Bleeping Computer
Web address |
www |
---|---|
Type of site | computer help site |
Registration | Optional |
Owner | Bleeping Computer LLC. |
Created by | Lawrence Abrams |
Launched | January 26, 2004[1] |
Bleeping Computer is a computer help site founded by Lawrence Abrams in 2004. It is a resource site for answering computer, security, and technical questions. All services to the public are free, including malware and rootkit cleanup of infected computers and removal instructions on rogue anti-spyware programs. PC World magazine wrote about "sites like Bleeping Computer, where experienced volunteers offer tailored advice",[2][3] and linked to a TechHive page that called it a good place to find unbiased information.[4]
In early February 2016, Enigma Software, the developers of the controversial anti-malware suite SpyHunter, filed a lawsuit[5] against Bleeping Computer in response to a negative review of SpyHunter that they claimed was a "smear campaign" to damage the reputation of their company and product.[6] Bleeping Computer has since requested financial aid from their readers to help pay for legal fees arising from their freedom of speech defense.[7]
Community
Members, volunteers and staff
In May 2014 there were over 640,000 registered members, the vast majority 'regular' members.[8] The membership also includes a significant proportion of members who work for the site, in varied roles, as volunteers. Volunteer roles include the Malware Response Team and Trainees and also BC Advisors. The site has an administration team, comprising the Administrator (owner), Site Administrators, Global Moderators and Moderators.[9]
Forums
Bleeping Computer's forums have subsections devoted to several operating systems, broad classes of application software, and malicious software removal, as well as sections for web browsers, home and small business networking and the Mac OS X operating system.
Malware removal
Bleeping Computer offers free one-to-one malware removal help to registered users via its support forums. All malware removal help is provided by volunteers trained in the use of anti-malware tools such as HijackThis, DDS,[10] OTL, GMER, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, and Rkill,[11] developed by Abrams.
The CryptoLocker ransomware, believed to have appeared on 5 September 2013,[12] was reported on Bleeping Computer the following day, with a long thread discussing the malware and recommended responses.[13]
Resources
Tutorials
Bleeping Computer has a large library of free tutorials [14] covering the basics of TCP/IP, hardware configuration, partition management, internet security, and other topics. The site also includes mini guides such as "How to Re-Install Windows", "How to Install and Use Ubuntu or any version of Linux", and guides on removal of common malware infections.
Malware removal training program
Bleeping Computer offers a malware removal training program[15] at Sophomore, Junior, and Senior levels. Many graduates of the program remain active in the forum's malware assistance section. It is UNITE-accredited.[16]
Databases
Bleeping Computer maintains several databases of common programs, startup entries and files found in Microsoft Windows operating systems, including malware, with information on them.
Independence and funding
The US Federal Trade Commission requires disclosure of all relationships with manufacturers and advertisers of products and services described or recommended, and Bleeping Computer endorses this policy.[17] The site discloses instances where commission or advertising fees are generated, saying "We have outlined our product review standards and the various ways we use affiliate links", and that advertising will have no bearing on how products are reviewed.
References
- ↑ /topic187855.html#entry1053346 BC on 23 October 2006
- ↑ Coordinated Malware Resists Eradication - pcworld.com
- ↑ Junkbusters! - pcworld.com
- ↑ TechHive:Junkbusters! How to Clean Your New PC
- ↑ "Enigma Software sues BleepingComputer for alleged 'smear campaign'". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2016-03-16.
- ↑ Smith, Ms. "BleepingComputer under free speech attack as SpyHunter makers sue over bad review". Network World. Retrieved 2016-03-16.
- ↑ "Help BleepingComputer Defend Freedom of Speech". BleepingComputer. Retrieved 2016-03-16.
- ↑ Bleeping Computer's Member List
- ↑ Bleeping Computer Membership Descriptions
- ↑ How do I get help? Who is helping me?
- ↑ RKill - What it does and What it Doesn't - A brief introduction to the program
- ↑ Kelion, Leo (24 Dec 2013). "Cryptolocker ransomware has 'infected about 250,000 PCs'". BBC. Retrieved 24 Dec 2013.
- ↑ "Cryptolocker Hijack program". BleepingComputer.com. 6 September 2013. Archived from the original on 13 September 2013.
- ↑ Tutorials
- ↑ BleepingComputer.com - Malware and Spyware Removal School Admissions
- ↑ Unified Network of Instructors and Trained Eliminators, list of schools
- ↑ Bleeping Computer Web site: About