Post AOCUtYMYaJiviLAwoy by GLFC@mstdn.starnix.network
 (DIR) More posts by GLFC@mstdn.starnix.network
 (DIR) Post #AOCKIo4GETAKALSOEC by retroedgetech@mstdn.starnix.network
       2022-10-03T17:57:12Z
       
       1 likes, 2 repeats
       
       I am getting a few customers who are having their Windows computers taken over and password locked.So far, I have been able to unlock the machines with various Windows exploits to clear Windows passwords or remove the lock by reverting to a Windows registry backup. There are various ways the computer can be locked. However, the problem of these computers being remote controlled again remains. One of the computers, I did a "Computer Cleanup" service on, got it back to the customer. Was fine for a few days, then a lock screen appeared. This was an abandoned feature of Windows that could be set in the Registry. So I reverted to a saved backup of the registry. That worked. But the problem of the obvious remote control exploit was still there. That registry setting had to be changed somehow and the customer certainly didn't do it. I kept digging and found the #Supremo remote software, similar in function to #TeamViewer. It was not listed in the "Add and Remove Programs" list. I also could not remove the Supremo files from "Program Files" until I had stopped and disabled the Windows Service for it that was running. This is just one reason to be very happy about your decision to use #Linux or #BSD instead of Windows. I expect to continue to see these kinds of exploits in Windows. They are targeting elderly people.
       
 (DIR) Post #AOCKRqjlg16r3FBRfk by benis@cawfee.club
       2022-10-03T17:58:50.010063Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @retroedgetech the elderly don't need Windows, just move them to Ubuntu or whatever
       
 (DIR) Post #AOCKo0POOpDZPwDZfk by retroedgetech@mstdn.starnix.network
       2022-10-03T18:02:51Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @benis I often do suggest #LinuxMint as an alternative as the visual layout is similar to Windows XP, 7 and 10 that they are used to.However, I do not strongly encourage it unless they are really sick of Windows exploits and ready to move to something else. I let them know it is an option. I don't want to convince a customer to do something they don't want to do or they are uncomfortable with. I always want them to feel in control of their choices and aware of their options. If they continue to choose Windows and continue to have problems, that is their choice. I have probably switched over a hundred people to Linux, though, so I do actively promote and encourage #Linux adoption.
       
 (DIR) Post #AOCMrixtObYGNrFvk0 by benis@cawfee.club
       2022-10-03T18:25:55.514473Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @retroedgetech I'm sure you know that a number of people are too scared to switch but if they do they end up alright
       
 (DIR) Post #AOCNgpIfbMXenhLFxI by retroedgetech@mstdn.starnix.network
       2022-10-03T18:35:10Z
       
       1 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @benis Yes, I do. I often recommend they try Linux on a secondary computer, as that way they can use both and have no risk.
       
 (DIR) Post #AOCQEvhOW8UoOsIPLs by benis@cawfee.club
       2022-10-03T19:03:45.014722Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @retroedgetech 👍
       
 (DIR) Post #AOCUtYMYaJiviLAwoy by GLFC@mstdn.starnix.network
       2022-10-03T19:55:54Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       @retroedgetech don't forget to check and see if CompuTrace is enabled in the BIOS (you see it branded as "LoJack for Laptops" sometimes).  You can break its persistence by renaming a file (I forget which), which will last until you reinstall Windows.Or just run Linux ;).
       
 (DIR) Post #AOCYMSxo2OPJEH4piS by tisila@mastodon.online
       2022-10-03T20:34:29Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @retroedgetech @benis I only switched just the one friend but I keep supporting through the challenges that arise.