GoogleCrashHandler.exe is a helper file for the Google Update software, if you have Google Update installed on your system, you will see an instance of GoogleCrashHandler running when you visit the processes tab in Task manager.

Update: Google now has a help page that explains what GoogleCrashHandler.exe is for;

GoogleCrashHandler.exe runs continuously on your computer if you’ve selected to send anonymous usage statistics and crash reports to Google for certain Google software, like Google Chrome. It helps send crash details to Google when your Google software unexpectedly shuts down. We use this data to help determine how to prevent these errors from happening in the future.

To stop GoogleCrashHandler.exe from running, turn off the sending of usage statistics and crash reports for all the Google software on your computer.

This file is neither a Virus nor a spyware, however if you want to get rid of it you will have to uninstall Google update from your PC.

Windows program installer is not the best way to remove programs, if you are looking for alternatives some of the excellent alternatives for uninstalling software from your PCs.

More Resources That Might Interest You

• Analyze The Processes In Your Windows Background – Want to know more about a process that is running on your computer? Read this article on how you can easily do it.
• Windows Task Manager Alternatives – The default Windows task manager does not provide the control you should have, use one of the free alternatives available to manage processes more easily.
• Add/remove Programs Alternatives – Many a times the default add/remove programs leaves a lot of information back, try one of these free alternatives to remove software completely.
• Find Which Programs Can open Unknown File Types – Have you ever come across files that you are not aware of or have never seen before? Use this excellent free utility to find which application can open that file.
• New on Techie Buzz? Visit the  Home Page to view the latest content or browse our huge gallery of  Tips and Tricks posts. We also have a huge list of hand-picked popular posts, don’t forget to visit the  Top Posts section to read them.
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The post What Is GoogleCrashHandler.exe? Is It a Virus or Spyware? appeared first on Techie Buzz.

We recently received a question asking about a new executable called FacebookUpdate.exe running on a Windows PC and whether it was a virus or not? Turns out that it is not a virus and is an official software from Facebook which is used to update the software which is locally installed on a Windows PC.

Quite recently Facebook introduced a new group chat and video calling along with Group video chat with social hangouts. Facebook asked users to download a software to their local PC in order to use the video calling feature in Facebook.

If you have downloaded the said software from Facebook, you will notice that a file called FacebookUpdate.exe is added to the startup on your Windows PC. The location of the file is in your user profile folder and runs with some parameters as shown below

%USERPROFILE%\Local\Facebook\Update\FacebookUpdate.exe /c /nocrashserver

This service is totally safe and is only used to update the software which was installed by Facebook. If you feel threatened by it, you can disable it without problems. If you are not sure how to disable services or startup items, read our earlier guides and articles.

The post What is FacebookUpdate.exe? Is it A Virus? appeared first on Techie Buzz.

TeaTimer.exe is not a virus, spyware or malware, in-fact it is run by a spyware defending software called Spybot Search & Destroy.

So if you have this spyware protector installed in your system, you will most like see it in running processes.

Here is a excerpt from the Spybot knowledgebase:
The Resident TeaTimer is a tool of Spybot-S&D which perpetually monitors the processes called/initiated. It immediately detects known malicious processes wanting to start and terminates them giving you some options, how to deal with this process in the future.

However there are certain variants of worms that use the same name, if you do not use the above software, you should definitely cleanup the worm.

To solve any spyware issues you might want to read a article which we had written earlier about removing spywares/worms from your computer.

To stay on the safer side don’t forget to read our articles on Detailed Instructions on Protecting Your Computer from Internet Threats and Online Security Tips Keep your computer secure and safe.

The post HELP!!! What Is TeaTimer.exe? Why Is It Running On My Computer? appeared first on Techie Buzz.

May be you can take them as New Year’s Resolutions!

1. Put your Antivirus to good use

Do you find lazy to fire up your antivirus software and get your computer scanned, just because it takes too much time? I usually don’t like to do this because the anti virus tool steals focus (not all, but some). So I always find myself reluctant to to scan files using AVs. This time around, I’ve decided to schedule scanning when the computer is idle, when I’m away. No more need to wait patiently for scanning to complete.

Then comes updating. Make sure you set your antivirus to check for updates everyday. If you’re AV doesn’t provide a real time scanning feature, make sure you get one.

Because prevention is better than cure, it’s always better if your antivirus scans web traffic real time and stops viruses and malware if they intrude into your PC.

And having an antivirus isn’t just enough. Get an anti spyware too.

2. Get a Firewall Program

Firewall isn’t needed you think? Think again. Get your PC a firewall software, like the Kerio Firewall or Comodo PRO Firewall or even Zone Alarm. You’ll have a lot of control over what’s happening on your own PC. You’ll find programs that connect to the internet without your knowledge.

It may seem annoying at first with lots of warnings and stuff from the Firewall. But, at the end of the day, it does good to your PC. Feel safe, get a firewall now!

3. Download from trusted sources

Sure there’s a hell lot of places where you can download programs from on the internet. But most of these places contain crappy programs and are pages literally stuffed with ads.

Make sure that you download the program from the official site itself, or a mirror that’s listed on the official site of the manufacturer.

Very so often, people find themselves downloading programs from untrusted sources, and this leads to virus infections.

Just make sure that you always download files from trusted sources, and for that extra security, scan your downloaded files using your antivirus tool.

4. Beware when you’re installing programs

If a program asks you to install something like a toolbar or any little program, OPT OUT. You don’t want to compromise on your security for a freeware program, do you?

Most of the time, you permit the software to install junk on your PC. “Me?”, you’re asking? Yes, you. But how? Just by skimming through the EULA (License Agreement), agreeing to it, thereby permitting the software to install what you really didn’t want to, on your PC.

So here’s a nifty little tool called EULAlyezer to hep you. Just copy and paste the EULA from anywhere to this tool, and it will warn you about potential spyware installations by analyzing the license text.

If the program policies don’t permit you to use it without the bells it comes with, just go search for an alternative. There are scores of them on the web.

5. Be alert when you’re browsing

Yes, keep watching. Check your status bar before you click on a link. The link may not always be pointing to where it seems to lead to.

Make sure you’re on secure mode when you’re transacting money. Look for https:// URLs. Also keep an eye on the padlock symbol at the bottom of your browser.

Don’t fall prey to phishing scams. Dismiss those victorious messages that glorify you by telling that you’ve won a lottery. They’re just spam.

All these can help you have a more secure online life than ever before. Enjoy the new year, safe and secure!

The post 5 Tips To Keep Your Computer Secure And Safe appeared first on Techie Buzz.