Connecting a Wireless Printer to a Windows PC

High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) is a container format for individual images and image sequences. The standard covers multimedia files that can also include other media streams, such as timed text, audio, and video. A HEIF image using High-Efficiency Video Coding, HEVC, requires only about half the storage space as the equivalent quality JPEG. HEIF also supports animation and is capable of storing more information than an animated GIF or APNG at a small fraction of the size. HEIF files are a special case of the ISO Base Media File Format (ISOBMFF, ISO/IEC 14496-12), first defined in 2001 as a shared part of MP4 and JPEG 2000. Introduced in 2015, it was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and is defined as Part 12 within the MPEG-H media suite (ISO/IEC 23008-12). HEIF was adopted by Apple in 2017 with the introduction of iOS 11, and support on other platforms is growing.

HEIF files can store the following types of data:

Image items

Storage of individual images, image properties, and thumbnails.

Image derivations

Derived images enable non-destructive image editing and are created on the fly by the rendering software using editing instructions stored separately in the HEIF file. These instructions (rectangular cropping, rotation by one, two or three quarter-turns, timed graphic overlays, etc.) and images are stored separately in the HEIF file, and describe specific transformations to be applied to the input images. The storage overhead of derived images is small.

Image sequences

Storage of multiple time-related and/or temporally predicted images (like a burst-photo shot or cinemagraph animation), their properties, and thumbnails. Different prediction options can be used in order to exploit the temporal and spatial similarities between the images. Hence, file sizes can be drastically reduced when many images are stored in the same HEIF file.

Auxiliary image items

Storage of image data, such as an alpha plane or a depth map, which complements another image item. These data are not displayed as such but used in various forms to complement another image item.

Image metadata

Storage of EXIF, XMP and similar metadata which accompany the images stored in the HEIF file.

Living in today's world sadly is still living in the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been more than a year and sadly pandemic is still very strong and we are battling it on a daily basis. Governments all over the world are trying to battle pandemics in their own way with their own ideas and prevention measures. We as individuals can not very much influence how will the pandemic itself go but fortunately in this modern age of information we can at least follow and be in the loop at the current state of the situation regarding it. Today instead of having a troubleshooting article or tips and trick for your PC we are doing something else but in the domain of internet technology, you know, just to keep everything still IT related ???? Below you will find websites with small descriptions of what they do to keep yourself informed and hope to get over this dreadful pandemic.

1. The WHO’s COVID-19 Dashboard

   If you are interested in real-time COVID-19 information about active cases, death tool so far, new cases and the number of vaccines administrated so far I would recommend WHO's dashboard. How WHO is a non-government institution composed of doctors from all over the world with just a single goal in mind, to help and put an end to this pandemic is a great non-biased source of information on the current state of virus spread.

2. Vaccine Finder

   Please be aware that Vaccinefinder is working only on the territory of the United States of America. The reason why it was included in this list is that basically it is a great idea and I hope to see this site expand on other world regions or at least that inspires the emergence of another worldwide website with this type of content. If you live in the USA, this site will be a great help since you can track where and how many shots are distributed to states and even towns in America.

3. COVID tracking project

   This site is also for U.S. residents, this time it is about tracking cases in each state with details and statistics. If you are interested in more detailed statistics of hospitalized patients per state or overall you are just interested in statistics about the pandemic in the U.S. this site might provide all the information about your needs.

4. NPR

   On national public radio or NPR for short, there is a special section devoted to the coronavirus where new articles about pandemic are released daily with new information and new findings on how to battle it and the current state of things. A great informational site to keep up with the current state of things.

5. Google's COVID-19 page

   Google has not been inactive during this pandemic and on its page specially dedicated to the COVID-19 virus you can find a lot of free information updated daily. From safety and prevention tips to data about pandemics there is a lot of ground covered on-page and we recommend at least going through the prevention section to inform yourself how to keep yourself and others safe.

6. Coronavirus tracker

   This daily updated chart can show how many cases and deaths are from chosen time period all in form of a chart, you can see charts for each country in the world how COVID cases rose or dropped along with the death tool it brought.

There you go, 6 websites to track and inform yourself about this dreaded pandemic which has managed to change the world and people's lives forever, sadly on the bad side.

Error Code 0x80072ee7 - What is it?

Error Code 0x80072ee7 is an error code that is most commonly associated with Windows 10 and the use of the Windows Store. Several things can cause this error, which has been present as an error message in Windows 10 and all the way back through Windows 8.

Common symptoms include:

• An error message when you attempt to connect to the Windows Store.
• Inability to download or install purchases from the Windows Store.

Fortunately, there are several simple methods that can be used to attempt to resolve Error Code 0x80072ee7 on your Windows machine. These methods don’t require advanced computer knowledge or familiarity with high-level tools, so the average user should be able to complete them without help. However, if you feel like you need assistance in resolving Error Code 0x80072ee7, always contact a qualified Windows repair technician who can assist you.

Solution

Error Causes

There are four basic things that can cause Error Code 0x80072ee7 to appear on a Windows device. The first is that the connection to the Internet is limited in some manner, either due to a system or equipment error. Secondly, some parts of the update components could be missing. Next, an error within the DNS can be a cause. Finally, having any kind of compatibility errors on the machine (for example, between the antivirus software that you run and the Windows Update tool) can lead to the appearance of Error Code 0x80072ee7.

Further Information and Manual Repair

There are a few different methods that you can try in order to resolve the appearance of Error Code 0x80072ee7 on your Windows machine. These are fairly simple to complete, but if you do not feel confident in your ability to carry them out successfully, you may want to get in touch with a qualified computer repair technician to help you.

Here are the best methods to employ as you seek to resolve Error Code 0x80072ee7 on your Windows device:

Method One: Check Your Connection

Make sure that you are able to connect to the Internet by visiting several common sites like Google in order to ensure that your issue is not related to your Internet service provider or the equipment that you are using to access the Internet.

Method Two: Use an Alternative DNS

If you believe that your DNS connection may be the problem, you can change the specific DNS that you are using to one that is provided by Google. This can resolve any conflicts that may occur because of the IP address detected on your device. In order to do this, simply follow these steps:

• Step One: Go into your control panel and click on the option for “Network and Internet,” then select “Network and Sharing Center.” You’ll want to find the option to “change adapter settings,” which is normally located on the left bar of the navigation panel.
• Step Two: Find the connection method that you are employing (i.e. Wi-Fi network).
• Step Three: Right-click and find the connection properties menu. Under the TCP/IPV4 menu, click on the option to change your DNS numbers to manual entry and set your preferred DNS server to “8.8.8.8” and your alternate server to “8.8.4.4”.

Once these steps are complete, you can reattempt to connect to the Windows Store. You may need to restart your computer before connecting.

Method Three: Run the Fix It Tool from Windows

Microsoft has created a great tool that can automatically scan your computer for a number of common errors and attempt to fix them as they are encountered. This can be downloaded directly from the Windows site and can be used to try to fix not only Error Code 0x80072ee7 but also many other error messages that may pop up on your computer.

After you have run the Fix It tool, it is always a good idea to restart your computer to allow any changes that have been made to fully take effect.

Method Four: Use An Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

Error Code 0xC004F00F – What is It?

Error Code 0xC004F00F can appear during the Windows 10 installation and activation process. It is a fairly straightforward error code that occurs when a product key is entered in that is unable to be used to complete the final activation of the new operating system. This error code is most commonly related to the installation of new pieces of hardware on a machine that was already running Windows 10 at a previous time.

Error Code 0xC004F00F can also appear on other versions of the Windows software, so if you are not specifically trying to install and activate Windows 10 when this message appears, you may want to contact a qualified Windows technician to help resolve your system error, as the error code has different causes and resolution methods on other versions of the Windows operating system.

Solution

Error Causes

In some cases, Error Code 0xC004F00F will show up if you are attempting to install Windows 10 on a computer in which the hard drive has been replaced or significantly altered. It can also appear when other major pieces of hardware, like the motherboard, have been changed out.  These pieces may be changed as part of an upgrade to new or better hardware or be changed due to the malfunction of the original pieces of equipment. Because it may appear to the Windows activation servers that you are attempting to use the same product code that you have used before to activate what appears to be a new machine (even if the machine is the same one, just with some new parts), you may see Error Code 0xC004F00F arise.

Error Code 0xC004F00F can also come up if you have installed Windows 10 on your machine in the past and have already used the product key that you are attempting to use again.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Error Code 0xC004F00F most commonly appears for users who have made major hardware or software changes done on their machine. Because this error specifically arises from the Windows activation servers believing that your computer is a new one, you’ll need to get in touch with the Windows support team in order to resolve the error. From their database, they will be able to confirm that you are not using a new computer and will be able to bypass the error, allowing you to complete the Windows 10 Activation process.

If you haven’t installed or replaced any of the hardware on the computer, but are still seeing Error Code 0xC004F00F arise during your Windows 10 installation, you will still need to get in touch with the Windows support team to bypass the error code.

Calling the Windows' Support Team

When you call into the Windows support team, you’ll want to specifically have a list of the following information readily available: Which pieces of hardware have been changed out on your computer prior to the installation and activation, what method you were using to install Windows 10, which version of Windows 10 that you were attempting to install, whether it was a single-use or multiple-use license, and basic details about your PC like its make, model, and age.  You may also want to have the product key that you were attempting to use when Error Code 0xC004F00F first appeared.

By having all of this information ready and on hand ahead of time, you’ll have a greater likelihood that your error will be able to be resolved quickly and efficiently, avoiding long periods spent on the phone with customer service. Make sure that you specifically mention that you are experiencing Error Code 0xC004F00F during the Windows 10 activation process when you call into the Windows support team so that you can be connected to a representative who is equipped to help you resolve this specific problem.

Getting a Qualified Technician

If you are not comfortable in working with the Windows support team or have not been able to successfully resolve Error Code 0xC004F00F even after getting in touch with customer support, contact a qualified technician who is familiar with the Windows 10 activation process and can walk you through the things that you will need to communicate to the Windows support team in order to have them bypass or resolve the error code.

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

The Windows 10 operating system comes with a user-friendly interface as well as better security features compared to its previous versions. One of these new features is the “Recently Opened Files” feature which displays all the files you’ve opened recently in File Explorer. Although it might seem useful, some users see this as a privacy concern especially if there are other users that use the same computer. If you are one of these users, read on as this post will guide you on how you can disable the “Recently Opened Files” feature in Windows 10. There are three ways you can disable the “Recently Opened Files” feature. You can manually clear the recent files, or disable the feature via Control Panel. You can also do it using the Group Policy Editor.

Option 1 – Manually clear the recent files

The first thing you can do is to clear the recent files manually. Since the information about the recently opened files is stored in the form of cached data, you can locate this data and delete it manually, from time to time. To do that, follow these steps:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and copy this address in the field: %AppData%MicrosoftWindowsRecent
• Next, tap the Ctrl + A keys to select all the items and then tap the Shift + Delete keys simultaneously.
• After that, a prompt will appear where you have to click on Yes. This will delete all the recently opened files in the File Explorer the next time you open it.

Option 2 – Disable the feature via Control Panel

The next option you can try to disable the feature is via Control Panel. Refer to these steps to do so:

• First, click on the Start Menu button and select the Settings icon.
• After that, click on Personalization and then on Start located on the left pane.
• Next, scroll down until you see the “Show recently opened items” in Jump Lists on the Start or the Taskbar and click on it and then toggle it off.

Option 3 – Disable the feature using the Group Policy Editor

If you are using the Windows 10 Pro version, then you have access to edit the functions in the Group Policy. The Group Policy function has the option that can disable all the default services of Windows 10. Note that in this step, you will permanently disable the “Recently Opened Files” feature. So before you proceed, make sure that you really want to disable this feature permanently and not in the meantime.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “gpedit.msc” in the field and click OK or tap Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
• Next, on the left side pane, click on the “User Configuration” option and then click the “Administrative Templates” option.
• After that, select the “Start Menu and Taskbar” option and select the “Don’t keep the history of recently opened documents” option in the right pane.
• Now double click on this option and check the “Enabled” option and then click on Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made.

You have the option to choose to configure the Network to Private or Public when you set it on Windows 10 PC. On the other hand, if the option to change the Network from Public to Private goes missing in Windows Settings then this post will surely help. You can find this setting under Settings > Network and Internet > Ethernet and appears when you click on it. If you are not able to see the option to change the network profile, then you either can’t open the settings, or the option to change it has been disabled. To resolve this issue, you can either use the Registry Editor or Windows PowerShell. Refer to the options given below for more details.

Option 1 – Change the Network Profile via Registry Editor

Changing the Network Profile can be done using the Registry Editor. But before you proceed, make sure that you create a System Restore Point first just in case. Refer to the steps below to do so.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• After that, navigate to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionNetworkListProfiles
• Now expand the Profiles key folder located in the left pane to see one or more folders.
• Next, expand each one of these folders and look for the “Description” sub-key which should match the name of your network.
• After you find the Description sub-key, look for another sub-key named “Category” and double click on it to open it.
• Now change its value from “0” to “1” to change the Network Profile from Public to Private.

Option 2 – Change the Network Profile via Windows PowerShell

Aside from the Windows Registry, you can also use Windows PowerShell in changing the Network Profile from Public to Private and so on. Take note that you have to use PowerShell with admin privileges. Just refer to the steps below to do so.

• Tap the Win + X keys and then select the “PowerShell (Admin)” option.
• Next, click on Yes if the User Account Control prompt appears.
• After that, execute the commands listed below. Hit Enter right after you key in each one of them.
  • Get-NetConnectionProfile
  • Set-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceIndex <index number> -NetworkCategory Private

Note: Since every Network Profile has an index number, you can check the label “Name” to identify the network that you want to change.

ChatZum is a Potentially Unwanted Program that installs a Toolbar into your browser. This program allegedly allows users to zoom in on photos without clicking on them, however, upon further research, it was discovered that this function does not work on the latest version of browsers.

From the Author: ChatZum is a Browser add-on (toolbar) that enables its users to hover over images in Major Social network's websites and view a larger version of an image.

While installing this toolbar will track user web browsing sessions and will record website visits, clicks, and sometimes even personal information. This information is later used to display targeted ads to the user. To allow easier user tracking, the program changes the browser home page and default search engine to Nation Search Advanced, which injects additional advertisements and tracks user activity.

Several anti-virus applications have marked this program as Potentially Unwanted, and it is not recommended to keep it on your computer, especially considering the fact it will most likely not work on your browser.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

If you have ever installed a free application or shareware, chances are high that the computer will get installed with a bunch of unwanted applications. A Potentially Unwanted Program, also called PUP, in short, is actually software that contains adware, installs toolbars, or has got other hidden objectives. These types of programs are generally bundled up with a free application that you download from the internet or may also be bundled inside the custom installers of many download websites. PUPs aren’t always viewed as “pure” malware in the strictest sense. A fundamental difference between PUP and malware is distribution. Malware is normally dropped by silent installation vectors like drive-by downloads while PUP gets installed with the consent of the computer user, who knowingly or unknowingly approves the PUP installation on their computer system. But, there is no doubt that PUPs remain bad news for PC users as it could be quite dangerous to your computer in many ways.

The damage PUPs can do

The unwanted programs after installation display numerous annoying pop-up ads, trigger fake alerts, and sometimes even forces a computer owner to pay for the software. PUPs that come as browser add-ons and toolbars are commonly recognizable. These toolbars alter your homepage and your search engine in the installed web browser, track your web activities, modify your search results with redirects and sponsored links, and eventually slow down your browser and diminish your browsing experience. Potentially unwanted programs use aggressive distribution methods to get onto your computer. The worst part of setting up a PUP is the adware, spyware, and keystroke loggers that could lurk inside. Even if the PUPs really aren’t inherently malicious, these applications still do practically nothing good on your PC – they’ll take valuable system resources, slow down your PC, weaken your computer security, making your PC more vulnerable to malware.

How to avoid ‘crapware’

• Read the EULA thoroughly. Look for clauses that state that you have to accept advertising and pop-ups or bundled applications from the company. • Always opt for the custom if you’re offered an option between “Custom” and “Recommended” Installations – never ever click Next, Next, Next thoughtlessly. • Use a good anti-malware application. Try Safebytes Anti-malware which can find PUPs and treat them as malware by flagging them for deletion. • Be alert if you download and install freeware, open-source applications, or shareware. Do not ever install software applications that seem shady or malicious. • Always download applications from the original website. The majority of PUPs find their way onto your laptop or computer is via download portals, so steer clear of it altogether. Remember the fact that even though PUPs could potentially cause damage and hinder the proper functioning of the PC, they can’t enter into your system without your consent, so be alert not to provide them with it.

How One Can Get rid of Malware that is Blocking Websites or Preventing Downloads

Malware could potentially cause many kinds of damage to PCs, networks, and data. Some malware goes to great lengths to stop you from downloading or installing anything on your computer, especially antivirus software. If you’re reading this article, odds are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your PC. Even though this sort of problem can be tougher to circumvent, there are some steps you can take.

Make use of Safe Mode to resolve the issue

If the malware is set to run automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, stepping into safe mode could block the attempt. Just minimal required programs and services are loaded when you boot your computer in Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers in Safe Mode with Networking, do as instructed below. 1) Tap the F8 key repeatedly as soon as your PC boots, however, before the big Windows logo or black screen with white texts come up. This would invoke the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and hit ENTER. 3) When this mode loads, you should have the internet. Now, obtain the malware removal program you want by utilizing the web browser. To install the program, follow the guidelines in the installation wizard. 4) Right after installation, do a full scan and allow the software program to get rid of the threats it detects.

Switch to an alternate internet browser

Some malware mainly targets certain browsers. If this is your situation, employ another internet browser as it might circumvent the computer virus. When you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by a trojan or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the best thing to do is to switch over to an alternate internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari to download your chosen security program – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Create a portable USB antivirus for eliminating viruses

Another technique is to download and transfer an antivirus application from a clean computer to run a scan on the infected computer. Follow these steps to run the anti-malware on the affected computer. 1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free PC. 2) Connect the flash drive to a USB slot on the clean computer. 3) Double click on the exe file to run the installation wizard. 4) Choose the USB stick as the location for saving the file. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Now, transfer the flash drive to the infected computer. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the USB drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Click the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.

Protect your PC from Malware With SafeBytes Security Suite

If you are looking to install an anti-malware program for your PC, there are lots of tools in the market to consider nonetheless, you just cannot trust blindly anyone, regardless of whether it is a paid or free program. A few of them are great but there are several scamware applications that pretend as authentic anti-malware programs waiting around to wreak havoc on your PC. You have to pick a company that develops industry-best anti-malware and it has earned a reputation as reliable. One of the highly recommended applications by industry analysts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the safest program for Microsoft Windows. SafeBytes can be described as a highly effective, real-time antivirus application that is made to assist the average computer user in protecting their PC from malicious internet threats. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software will help you protect your computer against infections brought on by various kinds of malware and other internet threats, including spyware, adware, trojans, worms, computer viruses, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs).

There are many wonderful features you’ll get with this particular security product. Listed below are some of the features you will like in SafeBytes.

Active Protection: SafeBytes offers a completely hands-free active protection and is set to observe, block, and kill all computer threats at its very first encounter. It will check your PC for suspicious activity at all times and its unrivaled firewall shields your computer from illegal entry by the outside world. Robust, Anti-malware Protection: Using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection which is made to catch and remove threats that are concealed deep inside your PC. Web Security: Safebytes allots all sites a unique safety ranking that helps you to get an idea of whether the webpage you’re just about to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Extremely Speed Scanning: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is among the fastest and most efficient in the industry. It's targeted scanning significantly increases the catch rate for viruses which is embedded in various computer files. Lightweight: SafeBytes is really lightweight software. It consumes an extremely small amount of processing power as it runs in the background which means you will not observe any computer performance difficulties. 24/7 Support: For any technical concerns or product assistance, you may get 24/7 expert assistance via chat and email. To sum it up, SafeBytes Anti-Malware offers outstanding protection combined with an acceptable low system resources usage with both great malware detection and prevention. You now may realize that this particular tool does more than just scan and remove threats from your computer. You will get the best all-around protection for the money you pay on SafeBytes AntiMalware subscription, there’s no question about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to do the removal of ChatZum manually rather than using an automated software tool, you can follow these simple steps: Navigate to the Windows Control Panel, click the “Add/Remove Programs” and there, choose the offending application to remove. In case of suspicious versions of web browser plug-ins, you can easily get rid of it through your web browser’s extension manager. You might also want to reset your home page and search providers, as well as delete browsing history, temporary files, and cookies. If you choose to manually remove the system files and Windows registry entries, use the following list to make sure you know exactly what files to remove before undertaking any actions. Please note that only advanced users should try to manually edit the system files mainly because removing any single vital registry entry results in a serious problem or even a PC crash. In addition, certain malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing its removal. Doing this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is recommended.

What is Ammyy Admin

AmmyyAdmin is a software developed by Ammy. This software allows you to manage network computers and servers remotely without complicated NAT settings adjustments or Firewall problems. The program is similar in marketed function to TeamViewer or LogMeIn. This software does not require installation and it lets you control other computers or share files over the software. It usually comes bundled with other software. This software copes files into your computer and sometimes creates new startup keys that allow it to start each time your computer is restarted. AmmyAdmin might display additional ads in your browser as well as pop-up ads. Due to its ability to silently install and run remote administration, it could be used maliciously by those who intend to damage your computer or steal data. AmmyyAdmin is flagged for optional removal, and if you did not intentionally install it, removal is highly recommended

What is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)?

If you’ve ever downloaded freeware or shareware, odds are high that your computer can get installed with a bunch of unwanted programs. A PUA / PUP (potentially unwanted application / potentially unwanted program) is a software program that comes bundled with freeware/shareware and you agree to install it on your computer system. These are programs you definitely don’t want on your system simply because it does not give any beneficial service. PUP doesn’t involve malware in the traditional sense. One simple difference between malware and PUP is distribution. Malware is typically dropped through vulnerability exploitation and in contrast, PUP gets installed with the consent of the end-user, who consciously or unknowingly authorizes the PUP installation on their computer. A PUP might not be viewed as malicious or harmful but nonetheless, it is a common cause of clunky operating systems; some PUPs are a lot more aggressive by deliberately slowing down your PC.

How PUPs affect you?

Potentially Unwanted Programs appear in different forms and varieties, but most times, they are adware programs that exhibit irritating pop-up adverts and advertisements on web pages you explore. In addition, most free software nowadays comes with quite a few unwanted add-ons; in many instances a web browser toolbar or browser modification like a homepage hijacker. They’ll modify browser settings, change default search provider, substitute the default home page with their very own websites, decelerate internet speed, and will damage your computer as well. They could look harmless but PUPs are usually spyware. Some might carry dialers, keyloggers, web browser hijackers, and tracking components that will collect system details, or tracks customer habits and relays these records to third-party organizations. Because of this unwanted program, your application might freeze, your security protections could get disabled which may leave the computer susceptible, your system may get damaged, and the list goes on and on.

Tips on protecting yourself from unwanted software

• When installing anything on your PC, always read the fine print, including the EULA. Do not accept terms of use that are for bundled programs. • Select the “custom” install whenever downloading a software program. Particularly, pay attention to those small boxes which have been checked as default, where you might ‘agree’ to receive advertisements or install software bundlers. • Use anti-PUP software. Security applications like Safebytes Anti-Malware offer the very best real-time protection from PUPs and also other malware. • Be alert if you download and install freeware, open-source programs, or shareware. Avoid downloading and installing browser extensions and programs you are not knowledgeable about. • Use only official product sites for downloading applications. Avoid download websites completely since the majority of websites force users to download the software using their own download manager, which is often bundled with some kind of unwanted program.

Safebytes Anti-Malware scans and detects malware for free. To complete removal, and ensure full PC protections, a paid license key is required.

Malware could potentially cause a lot of damage to your computer. Some malware sits in between the computer and the net connection and blocks a few or all internet sites that you would like to check out. It could also block you from installing anything on your computer, particularly anti-virus programs. If you are reading this article now, you’ve perhaps recognized that a malware infection is a reason behind your blocked net connectivity. So what do if you need to download and install an anti-virus application like Safebytes? There are a few solutions you can attempt to get around with this issue.

Boot Windows in Safe Mode

The Windows-based PC includes a special mode called “Safe Mode” where only the minimum required programs and services are loaded. In the event the malware is blocking internet connection and affecting your PC, running it in Safe Mode enables you to download antivirus and run a scan while limiting potential damage. To enter into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press F8 while the system is booting up or run MSCONFIG and locate the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. Once you’re in Safe Mode, you can try to download and install your anti-malware software program without the hindrance of the malicious software. Following installation, run the malware scanner to eliminate most standard infections.

Obtain the security program in an alternate web browser

Certain malware may target vulnerabilities of a specific web browser that obstruct the downloading process. If you seem to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch over to an alternate browser with built-in security features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your favorite antivirus program – Safebytes.

Create a portable anti-malware for removing malware

Here’s another solution which is utilizing a portable USB antivirus software that can check your system for malicious software without the need for installation. Adopt these measures to run the anti-malware on the infected computer system. 1) On a clean computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Thumb drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the exe file to run the installation wizard. 4) Pick a USB flash drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you want to install the program. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process. 5) Remove the flash drive. Now you can utilize this portable anti-virus on the affected computer system. 6) Double-click the anti-malware program EXE file on the flash drive. 7) Run Full System Scan to identify and clean-up up all sorts of malware. These days, an anti-malware program can protect your computer from different forms of online threats. But how to select the right one amongst countless malware protection software that is available in the market? As you might be aware, there are numerous anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. Some of them are great, some are ok types, while some will ruin your computer themselves! You have to choose one that is reliable, practical, and has a strong reputation for its malware source protection. One of the strongly recommended software is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes has a superb reputation for quality service, and customers appear to be very happy with it. SafeBytes can be described as a highly effective, real-time anti-malware application that is created to assist everyday computer users in safeguarding their computers from malicious internet threats. Using its cutting-edge technology, this application will assist you to eradicate multiples types of malware like computer viruses, PUPs, trojans, worms, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers. There are many wonderful features you will get with this security product. Below are some typical features found in this software: Robust, Anti-malware Protection: Built on a highly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal application has the capacity to find and get rid of various obstinate malware threats like browser hijackers, PUPs, and ransomware that other common antivirus software will miss. Real-time Protection: Malware programs attempting to get into the system are identified and stopped as and when detected by the SafeBytes active protection shields. They are very effective in screening and eliminating different threats because they’re constantly improved with the latest updates and alerts. Internet Security: Safebytes assigns all sites a unique safety score that helps you to get an idea of whether the webpage you’re going to visit is safe to browse or known to be a phishing site. Light-weight: This software program is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not notice any performance problems when SafeBytes is working in the background. 24/7 Online Support: Skilled technicians are at your disposal 24/7! They will promptly resolve any technical issues you might be experiencing with your security software. SafeBytes has come up with a wonderful anti-malware solution that can help you conquer the latest malware threats and virus attacks. Once you’ve installed SafeBytes Anti-Malware, you will no longer need to bother about malware or other security worries. 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.

SpeedItUp is a potentially unwanted application made by MicroSmarts LLC. The program claims to optimize RAM, clean the registry, and boost internet connection speed. It is designed to speed up your computer by removing some background processes. While not malicious itself, SpeedItUp Free and its variations are often installed via third-party installer bundles, causing many users to unwittingly install the program. Aliases of the program include CheckMeUp, SpeedCheck, SpeedChecker, SpeedItUp Free, Speeditup-Checkup, and Speeditup-Nova. While intended to speed up the performance, its background processes and startup tasks may actually slow PCs down in some cases. Some versions of SpeedItUp also include a browser extension.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is a type of unwanted software program, usually a web browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in the browser’s settings. Browser hijacker malware is designed for a number of reasons. Typically, browser hijacking is used for earning advertising revenue that comes from forced advert mouse clicks and website visits. Though it might seem naive, these tools are designed by vicious individuals who always attempt to take full advantage of you, so that hackers can make money from your naive and distraction. On top of that, hijackers can make the whole infected system vulnerable – other destructive malware and viruses would grab these opportunities to get into your computer effortlessly.

Symptoms of browser hijack

There are many symptoms that could indicate a browser hijacking: your web browser’s homepage is suddenly different; your web browser is constantly being redirected to adult sites; the default online search engine has been changed and your browser security settings have been brought down without your knowledge; discover new toolbars which you did not add; your internet browser displays endless pop-up windows; your internet browser has become unstable or starts running slowly; Inability to navigate to certain websites, particularly anti-malware as well as other security software sites.

How they infect computer systems

A browser hijacker can be installed on your computer or laptop if you check out an infected site, click an email attachment, or download something from a file-sharing site. They may also originate from any BHO, browser extension, add-on, toolbar, or plug-in with the malicious objective. A browser hijacker can also come bundled up with some freeware that you inadvertently download to your PC, compromising your internet security. An example of some notorious browser hijacker includes Babylon, Anyprotect, Conduit, DefaultTab, SweetPage, Delta Search, and RocketTab, but the names are regularly changing.

The best ways to remove a browser hijacker

Certain kinds of browser hijackers can be removed from the computer by deleting malicious applications or any other recently added shareware. Often, it can be a challenging task to discover and get rid of the malicious piece because the associated file could be running as part of the operating system process. Moreover, manual removals demand deep system knowledge and thus can be quite a difficult job for novice computer users. Experts always recommend users remove any malware including browser hijackers by using an automatic malware removal tool, which is better, safer, and quicker than the manual removal method. One of the greatest tools for repairing browser hijacker malware is Safebytes Anti-Malware. It will help you remove any pre-existing malicious software in your system and provides you real-time monitoring and protection from the latest threats. Together with the anti-virus tool, a PC optimizer will help you in deleting all associated files and modifications in the computer registry automatically.

Virus Blocking Internet And All Antivirus Software? Do This!

Every malware is detrimental and the effects of the damage will vary based on the specific type of malicious software. Some malware goes to great lengths to stop you from installing anything on your computer, particularly anti-virus software programs. If you are reading this article, you probably have got affected by a virus that prevents you from installing a computer security program such as Safebytes Anti-Malware. Refer to the instructions below to remove malware through alternative ways.

Install antivirus in Safe Mode with Networking

If the virus is set to load immediately when Microsoft Windows starts, getting into safe mode could block this attempt. Since only the minimum applications and services launch in Safe Mode, there are seldom any reasons for conflicts to occur. Listed here are the steps you have to follow to start into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (go to Microsoft site for instructions on Windows 8 and 10 computers). 1) At power on/start-up, tap the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This would conjure up the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and hit ENTER. 3) As soon as this mode loads, you should have an internet connection. Now, make use of your internet browser normally and navigate to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) After the software is installed, allow the diagnostic scan run to remove trojans and other malware automatically.

Obtain the anti-malware software in a different internet browser

Some malware mainly targets particular web browsers. If this is your situation, utilize another internet browser as it could circumvent the virus. When you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by a trojan or otherwise compromised by cybercriminals, the most effective plan of action would be to switch to a different web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to download your favorite computer security program – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Run antivirus from a pen drive

To successfully eliminate the malware, you might want to approach the issue of running an antivirus software program on the affected computer from a different angle. Adopt these measures to employ a flash drive to clean your corrupted computer. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or MS Windows Defender Offline onto a clean PC. 2) Insert the USB drive onto the same system. 3) Double click on the exe file to open the installation wizard. 4) Select the USB stick as the destination for saving the software file. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. 5) Unplug the pen drive. You may now use this portable antivirus on the infected computer system. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the USB drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Press the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove viruses automatically.

Protect Your PC & Privacy With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

Do you want to install the very best anti-malware application for your computer system? There are several applications available that come in paid and free versions for Microsoft Windows computers. Some of them do a good job in eliminating malware threats while many will damage your computer themselves. You must opt for a company that builds industry-best anti-malware and has gained a reputation as reliable. When considering the reliable software programs, Safebytes Anti-Malware is certainly the highly recommended one. SafeBytes can be described as a powerful, real-time antivirus application that is designed to assist everyday computer users in protecting their computer from malicious threats. With its outstanding protection system, this tool will automatically detect and get rid of most of the security threats, which include viruses, adware, browser hijackers, ransomware, PUPs, and trojans. SafeBytes anti-malware takes PC protection to a whole new level with its advanced features. Let’s have a look at some of them below: Active Protection: SafeBytes provides 100 % hands-free real-time protection which is set to monitor, prevent and get rid of all computer threats at its very first encounter. They are very effective in screening and getting rid of numerous threats because they are continuously revised with the latest updates and alerts. Antimalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean out your PC. Its critically acclaimed virus engine locates and disables hard to remove malware that hides deep inside your PC. SuperSpeed Scanning: SafeBytes’s very fast malware scanning engine lessens scanning times and extends battery life. At the same time, it will effectively identify and eliminate infected files or any online threat. Web Security: SafeBytes provides an instant safety rating about the web pages you are about to visit, automatically blocking dangerous sites and make sure that you’re certain of your online safety while browsing the net. Lightweight Utility: This program is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not notice any performance difficulties when SafeBytes is operating in the background. Premium Support: Support service is readily available for 24 x 7 x 365 days through chat and email to answer your questions.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove SpeedItUp 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 SpeedItUp

Hello everyone and welcome to our new Windows 10 tips and tricks article. Today we will be focusing on small Windows tricks that could prove very useful in everyday workflow and hopefully make your life easier by implementing them in your daily routine. I am very excited to share this with you all and I hope that you will use them from now on. That being said let us begin.

Tip 1: Minimize all open windows except one.

Daily to the daily routine can involve many opened windows on a desktop and sometimes things can get messy, if you want to minimize all windows to the taskbar except one do this: Click on one window thus selecting him, click and hold the left mouse button on that windows title bar, now shake it up and down and all other windows will escape down to taskbar leaving only one you are shaking on the desktop.

Tip 2: Open the Secret Windows menu.

Through our tutorials on various errors and fixes, we have used this method already but here it is again since it is worth mentioning. If you want to open the command prompt easy and fast, or device manager, event viewer, shut down, etc. In order to open this secret menu all you need to do is press ⊞ WINDOWS + X.

Tip 3: Create an Event without opening the calendar application.

You can easily create an event without opening a calendar application, all you have to do is left-click on the clock in the taskbar, click once on a date for the event, and under calendar in event field type event description. The event will show in the calendar application like it was entered there.

Tip 4: Taking a screenshot.

This one is my favorite and it speeds up workflow very very much. Typically you take screenshots by pressing the PrntScr button on your keyboard. Now, the problem with this approach is that the screen is placed in computer memory, in the clipboard and you will need another picture processing application in order to save it. Now if you would press ⊞ WINDOWS + PrntScr, the picture would be automatically saved in your pictures/screenshots folder. And if that is not enough, you can press ⊞ WINDOWS + S + SHIFT to start Snip & Sketch tool and select the area which you would like to screen capture, this method will also place pictures in the clipboard.

Tip 5: Open pinned applications in your taskbar with your keyboard.

We have covered this one in our Windows keyboard shortcuts tips and tricks here, but if you missed that article here is the tip again. By pressing ⊞ WINDOWS + number 1,2,3...0 you will start the application from your taskbar counted from left to right.

Tip 6: Check how much Hard drive space installed applications are taking.

Applications and temporary files grow over time and can slow the system and cause some other unpleasant experiences. Go to Settings > System > Storage, click on the Hard drive on which you have installed applications, and see how much each one is taking, you can remove it from this screen also freeing some space.

Tip 7: Remove ads from the START menu.

Windows has so-called suggestions in the START menu, no matter how Microsoft is calling them, let's face it, they are ads and in my opinion, they do not belong in my START menu. To turn them off, go to Settings > Personalization > Start. Toggle the setting called Show suggestions occasionally in Start to the off position.

Tip 8: Shut down background applications.

Some applications are running in the back and are taking system resources and can send telemetry information, if you want to turn them all off go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps. To stop all apps from running in the background, toggle Let apps run in the background to off. You can choose which apps to run in the background individually by going down the list on the same page.

Tip 9: Use Background scrolling.

Did you know that you can scroll on inactive windows? To do this, just hover over the inactive background window and roll your mouse when the content of the window should be scrolling even if it's not one you are working on. If by any chance this is not happening, go to Settings > Devices > Mouse, and toggle Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them to On.

Tip 10: Show file extensions in File Explorer.

By default extensions of files are hidden, so let's say that for example, you are in a folder with pictures, you have plenty of pictures there but you do not know are they JPG or JPEG for example, do not worry there is an easy fix to bring showing extensions back. Start File Explorer, click on view top menu item, click on options, Uncheck the box that says Hide extensions for known file types. Click Apply, and OK.

Tip 11: Use focus assist.

Set it up by going to Settings > System > Focus assist. Choose from three options: Off (get all notifications from your apps and contacts), Priority (see only selected notifications from a priority list that you customize, and send the rest to your action center), and Alarms only (hide all notifications, except for alarms). You can also choose to automatically turn this feature on during certain hours, or when you're playing a game.

Tip 12: Rotate your screen.

If you have multiple screens set up or you have the rotatable screen press and hold CTRL + ALT together, then use a directional arrow to flip the screen. The right and left arrows turn the screen 90 degrees, while the down arrow will flip it upside down. Use the up arrow to bring the screen back to its normal position.

Tip 13: Enable GOD mode.

Have you always felt limited with Windows settings? Don't be, Right-click on the desktop and select New > Folder. Re-name the new folder with this bit of code: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} To enter the "God Mode" window, double-click the folder.

Tip 14: Use Virtual Desktops.

Click on Task View (the icon next to the search box). This will separate all your open windows and apps into icons. You can then drag any of them over to where it says "New desktop," which creates a new virtual desktop. Once you click out of Task View, you can toggle between virtual desktops by pressing the ⊞ WINDOWS + CTRL + right/left arrows. To remove the virtual desktops, just go back into task view and delete the individual virtual desktops, this will not close out the apps contained within that desktop, but rather just send them to the next lower desktop.

Tip 15: Customize the command prompt.

Yes, you can customize the command prompt, in order to do so, open it and right-click on its title bar, choose properties and go wild. Special badge if you make it look like commodore 64 BASIC.

Tip 16: Dictate, not type.

If you have speech recognition ON, pressing ⊞ WINDOWS + H will bring up a voice recorder, just speak and see how you can easily "write" emails, etc.

Tip 17: Use sandbox.

In Windows you have a sandbox option, which will open another Windows instance inside Windows, what do you need this? Well once the sandbox is closed everything in it is closed and if you catch the virus or other dangerous software, closing the sandbox will destroy it not affecting your actual Windows. Use it for safety testing and enjoy an easy life. Enable Windows Sandbox inside the Control Panel.

Tip 18: Use a hidden game bar.

Press the ⊞ WINDOWS + G, you can pull up the new-and-improved Game Bar. This lets you switch your Windows PC into gaming mode, which pools system resources to the game, turns off notifications, and lets you record and broadcast your gaming, along with added panels for controlling your audio, monitoring FPS, and tracking achievements. And that's it, Our 18 tips and trick to make your Windows 10 life easier, more productive, and overall more enjoyable. I certainly hope you have enjoyed reading this article same as I was writing it. Until next time if I do not see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.