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: , ,

Top Internet Ready Smartphones

July 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A smartphone is typically only as good as the network it’s on. While an individual phone can be more powerful than another or have a higher resolution screen, it often comes down to how well that phone may access the Internet. If your network is poor, so is your phone, no matter how fancy it might be or how many apps it might have.

The Internet is a powerful tool, which makes the Cricket Android an equally powerful tool. Its access to the Internet is at the top tier, and its app collection is both robust and easily accessible. If you have the ability to create your own programs or alter existing ones, its open source nature is perfect to sharpen and practice your skills on. You can do incredible things with a phone like this, especially when you combine this with the power of its easy access to the Internet.

The iPhone is also a respectable phone, despite the problems some users have found with it. With a strong connection to a growing and extremely fast network, it deserves a share of respect in its own right. However, it does have a few issues related to finding and creating apps because of how Apple runs its app store. In time, the iPhone might catch up to the Android, but that day could be far off.

The answer to this problem is to choose the solution that best suits your needs. If you value a more robust and more easily customized system, the Cricket Android might be better for you.

Filed Under: General, Hardware 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: , ,

How to Stay Protected When Using the Internet for Leisure and Entertainment

May 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are risks that come along with surfing the internet for entertainment. Many websites are infected with malware and other viruses that are designed to steal your personal information or make your computer run badly. This means you need to take measures to ensure that you are protected.

One way you can make sure you are protected when surfing the internet is to have antivirus software installed. This way, if you do get a virus, your antivirus software will detect and remove the harmful files from your computer. A lot of the time, the antivirus software will prevent the programs from even being installed in the first place.

One place on the internet that can have malware and viruses is online gaming websites. This is because a lot of the time you have to download some files in order to play, and sometimes the files do not come from trustworthy sources. Make sure you are using a reputable website if you want to download games. That way you can enjoy playing poker on your computer without having to worry about your information getting stolen or computer getting infected.

Another thing you can do to stay protected when surfing the internet is to never give information to a website that does not have a secure certificate. You’ll know if the site is secure if you see the “S” in the bottom of your browser or a lock symbol.

The internet is a fun place to spend your time, but don’t make the mistake of trusting someone you shouldn’t. Get antivirus software and be on the lookout for scams.

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

Managing the Internet

May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Anyone who manages an organization knows that the larger it gets, the more difficult it becomes to manage. People who work closely with the Internet, from engineers to philosophers, are realizing that the same quandary applies to managing the Internet.

There are slightly fewer than two trillion Internet users around the world today; in 1995 there were16 million people using the Internet. At the same time there are approximately 155 million websites operating world wide. Using the Internet you can find everything from online poker games to tips on how to maintain a garden.  Given the combination of large – and rapidly growing – number of Internet users and the proliferation of websites, the concern becomes how to equitably manage the Internet effectively while striking a balance between maintaining individual privacy and supporting the free flow of appropriate information.

While the Internet is undeniably the source of more information than man has ever had at his disposal in one place, it also faces a growing threat from cyber criminals who see the exponential growth of users as potential targets or unwitting assistants for scams. Eliminating cyber crime is a key element in designing workable management standards.

In 2009 the Federal Communication Commission’s Openinternet.gov website posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for “reasonable network management.” The NPRM stressed the need for broadband Internet access providers to adopt “reasonable” practices; the need to reduce or mitigate the effects of Internet congestion on address accuracy; the reduction of unwanted and harmful Internet traffic; and increased action to prevent the transfer of unlawful content across the Internet. The debate over this NPRM will be centered on what contributors consider to be reasonable.

In August 2010 the Washington Post reported that the U.S. Commerce Department is requesting help from the private sector to update the approach to managing the Internet for the first time in over ten years. The Commerce Department’s Internet Policy Task Force is initially asking for help on two inquiries: data privacy and cyber security.

These initiatives are a long overdue and important start.

Filed Under: Common Solutions, Protection Tagged With: , ,

Becoming a Professional Poker Player

May 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you have a love for the game of poker and are looking to start a new career, then you might be considering trying your hand at professional poker. However, there are several things that you need to consider before becoming a professional player.

One of the first things that you need to consider is that becoming a professional player is not as easy as it sounds. Playing the game professionally takes a great deal of skill and practice. Just like any other job, you will need to dedicate time and energy to your professional poker career. You will need to play poker for several hours a day in order to make up for the money you would be making if you were working a regular full-time job. It would also be wise to see if you can even make money playing poker part-time before making a full-time commitment.

You also need to consider how well you manage your bankroll. If you are unable to manage your finances, you might want to reconsider a career in gambling. Many people who start their career in professional poker think that they if they are not playing with high stakes they will not earn a lot of money. However, many professional poker players play for hours a day and will make large sums playing on low stakes. Remember that you will always win some and lose some.

Playing professional poker has many great rewards, including the potential to make a good living. However, becoming a professional will take time and practice, so make sure that you are truly dedicated to the lifestyle before making the switch.

Filed Under: General, Internet 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: , ,
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