what to do when i am prompted with updates?
I get asked this a lot. When the updates are from Microsoft, Adobe, Sun (Java), Apple and other major software companies whose products can be found on most home PCs, the answer is accept the updates.
Because these software products are so widely used, they are the target of choice for many hacker's exploits. Software companies like the ones mentioned are ready, willing and able to overcome these intrusions, even teaming up for a solution when necessary. Their response often comes as an update to their already installed product on your PC. Missing or declining that update can leave you with a less stable and less secure version of software you rely on.
What is the Adware or Spyware you mentioned?
Too often the answer is "They are the reason your computer has slowed down and your security needs attention." or "They are why your home page has been changed and privacy is at risk for your data."
The "ware" in those words means software; so adware is advertising software, including everything from pop-ups at legitimate web sites to the more aggressive (and illegal) kind that install to your computer without your permission. Spyware is software that harvests tracking and profiling data about your internet usage by collecting information about when and where you click. This also can be done legally, or in illegal ways that mislead you or violate your privacy and data security. In both cases a large gray area is centered around whether or not the invader has your permission. Either way, ill effects like the two mentioned above are a frequent result. <TOP>
What are Trojan Horses and Malware?
They are software designed to attack your system. The Trojan Horse type uses the strategy of planting a seemingly harmless or essential file on your PC that really introduces hidden disruptive or destructive agents, like that wooden monument filled with enemy soldiers in the ancient story. The bait can be an unexpected email attachment (red flag: think twice before opening!) or a clickable link at a web page. Malware is any malicious software including viruses, worms, rootkits and more. Like their names indicate, they spread, drill holes in system security and set up hidden foundations for adding invasive software. Why do these exist? Mainly because they can. Renegade programmers develop them for reasons ranging from proof of their abilities to the committing of internet crimes for profit. <TOP>
Fighting Back
Lost data, unusable systems and identity theft are some of the severest consequences. The good news is that Computer Medics is ready willing and able to thoroughly inspect, clean and safeguard your system, using state-of-the art data security tools. Remember that your Anti-Virus software is only as effective as its most recent update. AV alone is not the total protection scheme you need against the current range of offenders. Call us about your system security concerns and let us equip you to compute and surf the web more securely! <TOP>
Why has my PC stopped booting?
I am often called on because a customer's computer has begun to show its age. Customers want to know if they are then forced to by a new PC, and what exactly went wrong. My job is to find out, and advise them accordingly. I don't want to see my customers throw good money after bad, so when repair costs would overinflate the owner's investment in aging PC hardware, I try to help out with informed decision making. <TOP>
How was my PC damaged?
Generally, the things that accelerate a PC's aging are some combinations of heat and dust (and sometimes liquids), and an unstable voltage supply affecting to its internal components. The two parts that tend to age fastest are the power supply unit (or PSU) and internal hard disks. The PSU is where the AC power cord plugs into the computer case, and typically includes a blower fan for venting damaging heat buildup. How PSUs respond to environmental dust is another matter. Some computer cases traps a dust throughout their interiors, others show high concentrations of dust at one or two internal locations; in this second scenario the PSU can be the main dust trap. Dust and power outages (and their accompanying voltage spikes) are a PSUs main vulnerabilities. The damage can be cumulative or sudden depending on individual circumstances. When a PSU fails, the computer may be unbootable, or if it does boot it can deteriorate quickly as a result of the PSU malfunction. In many instances, timely installation of a replacement unit in can solve the problem. <TOP>
Why has the hard drive failed?
Internal hard disks are a tightly sealed, wallet-sized metal housing crammed with high-tech disk platters and sophisticated drive electronics in an internally dust-free setting. They are manufactured in special dust-free labs to protect their 5,000 to 15,000 revolutions-per-minute spinning disk platters from any friction. Hard disks vulnerabilities include heat buildup, physical shock and uneven electrical voltages. Some are marketed with relatively short service life expectancies. Damage that leads to hard disk failure is usually cumulative, over time, but often means an unbootable PC; sometimes with data loss. Modular replacement can correct these failures too, sometimes with the added dimension of having to decide whether to try to recover lost data. The data in these cases includes user-generated data files like documents and pictures, and installed software programs; including the PC's (Microsoft Windows, in my practice) operating system. <TOP>
How expensive is the repair?
You can see how cost might stand in the way of an effective solution when one or more of these components fail, but each instance is different, so an expertly informed decision is critical to weighing the factors accurately. There is often little or no cost to our customer when we recommend a whole new PC as the solution. In those situations, Computer Medics is happy to see our customer get a fresh start, with the hope of future business based on our fair and expert service when their old PC failed. Whenever feasible, we are equally happy to restore that ailing PC; giving it (and the customer's computing career) a new lease on life! <TOP>
Should I get the new windows Vista?
Windows Vista is being replaced by Windows 7 on newly purchased computers in 2010. Windows 7 is successfully overcoming some of the negative responses Vista received from reviewers and consumers.
If you feel ready to make the switch from an earlier Windows version like Vista or XP you should first visit Microsoft's website to verify that your essential hardware and software will be compatible with Windows 7. <TOP>
