Secure your PC [part 1] : ESET Smart Security

I do not think that it is really necessary explain the necessity of using a good security solution for your PC. With so many security solutions available making the choice of good one is the real problem that needs to be addressed. I will - in this and next few articles- try to cover the leading security solutions and the services provided by each.

1. ESET Smart Security :

ESET Smart Security is designed to be a complete solution in the field of computer protection against infiltrations and attacks . It is a total security solution for a PC equipped with firewall and other modules. Provides optimal protection when used at default settings and is not too taxing on the system.If all components are used simultaneously, the effectiveness of the whole program is multiplied.

• key features of "ESET Smart Security :

1. integrated firewall and antispam module
2. improved graphical user interface
3. operating modes for common and advanced users.Common mode has all settings at default while advanced user mode allows you to configure things your way.
4. improved and automatised cleaning
5. true incremental updates
   

ESET Smart Security provides:

• Protection:

ThreatSense technology combines multiple layers of detection protecting you from Internet threats before it is too late. The included antispam and personal firewall features provide you with a total security solution.

• Precise Detection:
  

ESET accurately identifies known and unknown threats.

• Lightweight Design:

ESET Smart Security requires less memory and CPU power and does not slow down the system while it is running in the background.

• Scanning Speeds:
  

ESET Smart Security is a highly efficient program ensuring fast file scanning and product updates, while running quietly in the background.

ESET Smart Security is a product designed to provide comprehensive protection against a variety of threats. It features the following:

• NOD32 Antivirus + Antispyware

This component is in fact an improved version of the award-winning scanning engine of NOD32 Antivirus v2.7.

• Anti-malware engine
  

comprehensive protection against adware, rootkits, spyware, Trojan horses, viruses, worms and other types of malicious software

• A personal firewall with port stealthing and advanced filtering features

• An antispam filter with Bayesian filtering, whitelisting and blacklisting.

You can download the trial version or buy the commercial version here.

Task manager disabled

problem:

Task manager has been disabled.

reasons:

• by your admin to restrict unauthorized access.
• if you are admin then due to some virus.

solution:
there are three to four working solutions available for this problem.

1. If you dont like to edit registry yourself then download "hijack this" this is a good free tool to check unwanted registry edits. download from here Run the program and you will see many registry keys. Locate the one related to "task manager" and delete that particular key. Be cautious about what you delete though coz you may lose some important key.
2. Apply this fix:
   

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System]
"DisableTaskMgr"=dword:00000000

just copy-paste above code in notepad and save as .reg file open and click yes when prompted.

3. Click Start->
Run -> type this command exactly as given below: (better - Copy and paste)

G add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentREVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

4. Use of Group Policy Editor:

Start ->
Run -> type "gpedit.msc" and click OK.

Navigate to this branch:

User Configuration / Administrative Templates / System / Ctrl+Alt+Delete Options / Remove Task Manager

Double-click the Remove Task Manager option.
Set the policy to Not Configured.


you are done.

imp:
if this restriction is enabled without your doing anything (most likely) then i strongly
recommend to scan your PC with best available antivirus.
Here also i recommend "Escan internet security "

Test your antivirus

How do I Test My VirusScan Installation?

simple:
After installing VirusScan, you may wonder(you should), how do I know if it's working? The answer is a "test virus".
The EICAR Standard AntiVirus Test File is a combined effort by anti-virus vendors throughout the world to implement one standard by which customers can verify their anti-virus installations.

Solution:

To test your installation, copy the following line into its own file, then save the file with the name EICAR.COM.

X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*

If VirusScan is running and configured correctly, when you try to save the file, VirusScan will detect the virus.
If VirusScan is not running, start it and scan the directory that contains EICAR.COM. When your software scans this file, it will report finding the EICAR test file.

Actually this file is NOT A VIRUS.

The eicar test virus is available for download "here"

Creating Eicar.com: ( step by step)

1. Click on Start.
2. Select Run.
3. In the Open box type: notepad
4. Maximize the window.
5. Highlight the following on the following line of text:
X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
6. Right click on the highlighted text and choose 'copy'.
7. Switch back to Notepad.
8. Right click anywhere inside of Notepad and select 'paste'.
9. Click the File menu and select 'save as'.
10. Change the 'Save as Type' to 'all files'.
11. Name the file eicar.com.

p.s:
in case you dont know what "EICAR" is read here.