. I had a program on my system to delete viruses, and it got infected, so I went to Trendmicro.com and downloaded House Call (for free) and it cleaned my virus program. I deleted the virus program and shopped around for a good one to scan for viruses.
Right now, I'm using Norton Anti-virus, because it's good, and it's free from our provider. When an extra "boost" is needed, I've called our provider, and they've advised CCleaner as well.

Susan I am still on XP and yes they constantly warn me about not supporting us any more but faithfully every month they do still send one update! I have Norton security so have had no problems staying on XP.

OK, Zuzu. You have everything in control.

I used to detest Norton, simply because they are so strong - wouldn't let me do what I wanted to. Made me feel like a kid who didn't know what was best for them
They have changed a bit, and actually don't scold me as much
btw - I haven't switched to Win 10 - many people I know have tried it and switched back. My educated "theory" (which has been proven time and time again) is that Microsoft has Alpha testing (in their labs) then Alpha 2 testing (to the gullible few in the public), then there's Beta testing ( "free to everyone"), then there's a final release (where they start to "fix" everything and fail), then they release a new version of Windows
I have never taken a new version of Windows until it's been around for 1 to 2 years.
All this I learned about Microsoft when I was in the tech support dept of an internet software company. That was many years ago, and I'm still a skeptic when it comes to computers. I've learned how to "lie" to them, and they don't always like it, but...... there ya have it
btw - so many software and hardware companies feel the same as I do, and this is evident by the fact that they are not compatible with the newest version of Windows because they don't want to spend the $$ to become compatible until it's proven. Watch the biggest software & hardware companies to see what they're trending, and you'll (9 times out of 10) be right.

I'm feeling highly grumpy right now. I just walked out to the sun porch, where the outdoor cats sleep at night, and discovered that they must have invited some skunks to last night's slumber party. What a revolting development!

peeeeeeeeuuuw.......... !!