tech support

Clutter and Bloating

Clutter and Bloating

This can be a real struggle if you have teenagers. Essentially, you want to keep all non-essentials off your computer.  Do not download any program that says it wants to help you, and no toolbars, no "helping" programs (remember, your life was just fine without them). I would avoid weather apps too. Watch out for games similar to solitaire. That kind of stuff can have extras. Be particularly wary of programs that tell you they will make your computer faster. They almost always come with some sort of hidden crap and viruses.  

Scumbags

Scumbags

Short version: 

Any “tech support” that you are inspired to call from an ominous warning on your computer is bogus. Any ominous calls you receive that scare you about your computer are bogus. Never let anyone remotely connect to your computer! If you did not specifically go to the company website, (dell.com HP.com xfinity.com etc.) and find a tech support number directly on that website, then you are talking to fake tech support. You will have your confirmation once they ask you for money. Don’t wait for that proof until after you have already let them remotely connect to your computer. If you have given your card number and paid one of these scam companies, call your credit card company and ask to start the process of getting that money back. You almost always will. You have been a victim of fraud. Whether your fake support has actually fixed something or not is irrelevant, your initial introduction to them was fraudulent in one way or another.