12 minute read
BITS AND BYTES
Antivirus
by KEVIN MCISAAC
Advertisement
It’s been a few years since I’ve written about antivirus programs. Things have changed quite a bit since then. It used to be that installing a good antivirus program was one of the first things you did to your new PC when you took it out of the box. These days not so much.
If you’re running Windows 8 or newer, Windows Defender is preinstalled and set up on your computer. Back in the day, Windows Defender was a bit of a lightweight but these days it’s among the best free antivirus programs around. In addition to being free, it almost never causes problems on your computer; something most other antivirus programs have a more difficult time saying with confidence.
There are very few occasions where another antivirus program is needed. One example where you would need one is if it is mandated by your employer. Corporations often have very specific standards for applications run on computers used for work, even those used by employees at home. On the upside, when corporations mandate software they often have a corporate rate for that software.
If you’re not required to put antivirus software on your computer, don’t. Having two antivirus programs running will at best slow your computer down somewhat and at worst cause crashes while they compete to scan files and applications.
An additional challenge with antivirus programs is you may be getting more than you bargained for and not in a good way. Recently Norton 360 started including a cryptocurrency mining program with its suite. Having your computer chewing away mining bitcoin or some other cryptocurrency is a good way to slow it down and a good way to burn extra electricity. If you want to start crypto mining on your computer, I suggest educating yourself on what to use and how and leave Norton to its area of expertise: antivirus.
Antimalware is a slightly different beast. Viruses are malware, but a specific kind. In this case, malware refers to adware, trojans, bots, ransomware, spyware, and the like. Most antivirus programs do not pick many of these up, including Windows Defender. Consequently, I do usually recommend that people install an antimalware program and run it occasionally. Before I get to that I feel it necessary to stand on the backup soapbox and remind everyone that it is far, far easier to restore a recent backup than it is to recover from ransomware and the like. If you’re not backing up, you’re at risk.
Having said that a good antimalware program can ferret out a lot of programs that you don’t want running on your computer. I recommend Malwarebytes - malwarebytes.com/mwb-download.
It has a free and paid version. The free version is all you need if you’re going to scan occasionally. The premium version will constantly scan everything automagically for you. The freeware version starts up as a premium trial which will eventually expire. When it does expire you can still scan your computer for malware, but you have to start it up manually.
How often should you scan? Well, it depends a lot on what you’re doing on your computer. If you have a family computer being used by a number of people, or you’re the kind of person that enjoys some of the darker corners of the internet, I’d suggest getting the premium version and leaving it running. If you’re more like me with a private computer and spend most of your time in editors and spreadsheets, then every couple of weeks is probably plenty.
Try running it a couple of times and see how many issues it finds. If you notice it’s finding quite a few things each time then maybe scan more frequently. Or conversely, if it’s not finding much, you can stretch out the time.
Stock Photo
February 2022
by ASHLEY KRISTINA
February begins with a New Moon at 12º Aquarius, indicating a spiral ascent of consciousness as a theme for the month (and year). Venus is direct as of 01/29 and Mercury is ending its first retrograde of the year (02/03). February 16 is the Leo Full Moon with a theme of regeneration of love and authenticity of emotions. The Sun ingresses into Pisces early this year (02/18) so babies born at this time this year, which would typically be considered Aquarians, are actually Pisceans!
The astrology of 2022 is looking to be the best astrology I have seen since 2011/12 so prepare for a huge relief! The major themes of February are Spirit and Love. The planets are set up to make it nearly impossible not to follow your heart’s truth at this time. The Sun travels in the sky conjunct to Saturn for the first part of the month and then conjunct to Jupiter for the last part so there will be quite a different energy with this change. Saturn is stern and traditional/ regimented while Jupiter is expansive and joyous. Mercury and Pluto also travel together for the first three weeks making communication intense. Venus and Mars also travel in tight conjunction and Pluto joins them near the end, signifying that love and actions are aligned, and people will be following their heart.
Aries
A month of illumination and regeneration on a heart-felt level. There will be accelerated growth in nearly all aspects of life. Enjoy!
Majic, Purdy
Law Corporation
Trusted Legal Advice for over 30 years
George S. Majic, Q.C. (d. 2003) • Glen A. Purdy, Q.C Caeli H. MacPherson, JD
Providing a full range of legal services, including: Real Estate, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Criminal Defence, Family Law, Business and Corporate, Wills and Estates
Fernie Office 592-2nd Avenue P.O. Box 369 Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0 T: (250) 423-4497 F: (250) 423-6714
Sparwood Office (By Appointment Only) 119 Centennial Square Sparwood, B.C. T: (250) 425-7216 F: (250) 425-0400
www.majicpurdy.com Taurus
A month of momentum - watch as emotions, life, and love moves and how quickly this all can happen. A pilgrimage up the proverbial (spiritual) mountain can take a lifetime or it can take days, luckily it is to happen quickly.
Gemini
It’s a time of mastery on earth and you are a sign that picks up the undercurrents of affairs and energy. It’s an exciting time on earth and the inner power is coming to fruition for all to see. How are you noticing your power is refined at this time? This arena is most likely your dharma.
Cancer
Emotions are the deep sea of the lower realm that can literally drown us. Emotions can bring us to heights, or one can drown in them, constantly reacting to them and having to deal with this veil of illusion
Leo
Think back to 2011/2012. How was your life then? Take that energy and multiply it and you have the theme for 2022. It’s a wonderful year. Happy, joyous, love… these are your themes as you are ruled by your heart. Once again, the heart’s truth is grounded.
Virgo
Accelerated growth is your major theme. Although you are selfless in action and serving is your motive, Virgo energy still has work to do to lose their prejudices and judgements. The trade-in of this energy is compassion, understanding and higher love.
Libra
A month to focus on romance and creativity while maintaining a happy balance in the home. It’s a great time to follow your heart and do what is fun - children play a major factor in this.
Scorpio
Scorpios are sacred portals between the realms of both heaven and earth and hell and earth. Scorpios can be saints, or they can be sinners, and this duality is often experienced internally. Wherever one sits in this realm, which is based on individual karma, it’s a time of cleansing and raising to higher states of consciousness
Sagittarius
Sagittarius energy is similar to Scorpio however slightly less intense. There is still a polarity of black or white which is based on belief. Belief is preached to be beautiful and that one is spiritual, but it can actually create harm. Delve deep into your beliefs and ask for truth. It’s a transformational time.
Capricorn
Mountains do crumble! This is a time when we are watching structures that we believed to be solid begin to crumble. This includes internalized systems and structures, especially beliefs. Aspects you knew to be true may be shifting to higher frequencies. Be open to this change.
Aquarius
An open mind is a sign of intelligence. To consistently think “perhaps I am wrong” or “perhaps there is more to learn” is a sign of an advanced soul. This motto carries you to higher planes of existence. Those who cling to the old will struggle.
Pisces
Piscean energy is the realm of divine love however it can feel like an illusion. Pisceans sense other’s emotions and thoughts and rarely have a chance to experience their own unconditional love. 2022 is a time when higher levels of divine and unconditional love are palpable to all, especially the sensitive Pisceans.
Sanding • Snow Removal • Aggregates • Excavation Services Professional Service • Locally Owned
Connection, Through Your Lens
Photo by Emily Park @emilyparkphotographyfernie
The connection between twins is fascinating.
I hope this image makes their enigmatic connection feel somewhat tangible.
Photo by Austyn Moi @siriuslywildstudios
A beautiful sunset over Fernie Ridge and a great view of the town. Reminding us to connect with our surroundings and get to know the super cool heritage sites and old buildings around town.
NOW BOOKING
FERNIE FIX SUMMER GUIDE 2022
Advertising in the Fernie Fix Summer Guide is a highly effective way to spend your advertising dollars. • Excellent quality, with fresh, unique content • On the shelves from
April-October • Picked up and read by both visitors and residents
“Since we launched Fernie Copperworks Inc. 5 years ago the Fernie Fix has proven to be instrumental in our booming success, with over 80% of our projects initiating from our ad in the Fernie Fix.” ~ Tim Popowich, Fernie Copperworks
To inquire about rates and availability contact:
krista@clarismedia.com 250-423-0897
Experience the freedom...
Experience the freedom of daily or multifocal daily contacts... on the slopes or at home! Call to set up an appointment for a trial.
FERNIE 250-423-4467 • BLAIRMORE 403-562-7144 • ELKFORD 250-865-2022
Better Employee Health Benefits Start Here!
Flexible and modern benefit options
Support your employees mental and physical health
Reduce the cost of your benefits plan
Are your employees struggling to find a family doctor? We offer telemedicine for your employees and their families!
Out in the Community:
How do you maintain relationships and stay connected during these difficult times?
Michael Wilson
For family and friends abroad, FaceTime and Zoom calls have been clutch and more regular than before the pandemic, which has been really nice. I think we’ve all had to slow down a bit and be more strategic in our communication and for me that’s meant connecting and reconnecting with family and pals more often. Locally the outdoors have provided a safe meeting ground for hanging out! Walks, fishing, XC skiing, camping, hitting the mountain have all helped maintain and build relationships. We are so lucky to have ample space here in the valley to recreate and enjoy!
Mandy Nemanishen
We try to stay active and involved in the community. We found if we stay connected to our church, school, and business community we can see who is missing from the picture and reach out. I ask myself, who haven’t we heard from or seen in a while and check in with them.
Clayton Lamb
I’m so fortunate to live and work in a place like the Elk Valley that has such abundant outdoor recreation. In these pandemic times, the outdoors has not only been a place to stretch my body (and mind) after sitting at my desk too long but it’s a place to connect with my favourite people as well now. I have really enjoyed hiking, skiing, biking, paddling, and dog walking with friends and colleagues. We used to have dinner and drinks and now we do a P9 lap, or plan an overnighter on Heiko’s Trail. I look forward to the unmasked days, but I’m also thankful that I can connect with so many amazing people while outside, where we can talk about many things. Of course, my favourite topic is how special the Elk Valley is and how we can find innovative ways to keep it special. February kicks off with the popular Reel Canadian Film Festival, celebrating the creativity, diversity and independence of the Canadian Film Industry with feature films, shorts and more. Due to the Omicron wave, this year’s festival will continue with the virtual component which begins streaming at 5pm on Friday January 28 and continues through to February 6 at midnight. Visit fernielovesfilm.ca for your pass and for details on this year’s films!
14TH ANNUAL
Later in the month, the Fernie
Mountain Film Festival
is back, hitting the Fernie Community Centre February 25 and 26. Dedicated to filmmakers who spark awareness of mountain cultures, fragile environments, and the passion and perseverance of global explorers, visit ferniefilmfestival.com for this year’s features and to purchase your tickets (also available at the door).
22
Did you know that there is a group on Facebook called Fernie Early Years Team, which offers information for families to learn about the events and activities for children in Fernie? With the shifting from in person to online to back in person, this is a great resource to stay on top of what is available, and also connect to virtual opportunities for you and your kids! @FernieEarlyYears
Two years ago, the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) shifted to the current Columbia Basin Management plan, which they are extending for another year. Taking the lead from the people of the Basin, in 2020 six priorities were developed to guide how the Trust would focus its efforts, while continuing to respond to emerging issues in the region and pursuing its existing work in social, economic and environmental initiatives. These six strategic priorities also include two integrated priorities – climate resilience and working with Indigenous peoples. Visit ourtrust.org/about/ strategic-priorities to learn more!
