Author: Summer Powell

Displayed here is the image of the CryptoLocker User Interface as shown by Dell SecureWorks. Since its introduction in early September of this year CryptoLocker has made headlines by preventing its victims from accessing their own files. According to analysis by Dell SecureWorks the number of CryptoLocker victims has grown into the hundreds of thousands, with the exact number likely to be above 250,000. All of these infected computers add up. While not everyone pays to ransom demanded by CryptoLocker the small percentage that do have made cybercrime a very profitable endeavor for the group behind the malware. Current estimates…

The operating system is an essential software component that serves as a critical foundation for your computer. It plays a vital role in ensuring that all other programs can operate efficiently and seamlessly by providing the necessary support and resources. Without the operating system, the computer would not be able to function properly and run the various applications and processes that users rely on for their daily tasks. Most people know Windows is an operating system, and many also know Macs have their own operating system that is not based on Windows. But did you know there are a lot…

When it comes to online security, it’s important to stay vigilant and protect your devices from potential threats. One effective tool for safeguarding your browsing experience is AdBlock Plus (ABP). By blocking unwanted ads and malicious content, ABP helps enhance your online privacy and security. With its user-friendly interface and customizable features, ABP offers a seamless way to browse the web without interruptions. So, consider installing ABP today to ensure a safer and more enjoyable online experience. This image shows a visual representation of ABP, which stands for a specific concept or product. The image is aligned to the right…

As of the year 2012, Facebook was collecting an impressive amount of data from its users on a daily basis, totaling over 500 terabytes. This immense volume of data encompassed a wide range of information shared and created by the platform’s users, significantly adding to the extensive repository of user-generated content that Facebook was managing during that period. That number has likely doubled or even tripled by now. It’s also become apparent that advertisers and government agencies alike are using social media websites like Facebook to “data mine” users, building profiles for predicting anything from who is most likely to…

In today’s world, we are amidst a truly extraordinary era of transformation, where we are able to witness the future unfolding before our very eyes. The emergence of Google’s innovative self-driving cars, Microsoft’s groundbreaking real-time voice translation software, and NASA’s Voyager spacecraft venturing into the depths of interstellar space are just a few remarkable examples of the exceptional progress we have made. It is truly captivating to observe the evolution of these cutting-edge technologies, which were once mere figments of imagination in science fiction novels a mere two decades ago, now manifesting as tangible realities that seamlessly integrate into our…

I am tasked with the responsibility of assessing a substantial number of software applications on a consistent basis to ensure their quality and functionality. A LOT of software. Literally hundreds, maybe even thousands, of programs both for my professional work and because I really like playing with computers. But installing  and then uninstalling hundreds of programs on a single computer can cause unintended consequences. I really don’t like having a cluttered PC, and doing all that software testing is a good way to cause a lot of clutter. Fortunately there is a way to run two (or even more) completely…

In the early days of using a Windows PC, which was around the release of Windows 98, a significant number of computer users showed a preference for antivirus programs such as Norton and McAfee to safeguard their systems against a variety of malicious threats that were prevalent at the time. While some users chose not to utilize antivirus software at all, it was generally recognized as a risky decision during that period, given the abundance of potential security threats lurking in the digital landscape. Now 15 years later (give or take) there are literally hundreds of antivirus programs fighting malicious…

If you are considering disposing of an outdated computer, there are several important factors that you should carefully consider before making a final decision. It is vital to take into account the potential data security risks that come with getting rid of old devices and to understand the proper methods of disposal to safeguard sensitive information from being compromised. Furthermore, you might want to look into different options for recycling or donating your old computer in order to reduce environmental impact and prolong its usability. By thoroughly assessing these factors, you can make a well-informed decision on the most suitable…

I had originally intended to delve into the significance of private search results, but it seems that in today’s digital landscape, this topic has become increasingly pertinent. In our current context, we are all aware of the fact that government entities such as the NSA and potentially other agencies actively engage in the collection of both private and public communications. Furthermore, prominent internet giants like Google, Facebook, and Yahoo place a strong emphasis on advertising and the accumulation of extensive user data. It is evident that there is a pervasive trend towards the acquisition of information about individuals, which underscores…

Accidents are unpredictable events that can occur unexpectedly at any given moment. For instance, you might have mistakenly deleted an important file or encountered a technical glitch while using a software program on your computer. It is also plausible that a malware infection could have been responsible for the inadvertent deletion of your files. On a different note, it is conceivable that individuals such as your children, parents, pets, or even your eccentric neighbor who loves cats might have somehow interfered with your data, despite your diligent efforts to safeguard it. However, there is no need to despair, as there…