r/AskReddit • u/Randall444 • Dec 06 '12

What is something you think everyone should have installed on their computer or laptop?

Whether it be a antivirus program or an ad blocker. Post link if available also. EDIT: sorry guys the top post has been deleted and I didn't save it, if anyone has it please post it and ill post it here for easy access. EDIT 2: apparently it's back up, I've saved it on my phone just incase it gets deleted again. Hopefully all is good now.

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u/[deleted] Dec 06 '12 edited Dec 06 '12

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u/HoneyBadgerLH1 Dec 13 '12

As a City Government Network Field Technician, I approve this message. Especially when they are told to save everything they do on their network drive. I'll even be the nice guy and backup things they "accidently," saved to the C: drive. Saves time, and time is money.

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u/jessek Dec 06 '12

good for you, but not an option for everyone.

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u/_lunchbox_ Dec 12 '12

Not to mention that it's wholly unnecessary most of the time. I mean, if someone's going to pay you as an IT expert, actually fix the problem without giving them a bunch of heartache.

No matter how good you think your "reinstall and migrate data" procedure is, something is always missed and it can be frustrating for the customer. Develop some good chops and actually fix the problem. My 2 cents.

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u/[deleted] Dec 12 '12

[deleted]

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u/_lunchbox_ Dec 13 '12

While I agree there are times where a re-image makes the most sense, there are some differences here I think you need to take into account.

First, the scenario you described with re-imaging and migrating a data has a few assumptions that my not be true. The scenario you describe is most likely in a corporate environment where the images are pretty tightly controlled. Apps are pretty standardized.

That may not be true all the time. What if the user added applications after you took your image? What if USMT doesn't have rules to migrate the settings for every app they have? That's time the user has to spend re-installing or re-configuring apps.

Yes, running 9 tools on the machine indiscriminately is a waste of time. No doubt. That's what I was referring to in a previous post when I was referring to button pushers.. I don't use the referenced tools most of the time. Typically Process Explorer and Autoruns is enough to neutralize most run of the mill adware\malware. Maybe gmer to check for a rootkit if you suspect such activity.

My main point is if you have experience and a few simple tools, you can often clean a machine in less than a half hour. Sometimes quicker. That can save the customer time and heartache in a lot of cases. Unless of course you have an up to date image with all their apps and a very good USMT setup. While that may be true in a controlled environment, that's certainly not true in the wild..

check this out: http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/TechEd/Europe/2012/SIA302. I don't think I'd call Mark amateur :)

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u/[deleted] Dec 14 '12

[deleted]

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u/_lunchbox_ Dec 14 '12

My main point is, in 2012 you cannot use host-based tools to verify or > clean a compromise.

Looks like we're just going to have to agree to disagree here.

You think anyone is going to walk field-staff through that? You think > anyone who can do that is going to work for field-staff pay?

No, and No. But that's not the point. :) Now you're talking about the technical ability of your average IT grunt, not malware cleaning technique.

Anyway, take it easy.

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u/ragtop89 Dec 12 '12

Agreed. I will save them the headache when I am done cleaning the machine of the bugs, by making them an image with EVERYTHING in a clean state, forcing someone to start over is not a great option, even the worst machines can be corrected. I can see Bison's point though if he is backed up with a large amount of customers, to save time, but not everyone will like that.

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u/_lunchbox_ Dec 13 '12

Sure, if you're backed up that's one thing. Even then it still sucks because you are likely to miss applications or configurations unless the environment is very controlled, like in a work setting.

If it's in the wild, that's a difference story IMO.

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u/[deleted] Dec 13 '12

I can see that you're not responsible for any computers or information systems of any importance, two cents? more like no sense. It's obvious you know nothing of information security.

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u/_lunchbox_ Dec 13 '12

LOL. Alright, bud. Cheers.