hpg3 Posted January 17, 2018 Report Share Posted January 17, 2018 running Windows 7 on Dell PC. I have the free version of Malware and one setting to scan is Rootkits and it is not checked. what is a Rootkits ? should I put a check in it when I run the scan ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
baker7 Posted January 18, 2018 Report Share Posted January 18, 2018 (edited) root·kit ˈro͞otˌkit/ noun Computing noun: rootkit; plural noun: rootkits a set of software tools that enable an unauthorized user to gain control of a computer system without being detected. You should scan for rootkits, so it should not be a problem for you to place a check in that box - If it detects it, they should be removed. Good Luck! Brian Edited January 18, 2018 by baker7 spelling error correction Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hpg3 Posted January 19, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2018 Brian, thank you for the answer. I do have another question regarding PUP files. I tried Google Chrome as a home page and not my usual MSN. I ran a scan with Malware, free edition , before opening Google and nothing shows up. I ran it again after spending a few minutes with Google Chrome and ran the scan again. This time, I had 89 PUP files. I had this happen every time I use Google Chrome. I guess I should give up on Google. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
baker7 Posted January 22, 2018 Report Share Posted January 22, 2018 On 1/19/2018 at 2:02 PM, hpg3 said: Brian, thank you for the answer. I do have another question regarding PUP files. I tried Google Chrome as a home page and not my usual MSN. I ran a scan with Malware, free edition , before opening Google and nothing shows up. I ran it again after spending a few minutes with Google Chrome and ran the scan again. This time, I had 89 PUP files. I had this happen every time I use Google Chrome. I guess I should give up on Google. You are welcome hpg3 - Glad to be of service I do not recommend running Google chrome - This is because I do not believe it is as safe (secure) as the latest version of Firefox. Google seems to want to have EVERYONE running it, and whenever you download anything nowadays, you seem to get a Google Chrome download as part of the process. I would be very mindful of this when downloading anything from the net - Choose to Install a program with "Custom Installation" options, because if you don't, it will install everything bundled with the software. Custom Installation lets you UNCHECK the junk that you do not want or need - most times, this is a way for malware to get into your system. A PUP file is a "Potentially Unwanted Program" This designation does not necessarily mean that the file is "bad" - it is a file that malware removal programs mark for a user to check - There are some files that may show up as a PUP, or there may be files that a Malware Removal Specialist may have you download that show as a PUP or a virus - sometimes, you need to run these things, so you would have to follow the Specialist's advice for this situation. Removal of PUP''s is up to you, and if you have any questions about that, Chuck (Flashh4) would be able to provide more information on these. according to google: A PUP (potentially unwanted program) is a program that may be unwanted, despite the possibility that users consented to download it. PUPs include spyware, adware, and dialers, and are often downloaded in conjunction with a program that the user wants. [SOURCE: http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/PUP] Do Not give up on Google - Just be aware that most things you download need to be scanned to be sure that they are free of viruses! Hope this helps Brian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hpg3 Posted January 22, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2018 Brian, thank you again for the help. if I do use Google, I just run a scan when I'm finished. Thanks for the tip on custom installations. I'm 75 and most of this is a challenge. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
baker7 Posted January 22, 2018 Report Share Posted January 22, 2018 hpg3: That's no problem at all - a lot of the time, they try to throw stuff in a download that you do not need. Google Chrome is notorious for doing this, and another program that do this include Mcaffee AV, and other adware and Junkware. Chuck is very good at what he does and he keeps up with this pretty well. I do understand that some of this stuff can be challenging for older folks - I have had to assist my Dad and Stepmom a few times because they run into trouble sometimes. My Dad is 71, so I try to answer his questions as straight as I can - My stepmom can get really edgy about technology, so I try to set her mind at ease by telling her not to worry - Last Time out, it was a printer problem, and the USB cable was loose in the back, and once I pushed it in, it was OK Take Care, Brian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hpg3 Posted January 29, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 One thing about getting old, it sucks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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