Geek Squad Review

July 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Geek Squad logo

Image via Wikipedia

If you own a personal computer chances are pretty good that your system will be attacked by a virus. Viruses are computer programs that replicate themselves and can attack other computers. These virus can cause serious damage by erasing programs that will prevent a computer from working properly. Getting rid of viruses can be simple or complex depending on the nature of the virus.

Not everyone is computer savvy enough to pull their system back from the brink of destruction, this is where the boys in black come into play. Basically they are “geeks” for hire. Isn’t that what you need when your system explodes. A proud computer geek who is not only proud of his geekiness but willing to share his unique calling with you at any time, day or night for the sheer pleasure of flexing his geeky muscles.

For a hefty price the geeks will come to your house and resolve your computer issues but is it worth it? If you are desperate and have the money then the Geek Squad is a good option. If you don’t have the money, their “thorough” investigations might get on your nerves especially if they are charging by the hour. Unfortunately any time you have someone work on something you own but have no clue to how it works, like a computer or vehicle it makes the matter even more complicated. The bottom line is, if you are desperate go with the squad, if you have time and little money, find your own geek.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , ,

Three Ways to Prevent Computer Infection

June 26, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Viruses infect millions of computers every day.  Most are common corruptions of files, data, and other personal information.  Whether you are using wireless internet for laptops or cable connections for desktops, your security must never be compromised. Actually, most threats can be prevented as well.  Here’s how:

 

It is important to install an anti-virus program on your computer immediately after setting it up.  Most stores will do this since the sell the programs right along with your machine. Top anti-virus software is available and blocks malicious programs from acquiring information and adhering to search histories and other potentially pertinent bits of the user’s personal life.  Firewalls are common parts of these programs, and they can help block harmful websites and advertisements.  Also, this software periodically scans the computer for any new intruders, thus keeping the machine virus free.  Updating the actual software is also crucial for keeping your computer clean.  Every so often, updates can be sent online or bought in the store.

 

Computer users should be sure to scan attachments in emails for viruses before opening them.  Although most people only receive emails from those they know, every so often a harmful email slips in.  Many people call these spam emails, and some networks deposit them directly into a spam folder.  However, if content is questioned, be sure to scan the email first.  Many companies do this as the email comes in, regardless of user preference.  It helps keep the computer safe.

 

Another way to restore and protect computers is by isolating them from networks if they have viruses.  Viruses can be detected by malfunctioning of the computer, slow connection speeds and activity, or sudden power losses.  By disconnecting the infected system, users can prevent the virus’ spread.

Filed Under: Anti-Virus, Protection, Software Tagged With: , ,

Don’t Give the Keys to the City to the Rampaging Hordes.

May 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment
An illustration of where a firewall would be l... 

Image via Wikipedia

Most users of the Internet know that one has to exercise a certain degree of caution in navigating the online world, just as with the real one. From “phishing” emails from so-called “Nigerian princes” to virus-filled links waiting to wreak havoc on your computer, there are a lot of dangers on the Internet. They’re not hard to avoid as long as you use common sense, but is important to have some basic tools to protect your computer. Chief among these are a firewall and an anti-virus program.

 

The firewall is like the gate to the city of your computer, preventing foreign invaders from getting access. Any time you connect to the Internet, you’re accessing other people’s computers. Presumably these people gave their permission in the form of hosting the websites you’re visiting, but just as you can approach their computers, so other users can approach yours and try to gain access for any variety of malevolent ends. The firewall identifies anyone attempting to gain access and make changes, then either blocks the entrance outright or else asks you for permission.

 

Malware logo Crystal 128. 

Image via Wikipedia

 

Anti-virus protects you from the diseases of the Internet, those dangerous and notorious “bugs” that are malevolent software programs. If you click on the wrong link, you could end up installing a program that identifies the keys you type (such as your passwords) or causes irreparable damage to your computer’s hard drive. Viruses are bad news; anti-virus programs fight them. Fortunately operating systems come with built-in firewalls and you can purchase others for relatively little investment. Many good anti-virus programs are available for free. Make sure you have these tools.

Filed Under: Anti-Virus, Software Tagged With: , ,

The Predator Becomes The Prey

April 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Prey logo

Image via Wikipedia

Anti-virus software is great, but what about protecting your computer from physical theft? It happens every day, and especially if you have a laptop or smartphone, there’s no such thing as being too careful. Aside from losing your potentially very expensive (and emotionally significant) computer, you have just given your thief access to all kinds of information about you—every file you have saved on your hard drive, every piece of information you’ve ever entered into a site where your password is saved. Did you let Amazon.com remember your credit card number? Have you ever filled out a form or sent a contract that included your social security number? Your information must be protected.

Thankfully there is a new open-source software program for your computer or smartphone. It’s called Prey. When activated, prey allows you to remotely access your laptop or smartphone through the Internet or an SMS text message—even after it has been stolen. You can use GPS or the nearest wireless Internet connection to find your lost property immediately. You can even take screenshots of what your thief is doing, and use your built-in webcam or smartphone camera to catch them in the act! There is no way they will get away with stealing your computer or smartphone if you have a picture of them doing it. And you can protect your passwords and even lock your computer down remotely so no one can use it without a password, keeping your information and your computer safe.

Prey keeps you in control, even when your computer is out of your hands. Download it and you can rest easy.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , ,

Avoiding an Addiction

April 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

There are a lot of things you can take away from gaming and gambling online, like fun and enjoyment, prizes, a way to spend your time and so on. Unfortunately, some people end up with an unexpected and unwanted side effect of this type of play online, which is a gambling addiction.

Understanding and Avoiding a Gambling Addiction

Nobody sets out on sports betting sites and gambling websites expecting to become addicted, but this is an unfortunate side effect for many people. What this means is that you have to monitor yourself and your internet usage, and you have to make sure that you are being safe and considering whether or not you have reached the point of “too much.”

It is important to monitor how much you are gambling, and whether you still consider it to be fun and enjoyable, or whether your online gambling has become problematic in some way. If you are spending more money than you should be, or if you are gambling online when you should be attending to other obligations. For example, if you place an important sports bet and decide not to go to work because your bet is more important than your employment, then you may have a serious problem, or the beginnings of one.

Technology is changing and evolving, and so there are new ways to look at online gaming and the potential for a gambling addiction. Just because you are not in an actual casino for days on end, it does not mean that you do not also have a problem with gambling, so keep this in mind and monitor your use closely.

Filed Under: General, Internet Tagged With: , ,

Extend the Life of Your Laptop Battery

March 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Laptop batteries don’t always last a long time, but you can extend the life of your laptop battery with a few simple tips. For example, make sure that you unplug the battery when your laptop is plugged into the wall, so you don’t overcharge and/or overheat the battery. Batteries that get too hot and are overcharged can start losing their power more quickly, and they won’t last as long in the future. When you’re using the battery and you’re not plugged into the wall, it’s a good idea to let your battery run all of the way down. That reduces the number of recharges that you’ll need to do, and it also helps the battery charge properly if you let it use all of its charge before recharging it.

When you’re not using your laptop but you don’t want to turn it off completely, you can put your computer into hibernate mode instead of standby, and you’ll use a lot less power. That will also help to keep your laptop battery working longer. Following these simple tips won’t keep your laptop battery working and acting like new forever. It will eventually start running down faster as it starts to wear out. However, the more careful you are with your battery the better off you’ll be when it comes to helping it last as long as possible. That saves you aggravation, and it also saves you money because you don’t have to buy another laptop battery nearly as soon as you otherwise might.

Filed Under: Common Problems, Hardware Tagged With: , ,

Caution with Downloads

March 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Do you download many videos from the internet? Do you pick and choose what you do and don’t download from the internet? Whether you have good anti virus software installed or not it is still up to you to continuously question everything that you choose to put on your computer.

Many anti virus protection software programs will check the file before you download it. Is this full proof, no. Your web browser may also check the file you are downloading. Is this full proof, again, the answer is no. It is possible that a new malware program is out there and this won’t be recognized by the protective software that is on your computer.

So it is up to you. At each site you visit and choose to download information you have to ask yourself what the likelihood of a problem. malware can be embedded in all kinds of software including images, documents and videos. Look carefully at a web address every time you download. A site may look like a site you trust but there are look alike sites out there. Malware for those that don’t know can include viruses or other malicious software like spyware. Not only can you be downloading a virus but you could also download a program that will steal personal information from your computer while you are on the internet.

Emails are also important to question. Although protection is better than ever it is still possible to get hit this way. If you don’t know the sender, even if the email looks official don’t open or preview it. It is your job to protect yourself.

Filed Under: Anti-Virus, Internet Tagged With: , , ,

Getting a New Computer

March 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When you are thinking about getting a new computer, there are a lot of things to consider. There are so many different components to a computer that it can be difficult to decide exactly what you need, and what may be too much. One thing to consider is, of course, exactly what you use your computer for. Since everyone has different needs with their computers, everyone will have different needs with what goes in it, as well.

Many people use their computers for basic things. For example, using your computer to surf the Internet, play on an Online Casino, and write emails are basic uses of computer technology. On the other hand, these activities represent what a large number of computers are used for. You may not need all the bells and whistles in your computer. For instance, currently about two gigs of RAM is considered standard in a basic computer. Do you really need more?

If you are constantly on the go, you may want to consider getting a laptop. Though all the parts are the same in a laptop and desktop computer, they tend to be smaller on a laptop. This is for one very good reason – a laptop is smaller! It is portable, and can be taken almost anywhere easily. There are even a few steps smaller than a laptop. You can get a netbook, which generally has about a 10-inch screen and a keyboard, or even a tablet PC, which has a seven-inch screen and a standard touch-screen monitor.

Filed Under: General, Hardware Tagged With: , ,

Why Doesn’t My Battery Last As Long As the Specs Said It Would

March 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Did you buy a laptop or net-book and find that today the battery only lasts a fraction of the time you were told it would? Is it important to you that you have a battery that lasts longer than the one you have seems to last? Many people buy computers only to find that the computer battery isn’t what they thought it would be. More likely the individual didn’t realize the limits of their computer.

A computer battery is often supplied to you with the information of how long it will last. It is important for the end user to understand that the time rating of your battery is based on a limit of functions. A computer that is doing a number of functions simultaneously will not last as long. If you want to run a DVD and run other applications at the same time, you are using a lot of resources of your computer. This will use more power. Even options such as brightening your monitor can increase the amount of power you are using.

If your computer battery time seems limited consider the following options for answers as to why your battery power is limited. First of all a battery is limited in life and if the battery is older it may not be able to charge to the extent that it could when you bought it. An option to increase the life is to limit the functions you use on your computer when you are using it on battery power. You can also shut the computer down during down times.

Filed Under: Common Problems, Hardware Tagged With: , ,

Choosing Antivirus Software

March 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Chances are you are reading this article because you just got a new computer and you are wondering what antivirus software to choose when the free trial that came with your computer runs out. There are many useful antivirus software programs available on the market. Many of them offer far more than just antivirus protection and it is important to know what you are getting and why it costs so much. If you are looking only for antivirus software you may consider a program that includes protection for malware not only viruses. Some programs offer protections that you may or may not want, such as password protection and so forth.

There are reasonable options to the primary antivirus software packages that are available on the market. Some of the most well known programs are Norton or McAfee. Alternatives to these programs are actually free and available for download right now. Free means that the programs are of no cost to you and you are welcome to use them. Some programs are worthy and others are not, it is important to investigate the program you choose whether you spend money on it or not. The protection of your computer is very important.

One good resource to investigate free software is to contact the Open Source community. the Open Source community can give you current information about which programs are reasonable and useful to your system. There are many free programs out there and AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011 is probably the most popular. Do your research and see which program is best for you.

Filed Under: Anti-Virus, Software Tagged With: , ,
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