Coffee Shop Goss Pottsville > Fingal - Dec 14/Jan 15 | Page 5

TECHNOLOGY Windows 8.1 - Anti-Virus Windows Defender By default, all Windows 8 PCs sold are preloaded with Windows Defender, Microsoft’s own Antivirus software. It’s the successor to Microsoft Security Essentials, which you may have used on Windows XP, Vista and 7. When Microsoft released its own Antivirus software on the 29th September 2009, it was met with mixed reaction, but soon came to be known and a great free solution for both Home and Business users. Since that time however, the level of protection has eroded a little, and now Windows Defender can only be described as offering ‘basic’ protection. It still offers ‘Real-time protection’ & ‘Internet Explorer integration’ which scans files as they are downloaded to help ensure that one does not accidentally download malicious software. Should you use it? It’s free – If you or your business is just starting out and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on computer security, then a combination of turning on and using Smart Screen, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, and turning up to maximum UAC - (User Account Control) is a good place to start. However, I would recommend that you don’t neglect your security for too long, as a little preparation in the present can prevent a lot of future problems. EDUCATION NEWS Grown in Movember at Tafe Mo Bro’s Brent Ryan and Brendan Smith from North Coast TAFE have been united by the cause to bring awareness and raise funds for men’s health, by embracing the growth of their crumb catcher’s throughout the month of November. Brendan Smith, Trainer and Assessor for Civil Construction says he was shocked to learn that every hour, more than 4 men die from potentially preventable conditions in Australia. “By shining the light on men’s health issues through this awareness campaign, I hope to encourage my friends, family and work colleagues to take the necessary action to improving their wellbeing,” says Brendan. By joining Movember the boys have committed themselves to using the power of the moustache to spark conversations about men’s health and raise funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. “It’s such a ‘blokey’ thing to not talk about it, but the relief you feel when you share your troubles can actually help in the long run,” says Brent. For Home users, Avast Free Antivirus, Avira Free Antivirus are good, but these are not licenced for business use. I also like Malwarebytes Pro and is very well priced. No Antivirus package is 100% infallible and sometimes the best antivirus solution is common sense. Got technical challenges and need help with your Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone? Call Ian Piggott from Computer Life on 0451 526 207. www.coffeeshopgoss.com.au > POTTSVILLE TO FINGAL > DEC 2014 / JAN 2015 5