Panda USB Vaccine

As you're probably aware, virus and malware are a growing concern for many users.
You're using your computer just like on any other day... and then suddenly you notice weird popups and warning bugging you every few seconds.
Surprised, you start backtracking your actions... what did you do that might have caused this to happen?

... and then you realize... all you did was use a USB pen from a friend a while back...

Yes... in some cases that's all it takes. In its eagerness to make thing "easy" for users, Windows automatically executes some special files whenever you insert a new media device like a USB pen... and it doesn't take a genius to figure out that's one of the preferred methods for virus and malware to spread around like wildfire.


But here's a nice small (and free) tool that can help you with that: Panda USB Vaccine.

This util makes your USB Pens resistant to this type of attack, by creating a special - and safe- autorun file that can't be modified or deleted. Meaning... nothing else can use it for nefarious intent.

Sure, even though malware can't use the autorunfile doesn't mean you can't have other files on the pen infected - that's why you'll still need to use a up-to-date anti-virus program. But at least, it will help prevent it from spreading around using this autorun method.

Conficker Online Detector

And because we know its "out there", better to be safe than sorry and do a quick check on this online conficker detector to ensure you have nothing to worry about the latest trendy virus Conficker.

All clear on this front...

Apple Recommends Antivirus

I don't know if you know that expression: "when Hell freezes over"... but it sure has been freezing cold lately.

Particularly when you consider Apple's own recommendations, telling you should run - not just one, but several - anti virus programs on your Mac.

So, although one of the most advertised features: "Macs need no Anti-virus" is about to be put to rest.

Although an Operating System might be more or less secure than others, the truth is *every* OS has its own security flaws. The real issue is: how many people are trying to find it, how many people are trying to take advantage of it, and how many people are working on fixing it?

Windows still represents the largest percentage of the computers out there, and as such it's a primary target.

As other OS's become more popular, they'll too become a more interesting target for attackers, and these people will try to make the most out of each OS weaknesses.

In this scenario, an open-source OS like Linux may have the added advantage of quicker security patches being released - but make no mistake: any outdated and unpatched system is as vulnerable as the rest.

Besides, no matter how "secure" an OS is, nothing prevents its owner from installing a "internet accelerator program" - which is reality will be a virus or malware program.

So, as weird as it may sound... maybe antivirus programs may soon become as popular in Linux as they're in Windows right now.

AVG Antivirus considers Windows a Virus

If you happen to AVG antivirus on Windows XP - beware! A recent update causes 'user32.dll' (a critical system file) to be wrongfuly detected as a Virus, and recommends it to be deleted.

If you do so, you'll immediately wreck your Windows and be unable to use it.

A newer AVG update already fixes this issue.

If you have messes with your user32.dll, then you'll need to restore it from your original windows CD, or use another boot CD like UBCD to repair it.

If, after this issue you feel you better find another free antivirus alternative, don't forget to check Avira - which is the one I use; lightweight and free.