Posts Tagged malware removal
5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Computer
Posted by brandon in Company & Product Profiles, Computer Repair, Computer Service, Downloads, Email, File and Data Sharing, Free Stuff, how to, Instruction, Internet, productivity, Security, Simplicity, Spam, Technology & Gadgets, Timesavers, tips, Tools, Tricks & Hacks on May 26, 2011
The original article appeared in the May/June 2011 issue of Cityview Magazine. The version here is complete with links and a little more information than was in the original.
Note: these tips are generally for Windows users.
- Checkpoint Charlie
Security software keeps your computer safe from malicious and harmful programs. Make sure your software is up-to-date and that it provides the level of protection you need. Most free security software packages like AVG and Avast provide a basic level of protection that doesn’t fully protect against the types of threats found on the internet. For a comprehensive level of protection, look at paid versions of security software that provides “internet security”. Some of the best security software can be purchased for around $80, with licenses for 3 computers. That’s not bad, considering malware removal costs between $75-$125. PCWorld.com offers reviews of this year’s best software. The software I like the best is Kaspersky Internet Security 2011. It keeps the computer secure and clean without killing performance like some other software does. For coverage on three computers, it’s $65 from the manufacturer, or $50 from Allyte. Contact us pick up this software. - Malware, Spyware, and Viruses, Oh My!
Now that you have solid security on your computer, be sure to use it. Schedule a weekly scan during a time that you don’t typically use the computer. Your computer can pick up incredible amounts of junk software and files while browsing the internet. It happens without your knowledge most of the time. A regular scan with this software will keep your computer running more effiicently, but keep in mind that no security software is perfect, so this isn’t a license to go anywhere you please online. Use good judgment when visiting websites and never, under any circumstances, use peer-to-peer software like Limewire or BearShare. Peer-to-peer networks like these are full of malicious software that will damage your computer, not to mention the software piracy factor. If you find a particularly difficult instance of malware or spyware, there are some specialized tools for home users that work well to remove these – take a look at Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Spybot Search & Destroy. - Backup, Backup, Backup!
Do you keep anything important on your computer? Music? Pictures? Movies? Documents? What would happen to those files if your hard drive crashed? Sleep a little easier at night by knowing your data is backed up regularly. The most reliable type of backup is the one you don’t have to think about. External hard drives are good for desktops that are stationary. But for a laptop, I recommend an online backup service that automatically and securely stores your files on the web while you’re on the go. One of the best is Dropbox, which provides 2 GB for free, 50 GB for $99/year or 100 GB for $200/year. Dropbox also synchronizes these files across multiple computers, so you’re never left without that file you need.
Tip: This service also comes in handy in lots of other situations like when you and a coworker need access to the same files across offices or while you’re on the road. - Your Hard Drive is Fragmented and You Don’t Even Know It
When files are copied, created, deleted, and moved around the hard drive, bits and pieces of them are scattered around the drive. Windows has a built-in tool to clean up these bits and pieces, helping your hard drive find what it needs more efficiently. To use this tool, simply click the Windows button, then click “Run”. Type in “dfrg.msc” (Windows XP) or “dfrgui” (Vista/Windows 7) and press enter. This will run the Disk Defragmenter. Choose your drive, then click “Defragment”. It can take some time to do this, so go grab some coffee and relax while you wait. - Your Computer is Running Too Many Programs
Take a look at your computer screen. Go ahead, take this magazine with you to your computer and look at the bottom right corner of your computer screen where the clock is. That’s your system tray. Now look along the tray to the left. Do you actually need all of those programs? They’re slowing the computer down. Go to the Control Panel and find Programs and Features (Add/Remove Programs for XP users) and uninstall the ones you don’t need, or at the very least, right-click on the system tray icon and tell the software not to run when the computer is turned on. Uninstall those internet toolbars while you’re at it. They’re not helping matters. But don’t make changes to printers or security software. You’re gonna need those. - Bonus: Send the Dust Bunnies Packing
You’ve made it this far and you’ve conditioned your computer to perform like a champ. Can you do one more thing? It might require some courage. It’ll also require a can of compressed air and a screwdriver. Disconnect all the cables from your desktop computer and take it outside. Remove the cover from your computer and use the compressed air to blow the dust out of the case. You might need a hazmat suit if your computer is particularly dirty.
Questions to Ask Before Leaving Your Computer for Repair or Service
Posted by admin in Company & Product Profiles, Computer Repair, Computer Service, Email, File and Data Sharing, Free Stuff, home, how to, productivity, Security, Simplicity, Technology & Gadgets, tips, Tricks & Hacks on August 4, 2010
Leaving your computer and its data with a service or repair center can be a little nerve-racking. Your data – email, pictures, music, documents, spreadsheets, presentations – are all contained on this computer and you don’t want it to be vulnerable.
Some service centers will wipe a hard drive clean without thinking twice. When your computer returns to you, it has returned completely to factory settings. A side note – there are some good services available for home and office data backup. They do cost on the front end, but save a ton of time, trouble, and possibly money in the event you need your data restored.
In other cases, the customer may arrive to pickup the computer, only to find exorbitant fees are due for the service. It would have been better to replace the laptop than pay the fees for repair.
To prevent situations like this, there are some key questions you should ask before leaving your computer for repair.
- Will you backup my data before doing work that could compromise it?
- What is the fee for doing a backup for me?
- Will I receive a copy of my data if you wipe the hard drive clean?
- What are the estimated charges for this repair? Can I get that in writing?
- If the charges are significantly more than you estimate, will you let me know before doing the work?
This set of questions is a good place to start when getting service on a laptop or desktop computer. Depending on your service request, you may want to ask more questions.
For good data backup solutions, look at Dropbox, Cobian Backup, ElephantDrive, JungleDisk, Carbonite, and Mozy.
For good computer repair and service, look no further than Allyte Technology Solutions.