Error 0x8004210A - What is it?

0x8004210A is a typical POP3 email error message. This error may sometimes occur when you try to check your Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3) email account. 0x8004210A error code hampers your ability to both send and receive e-mails on your Outlook account. Error 0x8004210A is displayed in any one of the following formats on your PC:

The operation timed out waiting for a response from the receiving (POP) server 0x8004210a Task 'SMTP server name - Sending and Receiving reported error' (0x8004210A): 'The operation timed out waiting for a response from the receiving (POP) server. If you continue to receive this message, contact your server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).'

Error Causes

Error 0x8004210A occurs due to several reasons. However, some of the most common reasons include:

• Wrong port number for the POP incoming server
• Your connection to the mail server is too slow
• Incoming and outgoing emails are being scanned and stopped by an antivirus installed on your system
• The Outlook send and receive job is being blocked by Firewall
• You are sending and receiving large series of emails or large email attachments
• Registry issues

No matter what the cause of this error is, to resume email communication via Outlook and to ensure your work productivity is not affected, it is recommended that you resolve this 0x8004210A error code on your PC immediately.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To fix error 0x8004210A, here are some of the most efficient and easy manual methods that you can try:

Method 1

If the cause of the error is related to the internet connection then here’s what you need to do. Try freeing up your internet connection by closing any other online activities in progress or downloads being carried on your system.

Method 2

Try to increase your server time-out periods. To do this, go to the Outlook File menu and choose account settings. Now double click on your email account and more settings. Now click advanced and increase your server timeout period to resolve.

Method 3

If you are trying to send or receive large and heavy emails on your Outlook account, the error 0x8004210A may pop up. This happens because when transferring heavy files the email account automatically locks until the task is complete, however, if it takes more time the next Send and Receive job starts while the first one is still not complete. In such an event, the email server then times out and shows you the error. Therefore to resolve, you will have to show patience. Simply wait for the large email to be sent or received before you start sending another email.

Method 4

If the antivirus installed on your system is the reason for the error pop up, then disable it for a while until the operation is complete. Then enable it once the task is performed successfully.

Method 5

Similarly, if the Firewall installed on your system is preventing Outlook from reaching your mail server, then simply disable the Firewall to resolve.

What Is Runtime Error R6034?

Runtime Error r6034 is one of the most commonly occurring errors.  This error usually arises in Windows Vista and Windows 7. The message that appears to the user states ‘An application has made an attempt to load C runtime library incorrectly, please contact the support team for more information’. As the message suggests, this problematic error occurs simply because an application attempts to load the C runtime library without a manifest.

Solution

Error Causes

Runtime Error r6034 occurs when the system compiler fails to compile the working application. While this is the primary reason, there are some other conditions that trigger Runtime Error r6034 which are outlined below.

• Existence of viruses and malware in the system.
• Corrupt or missing system files.
• Power outages.
• Hardware problems.
• Hardware driver problems.

There are several other reasons that may trigger Runtime Error r6034 that are beyond the scope of this article. Regardless of what triggers this error, it is crucial to ensure that it is fixed as soon as possible.

Further Information and Manual Repair

There are several ways to deal with Runtime Error r6034. However, one of the most effective ways is listed below as follows.

• When this error occurs, restart your computer. Make sure you press F8 before the windows logo is displayed.
• Choose safe mode and press enter.
• Go to the ‘Start’ button and type ‘msconfig’ in the search box. Press enter.
• The MSConfig program will now open.
• Choose ‘Start up’ in the general tab and then click on the ‘Load Start Up’ item.
• Click on the ‘Services’ tab. Now click ‘Hide all Microsoft Services’ and then choose ‘Disable All’.
• Close the system configuration window.
• Restart the computer.

After restarting your computer, you will notice that the Runtime Error r6034 has been removed. If this approach fails to deliver the desired results, it is advised to follow the steps listed below.

• Go to the start button. In the search box, type ‘System Restore’.
• When System Restore appears, click on it.
• The system restore window will open. Make sure any process or application that’s open is now closed.
• In the System Restore window, if a calendar list appears, it means the restore point is open. Now choose the point from where the error appeared and click Next.
• This process may take some time. Your system will restart automatically and the Runtime Error r6034 will disappear.

In case you don’t know, the Windows Script Host provides capabilities such as batch files but it also includes many other features like it can be used by a user manual as well as created by the operating system to automate the flow of operations in the system. However, there are a lot of errors that could take place in such a process. One of them is the following error:

“Script: <PATH of the VBS Script> Line: x Char: x Error: The description of the error. Code: xxxxxxxx Source: (Source of the error)”

At the time of writing, it isn’t clear yet what the root cause of the error really is but there are several potential fixes you can check out to fix it. You can try to run the System File Checker or set the default value for the .vbs key, or troubleshoot the problem in a Clean Boot State. You could also try to repair Install Windows 10 or scan your computer for malware. For more detailed instructions refer to the following options.

Option 1 – Try to run a System File Checker scan

• In the Windows Start Search, type “command prompt” and right-click on Command Prompt from the search results, and then select the “Run as administrator” option.
• After opening Command Prompt with admin privileges, type the “sfc /scannow” and tap Enter to execute it.
• Once the scan is finished, restart your computer and see if the Windows Script Host error.

Option 2 – Try setting the default value for the .vbs key

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Next, navigate to this registry path: ComputerHKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.vbs
• From there, double click on the default string and change its Value data to “VBSFile”.
• Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Option 3 – Try troubleshooting the problem in a Clean Boot State

Setting your computer in a Clean Boot State can help you diagnose and later troubleshoot the problems in your computer. During this state, the system will start with a minimal number of drivers and startup programs that help in isolating the problem with the interfering software. To put your computer in a Clean Boot State, follow the given steps below.

• Log onto your computer as an administrator.
• Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
• From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
• Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
• Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
• Click Disable all.
• Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
• From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.

Option 4 – Try to repair install Windows 10

• First, you have to click this link and then click the Download Tool Now button.
• Next, click the “Use the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)…” option and follow the next given instructions on the screen.
• Now select the ISO file option in step 5.
• After that, you should now have an ISO file.
• Next, go to the location where you’ve downloaded the ISO file.
• Then right-click on the Windows 10 ISO file and select the Open with option and then select File Explorer.
• Now click on “setup.exe” and follow the next instructions that appear on the screen. When asked, you have to select either Nothing (clean install) or Keep personal files only option. Take note that you must not select the “Keep personal files, apps, and Windows settings”.

Option 5 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

It is possible that your computer is infected with malware which could be why you’re getting the Windows Host Script error. Thus, you need to scan your computer using 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.

When Windows 10 was introduced as an upgrade to Windows 7 and 8, a lot were thrilled because of its new features. One of the most interesting features that this has is the Microsoft Store. Just like in our tablets and smartphones, we can now download our favorite apps from a trusted source. Without the Microsoft store app, you can’t download any applications that you can use on your computer. But what happens if you can’t open your Microsoft Store or you accidentally uninstalled it? The most common error that users encounter when accessing Microsoft Store is the error code 0x80072efd. This error code appears when there is a problem with the internet connection. To resolve this, troubleshoot your modem by doing a simple power cycle. Turn off your modem and wait for a couple of minutes and turn it back on. It should refresh your internet. This works if there is really no problem on the Service provider’s side. Disable your Proxy server, if you are using one to access the internet. To do this, press Windows + R keys on your keyboard. Type “inetcpl.cpl” in the box and go to Connection. Next, click on LAN settings then tick on the box next to Automatically detect settings. Uncheck the box below Proxy Server Among the useful apps that came with the Windows 10 upgrade is PowerShell. It allows you to install and uninstall individual and all apps by using a series of commands. So you don’t have to worry if you can’t find your Microsoft Store or if you accidentally delete it. To access PowerShell, type in the word PowerShell into the search box found beside your Window Icon. Look for PowerShell from the results and right-click on it and hit Run as Administrator.

When you are in the PowerShell window, enter the command below:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"

Another option is to download a Windows Update Troubleshooter. After you download it, open the troubleshooter tool and follow the steps. If you saved the file instead of directly opening it, go to the folder where the troubleshooter was saved and double click on the wu.diagcab file to rub the troubleshooter. One of the most interesting error codes that you might encounter when accessing the Microsoft store is error code 1. This particular error code is resolved by changing your PC’s region to the United States. To do this, go to Settings and look for Time & Language. Then go to region and language. Under the Country or region, choose the United States from the dropdown menu then restart your computer. The troubleshooting procedures above are the most common solution to resolve the problem on Microsoft Store issues but there are times that these procedures won’t work. If you are not confident to resolve this through the procedures mentioned in this article, there are so many tools online that you can download to help you out. It also helps to contact Microsoft or consult a technician to ensure that you are doing the correct procedure.

EasyEmailSuite is a browser extension made by MyWay that may come bundled with other free software that you download off of the Internet. When installed EasyEmailSuite will set the homepage and search engine for your web browser to http://search.myway.com. EasyEmailSuite is an application that allows users to access their emails. Initially, this app may seem legitimate and useful, however, EasyEmailSuite is categorized as a browser hijacker. This extension changes your home page and searches engine to MyWay. It monitors your search activity and collects data, that is later sold/forwarded to display additional unwanted ads in your browser. Several anti-virus scanners have classified EasyEmailSuite as a Browser Hijacker / PUP and are therefore not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is a common type of internet fraud where your web browser settings are altered to allow it to carry out things you don’t intend. They are designed to disrupt browser functions for several reasons. Usually, it will drive users to particular sites which are trying to increase their advertisement earnings. While it might seem harmless, these tools are made by malicious individuals who always attempt to take full advantage of you, so that they could earn money from your naivety and distraction. They not only screw up your internet browsers, but browser hijackers could also modify the system registry to make your computer vulnerable to other malicious programs.

Symptoms of browser hijacker infection

There are plenty of symptoms that indicate your internet browser has been highjacked: 1. the home page of your web browser is changed unexpectedly 2. bookmark and the new tab are likewise changed 3. the default web browser settings are modified and/or your default web engine is altered 4. you see unsolicited new toolbars added 5. you may notice never-ending pop-up adverts on your screen 6. websites load very slowly and often incomplete 7. you are blocked to access the websites of security solution providers.

Exactly how they get into your computer

Browser hijackers infect computer systems via malicious e-mail attachments, downloaded infected computer files, or by visiting infected sites. They can also come from any BHO, extension, add-on, toolbar, or plug-in with malicious objectives. Other times you might have mistakenly accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software program bundle (generally freeware or shareware). Some of the most popular hijackers are EasyEmailSuite, Babylon Toolbar, Conduit Search, Sweet Page, OneWebSearch, and CoolWebSearch. Browser hijackers will interrupt the user’s browsing experience significantly, keep track of the websites frequented by users and steal private information, cause difficulty in connecting to the web, and then finally create stability issues, causing software programs and computers to freeze.

Browser hijacker removal methods

Some hijackers could be removed by uninstalling the freeware they were included with or by removing any add-ons you have recently added to your PC. However, many hijacking codes are not very easy to get rid of manually, since they go deeper into the operating system. You should think about undertaking manual fixes only if you happen to be a tech-savvy person, as risks are associated with tinkering with the system registry and HOSTS file. Experts always recommend users remove any malware including browser hijacker with an automatic malware removal tool, which is easier, safer, and quicker than the manual removal procedure. Safebytes Anti-Malware discovers all kinds of hijackers – such as EasyEmailSuite – and eliminates every trace efficiently and quickly. Along with anti-malware, a PC optimizer tool, for example, Restoro, can help you resolve Windows registry errors, eliminate unwanted toolbars, secure online privacy, and stabilize programs installed on the computer.

Help! Malware Blocking Antivirus Installation And Access To The Web

Malware could cause several different types of damage to PCs, networks, and data. Some malware sits in between your computer and the internet connection and blocks a few or all internet sites which you want to visit. It will also prevent you from adding anything to your PC, especially anti-virus software. If you are reading this article, odds are you’re stuck with a virus infection that is preventing you to download or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your PC. There are some options you can try to get around with this obstacle.

Install the anti-malware in Safe Mode

If the virus is set to load automatically when Windows starts, getting into Safe Mode could block this attempt. Since only the minimal programs and services start-up in “Safe Mode”, there are hardly any reasons for issues to take place. To start your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers in Safe Mode with Networking, do as instructed below. 1) Tap the F8 key continuously as soon as your computer boots, but before the big Windows logo shows up. This would conjure up the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Select Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and press Enter. 3) When this mode loads, you will have the internet. Now, make use of your browser to download and install an anti-malware application. 4) Immediately after installation, do a full scan and let the software remove the threats it detects.

Utilize an alternate internet browser to download the anti-malware application

Some malware only targets certain web browsers. If this sounds like your case, utilize another web browser as it may circumvent the virus. The best solution to avoid this issue is to opt for an internet browser that is well known for its security measures. Firefox contains built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to keep you secure online.

Install antivirus on a flash drive

Here’s yet another solution which is using a portable USB anti-malware software package that can check your system for viruses without the need for installation. To run anti-virus using a USB flash drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free PC. 2) Put the USB drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Select flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you exactly where you wish to install the application. Follow the directions to finish the installation process. 5) Transfer the thumb drive from the clean PC to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the EXE file to open the Safebytes software right from the thumb drive. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the infected computer for malware. If no other method of downloading and installing antivirus software works, then you’ve got no other choice than to hit the last resort: a complete Windows reinstallation, the only solution proven to have a 100% rate of success at virus removal. If you’re not sure which method to employ, simply call our toll-free number 1-844-377-4107 to speak to our technical support team. Our experts can take you step-by-step through the virus removal process on the phone and also fix your personal computer remotely.

A Look at the Best AntiMalware Program

These days, an anti-malware program can protect your PC from various types of online threats. But exactly how to choose the best one amongst plenty of malware protection software that is available out there? You may be aware, there are many anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. Some are good ones, some are ok types, while some are merely bogus anti-malware programs that can harm your computer themselves! When searching for antivirus software, choose one which provides dependable, efficient, and complete protection against all known computer viruses and malware. When considering commercial anti-malware software options, the majority of people opt for well-known brands, like SafeBytes, and they are very happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a very effective and user-friendly protection tool that is made for end-users of all levels of computer literacy. Once you have installed this application, SafeByte's sophisticated protection system will ensure that no viruses or malicious software can seep through your computer. SafeBytes anti-malware takes PC protection to a totally new level with its advanced features. The following are some typical features found in this program: Most effective AntiMalware Protection: Safebytes is based on the very best virus engine within the industry. These engines can find and get rid of threats even during the early phases of a malware outbreak. Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes provides round-the-clock protection for your PC restricting malware attacks instantly. It’ll constantly monitor your laptop or computer for hacker activity and also gives end-users superior firewall protection. High-Speed Malware Scanning Engine: SafeBytes Anti-Malware has a multi-thread scan algorithm that works up to 5x faster than any other protection software. Web Filtering: SafeBytes provides an instant safety rating to the web pages you’re about to check out, automatically blocking dangerous sites and ensuring that you’re certain of your safety while browsing the net. Light-weight: SafeBytes is a lightweight and simple to use antivirus and antimalware solution. Since it utilizes minimum computer resources, this tool leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs to: with you actually. 24/7 Live Expert Support: You can get high levels of support around the clock if you are using their paid version.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove EasyEmailSuite 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 EasyEmailSuite

As you know, NVIDIA is one of the topmost graphics cards used and it has been that way for several years already. And in those years, the company has managed to release the best cards on the market. However, there are still times when some things fail and don’t work as expected due to some NVIDIA driver issues. As of late, one of the issues users reported about NVIDIA drivers is that it keeps on crashing on a daily basis. It gets to the point where they aren’t able to play games anymore while some users experience lag and rendering issues. In addition, some users also reported that their computer display tends to freeze sometimes, and then things would seem to go back to normal but only for a short span of time as the crash seems to happen every 10 minutes. This can be extremely annoying as you won’t be able to use your computer properly. If you are one of these users, worry not for there are several ways you can try to resolve the problem in your Windows 10 computer. Make sure to carefully follow the options given below.

Option 1 – Try checking if the NVIDIA graphics card is enabled

Although the problem is quite massive, the fix could be as simple as enabling the NVIDIA graphics card if it turns out to be disabled. There might be some strange reason why your graphics card disables itself. Thus, the best and first option you can try is to check if the NVIDIA graphics card is enabled or not. To do so, follow these steps:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
• After opening the Device Manager, look for the Nvidia graphics card option among the list of device drivers. Once you found it, check if it is enabled or not. If it’s not enabled, you should see a gray arrow pointing downwards. Right-click on the card and select Enabled.
• Next, right-click on the graphics card once more and click on the Update Driver Software option and then click on the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.

Option 2 – Try to choose Maximum Performance and disable Vsync

If the first option didn’t work out for you, then you might want to try turning off Vsync and adjust the performance to the maximum. Refer to these steps to disable Vsync and adjust performance to the maximum.

• The first thing you have to do is right-click on your desktop and select the NVIDIA Control Panel among the options.
• After opening the NVIDIA Control Panel, select Manage 3D Settings.
• After that, set Vsync to off, and then in the Power Management Mode, set it to Maximum Performance. That should fix the problem.

Option 3 – Try updating the drivers from the official site of NVIDIA

If both the first and second given options didn’t work, you can also try updating the drivers from the official NVIDIA website. And in case you don’t know the type of Nvidia graphics card that your computer is on, follow the steps below:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next type in “dxdiag” in the field and click OK or hit Enter to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
• From there, you can see what type of Nvidia graphics card that your system is on.
• Take note of your graphics card information and then look for the best drivers for your operating system. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the file, restart your PC.

PrintNightmare vulnerability has been a struggling issue for Microsoft in the past weeks, each time it seems to be addressed and fixed something new popped up and it still had issues. Microsoft finally addressed the issue but with a price. The default behavior of Point and Print is changed. From this fix onward, the Point and Print driver installation and update behavior will require administrator privileges, which should prevent the exploit to the Windows Print Spooler that could be used by malicious individuals to gain administrative privileges in Windows. The drawback of this fix from Microsoft is that non-elevated users may have difficulty adding or updating printers. Microsoft feels that the security risks caused by PrintNightmare are worth the tradeoff, though. If you really want to let non-elevated users add printers, you can follow the instructions in this Microsoft Support article to disable this mitigation with a registry key. However, doing so will expose you to this known vulnerability and isn’t recommend.

Running the Windows Update service does not always go well as from time to time, you could encounter some errors when using it. One of these errors is the Windows Update Error 0xc1900403. In such cases, you will see the following error message under the Windows Update section:

“There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later, If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help – 0xc1900403”

The log files displayed in the error message may include, “0XC1900403 – MOSETUP_E_UA_CORRUPT_PAYLOAD_FILES”. This indicates that the payload files are corrupted which is why you’re getting the Windows Update Error 0xc1900403 and to fix it, you can try to restart your computer and install the updates again or reset the Windows Update-related folders. You could also run the Windows Update troubleshooter or use either the Standalone Installer or the Media Creation tool. For more details, refer to each one of the options provided below.

Option 1 – Restart your computer and try installing the Updates again

Restarting your computer can also help in fixing the Windows Update failed to install error 0x80240034. There are cases where the issue resolves on its own as it could just be some simple network or PC error.

Option 2 – Delete the contents in the Software Distribution folder and Catroot2 folder

• Open the WinX Menu.
• From there, open Command Prompt as admin.
• Then type in the following command – don’t forget to hit Enter right after typing each one of them.

net stop wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

• After entering these commands, it will stop the Windows Update Service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic, and the MSI Installer
• Next, go to the C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution folder and get rid of all the folders and files thereby tapping the Ctrl + A keys to select them all and then click on Delete. Note that if the files are in use, you won’t be able to delete them.

After resetting the SoftwareDistribution folder, you need to reset the Catroot2 folder to restart the services you just stopped. To do that, follow these steps:

• Type each one of the following commands.

net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

• After that, exit Command Prompt and restart your computer, and then try to run Windows Update once more.

Option 3 – Try running the Windows Update troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter as it could also help in fixing Windows Update Error 0xc1900403. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.

Option 4 – Try to use the Media Creation tool

The Media Creation tool in Windows allows you to use the ISO installation file to make a bootable device that you can use to install Windows on your PC. Note that this is kind of different from the usual installation process as it could erase your computer’s current settings and data on the primary drive. Thus, before you proceed, you need to backup all your data into some removable drive and then use the Media Creation Tool to make a bootable drive.

• After making the bootable drive, you need to plug it into your computer and then reboot.
• Next, tap the F10 or Esc key to open the boot options.
• Now set the boot priority of the removable drive the highest. Once the setup comes forth, follow the next onscreen instructions and install Windows without any problems.

Started as an internal network and has slowly expanded since 1960 internet has taken over the world. In the beginning, it was a means of information change but in the modern age you can run applications and virtual machines over the internet, you can stream video and audio, and you can communicate in real-time with someone on the other side of Earth.

With the internet growing so fast in such a small amount of time it is only logical and wise to take a step back and take a good look at what it offers now, what are great things about it and what are some of the worst.

Good sides of the internet

Information

There are a lot of advantages of the internet, first and foremost is information. Internet was made as an information exchange service and even today you can find a lot of various information about various topics that interest you. A site like Wikipedia is a completely free online encyclopedia and a lot of news companies have their own internet sites where you can find free information and news.

On the other hand, there are also websites like udemy, edx, Coursera, and many others that will offer you the education, some for free, some for money but you can get a glimpse and part of university quality education for just a fraction of price.

Online shopping

Sites like Amazon have used the internet and launched themselves as today's multi-billion companies. In today's world, there is not a single thing you can not buy online. Many sites today are going from the large online marketplace where you can find everything to small niche specialized ones. Also every major brand in the world today has its own online store.

Other shops will offer you music, movies, games, etc. Services like steam, xbox pass, sony pass etc, will let you buy games online, other music, movies, and many more.

Streaming services

Days, when you had to buy movies in order to watch them at home, are gone, thanks to the internet we have plenty of streaming services for movies and tv shows as well as ones for music. If you do not want to spend money on actually purchasing things then a good idea is to have a streaming plan set up when you want it.

Email and messaging

Communication is a great thing and since the dawn of mankind people have been talking and sharing with each other, the internet has made it possible to send mail electronically and instantly and modern chat communication is everywhere. We can not just talk with our friends and family that can be on the other side of the world, we can also talk in real-time with the sales representative, with technical service, or attend online classes with a group of people.

Cloud storage services

Saving your pictures in this digital media age on the hard drive can be risky but thanks to modern technologies you can save most of your precious files on cloud servers for safekeeping. From pictures to documents and even other files that you need and want to save. There are some of them that will offer you a free amount and some basic free plans as well.

Bad sides of the internet

Malware, viruses, and phishing

We could not talk about the bad side of the internet if we do not mention its greatest threat. Bad sites, infected software, phishing emails, and many more malicious threats. Problem is that these kinds of tricks and attacks have become more and more sophisticated and harder to detect and avoid.

Pornography

Pornography is bad, having it freely available to children is even worse. Sadly the only way to regulate this is on a computer-by-computer basis by turning on parent control on each one. There are many studies that go into detail about why this is bad, sadly currently there are no effective ways to isolate this content.

No privacy

When we say there is no privacy we do not mean by using social media and not setting your privacy settings altho that also fits in this point, what we are talking about is data mining of your habits and things you do. It is well known that today lot of websites are using some form of AI recommender system in order to tailor your internet experience to suit your needs better. Most of these AI systems are trained by mining your data and analyzing your habits.

If you have 2 google accounts there is a high probability chance that for the same query you will get different results, depending on your so far browsing habits. The same goes for other services as well.

Dark webshops

There are some great things in dark and deep WEB-like sites with true news and information. Even some legit libraries where you can find and download rare books. Sadly as goes with the internet dark and deep WEB also has its well, dark sides, from disturbing content to shops that sell stolen items to straight stealing your money by parading as legit shops but only to steal your money.

Dating sites

We all try to find someone that is perfectly matched with us but using the online dating site has many proven bad effects on psychology. It also devaluates interaction between people and can lower self-esteem.

Bad habits

Since the internet has become wildly available and popular on various devices like tablets and mobile phones more and more people are spending an unhealthy amount of time on it. Harvesting the benefits of the internet is great but find some time for other people as well.

As we near the end of 2022 we look at the current best antivirus software for popular platforms, why they are the best, and why you should get them.

Avira, the best free Antivirus

Avira has been around a long time with its free antivirus version of the larger protection suite. It had its ups and downs but the latest versions are really great. With high-speed scans and low system impact, Avira antivirus is really one of the best free antivirus software currently on the market.

The software itself has also received UI & UX updates making it straightforward and easy to use. The virus scanning engine is the same as in paid version that ranks among the top engines in the world for this type of work. The package also gives you some great browser protection and a good firewall as well, there is really no excuse to skip on this if you want a free solution.

The only thing that we would say is not so great in Avira is reporting some false positives, sometimes even for MS updates, it is rare but it can happen.

Malwarebytes, the best Windows antivirus

Malwarebytes Premium is easy to use, simple antivirus solution that shies away from complicated UI, and simply put, it just works. Its scanning engine is well-known and places among the top and best in the world often finding some malware that other can miss.

Another great thing is its integration with Windows itself, it is one of the rare applications that can and will work incredibly well beside your typical Windows protection tools so you can have both of them running at the same time.

Installation and running are really simple and every typical PC user will find it as easy as walking in the park. On the other hand, sadly system impact is a little high and it will have issues running on lower-end systems due to its memory requirements.

Intego MAC Internet Security X9, the best MAC antivirus

Gone are the days when MAC had no virus issues, since MAC rose in popularity among the users, also rose the number of viruses and malware. The system itself has some great protection built it inside but for more security and better control of it, you will need a third-party dedicated solution.

Intego was made by Mac antivirus experts who have been building this kind of software last 25 years. The interface is easy to use and premade presets are really helpful, but the security suite can also be customized to fit your needs and desires.

Since this is only available as a security suite, you are getting a firewall and some other security tools along with your antivirus that will run as a part of it.

The bad side is that scans can sometimes run slow, most of the time they are OK in terms of speed but occasionally they can switch to slower speeds and impact scanning time to some annoying times. Also, there is no webcam protection nor VPN service included where others on this list have them.

Bitdefender mobile security, the best Android protection

While protection is not only needed for your gaming or workstation, software suites that are dealing with mobile and tablet security exist. The best of them is the Bitdefender antivirus mobile suite. Low on system resources and low on performance impact with the really great virus detection rate Bitdefender is at the top of suites for your phone.

Consistent high virus detection packed with low battery impact is great but the suite comes with tons of other tools as well like browser security tools, email protection, and real-time link and notification protection.

The application will always scan each file and newly installed application in the background and alert and cut off any found threat. App itself is easy to install and use and most of the time it will do everything in the background for you but offer you customization if you need it.

The package also includes VPN and application lock that will let you protect the critical applications from being accessed as well as an online account scanner. Anti-theft and anti-loss tools, which allow you to find, remotely lock or wipe a stolen or lost device, add yet another layer of protection.

One thing that is missing from this great package is fraudulent call protection. Newer Android phones have this feature inside but it would be nice if Bitdefender had it as well.

Bitdefender, the best antivirus software

Now that we have covered specific cases of each platform, there is one player that has all of them covered and with a quality product, that player is BitDefender and it is great. Personally, this is my protection suite of choice and as I type this it is running in the background.

Bitdefender has it all, low system impact, as a matter of fact, it is one, if not, the lowest performance impact engine on the market currently and that is packed with a great and highly consistent virus & malware detection suite. Along with real-time malware protection, browser security, and anti-spam tools, you also get anti-phishing defenses, ransomware protection, and a strong firewall.

Bitdefender scores are very high in both the zero-day threat and real-world protection tests at AV-Test, an established organization that tests antivirus software. Despite being tested against tens of thousands of well-known and widespread malware threats, the software consistently achieves a 100% blocking rate.

The suite also comes with a restricted free VPN and with parental controls as well. Webcam and microphone protection are also included in the suite and on top of all, it has great pricing plans and constant discounts.

BitDefender is really a great package and it might sound too good, but after years and years of personally using it I have not had single malware or virus issue, the only thing that I would put as a negative is that system is severely slowed down when system scans are performed so be sure to run or schedule them when you are not using your computer. This, of course, can put some people off and I will admit it is a serious drawback but for me, the security of my workstation is more important than leaving the computer for 20 or so minutes in order to perform a full scan of the system.