Software updates and parches- Comments on freeware shareware

Patches/ Updates/ Freeware

Advice:
Precautions to take when installing patches or updates and especially, free trials, shareware or limited use software.

A.- Create a Restore Point
Anti-virus programs: Be aware most good programs are updated at least weekly. Environment: Windows- Norton or Symantec products
1.- Turn on your LiveUpdate and ask to be notified. (check at least weekly yourself and if you learn of a new threat on the news- these update programs are not always reliable)
2. Create a restore point- see "Instructional Information- RESTORE POINT" below. When asked for a name the Restore use an explanation of the patch or upgrade being installed.
Note: Not all programs give you the change to download a copy, as "Save", before installing, which is the preferred way. We keep a separate folder for all downloads by name for this purpose. Then, we do the install after creating a Restore point.
3. Run your anti virus program, manually, on the new downloaded files, as soon as possible after they are installed and you have re-booted your system.
4. Install by Clicking on MY COMPUTER> locate the downloaded exe or zip file in your folders and double click to install. Please read the instructions carefully and any agreement that could limit your rights or impact your privacy and security.

B.- Patch & Update:

At the very minimum, accept patches and updates to your anti-virus and operating system (Windows). Do not just rely on being notified (Live updates) or getting around to it when their is breaking news about a new problems circling the world.

Chances are by the time it hits the news, the major damage has been done. Updates compliment patches and work together. They are not done out of the goodness of the software vendor's heart. Serious flaws or new vulnerabilities have occurred. If the vendor thought they could charge you for a new feature or function, they would.

The same holds true for applications (especially, the ones you pay for). Take advantage of these offerings. Be aware that software vendors have lost their patience fro people that pass their software around for free. As a result, many are intruding more and more on your space. In any event, having current licensed software is in your best interest. Professional software vendors should not interested in your personal information.

Patches:
Are all patches and updates created equal? No!
You can wait until they have been out for a week or so. Unless, it is your anti virus or major security update to your operating system. Some vendors only do patches for known problems when a new version or update is released, usually for a price. If you are satisfied with your existing program, examine the new features available before taking the plunge. You do not need be a beta tester or one of the first to download an update. Let someone else be the guinea pig and wait until the final release is out and get some feedback from others.

We suggest strongly creating a Restore point in the event the update or patch has a negative impact on your system. Should the update or patch cause problems, having a recent Restore Point allows you to return to the prior operating environment. By following the directions above & selecting "Restore my computer to an earlier time" and use your designated Restore point. Yes, your computer will shut down and re-boot to return to your prior configuration.

Many programs do not allow you to completely un-install them and most will change your Windows settings without permission. A Restore point, gives you the chance to turn back the clock without interfering with other application programs or data you have inputted or changed- i.e. - new or revised Word documents. The Windows "Add/Remove" programs in your Control Panel doses not get rid of everything. To check out what gets left on your system, just browse through My Computer> (your primary drive C: > Program Files). You do not want to play with trying to remove them for your computer's registry. It is very time consuming and dangerous to the operation of your computer.

Instructional- RESTORE POINT- Windows XP

Create a System restore point.
1.- Close any others program you may have running or open.
2.- START> ALL PROGRAMS> ACCESSORIES> SYSTEM TOOLS> SYSTEM RESTORE
3.- Click on "System Restore settings"- Make sure "Turn off System Restore" box remains unchecked and that at least 10% of your disk space on your primary drive is available, then click "Ok"
4.- Check mark the "Create a restore point"> NEXT>. Type in info for a description- example: Prior to the _____ update or trail software and press NEXT>. 3.- When the program is finished creating it, a message will show: New Restore Point: with your description.
5.- Press CLOSE button.

Restore Points in Vista

In Windows VIsta- System Restore provides system protection on all disks by using a default setting- unless you change it. We suggest you leave it on all hard drives that could be affected by a new software program installation in the event the install goes badly you what to un-install it completely.

1.- Click on Windows Start icon. Select "Control Panel" then "System and Maintenance" followed by "System". In the left hand panel, select "System Protection". Your main drive local drive C: should be ticked in order for you to be able to do a restore.
2.- Using the "Create" button, you can name the event, such as "Just before sketchy install of old software" and press "Create". Look for confirmation that it was successful.
3.- To do a Restore come back to the same location and select the "System Restore" button.

Go to Choose a different restore point to be sure you have the right one before your software install or when you have been experiencing problems with updates, new drivers, etc. Highlight the point you want and press "Next". Before you proceed- make sure you have closed all programs and saved any open files and documents. Then "Finish" and your restore will start and Windows will restart your computer when it is finished.

Should you do frequent manual Restore points be aware that they take a fair amount of disk space. It does not work on FAT partitions or files in older XP- 98- 95 format that you may have transferred over to Vista. Windows Help and Support has some frequently asked questions on System Restore which discuss important points, such as turning it off, what to do if Windows will not start correctly, restore point duration, etc.

Important Cautions!
Restore Points:
They will disappear in ascending date order (oldest first) over time as the available disk space is used up. You may return to your Restore Point and find you can not get back. If things do not work out or you want to get rid of that annoying or resource hogging program, we suggest evaluating it quickly and independently before installing any new updates/patches or new programs.

A huge amount of your time can be wasted trying to back out of a new nuisance toolbar, services or programs. You may want to consider starting your computer in "Safe Mode" to make sure programs, like SpySheriif & Virus Burst do not have the opportunity to load. CAUTION: Do not wait long to do a RESTORE if you experience problems. The longer you leave it the more changes can occur from the malware. And, if you make changes to settings or add other programs afterwards, they can be installed or impacted (though not a recently saved file in an application, like Word.)

Some malware is sneaky enough to know to retain their settings in memory. We re-boot prior to doing a Restore, Even then, some will re-load from your system and Internet Explorer startup files, which you should check before re-booting, then delete your temp files.

Computer worms can come from emails or be spread by USB or memory cards- like "downatup- conficker" bot and in the form of an email. Your systems will experience some virus- like behavior followed by an offer to buy a security software package to fix it. Of course, it is not a fix but the criminal gang now has your financial information, etc.
See more info from one of our Internet Security software experts F-Secure on downatup.

Freeware:
If you must try before you buy or want to use freeware, always have a backup plan in place. The most intrusive and damaging virus, spy and spam programs today are originating from these types of programs. "Free" stuff comes at a price to your computing enjoyment. Many will not completely un-install from your system even under Control Panel, leaving unnecessary and potentially damaging files & programs all over your system.

Bogged down or Slow Systems:
Computer repair shops spend most of their time removing all of these programs for a price. Computer manufacturers put all kinds of unnecessary programs on your system for free to entice you to buy with a 90 day free trial or lite edition. Software vendors actually pay them. There are programs will clean up these files and settings automatically to give your system a new lease on life, like Norton SystemWorks or Window Washer.

The first thing we do when you acquire a new system is to go to the Control Panel and un-install limited use or trail programs. You will find it easy to measure the value of quality security software in terms of your time and productivity.
The time and effort it will cost you from an intrusion or breach of your privacy and destruction of your hard work can be monumental. Do not compromise on protecting your privacy and securing your system for less than $.20 a day.