Software review series: KRITA

Coming in October for insiders and in November for all in the update, Microsoft has prepared a series of updates which they call an "additional set of experiences"

These updates are looked upon by Panos Panay, a vice executive president at Microsoft & chief product officer for Windows and devices as sort of makeup tests. They will consist of new additions with the biggest one being a tabbed version of File Explorer.

File Explorer received a UI makeover in the last update but the tabbed interface was missing which was expected by many users so it will come in following the next update.

The rest of the features that we will receive are an updated Photos application, Suggested Actions in the Windows Shell, Overflow menu for the taskbar, and improved Nearby Share.

The tabbed File Explorer interface is essentially File Explorer’s version of Sets, the tabbed window interface that Microsoft tested out several years ago. In testing, the tabbed interface proved handy for moving and copying files, and we’d expect the same once the feature formally goes live. The difference between Sets and the tabbed File Explorer interface is Sets allowed for multiple applications to be clustered together via tabs.

Photos app will include a “new photos-managing experience that brings a gorgeous gallery, simplifying browsing, finding, management and consumption of your collection of photos.” It will allow “easy backup to OneDrive” and a “delightful Memories experience.”

As for other features, nothing specifically was said except giving just some tips on what will they bring, it is obvious that File Explorer and the photos app were the main focus for MS in this upcoming update.

Error C00D11B1- What is it?

Error C00D11B1 is a type of Windows Media Player error code. The error C00D11B1 hampers your ability to play videos, MP3 files and songs on Windows Media Player. The error is displayed in the following format:

Error C00D11B1:’Windows Media Player can’t play the file.’

Solution

Error Causes

The cause of error C00D11B1 message pop up on your computer can be narrowed down to one particular reason virtually because this error may be triggered due to several reasons, these include:

• Corrupt DRM license
• Enabled codec of the video in Windows Media Player codecs section
• Registry Corruption

The good news is that this error is not fatal and does not pose serious PC threats like runtime and BSoD error codes. However, it is still advisable to resolve to ensure you are able to watch movies and listen to songs on Windows Media Player without any difficulty.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the best and effective do it yourself methods to resolve the error C00D11B1 on your PC right away:

Method 1- Disable the codec of the video option in the Codecs Section

If you are unable to play downloaded movie files on your PC on Windows Media Player, then try this method to resolve the issue. Simply open Windows Media Player, Go to Tools, Options, DVD and then click Advanced Tab. Here find the codecs section, scroll down to the codec of the video you are trying to play and see if it says enabled. If it does, then disable it and then select a decorder for the codec. Now try running the video again on your Windows Media Player. This will hopefully resolve the issue. Nonetheless if the error still persists, try method 2.

Method 2- Delete DRM Licenses & cache and Download it Again

Sometimes the error C00D11B1 can also be trigged by corrupt DRM licenses & cache. To resolve the issue, simply delete all files. First open Windows Explorer (Windows key + E) and then go to C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsDRM. Now delete all files in this folder. Once deleted, Let Windows Media Player download your license again. After downloading the DRM license again, run the Windows Media Player to see if it works.

Method 3- Disable Firewall Temporarily

Firewall can also be responsible for blocking the Windows Media Player streaming. Firewalls often block important ports that are required in order to run some programs. If this is the cause, then simply disable Firewall temporarily to resolve the issue.

Method 4- Repair the Registry

Registry is that part of your computer that saves all the activities performed on the PC and all the files too including both important and unimportant files like cookies, junk files and bad registry entries. If these unimportant and obsolete files are not removed frequently, the registry gets corrupt and damaged. And due to this reason you may experience error code C00D11B1 on your system. To resolve this issue, simply repair the damaged registry by downloading Restoro. This is a powerful PC Fixer integrated with a registry cleaner. The registry cleaner removes all unnecessary files, cleans and repairs the registry in seconds. Click here to download Restoro and fix error C00D11B1 on your PC right now!

Computer viruses are malicious applications that have the ability to self replicate and spread over the system and various devices, just like viruses in organisms. We all know that computer viruses are bad and that you should avoid them however you can. So in this spirit, we are taking a deeper dive into what kind of viruses exist and how they function.

1. File-infecting Virus

A virus that attached itself to an executable program. It is also called a parasitic virus which typically infects files with .exe or .com extensions. Some file infectors can overwrite host files and others can damage your hard drive’s formatting.

2. Macro Virus

This type of virus is commonly found in programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel. These viruses are usually stored as part of a document and can spread when the files are transmitted to other computers, often through email attachments.

3. Browser Hijacker

This virus targets and alters your browser setting. It is often called a browser redirect virus because it redirects your browser to other malicious websites that you don’t have any intention of visiting. This virus can pose other threats such as changing the default home page of your browser.

4. Web Scripting Virus

A very sneaky virus that targets popular websites. What this virus does is overwrite code on a website and insert links that can install malicious software on your device. Web scripting viruses can steal your cookies and use the information to post on your behalf on the infected website.

5. Boot Sector Virus

These viruses are once common back when computers are booted from floppy disks. Today, these viruses are found distributed in forms of physical media such as external hard drives or USB. If the computer is infected with a boot sector virus, it automatically loads into the memory enabling control of your computer.

6. Polymorphic Virus

This virus has the capability to evade anti-virus programs since it can change codes every time an infected file is performed.

7. Resident Virus

A resident virus stores itself on your computer’s memory which allows it to infect files on your computer. This virus can interfere with your operating system leading to file and program corruption.

8. Multipartite Virus

A type of virus that is very infectious and can easily spread on your computer system. It can infect multiple parts of a system including memory, files, and boot sector which makes it difficult to contain.

Portable small Bluetooth speakers are nothing new on the market, most of the time they have given the opportunity for music listening during picnics and walks in nature and also replaced some car speaker systems. The latest star in small portable speakers in JBL Clip 4, small in size, waterproof, and with an incredible high-quality sound.

Performance and quality

Out of the box and after first look speaker looks great, it has excellent design and is very intuitive to work with. Everything is laid out logically and you can start using it right away without reading instructions.

The sound quality is surprisingly very good and clear. I must say I have not expected this clarity and power from a speaker of this size. The volume range is also incredibly good and will fill most needs even on small picnics outdoors where you can hear it loud enough. One thing to mention is that even on their loudness levels sound is still clear without distortion which, to be honest, is to be expected from someone like JBL.

Where you can take JBL Clip 4

You can take it where ever you want, Its size and clip make it perfect for beach and pool trips. Speaker is waterproof and gas IP67 rating, meaning that sand and dirt will not affect it either. Do not take this speaker to your diving adventures since that will break it but a depth around 1 meter underwater should be safe. After your trip do not forget to wash Clip 4 with clean water so all dirt, salt, and other stuff are properly cleaned for longer life of the device.

How long it will play?

JBL claims that the battery will last 10 hours of continuous play. Note that this is meant probably on the largest volume setting so when you use it on lower settings battery is lasting longer. Playing of course on low volumes will extend playback time even longer but here we come at one feature that I do not like, there is no indication of any kind how much battery is left in the speaker, the only indication is a red light when the battery is almost empty which means you could be outside at that point and did not know that low battery was there in the first place when you were packing. Some battery indication would be a great addon.

More stability for JBL Clip 4

The clip itself has been improved from the previous Clip 3 model, it is wider, it goes all the way around the casing, and feels overall better and more stable. Since the clip is now all around casing this means a wider opening can be made making it fit around stuff Clip 3 was not able to.

Conclusion

All in all, Clip 4 is an incredible speaker and one that would highly recommend, the price goes around 79 USD but it can be found even as low as 50 USD on discounts and promotions and if you manage to get one at that price it is a great buy. Sound is good, portability is great, dirt and waterproof are excellent and battery life is really good.

Recently, a few users reported that they were unable to turn on their computers for some reason and at the same time their computers Computer makes a beeping noise couple of times or continuously whenever they try to turn them on. The sounds the computers are making can be quite annoying and it also signifies that there is something wrong with them. The problem might have something to do with the hardware inside of the computer system rather than Windows 10 itself. As you know, a computer is designed to deliver audible error sounds every time some part of the hardware is not properly working. For instance, if you hear a single beep, this indicates that your GPU is having some issues and if you’re hearing two beeps, it indicates that your RAM is not working properly, whereas three beeps that repeat after a pause when you turn on your computer means that there is something wrong with the system memory. On the other hand, if your computer is beeping continuously, this means that the problem lies with the processor. To fix this issue, here are some suggestions that might help but before you proceed, make sure that you know how to manage your computer’s hardware, if not, better have some expert do it for you.

Option 1 – Try checking the RAM

One of the basic things you can do in this kind of case is to check the RAM. Prepare some screwdrivers and dig into your PC and then look for the RAM slots and ensure that they are attached firmly. There are times when moving around your computer daily can cause certain components in your computer to become loose. Worst case scenario is that the RAM might be broken so really have to replace it.

Option 2 – Try checking the graphics card

After digging into your computer, check the graphics card and give it some good cleaning. As you know, you have to remove certain components like the graphics card regularly and clean them to help increase their lifespan and avoid errors in a startup. And if it turns out that the graphics card is broken, you have to replace it with a new one to fix the problem.

Option 3 – Try checking the processor

The processor is the brain of every computer so if it ends up not working, everything else is useless. Thus, you need to check it to see if it’s firmly attached and see if it needs some cleaning of dust and other debris. After that, try turning on your computer again. If it doesn’t work, then you might have to take your system to a technician to resolve the problem for you.

The quickest and easiest way to log into your computer is when you use the PIN feature in Windows 10. Even though it is a bit slower compared to biometric logins such as Fingerprint and Iris scanning that comes under Windows Hello, the PIN feature is definitely less complicated. However, just like any other module of the software, it is also prone to some errors. In this post, you will be guided in fixing several PIN errors such as 0xd00000e5, 0x8007139f, and 0x8009003. These errors could be caused at different points in time like when you change or create a PIN or when you log into your computer. To fix the 0xd00000e5, 0x8007139f and 0x8009003 PIN errors, there are various solutions you can try. You may empty the contents of the NGC folder or remove and change the PIN or the password. You could also use the Group Policy Editor or reset the ACLs in the NGC folder as well as run built-in tools like System File Checker and the DISM tool.

Option 1 – Take ownership of the NGC folder and delete its contents

• Boot your computer first into Safe Mode.
• Next, you need to take ownership of the Ngc folder first and you can do that using Command Prompt.
• Type “command prompt” in the Windows Search bar and then right-click on the relevant search result and select “Run as administrator”.
• After that, if a User Account Control or UAC prompt appears, just click on Yes to proceed.
• Next, type and enter this command: TAKEOWN /F C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoftNgc
• Note that the <path> is the location of the folder or file in File Explorer.
• Now type and enter this second command: ICACLS C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoftNgc /grant administrators:F
• Finally, once the command has been executed, restart your computer.
• Once your computer has restarted, delete all the contents in the Ngc folder and check if the error is now fixed.

Option 2 – Try to remove and change the PIN or password

The 0xd00000e5, 0x8007139f, and 0x8009003 PIN errors could be caused by some conflicting issues with the PIN or password you have set for the User Account of your computer. Thus, you have to remove or change the PIN or password to fix these PIN errors.

• Remove the PIN by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• From there, go to the PIN section and click on the Remove button.
• You will be asked to verify your account to proceed in removing the PIN, enter your credentials.
• Restart your computer and then set up a new PIN.
• Once you’re done, restart your computer and check if the error is gone now.

Option 3 – Try to use the Group Policy Editor

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and type “gpedit.msc” in the field and tap Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
• Next, navigate to this policy setting: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon
• After that, double click on the “Turn on convenience PIN Sign-in” option located on the right-side panel.
• Then set its radio button to Enabled. You will see the following description when you do so:

“This policy setting allows you to control whether a domain user can sign in using a convenience PIN. If you enable this policy setting, a domain user can set up and sign in with a convenience PIN. If you disable or don’t configure this policy setting, a domain user can’t set up and use a convenience PIN. Note: The user’s domain password will be cached in the system vault when using this feature. To configure Windows Hello for Business, use the Administrative Template policies under Windows Hello for Business.”

• After setting the radio button to Enabled, it will turn on the Logins in your computer using the PIN.
• Close the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Option 4 – Try to reset the ACLs in the Ngc folder

• Type “command prompt” in the Windows Search bar and then right-click on the relevant search result and select “Run as administrator”.
• After opening Command Prompt with admin privileges, execute this command: C:/Windows/Service/Profiles/Local/Service/AppData/Local/MicrosoftNgc /T /Q /C /RESET
• The command you entered will start checking for errors and fix them automatically.

Option 5 – Run the System File Checker scan and the DISM tool

System File Checker:

• Tap Win + R to launch Run.
• Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
• After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow

The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:

1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

• Now restart your computer.

DISM tool:

• Open Command Prompt.
• Then type in the following commands and make sure to hit Enter right after you type each one of them:
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
• After that, wait until the process is finished and do not close the window as the process will probably take a couple of minutes.
• Once it’s done, restart your computer.

Recently, a number of users reported that their Google Chrome browsers keep on opening new tabs no matter what they do. This issue could be due to lots of reasons but the main ones are corrupt installation, background applications, adware, dubious browser extensions, malware, and so on. Although there are a lot of possible causes for this particular issue in Chrome, its potential fixes are straightforward so you should not have any problem following the given options below.

Option 1 – Get rid of any conflicting browser extensions

As mentioned, shady browser extensions can cause unusual behavior in a browser. Chances are, these extensions or toolbars might be conflicting with the loading of the website. Thus, you have to get rid of these unwanted extensions and toolbars to fix the issue.

• Open Chrome and press Alt + F keys.
• Go to More tools and click Extensions to look for any suspicious browser extensions or toolbars.
• Click the Recycle bin and select Remove.
• Restart Chrome and press Alt + F keys again.
• Proceed to On Startup and mark Open a specific page or set of pages.
• To check if the browser hijacker is still active, click Set pages, if it is active, overwrite the URL.

Option 2 – Try to disable applications from running in the background

• Open Google Chrome and then click on the menu button located in the top-right corner.
• From the drop-down, select Settings and then scroll down until you see the Advanced button. Click on it.
• Next, turn off the toggle for “Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed” under the System section.
• Now restart Chrome and check if it is working properly.

Option 3 – Try to configure the search settings of Chrome

• Open Google Chrome and type any search query in the address bar and then tap Enter.
• After that, it will open the Google search engine. From the top-right corner, click the Settings button.
• Next, select Search settings from the drop-down menu.
• Then scroll down to the new page that appears and make sure that the “Open New Window for each result” option is set to Uncheck.
• Once you’re done, save the changes made and restart Google Chrome.

Option 4 – Reset Chrome

Resetting Chrome can also help you fix the error. This means that you will be restoring its default settings, disabling all the extensions, add-ons and themes. Aside from that, the content settings will be reset as well and the cookies, cache, and site data will also be deleted. To reset Chrome, here’s what you have to do:

• Open Google Chrome, then tap the Alt + F keys.
• After that, click on Settings.
• Next, scroll down until you see the Advanced option, once you see it, click on it.
• After clicking the Advanced option, go to the “Restore and clean up option and click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option to reset Google Chrome.
• Now restart Google Chrome.

Option 5 – Try to clean reinstall Chrome

There are instances when programs leave files behind after you’ve uninstalled them and the same thing can happen to Chrome so before you reinstall Chrome, you have to make sure that you have deleted the User Data folder. To do so, refer to the following steps:

• Hit the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type “%LOCALAPPDATA%GoogleChromeUser Data” in the field and hit Enter to open the User Data folder.
• From there, rename the default folder and name it something else, e.g. “Default.old”.
• After that, install Google Chrome again and check if the issue is now fixed.

Option 6 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

As mentioned, the error when accessing the security settings or properties of a folder or file might be due to a virus or malware. It could be that it had made some modifications that prevents you from accessing security settings or properties. To eliminate it, you have to scan your computer using security programs like Windows Defender.

• Tap the Win + I keys to open Update & Security.
• Then click on the Windows Security option and open Windows Defender Security Center.
• Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Run a new advanced scan.
• Now make sure that Full Scan is selected from the menu and then click the Scan Now button to get started.

Stop 0x0000000A - What is it?

Stop 0x000000A is a type of blue screen of death error associated with Windows XP. It occurs either during or after the installation of Windows XP. In other cases, the stop 0x000000A error may occur when the device driver uses an incorrect memory address, causing an IRQ conflict. The Stop 0x000000A error message means that a process or a driver attempted to access a memory section without permission.  The stop error message is displayed in the following format:

Stop: 0x0000000A (parameter1, parameter2, parameter3, parameter4) IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL *** Address x has base at x - filename

Solution

Error Causes

The stop 0x000000A error is triggered due to multiple reasons. These include:

• Faulty hardware
• The poor device driver installation
• Incompatible device driver
• Viruses and malware attack
• Disk fragmentation

Blue screen of death errors like the stop 0x000000A error code is critical. These errors may pose serious PC threats. When this error occurs the computer screen turns blue, the program running on the system stops and if the error is not fixed in time it may also result in a system crash and failure.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve the Stop 0x000000A error on your PC, here are some solutions that you can try:

1. Roll Back Drivers

To do this, click on the start button and go to the control panel. Then double click the system icon and locate the ‘System Properties’ window. After that click on the ‘hardware’ tab and then click the ‘Device Manager’ button. Here locate the device that you recently updated which could be causing the IRQ conflict. Now double click the device recently updated and click the driver tab. Then click on the ‘Roll Back Driver' button. Wait for the process to finish and then simply reboot your system.

2. Specify the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)

Another method to resolve the Stop 0x000000A error on your system is to specify the hardware abstraction layer (HAL). This can be done during Windows XP installation startup. Simply press the F5 button on your keyboard while the “Setup is inspecting your computer’s hardware configuration’. When prompted, make sure that you specify the correct computer type and HAL (the Hardware Abstraction Layer). Most computers use a single processor, if your computer also has a single processor then simply select ‘Standard PC HAL’ computer type from the menu. Now reboot your PC and then reinstall the Windows XP operating system. If the error is still not resolved then try turning off features in CMOS settings

3. Turn off Features in CMOS Settings

Turn off all the following features in the CMOS settings:

• All caching, including L2, BIOS, internal/external, and write back caching on disk controllers
• Plug and Play
• All shadowing
• Any BIOS-based virus protection feature

After turning off these features, try reinstalling Windows XP again. If this works, then that’s great! However, if it doesn’t, then try method 4; maybe the cause of the stop 0x000000A is associated with incompatible drivers.

4. Install Windows XP compatible Drivers

Sometimes device driver compatibility can also shoot up the stop 0x000000A error message. First, remove the drivers that are incompatible with Windows XP. Now obtain and install new Windows XP compatible drivers. To do this, go to the start menu and the control panel. Now double click on Add or Remove Programs icon. Select the drivers that are incompatible with Windows XP and click on the remove button. After that restart PC and install Windows XP, compatible drivers, for the hardware devices on your system.

5. Scan for Viruses and Repair the Registry

If all the methods discussed above do not resolve the stop 0x000000A error on your PC, then it means either your computer is affected by an infection virus or the problem is associated with the registry like disk fragmentation and invalid entries. To scan for both viruses and registry issues simultaneously in seconds, it is advisable to download Restoro. Restoro is an advanced and multi-functional PC repair tool integrated with powerful utilities including a registry cleaner, antivirus, and a system optimizer. It also scans for Active X controls and class ID errors. The registry cleaning utility scans your entire PC for all possible registry issues triggering different error codes including the stop 0x000000A error. It wipes out all the unnecessary files cluttering and damaging the registry including cookies, temporary files, junk files, and invalid entries. It repairs the fragmented disk and the registry thereby resolving the stop 0x000000A error on your system. The privacy error utility functions like an antivirus. It detects all kinds of malicious software on your system including malware, adware, spyware, and viruses. These are removed immediately thus making your PC error-free. Restoro is safe, efficient, and user-friendly. It is compatible with all Windows versions including XP.  It has a sophisticated interface and a neat layout which makes it quite easy to operate and workaround. Click here to download Restoro and repair your PC and resolve the stop 0x000000A error code now!

What software are you using to keep your information and all your files and memories safe? 

None? Yikes. Let’s hope no damage has been done to your data yet then. Because with how the digital world has evolved, your data might be getting leaked and you have no idea.

Why do you need to invest in security software?

There’s really no good excuse not to purchase a quality platform for PC protection. Especially since top security solutions are available at such affordable prices nowadays, your wallet would barely even notice it.

At this point, only people who barely use their PCs and have zero sensitive information on them can get away with simply using the built-in Windows 10/11 security software. But we guarantee that those people are extremely hard to find and that you’re not one of them, and here’s why.

Even if you don’t use your computer for things that are very obviously sensitive, such as internet banking, you still have some personal data at risk of being stolen. How so? Well, think about the data you enter into your social media profiles, for example. How devastating would it be if somebody got a hold of any of it? Yep, that’s what we thought.

In the hands of a skilled cybercriminal, your phone number alone could put you at risk of scams, ransomware, identity theft and more. Also think about the stuff you share in texts and social media chats. Think about the websites you visit and how many times you may have accidentally clicked on an ad, which could very well contain malicious software. Those all seem harmless until someone’s actually used them against you. 

Now imagine the dangers involved when you actually store truly confidential data on your PC and browsers. Sends shivers down your spine, doesn’t it?

In the case of a successful cyberattack of whatever type (virus, phishing, worms, etc.), there’s so much that is at stake. Businesses/legal persons will suffer from financial loss and damaged reputation, at the very least. Natural persons may be threatened or exploited, get their banking or medical information and even their identity stolen, etc. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

These are our biggest reasons for investing in Windows PC protection software:

• Cyberthreats are constantly evolving to the point where built-in or free software won’t cut it anymore.

• Those working remotely can have peace of mind knowing both personal and business data is completely secure.

• Businesses using top security solutions ensure their customers trust them. 

• Data breaches are a pain in the you-know-what to handle. Fighting a cyberattack and going back to normal is a demanding process, and not to mention the stress it’ll cause. We’d rather prevent all that by using trustworthy security products!

• It helps parents worry a little less about their children’s safety in the online world. 

• Added bonus: with most products, you get an ad-free browsing experience!

Obviously, there are a lot more reasons to get your PC secured. But we think you get it. So let’s cut to the chase and take a look at our 6 favorite protection solutions and the wonders they can do for you.

*Note that in this article we’re looking at products primarily suited for households and home offices, some for small businesses. No enterprise solutions will make the list today, but stay tuned for a future article on those.

Top 6 best PC protection solutions

1. Bitdefender Total & Internet Security\

One of the biggest security product vendors out there, Bitdefender offers several awesome solutions. We want to introduce two of our favorites, Bitdefender Total Security and Bitdefender Internet Security.

Bitdefender Total Security is great for both households and smaller offices. You can choose to protect 5 or 10 devices, and not necessarily just Windows devices. It also works for macOS, Android and iOS. It offers a range of powerful features, such as:

• Real-time data protection
• Webcam and microphone protection
• Device optimization options
• Anti-phishing/-fraud/-spam technology
• Ransomware protection
• Anti-loss and anti-theft tools
• VPN and privacy firewall 
• Anti-tracking technology
• Parental controls
• 24/7 support

Bitdefender Internet Security shares almost all of these features, but there are a few important differences to note. Unlike Total Security, Internet Security has more options in terms of the number of protected devices: 1, 3, 5 or 10. However it’s only compatible with the Windows platform and it doesn’t offer device optimization tools or anti-theft options. Whether or not this is a deal-breaker depends on your needs alone - we still find it a great security tool.

2. ESET Internet Security

An award-winning Windows security product, ESET Internet Security is essential on this list. It has an outstanding protection rate of 99.9% and a range of amazing options you’ll definitely want to make use of. It can be installed on up to 10 devices, making it an awesome tool for your household, home office or a small business. It’s also compatible with macOS and Android.

These are ESET Internet Security’s best features:

• Protection against ransomware and spyware
• Protection against malware specifically designed to avoid detection
• In-depth scans when the computer is not in use
• Firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your PC
• Anti-spam tool
• Anti-phishing and botnet protection technologies
• Tool to scan your router and smart devices for vulnerabilities
• Special browser for secure internet banking 
• Parental controls
• Prevention of unauthorized webcam access 

If you ask us, ESET has it all!

3. Kaspersky Total & Internet Security

Having a deja vu? Didn’t you just read Total Security and Internet Security somewhere? Oh, that’s right - the first entry on our list! But here we’re talking about Kaspersky, a vendor you’ve also definitely heard about before.

Just like Bitdefender, Kaspersky is another one of those renowned names in the cybersecurity world that always make it to every ‘best of’ list. And for good reason - its products really fulfill their purpose. So let’s take a closer look at the two we chose.

These are the features both Kaspersky Total Security and Kaspersky Internet Security have in common:

• Real-time virus and spyware blocking
• Webcam protection
• Wi-Fi security notifications
• Advanced identity theft protection
• Free technical support on several channels
• Remote security management
• Multiple devices (up to 10)

The main difference between Kaspersky Total Security and Internet Security is that the former offers more capabilities. These are the features KTS offers that KIS does not:

• System cleanup
• File shredding
• Password management
• Data backup and encryption

Both are excellent security tools, though we do prefer KTS a little more because of these additional options.

4. Norton 360 Deluxe

Of course one of the industry-leading solutions makes the list. Norton 360 Deluxe can protect up to 5 devices, be it Windows, iOS, macOS or Android. It’s worth noting that its features are best developed for Windows. Here’s what you get with Norton 360 Deluxe:

• Protection against viruses, hackers, malware
• 100% virus protection promise
• VPN included for all devices
• Unlimited VPN on Windows
• Password manager
• Parental controls

So is there anything aside from these standard protection features that makes it such a favorite among us techies? Let us tell you! Norton added a little bit of spice here with two really powerful capabilities. The Deluxe product offers 50GB of cloud backup and dark web monitoring. The latter means the software notifies you if any of your personal information is found on the dark web, which helps protect you against identity theft.

5. McAfee Antivirus

Don’t be misled by the name of this product. Antivirus software may have started as protection against viruses only, but it’s developed quite a lot. The name simply stuck. All that to say that McAfee Antivirus - another award-winning security solution - protects you against several different threats.

The basic and essential plan allow 1 and 5 devices respectively, while McAfee+ Premium and Advanced work on an unlimited number of devices. The latter two also offer more capabilities, as you can imagine. Here’s what you can expect from all of them:

• Secure unlimited VPN
• File shredder to delete sensitive files completely
• Ultimate safety while browsing
• Protection against hackers
• 100% virus protection promise
• Advanced firewall to block dangerous traffic
• Online support from specialists
• Protection score (shows how safe you are and detects vulnerabilities)
• Identity monitoring (notifies you if any of your information is on the dark web)
• Password management

Unlike the previous products, McAfee Antivirus does not offer parental controls. Otherwise it’s a pretty strong and comprehensive protection tool and might just be the right choice for you!

6. Trend Micro Maximum Security

Last but definitely not least, we’ve got Maximum Security by Trend Micro. And yes, you guessed it, Trend Micro is also an award winner in terms of cybersecurity. Its products have been recognized as industry-leading security solutions by AV-Test since 2003. Among all its fantastic solutions, our favorite for households or small offices is Maximum Security.

You can use Trend Micro Maximum Security to protect 3-5 devices for a year or two years before needing to renew your license. Aside from Windows, it’s compatible with iOS, Android, Mac and Chromebook devices. Here’s what you can expect from this protection software:

• Powerful malware protection
• Phishing detection and prevention (email)
• Password management and protection
• Maximum security for online banking and shopping
• System optimization
• Social media privacy protection
• Parental controls 
• 24/7 technical support
• No notifications during gaming

It’s truly one of the most effective platforms out there dedicated to protecting your digital life. Using this product, ransomware, identity thieves and malicious websites don’t stand a chance.

The bottom line

If you’ve made it all the way here, congratulations, you’ve made the right choice: to invest in securing your valuable data! Now the question is: which one of these 6 awesome antivirus/antimalware products to select?

The paradox of choice is a very real thing - we feel you. As mentioned, it comes down to what your specific needs are. So before you go ahead and purchase your security software, make sure to explore all options.

And if you really can’t handle the decision-making anxiety, feel free to reach out. We’ll happily assist you in finding the right product to keep your digital life secure!

RegClean Pro is a program developed by Systweak Inc. RegClean Pro cleans such invalid registry errors using its advanced scan engine. It not only fixes invalid registry entries, it also defragments the registry, keeping it streamlined for smoother system performance.

RegClean Pro defines auto-start registry entities that allow the program to run each time the system is restarted, it also adds various Scheduled tasks in Windows Task Manager in order to launch the application at various times. This application has been found bundled up with various other potentially unwanted applications, also several anti-virus programs have detected this application for optional removal.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

What is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)?

Have you ever detected an unwanted program on your computer system and pondered how it got there since you’re confident that you didn’t consciously download or never gave authorization to be installed? Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP), also known as Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA), are programs that you never wanted in the first place and sometimes come bundled with freeware software. Once installed, the majority of these applications can be hard to eliminate and become much more of a nuisance rather than a benefit. The term PUP was coined to outline this crapware as something other than malicious software. Similar to malicious software, PUPs cause problems when downloaded and placed on your PC, but what makes a PUP different is you grant consent to download it – the fact is very different – the software installation bundle actually tricks you into accepting the installation. No matter whether it is viewed as malware or otherwise, PUPs are nearly always harmful to a computer owner as they will bring on spyware, adware, keystroke logging, along with other nasty “crapware” features on the PC.

What do PUPs do on your PC, precisely?

PUPs come in many forms. Commonly, they will be seen in adware bundlers which are known to use aggressive and misleading advertising. Most bundlers install multiple adware applications from various vendors, each of which has its own EULA policy. Safebytes Anti-Malware totally eliminates this threat and safeguards the computer against unwanted programs or adware infection. They will also come in the form of web browser extension add-ons and toolbars. They may keep track of your online movements, redirect your search results to risky sites where spyware and adware can be downloaded, hijack your search page, and slow your web-browser down to a crawl. PUPs lie in the gray part of the software spectrum. Also in the large majority of the cases, people won’t be aware that they are installing an unwanted program. Even if the PUPs really aren’t inherently malicious, these software programs still do practically nothing good on your computer system – they will take valuable resources, slow your PC, weaken your computer security, making your PC more vulnerable to viruses.

How you can stop PUPs

• Read carefully before accepting the license agreement as it might have a clause about PUPs. • Do not accept standard, express, default, or any other installation settings which are recommended. Always select “custom” installation. • Install an advert blocker/pop-up blocker; Deploy anti-malware products like Safebytes Anti-Malware. These types of software programs could establish a wall between the computer and online criminals. • Be alert if you download and install freeware, open-source software, or shareware. Never install applications that seem suspicious or malicious. • Use official product websites for downloading software. Stay away from download portals altogether as most websites compel users to download the software using their own download manager, which is often bundled with some sort of unwanted programs.

Can't Install Safebytes Anti-malware due to the presence of Malware? Do This!

Practically all malware is bad, but certain types of malicious software do more damage to your computer or laptop than others. Some malware sits in between the computer and the internet connection and blocks a few or all websites which you want to check out. It might also prevent you from the installation of anything on your PC, particularly anti-virus programs. If you’re reading this article right now, you’ve perhaps recognized that virus infection is a reason for your blocked internet traffic. So what to do when you want to install an anti-malware application like Safebytes? There are a few actions you can take to circumvent this issue.

Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking

In Safe Mode, you are able to change Windows settings, uninstall or install some software, and remove hard-to-delete viruses and malware. If the virus is set to load immediately when the computer boots, switching to this mode may prevent it from doing so. To get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the computer is booting up or run MSConfig and look for the “Safe Boot” options under the “Boot” tab. After you restart into Safe Mode with Networking, you can download, install, as well as update anti-malware software from there. Following installation, run the malware scanner to eliminate most standard infections.

Switch to an alternate web browser

Certain viruses might target vulnerabilities of a particular web browser that block the downloading process. If you seem to have a trojan attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to an alternate web browser with built-in security features, such as Chrome or Firefox, to download your preferred anti-malware program – Safebytes.

Install and run anti-malware from a USB drive

Another method is to download and transfer an anti-malware application from a clean PC to run a virus scan on the infected system. Follow these steps to run the antivirus on the infected computer. 1) On a clean PC, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug in the USB drive into the uninfected PC. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Choose a USB flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you wish to install the application. Follow activation instructions. 5) Remove the USB drive. You may now use this portable antivirus on the infected computer. 6) Double-click the antivirus software EXE file on the pen drive. 7) Run Full System Scan to identify and clean-up up all types of malware.

A Look at the Best Anti-Malware Program

These days, anti-malware software can protect your PC from different types of internet threats. But exactly how to decide on the right one among various malware protection application that is available out there? As you might be aware, there are numerous anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. Some are worth your money, but most aren’t. You have to purchase a product that has obtained a good reputation and detects not only viruses but other sorts of malware too. Amongst few good programs, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended program for the security-conscious end user. Safebytes is among the well-established computer solutions firms, which provide this all-inclusive anti-malware software program. With its cutting-edge technology, this application will let you eliminate several types of malware like computer viruses, trojans, PUPs, worms, adware, ransomware, and browser hijackers. SafeBytes has great features when compared to other anti-malware programs. The following are some of the features you will like in SafeBytes. Real-time Protection: Malware programs trying to enter the computer are identified and stopped as and when detected by the SafeBytes active protection shields. They are very efficient in screening and getting rid of various threats because they’re constantly revised with new updates and alerts. World-class AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean out your computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine locates and disables hard-to-remove malware that conceals deep within your personal computer. Internet Security: SafeBytes checks and gives a unique safety ranking to each and every site you visit and block access to web pages known to be phishing sites, thus protecting you against identity theft, or known to contain malware. Fast Scan: Safebytes Anti-Malware, with its advanced scanning engine, offers ultra-fast scanning which can immediately target any active on-line threat. Lightweight: This program is not “heavy” on your computer’s resources, so you will not notice any performance problems when SafeBytes is operating in the background. Premium Support: For any technical issues or product support, you can get 24/7 professional assistance via chat and email.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove RegCleanPro without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised.

The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by RegCleanPro