Beware The Attack Of Spyware

Beware The Attack Of Spyware

Most people have anti-virus software on there computer, but bugs can slip through the cracks! A few days ago, a warning popped up on my taskbar stating a security threat was detected and suddenly a system scan was running. Noticing this was not coming from my installed anti-virus software I quickly closed the program. From that point on, three new alerts would popup every few minutes. I hovered the pointer over the icon in the taskbar to discover AV Security Suite.

AV Security Suite is spyware via trojan (basically cooties for your computer), that poses as anti-spyware. It will cluster your computer with numerous fake spyware and/or security threats and simulate a system scan. It may then hijack your web browser and computer programs, making it impossible to access websites or open programs.

Solution? Spyware removal. I use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which is free on cnet.com for download. However if your entire pc has been hijacked, you will not be able to open the software. I had to log off my user account (Start menu-->Log Off) and login to the guest account to run Malwarebytes, which runs a complete scan and fix process of the entire system regardless of which account you are logged into.

Malwarebytes will scan your system and list infected files it finds. You then select which files you want the program to fix/remove. Like magic it got rid of every trace of the spyware and restarted my computer. It has worked like normal ever since. I usually run a scan every few weeks just to maintain my pc health with Malwarebytes and once a month with Glary Utilities (also at cnet.com). Other programs I have used and loved are Spybot Search & Destroy and HiJack This (for advanced users), both available at cnet.com for free. If none of those removes AV Security Suite for you, a Google search will return links for instruction on manual removal. However if you are not the tech savvy type, this is not recommended.

Remember that having these programs is a great fix if problems arise but you should still have anti-virus software installed and check your security settings. The internet is awesome but there are plenty of sites to be leery of...even trusted sites can get infected. As an extra measure, I use WOT (Web of Trust) on my browser when surfing the web. It shows user ratings of websites and alerts you if you are entering a site that has been reported as untrustworthy. Hopefully this information can help anyone needing a bit of extra security or help removing spyware (spontaneous popups, etc). Here's to safe web browsing!

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Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Do you want healthy, soft, shiny hair? Soft, moisturized skin? Delicious healthier food? Coconut oil is the way to go! Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil has many uses such as cooking, skin moisturizer and hair care. You can find great two pack deals on Amazon for this particular brand. My last order was a two pack in late March. Currently I'm getting toward the bottom of the first jar and still have the second unopened jar. (This is solid form at room temperature and melts at 76 degrees). No worries, if it melts in the jar it will return solid once it is stored at room temp again.

Hair:  This is my #1 hair care product! I mix a bit with my shampoo every time I wash my hair. I also rub a small amount on right before I blow dry. It is said that coconut oil truly absorbs deeply into the hair. Take note that as soon as you put this oil in your hands it will start to melt...it is supposed to. Remember this is an oil and a little goes a long way! If you use it just right, your hair will be shiny, silky, soft and healthy without feeling greasy. I also have less hair breakage and split ends since I started using coconut oil resulting in less trimming and longer hair.

Skin:  I often use this right before I get out of the shower. I simply massage it onto my skin, rinse off and get out of the shower. No need for body lotion afterwards and my skin stays smooth, glowing and moisturized all day. It also does not leave my shower slippery.

Food:  Coconut oil is yummy, healthier alternative to using butter and some other cooking oils. With a simple Google search you can find numerous recipes to make smoothies, shrimp, salads, cookies, muffins and so much more! Digested coconut oil is actually good for the immune system, digestive system, bones and more. Healthy and tasty are a plus in my book!

If  you have never tried coconut oil, it is definitely worth doing some research for the many uses and benefits. There are many types and brands of coconut oil to choose from but I personally prefer Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Do you use coconut oil? If so, which brand and what do you use it for?

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Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Leave-In Cream

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Leave-In Cream

Typically when one hears the word Neutrogena, they associate that brand with skin care. I honestly was not aware that Neutrogena produces hair care items. I was looking for a good leave in cream similar to other top brands but without a bunch of alcohol in it. A friend recommended I try "that Neutrogena silk cream". Say what? I did a Google search and found Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream.

I am pretty picky with hair products and hesitant on telling others what I do or do not like until months of use have passed. So any products you read about with good reviews on my site have been used by me for several months. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Leave-In Cream contains Olive Fruit and Sweet Almond oil that contributes to the moisturizing effects of the cream. The smell of the cream is sweet but faint making it unobtrusively pleasant. However I find that using it on damp hair is better than dry. I personally do not care for the smell of this product on dry hair at all!

I use the cream on my damp hair only once every week or two after I do deep conditioning. Now don't think it's mediocre because I do not use it daily or after every shampoo. It is simply that I do not like to pile tons of products on my hair daily...and I have a lot of products! So I stretch them out and use sparingly for a routine that works best for my hair. Needless to say, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Leave-In Cream leaves my hair soft, moisturized and of silky! You can read reviews and purchase online here.

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Philosophy Amazing Grace - Great 3-In-1

Philosophy Amazing Grace - Great 3-In-1

Philosophy Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel is a 3-in-1 cleanser saturated with the Amazing Grace fragrance. That's right, you can use this as shampoo, bath and/or shower gel. If you like floral scents or the Amazing Grace fragrance, you will love this product. You can use the gel alone for the subtle floral smell, or top it off with the actual Amazing Grace fragrance for a stronger, longer lasting scent.

If you pour a bit under running water, it makes an awesome bubble bath! I do not use it for my hair but that is only because I already have my shampoo preference. The only thing I find a bit lacking is that I don't think the gel lathers as much as I prefer with a shower pouf. However, that is not enough for me to dismiss the fabulous awesomeness.

You can read customer reviews and purchase Philosophy Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel for $24-$30 at Sephora.com or in Sephora stores. You can also check out the Amazing Grace fragrance & complete line while you are there!

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FACE Refreshing Toner

FACE Refreshing Toner

Toner is not usually a part of my face care regimen however, I decided to give Sephora Collection FACE Refreshing Toner - Normal Skin a try since it is only $5...yes Sephora carries affordable products! I was not expecting much however, I have to give this product two thumbs up! After I cleanse my face, I pour a bit of the toner on a makeup remover pad and apply all over my face. Concentrating mostly on the t-zone and chin (oily spots, I have combination skin).The directions say to use FACE Refreshing Toner twice daily (morning & night) but I use it only once a day and it does me justice.

I can feel my pores tightening as soon as it goes on and it leaves my skin feeling very soft. If you have normal, oily or a combo of both like I do, you may not even need a moisturizer after using this. I'm not sure if this was a coincidence, but I even noticed that a blemish was trying to pop up the first day I used this. But after using it, the next morning the impending blemish was gone...completely. Never even got to surface! As I said, I'm not sure it had anything to do with the toner, but it sure would be awesome if the toner nabbed that creep in the bud!

You can read reviews and purchase Sephora Collection FACE Refreshing Toner for $5 at Sephora.com or in Sephora stores.

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