Bleeping Computer

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Bleeping Computer
Web address www.bleepingcomputer.com
Type of site
Computer help site for the new computer user
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]

Community

Members, volunteers and staff

In May 2014 there were over 640,000 registered members, the vast majority 'regular' members.[5] 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.[6]

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,[7] OTL, GMER, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, and Rkill,[8] developed by Abrams.

The CryptoLocker ransomware, believed to have appeared on 5 September 2013,[9] was reported on Bleeping Computer the following day, with a long thread discussing the malware and recommended responses.[10]

Resources

Tutorials

Bleeping Computer has a large library of free tutorials [11] 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[12] at Sophomore, Junior, and Senior levels. Many graduates of the program remain active in the forum's malware assistance section. It is UNITE-accredited.[13]

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.[14] 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

External links