TomC's Configuration

[TomC]

This is my set-up configuration.

 

[Aura]

What was your last malware infection ? What do you prefer of Internet Explorer 11 compared to other browsers ?
Also, is your External HDD set to take scheduled back ups or you take them when you think about it ? What made you move the UAC setting to the highest ?

 

[TomC]

Hi. My last malware infection was a PUP, it was a browser hijacker (sorry, I forgot its name). I got it by installing a software. I was able to remove it using MBAM Premium 2.0 with instructions on MalwareTips.
I like IE11 because its really fast compared to Firefox based on my experience. I do not use Google Chrome.
Well, regarding my External HDD it is not set to take scheduled back-ups. I just save my important files to it and concerning with UAC, I really don't know if it is already set in default. It just pops up every time I open some software.

I am very open for any recommendations you can give.

 

[Aura]

Hi. My last malware infection was a PUP, it was a browser hijacker (sorry, I forgot its name). I got it by installing a software. I was able to remove it using MBAM Premium 2.0 with instructions on MalwareTips.
I like IE11 because its really fast compared to Firefox based on my experience. I do not use Google Chrome.
Well, regarding my External HDD it is not set to take scheduled back-ups. I just save my important files to it and concerning with UAC, I really don't know if it is already set in default. It just pops up every time I open some software.

I am very open for any recommendations you can give.

For the UAC, if you never changed it, it's still set to "Default".
Also, Internet Explorer 11 is good, but it have more vulnerabilities than other browsers, so I suggest you to at least turn on Enhanced Protection Mode (EPM) in it for additional protections. If you want, x64-based browsers like Google Chrome x64 or CyberFox/Waterfox (x64 variants of Firefox) runs better on x64 systems as they are more compatible, so you can give them a try.
And that's what I thought with the External HDD. You can also install a back up software if you ever feel the need.

 

[TomC]

Hi Aura, I have never changed UAC because I do not know how to change its setting, obviously, its the "Default". Thanks much for your recommendations, I would try it sooner.

 

[Aura]

Hi Aura, I have never changed UAC because I do not know how to change its setting, obviously, its the "Default". Thanks much for your recommendations, I would try it sooner.

No problem, and here's a tutorial on how to change your UAC Settings :

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/299-user-account-control-uac-change-notification-settings.html

Also, what was the name of the Browser Hijacker you were infected with ?

 

[Fel Grossi]

Hello brother, thank you for sharing your settings. Basic knowledge and his last infection was a PUP, I advise you to install Unchecky to have better protection from PUPs.

http://unchecky.com/

 

[Cats-4_Owners-2]

Thank you, TomC, for sharing your simply good configuration, and I agree with Aura's suggestions particularly choosing "Protected Mode" in IE.
Set this using these steps.

1. Click settings (the gear shaped symbol) and choose security tab.
2. On the left, below the slide control for security level, check the box "Enable Protected Mode (requires restarting Internet Explorer)".

Similar to Firefox, our two portable 64 bit Gecko Based Browsers keep our system lighter:

1. Palemoon www.palemoon.org
2. Cyberfox www.8pecxstudios.com
3. and Chrome http://www.softpedia.com/get/PORTABLE-SOFTWARE/Internet/Browsers/Google-Chrome-Portable.shtml though I've chosen stable, there is also Beta, or Dev.

They are each extremely responsive, and installed on USB Flash Drives along with other portable apps such as CCleaner.

Oh, look! The banner (below) alludes to the added security afforded by Sandboxie, an added security measure which contains your browser in a virtual sandbox thus preventing unwanted changes to your system. Updates & add-on you've tested and wish to keep must be added without the sandbox's protection. Get the free version here www.sandboxie.com:cool: