Free Downloadable FixMeStick Alternative - For Microsoft Windows PC or Mac OSX

FixMeStick was a featured pitch on CBC's Dragon's Den. The tool is intended to help when one cannot boot into their OS. The only times I have had a virus on my computer was the result of my experimentation. I downloaded a virus pack, and tried to launch some on my computer and see how well MSSE and ClamAV worked.

Certainly there are some people who always use administrator rights (or superuser) on their computer in order to save time when installing software, those who do not read what they install, or others who download and install the first item on the Bing or Google search results and then find themselves with malware on their computers.  Malware isn't necessarily software that will damage your computer or take your personal information, but unwanted pieces of software that force you to use a specific search engine, hijiack your operating system.

A write-protected system like a CD or DVD is ideal as it cannot be modified by the hackers in the stream (i.e. a host rerouting), however a disadvantage, like that of  FixMeStick, is the unified factor. Hackers know exactly what to target, thus the hacks, workarounds etc. are less labour intensive to develop. Therefore advantage of fragmented recovery setups is that hackers' tools cannot account for all of them.
If you were using computers between the years 1998-2007, Windows was synonymous with spyware,  malware, trojan and virus infections. Windows is a very secure operating system, but if more than 97% of the computers are running Windows, why would you bother creating malware for Linux or OSX. Most mobile phones are Android, and it is no surprise that we heard about viruses for Android... and later for iOS. Popularity comes at a price!

Before trying to make your own boot-up/recovery solution, I suggest try the free commercial solutions below:

The AVG Rescue CD
http://www.avg.com/ca-en/avg-rescue-cd-download
The AviraRescue CD
http://www.avira.com/en/download/product/avira-antivir-rescue-system

How the FixMeStick, or any bootable USB recovery system works

When you cannot get into your computer OSX or Windows based computer, the FixMeStick/RecoveryStick boots to its own operating system, bypasses OSX or Windows and then searches the hard disk for viruses, malware, or other unwanted changes to the registry and system start-up.

How the FixMeStick works  (or at least what would make sense)

1. Computer boots to the OS on the FixMeStick.
2. Devices on your computer are identified and the appropriate drivers are loaded.
3. You will need to connect your computer to the Internet using either a WiFi or Ethernet connection (a USB modem tether would be fine too).
4. Assuming that your router is not infected (rare, but possible), you will be asked to enter your Wifi password if applicable.
5. The FixMeStick will update its virus and malware database. 
6. Your Windows based drives will be scanned for malicious programs (not quite code, but series of instructions in hexadecimal information )
7. If any infected files are found, they will be quarantined or deleted. If the Windows Registry requires modification, registry editing will be required.

Antivirus Software

The antivirus software packages available on the FixMeStick are :

• SOPHOS
• Kapersky
• Vipre Antivirus

There are free virus databases that are as up to date  as those used by the the three packages listed above. On the recovery disk that we are creating we can use any of the following as listed on Linux.org :

• ClamAV
• AVG
• Comodo
• Kapersky
• Avast
  
  

 There is also the Ubuntu Malware Removal Kit which could also be used.

Steps

Install Linux on a USB flash/thumb drive

1. I recommend using Puppy Linux or Ubuntu Live and install it to a USB thumb drive. Puppy Linux is faster to download and easier to use, but Ubuntu offers better software support. For Windows prepare your USB drive using Rufus or any other ISO to USB tool. If your OSX computer is infected, it is also possible to install Linux to a USB stick. Instructions are found here : http://www.computerbastard.com/usbmac-puppy/


2. Install all or some the antivirus software listed above. 
3. Scan your computer's hard drive for malware or viruses. 
4. Remove or quarantine the files
5. If necessary, edit the registry or system configuration.

If you have any other recovery systems to share, please do below.