PC Tools’ Alternate Operating System Scanner v2.0.5 – very essential

Instead of installing several software programs in your system, PC Tools provides an Alternate Operating System Suite that contains a Free Bootable Antivirus Scanner, a File Recovery, and a Data Destruction Program. These tools are very essential and this program made it all available in one.

The free bootable antivirus scanner is fast and easy to use. This review provides more information on this.

Alternate Operating System Scanner Pros & Cons

Pros

• Graphical user interface
• Easy to work with
• No custom settings (scans are easy to start)
• Includes other useful free tools

Cons

• Built for the Windows OS only
• No custom settings (not very advanced)
• Over 350 MB download size

How To Install Alternate Operating System Scanner

• Download the ISO image from the download page to get started. The program file will be called AOSS.iso once it’s been added to your computer.
• Next, you must burn the Alternate Operating System Scanner program to a disc.
• Once you’ve successfully burned the program to a disc, you must boot to it before Windows starts up.

Review – Alternate Operating System Scanner (AOSS)

You can start a virus scan in just a few moments after booting into AOSS since there are no scan options or other custom settings. On that note, if you’re looking for a program that lets you perform particular scans like checking certain folders only, you won’t find it with AOSS.

The program is really easy to use unlike some other bootable antivirus programs, AOSS lets you use your mouse to control the menus.

Just choose the Anti-Virus scanner from the AOSS main menu and then choose the partitions you want to be checked to immediately begin a scan.

Also from the main menu are some additional tools, such as a system shell and file manager that lets you compress, remove, and copy data.

Download AOSS – Important Note

PC Tools is no longer available. As such, you can not browse for the AOSS download on their website and no more updates will be released.

However, you might try this link or this one, two AOSS mirrors that might still work. This review is of the final version of the program, version 2.0.5, which was released on December 9, 2010.

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Anvi Rescue Disk v1.1 – finding and correcting corrupt registry issues.

Anvi Rescue Disk is one of the best free bootable antivirus scanners. It’s free and very easy to use. It has multiple scanning options, including a section for finding and correcting corrupt registry issues that may have been altered by a virus.

The only downside it has is that, you must scan the whole drive at once – you can not choose to scan single, specific files like you can with regular antivirus software.

Anvi Rescue Disk Pros & Cons

Pros

• Has a familiar, graphical interface
• Can scan custom folders
• Scan the Windows Registry to repair changes made by malware
• Supports a quick scan and full system scan
• A dedicated section for quarantined files
• Download size is only around 100 MB

Cons

• No option to scan individual files

How To Install Anvi Rescue Disk v1.1

• Anvi Rescue Disk downloads as a ZIP archive with two files inside: BootUsb.exe and Rescue.iso.
• The BootUsb program is used to burn the included ISO image to a USB device. Open that program and follow the directions provided to get the files on your flash drive.
• Once that’s done, boot from the USB drive to get started.
• If you wish to burn Anvi Rescue Disk onto a disc, burn the included Rescue.iso file to a disc with your favorite tool.
• After creating the disc, boot from it.

Review – Anvi Rescue Disk v1.1

Anvi Rescue Disk runs with a familiar point-and-click interface on an actual desktop, making it super easy to use, unlike another bootable antivirus program.

There are only three main scan buttons, two sections to the program, and no custom settings.

You can run a quick smart scan, a full system scan, or a custom scan to search for malware inside one or more specific folders. There’s also a section for finding and repairing malicious changes made to the Windows Registry.

The only custom option you’ll find in this program is the ability to choose what folders to scan. If you’re not sure where to search for malware, it’s best to just use the Full Scan option.

There are several other tools that you can use once you’ve booted to Anvi Rescue Disk. Most of them have nothing to do with virus scanning but they are helpful for other reasons. Some of those applications include an image viewer, the Firefox web browser, a PDF viewer, file managers, and a partition manager.

Finally, you can download Anvi Rescue Disk from Softpedia.com.

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ESET Mobile Security for Android – provides protection and enhancements.

If mobile security is important to you, you must have ESET Mobile Security installed on your Android device. Have you ever been a victim of theft or cyber hacks? ESET Mobile Security provides protection and enhancements for your Android devices in the following categories:

• Antivirus
• Anti-Phishing
• Anti-Theft
• SMS & Call Filter
• Usability Improvements and Tablet Support

Don’t wait to become a victim before you take this seriously. Start by downloading ESET Mobile Security from the Android Play Store. It has a Free and a Paid/Premium version. You will be able to access the following features with the free version:

• ESET’s Antivirus

ESET’s proven NOD32 technology enables you to download apps that are safe and will discover potentially dangerous apps. The following Antivirus features are available with the free version of ESET Mobile Security.

1. a) Real-time Scanning & Quarantine

Simply installing ESET’s free version of their Mobile Security app can greatly enhance your smartphone’s or tablet’s security features. With real-time scanning, your installed apps and communication are scanned for malware threats. This free feature can also protect your device from Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) attacks. The USSD protocol is used by GSM cellular phones to communicate with the service provider’s computers. USSD features include web browsing, mobile-money service, and prepaid callback service. Cybercriminals can use this protocol to automatically call a USSD code and perform certain functions, such as wiping your data.

Threats that are detected from the malware scan are moved to quarantine. Once in quarantine, the malware threats can’t do any harm to your mobile device. You have the option to remove the threat or keep it in quarantine.

1. b) On-demand Scanning

You can take control of scanning for malware on your mobile device.

When you run a scan, it takes place silently behind the scenes of everything else that is running on your device. Best of all, it does not disrupt any currently running processes. After the scan is complete, you can access logs and scan results to check if the scan detected threats on your mobile device.

1. c) ESET Live Grid

The ESET Live Grid is a system that collects submitted data from ESET users for analysis. ESET Virus Lab specialists use the data to develop and release relevant updates, making ESET adaptive to the latest malware threats. With ESET Live Grid, you get real-time protection against the latest malware trends.

1. d) Unwanted Apps Detection

At some point, you may have downloaded an app that is designed to maliciously perform unwanted tasks. ESET Mobile Security can detect apps that can exploit your device’s functions and data. This feature can block attempts from making unauthorized calls or sending SMS messages.

• ESET’s Anti-Theft

ESET Mobile Security offers features to help you find your lost or stolen device. If you believe your device is somewhere near you, activate a siren to help you find it. If that doesn’t help, you can try locating your device using GPS. Other anti-theft features include remote lock and remote wipe.

The Anti-Theft wizard provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to setup your device’s anti-theft settings and allows you to explore all of the Anti-Theft features which include:

1. a) GPS Location

Firstly, you can attempt to find your lost mobile device through ESET Mobile Security’s GPS Location feature. You access this feature by sending a remote SMS command. You determine which alternate device you want to use to send the SMS command. The command is simple. All you need to enter is eset find followed by your password, which you initially configured for this feature, and you will receive a reply with your lost device’s GPS coordinates.

1. b) Remote Lock

If you’re worried about others accessing your data stored in your lost device, you can launch a command via SMS to remotely lock your device.

Using an alternate mobile device, simple text eset lock followed by your password to lock your lost device.

1. c) Remote Siren

If you sense your phone is nearby, simply text eset siren followed by your password to sound off a siren sound. The siren sound will be activated even if your phone is set to silent mode.

1. d) Uninstall Protection

By using one single password you previously configured, you can access your app’s security settings remotely. If needed, you can uninstall your apps from your lost device.

• ESET’s Usability Improvements and Tablet Support

The ESET Mobile Security design works beautifully with both Android smartphones and tablets. Updates ensure you have the latest protection while keeping your device at optimal utilization. These features include:

Device Flexibility — The sleek design is responsive to tablets. Some features will be hidden for devices that don’t support calling and messaging functions.

Small Updates — Updates that keep your device protected from the latest malware threats and won’t slow down your device’s performance.

New Interface — The interface places all of your device’s security options within reach.

The free version of ESET Mobile Security provides extensive security protection that other paid-for antivirus applications don’t. For more options, you can go for ESET Mobile Security Premium Version.

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10 Free Firewall Programs For Windows – protects from unwanted access.

A firewall is simply a barrier that protects your system from unauthorized access. It monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Windows OS comes with an in-built firewall but there are several alternatives that might provide better protection for your system. While using any of the ones listed below, ensure the in-built one in your system is disabled. Installing a Firewall Programs For Windows does not take away the need for antivirus software because their functions are not the same.

Here are the 10 ranked free firewall programs for Windows:

1. Comodo Firewall / Firewall Programs For Windows

Comodo Firewall offers virtual Internet browsing, an ad blocker, custom DNS servers, a Game Mode, and a Virtual Kiosk. It also provides features to enable you to block any process or program from leaving/entering the network. You can easily add programs to the block or allow list.

It also has very specific, advanced settings. Comodo Firewall has a Rating Scan option to scan all running processes to show how trustworthy they are. This is especially useful if you suspect that some kind of malware is running on your computer.

Comodo KillSwitch is an advanced portion of Comodo Firewall that lists all running processes and makes it so easy to terminate or block anything you don’t want. You can also see all your computer’s running applications and services from this window.

Comodo Firewall has a huge installer file at just over 200 MB. Which could take longer than you’re used to seeing files download, especially on slower networks.

Comodo Free Firewall works in Windows 10, 8, and 7.

Note: Comodo Firewall will change your default home page and search engine unless you deselect that option on the first screen of the installer during the initial setup.

2. AVS Firewall

AVS Firewall protects your computer from malicious registry changes. Pop-up windows, flash banners, and most advertisements. Has a very friendly interface and should be easy enough for anyone to use. You can even customize the URLs that should be blocked for ads and banners if one isn’t already listed.

Allowing and denying specific IP addresses, ports, and programs is so easy. You can add these manually or browse through a list of running processes to choose one from there.

AVS Firewall includes Parent Control, which is a section to only allow access to an explicit list of websites. You can password protect this section of the AVS Firewall to prevent unauthorized changes.

History of network connections is available through the Journal section so you can easily browse through and see what connections have been established in the past.

AVS Firewall works in Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

3. TinyWall

TinyWall is another free firewall program that protects you without displaying tons of notifications and prompts like most other firewall software.

An application scanner is included in TinyWall to scan your computer for programs it can add to the safe list. You’re also able to choose a process, file. Or service manually and give it firewall permissions that are permanent or for a specified number of hours.

You can run TinyWall in Autolearn mode to teach it which programs you want to give network access to so you can open all of them. And then shut down the mode to quickly add all your trusted programs to the safe list.

A Connections monitor shows all the active processes that have a connection to the internet as well as any open ports. You’re able to right-click any of these connections to abruptly terminate the process or even send it to VirusTotal. Among other options, for an online virus scan.

TinyWall also blocks known locations that harbor viruses and worms, protects changes made to Windows Firewall, can be password protected. And can lock down the host’s file from unwanted changes.

TinyWall only works with Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista, Windows XP is not supported.

4. NetDefender

NetDefender is a lightweight firewall program for Windows. You can define a source and destination IP address and port number as well as the protocol to block or allow any address. This means you can block FTP or any other port from being used on the network.

Blocking applications is a bit limited because the program must be currently running to add it to the block list. This works by simply listing all the running programs and having the option to add them to the list of blocked programs.

NetDefender also includes a port scanner so you can quickly see which ports are open on your machine to help realize which of them you may want to close.

NetDefender works officially only in Windows XP and Windows 2000.

5. ZoneAlarm Free Firewall

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is the basic version of ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall but just without the antivirus portion. You can, however, add this portion to the install at a later date if you wish to have a virus scanner alongside this firewall program.

During setup, you’re given the option to install ZoneAlarm Free Firewall with one of two security types: AUTO-LEARN or MAX SECURITY. The former makes changes based on your behavior while the latter gives you the ability to control each. And every application setting manually.

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall can lock the host’s file to prevent malicious changes, enter into Game Mode to manage notifications automatically for less disturbance, password protect its settings to prevent unauthorized changes. And even email you security status reports.

You can also use ZoneAlarm Free Firewall to easily adjust the security mode of public and private networks with a slider setting. You can slide the setting from no firewall protection to medium or high to adjust whether or not anyone on the network can connect to you. Which allows restricting file and printer sharing for certain networks.

Note: Choose a custom install during setup and click Skip all offers to avoid installing anything but ZoneAlarm Free Firewall.

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

6. PeerBlock

PeerBlock is different than most firewall programs because instead of blocking programs. It blocks whole lists of IP addresses under certain category types.

It works by loading a list of IP addresses that PeerBlock will use to block your access to – both outgoing and incoming connections. This means any of the listed addresses won’t have access to your computer in the same way you won’t have access to their network.

You can make your own list of addresses to block or use several free ones from I-BlockList. Lists you add to PeerBlock can be updated regularly and automatically without any intervention.

PeerBlock works in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

7. Privatefirewall

There are three profiles in Privatefirewall. Allowing for easy switching between unique settings and firewall rules.

The list of applications that are allowed or blocked is very easy to recognize and alter. You can add new applications to the list and clearly see which are blocked and which are allowed. It’s not confusing in the slightest.

When editing the access rule for a process, there are really advanced settings like defining whether to allow, ask, or block the ability of the process to set hooks, open threads, copy screen content, monitor clipboard content, initiate a shutdown/logoff. Debug processes, and many others.

When you right-click the icon for Privatefirewall in the notification area of the taskbar, you can quickly block or filter traffic without any prompts or extra buttons. This is a very simple way to quickly stop all network activity at once.

You can also use Privatefirewall to restrict outbound email, block specific IP addresses, deny access to a network, and disable access to custom websites.

Privatefirewall works in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

8) Outpost Firewall / Firewall Programs For Windows

Outpost Firewall is not easy to use compared to other programs on this list, however, there are several advanced settings to make up for that.

At the first launch, rules can be automatically created for well-known applications, which is nice so you don’t have to manually define them if you have popular programs installed.

Just like other firewall programs, Outpost Firewall allows you to add custom programs to the block/allow list and define specific IP addresses and ports to allow or deny as well.

The Anti-Leak Control feature prevents malware from giving over data through otherwise trusted applications, which isn’t included in all firewall programs but is surely useful.

Unfortunately, this program is no longer being developed, meaning that it no longer gets updated and exists as-is without support or opportunities for new features.

9. R-Firewall / Firewall Programs For Windows

R-Firewall has all the features you’d expect to find in a firewall program but the interface isn’t very easy to use. Also, there aren’t any inline instructions that help explain what a change in settings will do when applied.

There’s a content blocker that terminates browsing by keyword, a mail filter to block cookies/javascript/pop-ups/ActiveX, an image blocker to remove advertisements that are a fixed size, and a general ad blocker to block ads by URL.

A wizard can be run to apply rules to several programs at once by detecting the software that’s currently installed. R-Firewall only works with newer versions of Windows such as Windows 10, 8, and 7.

10. Ashampoo FireWall / Firewall Programs For Windows

When Ashampoo FireWall is first launched, you’re given an option to walk through a wizard in Easy Mode or Expert Mode to set up which programs should be allowed or blocked from using the network.

The Learning Mode feature is wonderful because it assumes everything should be blocked. This means as programs start requesting access to the Internet, you must manually give them permission and then set Ashampoo FireWall to remember your choice. This is helpful because you’re able to know the exact programs that are accessing the Internet to block those that shouldn’t be.

Clicking the Block All feature in Ashampoo FireWall immediately halts all incoming and outgoing connections. This is perfect if you suspect a virus has infected your computer and is communicating with a server or transferring files out of your network.

You must request a free license code to use Ashampoo FireWall. It only works with Windows XP and Windows 2000.

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Free Anti-Virus for BlackBerrys – looks out for viruses and stops them

Lookout’s Free Anti-virus does exactly what the name suggests, it looks out for viruses and stops them from corrupting your Blackberry device. Lookout offers free antivirus, remote backup, and security for Blackberry devices. The Free Anti-Virus for BlackBerrys feature is very useful but before you download the app, go through this review to understand how it works.

Setup Process

After you create an account on the Lookout site and install the application on your BlackBerry, setting it up is simple.

When you run the application on your BlackBerry and enter your account credentials, a short setup wizard will describe the security features and enable them. Once the wizard is done, you can choose the Anti-Virus option, and you will be prompted to run a virus scan. Once Lookout determines that your system is virus-free, choose the Data Backup option, and all of your personal information will be backed up to the Lookout servers. If your BlackBerry is lost or stolen, you can restore your data to a new device.

Find Your Missing Device

Lookout’s best security feature is the ability to locate your device from the Lookout website. If you ever misplace your BlackBerry, or if you suspect that it has been stolen, go directly to the Lookout website to locate it. Click on the Missing Device link once you log in, and you will be presented with three options.

1. Locate
2. Scream
3. Nuke

All of these options require your BlackBerry to be on and have a network connection, so it is best to go directly to the Lookout site when you first notice your BlackBerry is missing.

Locate, Scream, and Nuke / Free Anti-Virus for BlackBerrys

The Locate feature does exactly what it sounds like; it provides you with the approximate location of your BlackBerry.

Once your device has been located, the Lookout site will display the approximate location of the BlackBerry. Once you know where the device is, you can attempt to retrieve it by searching the vicinity or notify the authorities.

If you have misplaced your device when it is on vibration or silent, it can be extremely difficult to locate. The Scream function will sound a loud siren on your BlackBerry, no matter what mode it is in, which will allow you to locate your device. The only way to stop the siren is to do a hard reboot on your BlackBerry (remove the battery). This is also a good way to call attention to someone who may have taken your BlackBerry.

The Nuke feature deletes all of your personal data from the BlackBerry remotely. If you have made every attempt to get your device back, and you have a backup of your data, use the Nuke feature to keep the person who finds (or the person who has stolen) your device from getting a hold of your personal data as well.

If you eventually find your device, you can restore your personal data using Lookout’s Backup feature.

The Pros:

• Simple to use, free security application
• The Lookout website is easy to navigate
• The application has a very easy setup

The Cons:

• Instructions to disable Scream on BlackBerry could be more specific.

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ClamXav – it can detect and protect Mac from Windows-based malware.

If you’re using a Mac and you need reliable antivirus software for your device, ClamXav offers a suitable one.

ClamXav is based on the open-source ClamAV virus scanner hence it can also detect Windows-based malware. In practice, however, ClamAV lags behind in the detection capabilities of commercial antivirus software. For Mac users, this may not be a significant limitation given that there is far less malware impacting the Mac OS.

The free ClamXav antivirus scanner offers limited real-time scanning, the ability to scan email, on-demand scans, and support for multiple languages: Danish, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Spanish, and Taiwanese. ClamXav fully supports Mac OS X v10.4 (Tiger) and 10.5 (Leopard), with limited support for v10.3 (Panther) and 10.2 (Jaguar).

ClamXav Sentry

offers limited real-time scanning; designate the folders you want it to watch and instruct ClamXavs Sentry to load when your computer is started. Of course, this means malware that gets dropped into folders not watched by ClamXavs Sentry won’t be detected unless you perform a manual scan of the system and manual scans via ClamXav can be tediously slow.

ClamXavs is by no means the most capable Mac antivirus scanner and it’s definitely not the fastest. But since it’s free, you can go ahead and give it a try at Clamxav.com.

The Pros:

• Detects both Mac and Window-based malware.
• Limited real-time scanning.
• Supports multiple languages.
• Scans emails.
• Performs on-demand scans.

The Cons:

• Firstly, the manual scan is too slow.
• Secondly, Lags behind in the detection capabilities of commercial antivirus software.

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How To Install or Enable Remote Wipe on Your Smartphone Now

The first time you lost your phone, how did you feel? It can be so depressing. The one thing that makes it so painful is our personal information stored inside the phone. Even if you have a backup somewhere, you don’t want the thief or stranger to pry into your privacy. Now, to avoid this from happening next time, I want to introduce you to a feature in your smartphone that can remotely wipe the information on your stolen phone. Different types of smartphones are covered below, if the Remote Wipe on Your Smartphone is not available on your device, you can also download it as an app:

iPhones:

As of the iPhone 3.0 software update, it’s a fairly simple process for users with a MobileMe account (requiring a yearly paid subscription) to locate their iPhone (or iPod touch) and securely wipe the phone’s data if they need to.

Android:

The Android platform does not come with remote wipe capabilities as a default feature, but there are 3rd party apps, like the highly regarded–and free–Mobile Defense app, that enable remote wipe. The Motorola Cliq, which runs a customized version of Android. Has a built-in ability to be remotely wiped by users. And other non-stock Android devices may have this feature built-in.

BlackBerry:

BlackBerry smartphones, being very enterprise-friendly devices. Have a specific policy that IT administrators can turn on to enable remote wiping of a BlackBerry to factory defaults. For individual users, third-party apps would be needed to enable remote wipe. You can, however, right now take steps to secure your BlackBerry via password protection and content protection.

Palm:

Like the BlackBerry, the Palm Pre allows IT administrators to initiate a remote wipe. Individual users can also perform a “remote erase” on their Palm Pre from their Palm Profile page on Palm.com.

Windows Mobile:

Microsoft’s My Phone service provides users with devices running Windows Mobile 6.0 or higher to locate lost phones and/or remotely erase their data.

Google Apps-managed devices (iPhone, Nokia E-series, and Windows Mobile):

Google Apps Premier Edition (a paid yearly subscription), for enterprises and schools, enables IT, administrators. To remotely wipe data from mobile devices.

From the information above, you can see that various smartphones have remote wipe capabilities, but many are not free or require the smartphone to be managed by an IT department. If you don’t have a remote wipe built into your device already. You can also download a free security/remote wipe app that is available for your specific device.

One important thing to note is that remote wipe requires your phone to have a charged battery and be on for you to be able to remotely erase the data. There are other possible issues as well, such as if the phone gets rebooted during the remote wipe process (which could be lengthy). Although the security may not be foolproof, however, enabling remote wipe remains an important first step in securing your smartphone. You need to set it up now.

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