http://pcsolutions.paretologic.com/
Do you know what is happening on your computer? There are possibly several hidden processes currently running. These could be stealing valuable resources that other programs and apps desperately need. Unneeded hidden processes can really slow down your computer.
Computer users need to know which hidden processes are running in the background on their computers – and how to stop them.
What are Hidden Processes?
A computer program is basically a set of instructions. A process is the carrying out of those instructions. For processes to do their jobs, they require resources from the Central Processing Unit, called the CPU.
You can see the results of some processes. However, others run in the background on your computer. They might be doing something important. For example, your antivirus is monitoring and protecting you, even if you don’t notice it working right now. The problem is that some processes are unneeded and others, such as viruses and malware, are most definitely unwanted. These processes do not help your computer, but are taking up much needed resources and, in the case of viruses and malware, carrying out devious deeds.
Computer users should check their computers to see if unwanted hidden processes are causing slowdowns.
Stopping Hidden Processes
Some of the processes running on your computer are important. They could be for Windows operating system, your antivirus, or programs that you are currently using. However, others are not needed and just slow down your computer. A fast and easy way to keep a handle on which processes are running on your computer is the Process Manager in RegCure Pro, a PC optimization program.
It shows you which processes are currently running and which resources they are using. Several might have names that you recognize, like Microsoft, HP, ParetoLogic, and Intel. Others might have names that look to be in another language!
With RegCure Pro’s Process Manager, you can click to see a process’s properties. This should let you know if it is needed or not. As well, RegCure Pro uses handy symbols to indicate the importance of processes. If a process is unneeded or unwanted, you can use RegCure Pro to stop it.
If a process is classified by RegCure Pro as malware or if its properties are unavailable or blank, it could be malware. It is a good idea to stop this process and then to scan with an antivirus program to check if your computer has become infected.
Some hidden processes launch when you boot up your computer. This can make for very long startup times. To speed up your computer’s boot time, you can stop these programs and hidden processes from launching at startup. RegCure Pro’s Startup Manager finds these hidden processes and helps you disable them.
Hidden processes can affect your computer’s speed and performance. Stopping hidden processes, using a utility like RegCure Pro, can help your computer perform better.
Common Unwanted Processes
- SearchSettings.exe: This process is considered to be malware and has been known to hijack your search toolbar and to install adware.
- Rlvknlg.exe: This process is known to track your online purchases and re-route your web surfing. It is recommended you stop it.
- Hkcmd.exe: This is part of the drivers for the Intel 81x graphics chips. It is not needed for most users.
- Igfxpers.exe: This process provides access to the Intel graphics control panel via a System Tray icon. This uses up a lot of resources.
- Rthdcpl.exe: This process offers access to the Realtek High Definition Audio Control Panel. There are other ways to access the control panel rather than having this process running in the background.
- Qttask.exe: Helping you launch Quick Time from the System Tray, it usually uses up to 750KB. If you don’t need it, turn it off.
- Reader_sl.exe: A “Speed Launcher,” this process helps Adobe Reader load faster when needed. It can take up valuable resources.
Identity theft. Spam emails. Phishing. Cyberbullying. Corporate security breaches.
These are just some of the crimes and devious deeds that are lumped together under the category of cybercrime. The Department of Homeland Security has designated October as National Cyber Security Month, with the week of Oct. 21-25 being focused on Cyber Crime. This is a good opportunity to remind ourselves about what steps we can take to avoid being victims of cybercrime.
Top 10 Tips for Cybercrime Prevention:
- Be careful where you click. Think before you open an email attachment or click on a link. Is it from someone you trust? Does the message look like something they would send to you?
- Secure your computer. It is recommended that you use security software that is not only an antivirus/antimalware, but also blocks incoming malware (Active Protection) and has a firewall.Download and try ParetoLogic Internet Security.
- Secure your phone, iPad, tablet, etc. It is important to also consider security measures for your mobile devices. Be as savvy about where you click on your phone/tablet as you are on your desktop computer.
- Keep your system and software up to date. Microsoft, Apple and software companies frequently release updates including security patches to address vulnerabilities. It is a good idea to always update when prompted.
- Be careful on social media. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media can be fun and useful, but you can also be put at risk. Check your privacy settings and be aware of who sees what you post. Also, remember that once you click “post”, it is out there for everyone to see. Do not post your phone number, address, and other personal info.
- Secure your WiFi. An unsecure home wireless network can give cybercriminals a way in. Check your WiFi default settings and choose a secure password. As well, avoid doing financial transactions on public WiFi hot spots, such as those at coffee shops or airports.
- Protect yourself. Be very careful about your confidential info and what you share. When entering credit card info online, check to make sure your browser shows https. This shows that it is a secure connection.
- Choose a strong password. Passwords, if they are strong, serve as an important first line of defence to your accounts and personal info. Pick passwords that are not words found in the dictionary, but include letters, numbers and symbols. You might want to consider using a password manager that is also a password generator.
- Back up your data. If your computer is stolen – even if someone can’t get into your files – your info is gone. It is recommended that you back up your files, whether it is using discs, a flash drive, or online file backup. Check out SpeedyBackup for your online backup needs.
- Be aware. If you end up on a page or receive an email, that just doesn’t feel right – leave the page quickly or delete the email. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
When you are on your computer or your smartphone, you likely feel secure. However, be aware that there are people out there looking for an opportunity to take advantage of you. The tips above are a great starting point.
Seeing a security error message when you visit what you think is a safe website is very concerning. If it is a site where you planned on putting in confidential data or credit card info, like a banking site or one using PayPal, alarm bells are likely going off in your head. That is probably followed by frustration!
However, seeing a website security certificate error message doesn’t always mean there is a major problem. It often can be fixed quickly and easily.
The Issue
When you go to a website, are you getting an error message something like this:
“There is a problem with this website’s security certificate. The security certificate presented by this website has expired or is not yet valid.”
“There is a problem with this website’s security certificate. The security certificate presented by this website has expired or is not yet valid.”
The Solutions:
There are a few different possible solutions for this website security certificate problem. We’d suggest that you start at the top of the list and work your way down.
1. Check the website address. Website security certificates are configured to very specific website addresses. If you typed in the address using http:// but not, www, try using www. It could be that the security certificate only applies to the www address.
2. Check your computer’s clock. As funny as its sounds, many website security certificate problems can be fixed by making sure your computer’s clock has the right time, day and year. At times the clock can get out of sync and make your web browser think the certificate isn’t valid. You can reset the clock by:
For most Windows users:
- Click on the time and date in the notification area in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
- Click on “Change date and time settings …”
- See if the clock is set right and change it if need be.
For Windows 8 users:
- From the Start Menu Charms click Settings.
- In Desktop Settings, click “More PC settings”.
- In PC Settings, click General to check and reset the time if necessary.
3. Check into the site. There are times when websites do not update their security certificates. If it is a company or institution you have a relationship with, contact them and explain the problem. In other cases, it might be best to look for alternative websites.
Website security certificates are designed to keep users safe. Sometimes users might encounter alarming security certificate messages. These are usually cleaned up quickly by following the steps above.
It is best for your computer’s health if you do not search online for photos and downloads of actress Lily Collins.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones star was found to be the 2013 Most Dangerous Celebrity to search for online. According to a recent study, searching for pics and downloads of Collins, the daughter of Sussudio singer and former Genesis musician Phil Collins, gave you a 14.5 per cent of ending up at a website spewing viruses, spyware and other malware.
Malware authors have long preyed upon computer user’s desire to search for news about and photos of popular people and events. They use search terms that they know will cause Google, Bing and other search engines to send people to their sites. Once you are on one of these malicious websites, a drive-by download or other devious deed is done to infect your computer. Instead of getting pics of Collins in Mirror Mirror, users end up with malicious software that steals confidential info, uses their computer to spam others, hijacks their browser, or force feeds them ads.
Always on the lookout for new ways to infect PCs, malware author switch up their tactics. Emma Watson, one of the actresses from The Bling Ring and the Harry Potter films, topped the 2012 Most Dangerous Celebrity list. This year Watson, actress Jessica Biel (No. 2 last year) and formerTransformers star Megan Fox (No. 6 in 2012) are not even on the list.
This year’s list and the percentage of chance a search for them will take you to a malicious site are:
- Lily Collins – Half-sister of actress Joely Collins 14.5%
- Avril Lavigne – Singer who wed Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger 12.7%
- Sandra Bullock – Actress who was Collins’ film mom in The Blind Side 10.8%
- Kathy Griffin – Actress and comedian known for My Life on the D-List 10.6%
- Zoe Saldana – Actress who stars in Star Trek and Avatar 10.5%
- Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl singer 10.4%
- Britney Spears – Ooops! … I Did It Again singer with new album due this year 10.1%
- Jon Hamm – Mad Men actor who also produces and directs 10.0%
- Adriana Lima – Brazilian supermodel and actress 9.9%
- Emma Roberts – We’re The Millers actress who is niece of Julia Roberts 9.8%
It is definitely the ladies that malware authors target. Hamm, who was in Bridesmaids and The Town, is the lone male in the top 10. Singer and actor Justin Timberlake and Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey were in the top 15 at No. 12 and No. 13, respectively.
Tips for Staying Safe While Surfing Online
- When looking to download photos of stars stick to legitimate websites, such as their official sites, film promotion sites, TV networks sites, and others.
- The phrase “Free downloads” significantly increases the chance a search will lead to malware. Try to avoid this phrase.
- Try to use official news sites when searching for news.
- Avoid sites that want you to download something before providing content.
- Do not use a site that asks you for email, home address, credit card, or similar info before showing you content. This is a common scheme for phishing.
- Check website URLs for misspelled words. This is sometimes an indication that it is phony.
- Use a PC security solution to protect your PC from viruses, spyware, adware and other malware. Download XoftSpy AntiVirus Pro now.
Have you received an email attachment that you can’t open? It is very frustrating when you can’t open a file. Your important info is stuck inside – and you can’t crack that nut.
There could be a few reasons why your file won’t open. One might be that your antivirus has blocked you from downloading the attachment. This protects you from being infected by a virus, spyware or another kind of malware.
However, there are cases when an email attachment has been misidentified. It is a good idea to make sure that the attachment is coming from a trusted sender. If it is not or the filename looks suspicious, it is best not to open it. If you believe the attachment `is legitimate, check your antivirus software’s help file for info on how to open the email attachment.
In other cases, the email attachment won’t open because your computer does not have a program assigned to open it. Or maybe you do not have software installed to open that particular file format or type.
If you think your PC just doesn’t have software assigned to open a certain file type, take a glance at the file extension. This is the suffix that follows the file name and a period. For example in test.doc, doc is the file extension.
File extensions indicate which file type the email attachment is. For example, doc usually means the attachment is a Microsoft Word document. Extensions used to be pretty generic. Txt, as an example, represented a text file.
Now there are countless, specific file extensions: PDF, DOCX, JPG, RAR, … It is impossible to remember them all and to keep them straight! If you get files from lots of different people, it can be frustrating to try to figure out what opens all of them.
One of the easiest ways to deal with unfamiliar file extensions is to use EasyFileViewer. This handy program lets you view the most popular file types. It is great for looking at:
Document File Types: PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, RTF and more
Images, Photos and Graphics: TIFF, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIF, BMP and others
Archived Files: ZIP, 7Z, GZ, RAR and more
With EasyFileViewer, you don’t have to buy or download a bunch of different programs just to look at a file. It lets you view a wide variety of file types.
Give EasyFileViewer a try today. Download now!
Do you know what is happening on your computer? There are possibly several hidden processes currently running. These could be stealing valuable resources that other programs and apps desperately need. Unneeded hidden processes can really slow down your computer.
Computer users need to know which hidden processes are running in the background on their computers – and how to stop them.
What are Hidden Processes?
A computer program is basically a set of instructions. A process is the carrying out of those instructions. For processes to do their jobs, they require resources from the Central Processing Unit, called the CPU.
You can see the results of some processes. However, others run in the background on your computer. They might be doing something important. For example, your antivirus is monitoring and protecting you, even if you don’t notice it working right now. The problem is that some processes are unneeded and others, such as viruses and malware, are most definitely unwanted. These processes do not help your computer, but are taking up much needed resources and, in the case of viruses and malware, carrying out devious deeds.
Computer users should check their computers to see if unwanted hidden processes are causing slowdowns.
Stopping Hidden Processes
Some of the processes running on your computer are important. They could be for Windows operating system, your antivirus, or programs that you are currently using. However, others are not needed and just slow down your computer. A fast and easy way to keep a handle on which processes are running on your computer is the Process Manager in RegCure Pro, a PC optimization program.
It shows you which processes are currently running and which resources they are using. Several might have names that you recognize, like Microsoft, HP, ParetoLogic, and Intel. Others might have names that look to be in another language!
With RegCure Pro’s Process Manager, you can click to see a process’s properties. This should let you know if it is needed or not. As well, RegCure Pro uses handy symbols to indicate the importance of processes. If a process is unneeded or unwanted, you can use RegCure Pro to stop it.
If a process is classified by RegCure Pro as malware or if its properties are unavailable or blank, it could be malware. It is a good idea to stop this process and then to scan with an antivirus program to check if your computer has become infected.
Some hidden processes launch when you boot up your computer. This can make for very long startup times. To speed up your computer’s boot time, you can stop these programs and hidden processes from launching at startup. RegCure Pro’s Startup Manager finds these hidden processes and helps you disable them.
Hidden processes can affect your computer’s speed and performance. Stopping hidden processes, using a utility like RegCure Pro, can help your computer perform better.
Common Unwanted Processes
- SearchSettings.exe: This process is considered to be malware and has been known to hijack your search toolbar and to install adware.
- Rlvknlg.exe: This process is known to track your online purchases and re-route your web surfing. It is recommended you stop it.
- Hkcmd.exe: This is part of the drivers for the Intel 81x graphics chips. It is not needed for most users.
- Igfxpers.exe: This process provides access to the Intel graphics control panel via a System Tray icon. This uses up a lot of resources.
- Rthdcpl.exe: This process offers access to the Realtek High Definition Audio Control Panel. There are other ways to access the control panel rather than having this process running in the background.
- Qttask.exe: Helping you launch Quick Time from the System Tray, it usually uses up to 750KB. If you don’t need it, turn it off.
- Reader_sl.exe: A “Speed Launcher,” this process helps Adobe Reader load faster when needed. It can take up valuable resources.
Identity theft. Spam emails. Phishing. Cyberbullying. Corporate security breaches.
These are just some of the crimes and devious deeds that are lumped together under the category of cybercrime. The Department of Homeland Security has designated October as National Cyber Security Month, with the week of Oct. 21-25 being focused on Cyber Crime. This is a good opportunity to remind ourselves about what steps we can take to avoid being victims of cybercrime.
Top 10 Tips for Cybercrime Prevention:
- Be careful where you click. Think before you open an email attachment or click on a link. Is it from someone you trust? Does the message look like something they would send to you?
- Secure your computer. It is recommended that you use security software that is not only an antivirus/antimalware, but also blocks incoming malware (Active Protection) and has a firewall.Download and try ParetoLogic Internet Security.
- Secure your phone, iPad, tablet, etc. It is important to also consider security measures for your mobile devices. Be as savvy about where you click on your phone/tablet as you are on your desktop computer.
- Keep your system and software up to date. Microsoft, Apple and software companies frequently release updates including security patches to address vulnerabilities. It is a good idea to always update when prompted.
- Be careful on social media. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media can be fun and useful, but you can also be put at risk. Check your privacy settings and be aware of who sees what you post. Also, remember that once you click “post”, it is out there for everyone to see. Do not post your phone number, address, and other personal info.
- Secure your WiFi. An unsecure home wireless network can give cybercriminals a way in. Check your WiFi default settings and choose a secure password. As well, avoid doing financial transactions on public WiFi hot spots, such as those at coffee shops or airports.
- Protect yourself. Be very careful about your confidential info and what you share. When entering credit card info online, check to make sure your browser shows https. This shows that it is a secure connection.
- Choose a strong password. Passwords, if they are strong, serve as an important first line of defence to your accounts and personal info. Pick passwords that are not words found in the dictionary, but include letters, numbers and symbols. You might want to consider using a password manager that is also a password generator.
- Back up your data. If your computer is stolen – even if someone can’t get into your files – your info is gone. It is recommended that you back up your files, whether it is using discs, a flash drive, or online file backup. Check out SpeedyBackup for your online backup needs.
- Be aware. If you end up on a page or receive an email, that just doesn’t feel right – leave the page quickly or delete the email. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
When you are on your computer or your smartphone, you likely feel secure. However, be aware that there are people out there looking for an opportunity to take advantage of you. The tips above are a great starting point.
Seeing a security error message when you visit what you think is a safe website is very concerning. If it is a site where you planned on putting in confidential data or credit card info, like a banking site or one using PayPal, alarm bells are likely going off in your head. That is probably followed by frustration!
However, seeing a website security certificate error message doesn’t always mean there is a major problem. It often can be fixed quickly and easily.
The Issue
When you go to a website, are you getting an error message something like this:
“There is a problem with this website’s security certificate. The security certificate presented by this website has expired or is not yet valid.”
“There is a problem with this website’s security certificate. The security certificate presented by this website has expired or is not yet valid.”
The Solutions:
There are a few different possible solutions for this website security certificate problem. We’d suggest that you start at the top of the list and work your way down.
1. Check the website address. Website security certificates are configured to very specific website addresses. If you typed in the address using http:// but not, www, try using www. It could be that the security certificate only applies to the www address.
2. Check your computer’s clock. As funny as its sounds, many website security certificate problems can be fixed by making sure your computer’s clock has the right time, day and year. At times the clock can get out of sync and make your web browser think the certificate isn’t valid. You can reset the clock by:
For most Windows users:
- Click on the time and date in the notification area in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
- Click on “Change date and time settings …”
- See if the clock is set right and change it if need be.
For Windows 8 users:
- From the Start Menu Charms click Settings.
- In Desktop Settings, click “More PC settings”.
- In PC Settings, click General to check and reset the time if necessary.
3. Check into the site. There are times when websites do not update their security certificates. If it is a company or institution you have a relationship with, contact them and explain the problem. In other cases, it might be best to look for alternative websites.
Website security certificates are designed to keep users safe. Sometimes users might encounter alarming security certificate messages. These are usually cleaned up quickly by following the steps above.
It is best for your computer’s health if you do not search online for photos and downloads of actress Lily Collins.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones star was found to be the 2013 Most Dangerous Celebrity to search for online. According to a recent study, searching for pics and downloads of Collins, the daughter of Sussudio singer and former Genesis musician Phil Collins, gave you a 14.5 per cent of ending up at a website spewing viruses, spyware and other malware.
Malware authors have long preyed upon computer user’s desire to search for news about and photos of popular people and events. They use search terms that they know will cause Google, Bing and other search engines to send people to their sites. Once you are on one of these malicious websites, a drive-by download or other devious deed is done to infect your computer. Instead of getting pics of Collins in Mirror Mirror, users end up with malicious software that steals confidential info, uses their computer to spam others, hijacks their browser, or force feeds them ads.
Always on the lookout for new ways to infect PCs, malware author switch up their tactics. Emma Watson, one of the actresses from The Bling Ring and the Harry Potter films, topped the 2012 Most Dangerous Celebrity list. This year Watson, actress Jessica Biel (No. 2 last year) and formerTransformers star Megan Fox (No. 6 in 2012) are not even on the list.
This year’s list and the percentage of chance a search for them will take you to a malicious site are:
- Lily Collins – Half-sister of actress Joely Collins 14.5%
- Avril Lavigne – Singer who wed Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger 12.7%
- Sandra Bullock – Actress who was Collins’ film mom in The Blind Side 10.8%
- Kathy Griffin – Actress and comedian known for My Life on the D-List 10.6%
- Zoe Saldana – Actress who stars in Star Trek and Avatar 10.5%
- Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl singer 10.4%
- Britney Spears – Ooops! … I Did It Again singer with new album due this year 10.1%
- Jon Hamm – Mad Men actor who also produces and directs 10.0%
- Adriana Lima – Brazilian supermodel and actress 9.9%
- Emma Roberts – We’re The Millers actress who is niece of Julia Roberts 9.8%
It is definitely the ladies that malware authors target. Hamm, who was in Bridesmaids and The Town, is the lone male in the top 10. Singer and actor Justin Timberlake and Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey were in the top 15 at No. 12 and No. 13, respectively.
Tips for Staying Safe While Surfing Online
- When looking to download photos of stars stick to legitimate websites, such as their official sites, film promotion sites, TV networks sites, and others.
- The phrase “Free downloads” significantly increases the chance a search will lead to malware. Try to avoid this phrase.
- Try to use official news sites when searching for news.
- Avoid sites that want you to download something before providing content.
- Do not use a site that asks you for email, home address, credit card, or similar info before showing you content. This is a common scheme for phishing.
- Check website URLs for misspelled words. This is sometimes an indication that it is phony.
- Use a PC security solution to protect your PC from viruses, spyware, adware and other malware. Download XoftSpy AntiVirus Pro now.
Have you received an email attachment that you can’t open? It is very frustrating when you can’t open a file. Your important info is stuck inside – and you can’t crack that nut.
There could be a few reasons why your file won’t open. One might be that your antivirus has blocked you from downloading the attachment. This protects you from being infected by a virus, spyware or another kind of malware.
However, there are cases when an email attachment has been misidentified. It is a good idea to make sure that the attachment is coming from a trusted sender. If it is not or the filename looks suspicious, it is best not to open it. If you believe the attachment `is legitimate, check your antivirus software’s help file for info on how to open the email attachment.
In other cases, the email attachment won’t open because your computer does not have a program assigned to open it. Or maybe you do not have software installed to open that particular file format or type.
If you think your PC just doesn’t have software assigned to open a certain file type, take a glance at the file extension. This is the suffix that follows the file name and a period. For example in test.doc, doc is the file extension.
File extensions indicate which file type the email attachment is. For example, doc usually means the attachment is a Microsoft Word document. Extensions used to be pretty generic. Txt, as an example, represented a text file.
Now there are countless, specific file extensions: PDF, DOCX, JPG, RAR, … It is impossible to remember them all and to keep them straight! If you get files from lots of different people, it can be frustrating to try to figure out what opens all of them.
One of the easiest ways to deal with unfamiliar file extensions is to use EasyFileViewer. This handy program lets you view the most popular file types. It is great for looking at:
Document File Types: PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, RTF and more
Images, Photos and Graphics: TIFF, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIF, BMP and others
Archived Files: ZIP, 7Z, GZ, RAR and more
With EasyFileViewer, you don’t have to buy or download a bunch of different programs just to look at a file. It lets you view a wide variety of file types.
Give EasyFileViewer a try today. Download now!
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