Remove windows 7 Security Center Alert

The Windows 7 Security Center, a built-in security suite, displays alerts and notifications on the System Tray located on the taskbar if a component is not functioning well or important information is available. These alerts include Windows updates, anti-virus failures and firewall status. If you prefer to check for Security Center alerts on your own, remove the automatic Security Center alerts by disabling the function. This will not interfere with security components.

Instructions

Click the "Start" menu, click "Control Panel," click "System and Security," then click "Action Center."

Select the "Change Action Center Settings" option. You should see the "Turn messages on or off" page.

Uncheck the options as desired under "Security Messages." For example, click the "Virus Protection" check box to clear the check mark if you do not want to receive virus protection status alerts.

Click "OK" to save the changes. You should no longer see security alerts on the System Tray on the taskbar.

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How to Disable Norton in Windows ?

Norton Internet Security and Norton Personal Firewall provide protection against malicious probes and malicious software (malware) infections on your Windows PC. Norton is a commercial product and requires annual subscriptions to maintain virus definitions and product upgrades. You may decide to try other brands of Internet security software or may need to disable Norton Internet Security to improve performance when gaming or to install other software products. Regardless of your reasons, disabling Norton in Windows takes less than five minutes.

Instructions

Disable Norton Internet Security

Click on "Start." Find "Norton Internet Security" in your programs list and click to open it.


Click on "User Accounts" in the left column. Check your account name to make sure you're logged on as Supervisor.

If you are not logged on as Supervisor, click "Log off." Click "Yes," then select "Log on." Select "Supervisor," enter your password, and click "OK." You can leave the password field blank if a password has not yet been set for the Supervisor account.

Click on "Status and Settings" in the left column.

Click "Security." Select "Turn off."

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How to Change Firefox Security Settings in Windows 7

The Mozilla Firefox 4 web browser runs on the Windows 7 operating system and is the latest version of the browser as of April 2011. You can change the security settings of Firefox by going into the Security panel in the browser's options screen.

Instructions

Open Firefox.

Click Tools.

Select Options.

Click Security.

Make the changes you wish to make, then click "OK" to save them.


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Security Issues in Windows 7

Till recently, it was believed that Windows 7 is vulnerable to eight out of ten new viruses. This is something that it hardly anything to worry about on the Mac. It is quite likely to write a virus that has an affect on only 4% of the computing world.

It has to be more thoroughly reviewed. It cannot be claimed that bad things can't happen to a Mac. It is just simply that it is not a major worry. When a firewall is turned on and when suspect attachments are kept away from people who are not included in your contact list. However it can only go as far as it goes. So the news that tends to claim that the most recent and greatest Microsoft Operating System, the new Windows 7 is still at risk from hackers tends to make someone feel a little uneasy.

There have been instances when analysis have claimed that, albeit the chances of any PC Pro readers operating a machine with no anti-virus software are very remote cases. But one have to admit to gross incompetence now and confess that for the time stretching few weeks Windows 7 has been running without any antivirus software. Users tend to simply fail to digest the fact that there need to be some security cover on even the most up-to-date technological invention.

It is found that the software giants do provide free protection software which are called Security Essentials. This is something that can be very reassuring to a user. Everyone was quick to download this and followed it with a scan that showed after testing by itself that there were no unwanted or corrupted software on a PC whether it be a desk-top or a notebook.

However, it can be a little apprehensive as no one has a clue whether this would be a safe option. Is this software, the latest from Microsoft going to safeguard a user from the various forms of attack? The PC Pro review seems to have quite an answer for it. It says that Security Essentials is in itself quite a far cry from a comprehensive security suite. So are data still at risk? Will there be a need to invest in a subscription service in order to get peace of mind? What is it and which one will be able to protect a user and how much would be the cost? In any case, is this the software developer's security tax equivalent to Apple's design tax?

There have been weeks when a computer was running without security software after the Windows 7 launch, but could this mean that personal data has made its way on a website in an obscure corner of the internet. A lapse approach to security may mean that one will have to face problems further down the line when they have even deployed the security software now loaded.

Whatever can be said and also a lot of conclusions can be made on the Mac security, but then there were never any real or worries on computer security as is with the case in Windows 7. The face of the matter could be a lot different and a user could not be at a security risk at all. However one thing is for sure, Macs have lesser, if any, viruses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3260010

Step By Step To Install Windows 7

Microsoft Windows 7 is the latest public release version of Microsoft Windows. Windows 7 is the hottest topic on the internet now. Do you want to use Microsoft Windows 7 on your computer? This article is will show you how to install Windows 7 step by step.

Clean installation is a process of putting an entirely new installation of Windows. In order to perform a clean installation of Windows 7, you should format and completely erase data on your hard drive. During a clean installation, the operating system files are installed in a new folder, and you must reinstall all of your applications and reconfigure user preferences, such as desktop and application settings.

On the other side when you upgrade, existing user settings are retained, as are installed applications and application settings. An upgrade is a new version of or addition to a hardware or, more often, software product that is already installed or in use.

Microsoft recommends you to upgrade your existing operating system to Windows 7, but if you are running XP then you cannot go for upgrade option. In that scenario you need to perform a clean installation of Windows 7. But don't forget to take a backup of your data before you initiate a clean installation.
Let's install Windows 7 on your PC step by step now

STEP 1. Insert the Windows 7 disc into DVD drive, then set the BIOS to boot from it.

STEP 2. Press any key on your keyboard to boot from CD or DVD.

STEP 3. Next you should see the first Windows 7 setup screen prompting you to enter your region information.

STEP 4. Set your location and language preferences then click Next.

STEP 5. Next accept the EULA (End User License Agreement) in order to proceed.

STEP 6. The two options are Upgrade and Custom. As this is a new install, the only one we can choose is Custom.

STEP 7. Select the hard drive partition for installing Windows.

STEP 8. During setup system may reboot a couple of times, don't "press any key to boot from CD or DVD" when this happens as it will slow everything down. Let Windows reboot as normal.

STEP 9. Once the file install is complete you will be presented with another black screen with the message, "Setup is preparing your computer for first use".

STEP 10. The next dialog box is where you enter your user and computer name. Enter all your details and click Next. Password time, enter one if you want, or leave it blank, the choice is yours.

STEP 11. The next screen is for the product key. Here you have two options. You can enter the key here and allow Windows to automatically activate once online, or ignore it and enter it later.

STEP 12. The next screen is the security screen where you choose whether or not to allow Windows to automatically update itself. We suggest setting this to Use recommended settings for now.
This will allow the operating system to download updates and fixes as they become available.

STEP 13. Next enter details for time zone, then network settings and etc.

Note: Once you're through with the installation process, you need to activate Windows 7. Activation is a process that verifies, your copy of Windows is not a pirated one. With a genuine copy of Windows 7, you are eligible to receive all available updates and product support from Microsoft. And don' t forget to set a login password to protect your computer. But you must make your password easy to remember and keep it safe. If you lost your password, you must reset Windows 7 password by using some Windows 7 password reset tool or any other methods for Windows 7 password recovery, otherwise you can't use your computer.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Step-by-Step-to-Install-Windows-7/1508720

Windows 7 Security - Five Easy Steps to a More Secure Windows 7

Understanding security threats in Windows 7, is of the utmost importance for professional and personal users alike. When people speak of security threats on their personal computers, they are generally referring to viruses, which can infect your computer in many ways.

A virus is a program that can replicate itself, it usually does this by attaching itself to another object such as an e-mail attachment. Viruses are generally a destructive program designed to corrupt data files and delete installed programs on your PC, and possibly damage the operating system.

Other security threats such as worms and spy-ware also need to be protected against. A worm is a program that often copies itself from one computer on a network to another, worm programs can also contain virus codes that can do damage to your data and wreak havoc with the performance of your PC.

Spy-ware programs are just what the name implies, these are software programs that can track your web surfing habits, display pop-up ads, redirect your browser to a different homepage that's not yours. And collect personal information without your permission.

Number One. First line of defense in securing your computer is creating a log on password. The log on password that you create should not be one that could be easily guessed. Your password should be at least eight characters long, the longer the better. You should use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and spaces.

Do not use your name, your pets name, child's name or any word that can be found in the dictionary. You can also use a phrase as a password, up to 127 characters, it should be something easily remembered by you, so it's not necessary to write it down.

Number Two. The second line of defense in securing your computer is applying a firewall to block outside intruders.Use Windows Firewall, it comes with Windows 7, and is much improved over the previous Windows versions. Any time you're connected to a network, whether it's a private or a public network, you are at risk. Each computer on the network should have its own firewall. That way if another user's computer becomes infected because they are not as vigilant about securing their computer, you will still be protected.

One example is if you take your laptop to work. You may think you're protected because your work place has a firewall installed for their network. But if a co- worker brings in their laptop and it is infected with a virus or mall-ware, you will only be protected If you have a personal firewall installed.

Number Three. The third line of defense is to use an anti-virus program. Windows 7 does not come with an anti-virus program. You will need to obtain one. There are literally hundreds of anti-virus programs available, you can purchase one at a local retailer, or purchase a download online, or download one of the many free versions available. Whatever option works best for you, make sure you do some research about the particular program you choose.

One of the best options is to download a trial version of the anti-virus software of your choice, that way you can try it out on your system, to see if it's the right fit for you. Many of the free versions work as well as the boxed versions. With one exception being the virus definition updates are sometimes slow in coming with the free programs.

Number Four. The fourth line of defense is to use an anti-spyware program. Windows 7 includes a program called Windows Defender, which works well as an anti-spyware program. Some of the indications of spyware infections are new toolbar s in your web browser and new favorites and links that you don't recognize. Also, your homepage might have changed, and you don't know why, you have numerous pop-up ads appearing and you're Internet browser crashes or slows down.

Windows Defender runs continuously in the background monitoring your system to prevent the installation of spyware, and to alert you to any spyware like activity. Windows defender's automatic scans have been improved in Windows 7 over the previous versions of Windows. The automatic scans use less resources than they did in the previous versions. You can schedule the automatic scans to run at whatever time is best so as not to interfere while you are using your computer.

Number Five. The fifth line of defense is to keep Windows up to date. The Windows Update service in Windows 7 is much improved over the version in Windows XP. It no longer is a web-based interface, but is now a Control Panel application. Keeping Windows up to date is an essential step in the security of your computer. The Windows Update feature can be configured to run totally automated, it will search for, download, and install the updates with no needed interaction from you.

There are three categories of updates, important, recommended, and optional. It is recommended to let Windows Update install the important updates as they become available. Security updates are the most important items in the important category, therefore, you should let Windows Update download and install the security updates so you are continuously protected from those who would exploit the vulnerabilities in Windows.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5806992

How To: Remove Windows 7 Repair Virus / Malware ( Removal Guide )

Windows 7 Repair is a malware that acts as a computer analysis and optimization program. Windows 7 Repair malware usually gets installed via a Trojan that once it infects your computer it will start displaying fake messages suggesting that your computer is at risk and, in order to get rid of these threats, you need to download and install Windows 7 Repair.

Clicking OK on these messages will automatically start the download / install process for the Windows 7 Repair. Once installed on your computer, Windows 7 Repair will start a fake scan and it will display numerous threats and infections on your computer. However, these threats are a forgery in order for Windows 7 Repair to scare you into buying the full version of the program. Do NOT give away your personal information as the so called full version of the program is nothing more than another fake tool.

How To: Remove Windows 7 Repair Virus / Malware ( Removal Guide )

The way Windows 7 Repair behaves in order to give you the impression that your system is compromised, is preventing you to run most of the programs whilst displaying fake error messages, not allowing you to access the internet and making some of your files hidden. Follow this guide and you will be able to get rid of these problems.

First of all, you will need to download RKill.exe, Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware (MBAM) and Unhide.exe. In case Windows 7 Repair will prevent you from accessing the internet then you will need to download these programs on another computer and transfer them on the infected machine via any portable means. Now, let’s get on with the disinfection.

• You will need to kill all the Windows 7 Repair related applications and processes. In order to do so you will need to run RKill. After doing so, let RKill fully scan your system and ignore any warning messages from Windows 7 Repair. After the scanning is complete do NOT reboot your computer.

*Note that if Windows 7 Repair will prevent you from successfully running RKill then you will need to download and run another renamed version of RKill from the same download link above.

• Now, let’s solve that internet access problem. You will need internet access during the disinfection process due to the fact that you will need to update MBAM once it comes to that. Windows 7 Repair might prevent you from accessing the internet due to the fact that it has the TDSS rootkit infection attached to itself as well. In order to get rid of TDSS follow this guide. In case you will still be unable to update MBAM then follow this other guide.

• Run MBAM and start the installation process. While you are at it, make sure to check the buttons labeled Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware. Once the installation process is complete, click the Finish button and reboot your computer if MBAM will ask you to do so.

• MBAM should now automatically start after the system reboot, thus presenting you with a message box and the mail window. Press OK on the message box and then on the main window, navigate to the tab labeled Scanner and then select Perform Full Scan below. Last step, press the Scan button.

• It might take some time for MBAM to finish scanning your computer so please be patient. After the scan will be complete you will be presented with the full list of threats found on your machine. Check all of them and then press the Remove Selected button. Reboot your computer once MBAM prompts you to do so.

• Now, your system should be free of Windows 7 Repair but you will still need to be able to see the hidden files that borrowed the hidden attribute from Windows 7 Repair. In order to be able to see your files again either follow this guide or run Unhide.exe.

• Your computer should now be clean but there’s another thing to consider as a security measure. As Windows 7 Repair and other of these malware infections make their way on your system via vulnerable programs that are already on your system, you should read this Secunia PSI guide in order to get rid of any vulnerability in the future.
  

Source : http://www.gforgames.com/how-tos/virus-and-malware-removal-guides/remove-windows-7-repair-virus-malware-removal-guide-11434/