Are you noticing that your computer seems to be running slower than normal? Has it become a waiting game when you are surfing the internet?
Chances are you have fallen victim to the newest problem sweeping the internet. Spyware!
Spyware is a type of malware that is installed on computers and collects information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user's personal computer. Sometimes, however, spywares such as keyloggers are installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer on purpose in order to secretly monitor other users.
There are programs out there that can stop spyware and malware from hitting your computer, but the problem is that once it is there, it is quite tricky to remove. Many times it is far more efficient to reinstall your operating system. This is a very tedious task, and it is especially difficult if you do not have anywhere to backup your data to.
It is best to hire a PC technician to fix your computer for you. They have the required tools to backup your data safely and restore it back onto your computer.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
How to avoid computer virusses
Of all the problems that can occur with your computer, I've seen that the most common root cause is some type of virus or spyware. In this day an age, it is absolutely necessary to have an up-to-date virus scanner running on your computer. However, there are a few other things you can do to avoid viruses.
- Don't click on Links in emails AND Messenger
I know how hard this is... You get an email from a friend that says "is this photo really you?", and curiosity gets the best of you. Sure enough, it turns out to be a malicious website and now you've just sent that message to your contact list.
TIP: Ask your friend if they meant to send the message before you click on it. - Update your virus definitions regularly
Most anti virus software packages will automatically update the virus definitions. DO NOT disable this feature! - Set up a firewall (windows firewall is fine)
By default, Windows has a firewall program. Keep it enabled! It will save you a lot of grief.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
How to set up your Hard Drive so that you can re-install or upgrade Windows without losing your data.
One of the most common jobs that I get called for in the residential sector is reinstalling an operating system. Over time, the registry gets all jumbled up and your computer starts to behave very poorly. Even worse, maybe you are running out of disk space and you go on a mission to free up some space... Oops, you deleted a critical Windows file.
I can say that by far, the most complicated part of a job like this is backing up your data before a reinstall. In my office, it's not a problem because I have the proper equipment, but a reinstall of the operating system wouldn't be all that difficult if you had a place to put your data while the hard drive is being reinstalled.
I've been using multiple partition strategies for years on my home computers. I set up 1 partition for the Operating System to live on, and 1 partition for all the personal files (email, documents, music). That way when it is time to reinstall the operating system, all I need to do is wipe the Windows Partition, reinstall and presto... all your files are still there.
I recommend that windows partition be at least 20GB these days. Windows is becoming more and more bloated and I've found that the old 8GB partition is no longer sufficient. However, with the low cost of hard drive space these days, you might as well just set up your windows partition to 1/4 of the disk.
I can say that by far, the most complicated part of a job like this is backing up your data before a reinstall. In my office, it's not a problem because I have the proper equipment, but a reinstall of the operating system wouldn't be all that difficult if you had a place to put your data while the hard drive is being reinstalled.
I've been using multiple partition strategies for years on my home computers. I set up 1 partition for the Operating System to live on, and 1 partition for all the personal files (email, documents, music). That way when it is time to reinstall the operating system, all I need to do is wipe the Windows Partition, reinstall and presto... all your files are still there.
I recommend that windows partition be at least 20GB these days. Windows is becoming more and more bloated and I've found that the old 8GB partition is no longer sufficient. However, with the low cost of hard drive space these days, you might as well just set up your windows partition to 1/4 of the disk.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Your Server Solution
I had a service call last week where the client was running a "client-server" environment, but the server was actually running Windows Vista.
Well... Put it this way, this situation simply didn't cut it.
I learned that I'm not the first Tech Support consultant that has recommended that he use Server software for this machine.
So how do you choose the right server environment?
Many people would quickly choose Windows Server, just because they aren't aware of other options... and some others would immediately get into a comparison of Linux vs Windows. However, the first thing you should always do is take an inventory of the applications that are crucial to business success.
This could be a long list, but the bottom line is that the right Server Solution is the intersection of all these crucial business applications. I agree that there is always a solution, and you can make a choice and figure out how to make it work later, but can your business suffer downtime?
The next thing I would suggest is where you are going to get your support. Chances are you will not be administering this server yourself. Find out what your IT Consultant and Tech Support team say. Find out where their strength lies and play to it.
Well... Put it this way, this situation simply didn't cut it.
I learned that I'm not the first Tech Support consultant that has recommended that he use Server software for this machine.
So how do you choose the right server environment?
Many people would quickly choose Windows Server, just because they aren't aware of other options... and some others would immediately get into a comparison of Linux vs Windows. However, the first thing you should always do is take an inventory of the applications that are crucial to business success.
This could be a long list, but the bottom line is that the right Server Solution is the intersection of all these crucial business applications. I agree that there is always a solution, and you can make a choice and figure out how to make it work later, but can your business suffer downtime?
The next thing I would suggest is where you are going to get your support. Chances are you will not be administering this server yourself. Find out what your IT Consultant and Tech Support team say. Find out where their strength lies and play to it.
Monday, August 3, 2009
How often do you backup?
Now here's a topic that until a few years ago, I totally disregarded, but as with just about anything, you don't realize how important it is until you need it. Then... It's too late. Fortunately, there is very good (and free) software that you can use to set up your backups automatically and you only need to do the work once.
First, you need to have either two computers or an external hard drive. Otherwise, what's the point! I suppose you could backup from one hard drive to another, but it's more effective if you backup to somewhere other than the computer.
The second thing you need to do is to download some free software. I use Synch Back. If you know of a free one that is better, then leave a comment.
All you need to do is set up a profile that backs up whatever directories are important to you. At least backup the "My Documents" directory, if you want, you can backup the whole C Drive.
You can set your profile to run once a week, once a day, or whatever you'd like. Set it up to run over night if you'd like.
This software is very useful because it will copy what it can. If there are files in use, it will skip them and continue. If you use the regular windows "copy" then it quits after an error occurs.
As you can see it is not that hard to get an automated backup setup and you will DEFINITELY thank me later! If you are looking for tech support in Moncton feel free to subscribe to this blog or leave me a comment.
First, you need to have either two computers or an external hard drive. Otherwise, what's the point! I suppose you could backup from one hard drive to another, but it's more effective if you backup to somewhere other than the computer.
The second thing you need to do is to download some free software. I use Synch Back. If you know of a free one that is better, then leave a comment.
All you need to do is set up a profile that backs up whatever directories are important to you. At least backup the "My Documents" directory, if you want, you can backup the whole C Drive.
You can set your profile to run once a week, once a day, or whatever you'd like. Set it up to run over night if you'd like.
This software is very useful because it will copy what it can. If there are files in use, it will skip them and continue. If you use the regular windows "copy" then it quits after an error occurs.
As you can see it is not that hard to get an automated backup setup and you will DEFINITELY thank me later! If you are looking for tech support in Moncton feel free to subscribe to this blog or leave me a comment.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Share one Printer with the whole house
I just did a support call this weekend and found that my client had two printers in his home. One was installed in the office and the other was downstairs for the kids. I asked why they needed two printers, and they said that occasionally the kids want to print something and it's too much hassle to put the file on a disk and bring it upstairs.
They weren't aware that if the computers are networked, it is quite easy to share printers across the network. Here's how it's done.
Go to the computer that is connected to the printer.
Click Start -> Control Panel -> Printers and Scanners
Right click on the printer you'd like to share and click Sharing
Select the "Share this Printer" button and give it a name.
Then go to the other computer
Click Start -> Control Panel -> Printers and Scanners
Under "Printer Tasks" on the left hand side click "Add Printer"
Click Next and then "Browse for a Printer"
If the computers are all part of the same windows "workgroup" then the printer will be found. If not, then you can give a specific path \\computername\printername.
That's it, now you can try to print a test page and voila!
If you need more help, you can always subscribe to this page or simply leave me a comment on this post.
They weren't aware that if the computers are networked, it is quite easy to share printers across the network. Here's how it's done.
Go to the computer that is connected to the printer.
Click Start -> Control Panel -> Printers and Scanners
Right click on the printer you'd like to share and click Sharing
Select the "Share this Printer" button and give it a name.
Then go to the other computer
Click Start -> Control Panel -> Printers and Scanners
Under "Printer Tasks" on the left hand side click "Add Printer"
Click Next and then "Browse for a Printer"
If the computers are all part of the same windows "workgroup" then the printer will be found. If not, then you can give a specific path \\computername\printername.
That's it, now you can try to print a test page and voila!
If you need more help, you can always subscribe to this page or simply leave me a comment on this post.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Reinstall Windows for Increased Computer Performance
If you are seeking tech support and your computer is only a couple years old and is starting to slow down drastically then you could be in luck. As you use your computer more and more, installing and removing programs and through just regular surfing, your computer is getting more and more sluggish. There are several things you can do, from checking the resource usage to upgrading the hardware. However, there is one sure-fire way to speed up your computer.
Reinstalling the Operating System!
This will definitely take a few hours to complete, but it will definitely speed your computer up drastically. You will need your original Windows CD as well as your license key. Once you locate that, here are some other tips that you will need before you get started.
Here’s a little tip that can make your life easier for the next time that you need to do a re-installation of the operating system. Set up two partitions for your hard drive. The first partition should be at least 10GB. The second partition is the rest of the drive. All of your documents and setting should be kept on the second partition and only the Operating system and Programs are on the first partition. That way when you need to reinstall you can simply reformat and reinstall on Partition 1 and leave Partition 2 untouched with all of your files. This removed the need for a third computer or external backup.
This task will take several hours, but if you pay someone to do it, then it is likely worth your while. A tech support consultant will have the equipment and knowledge to accomplish the task much quicker, and since a majority of the time is waiting, they can perform other tasks at the same time and give you a fair price.
Reinstalling the Operating System!
This will definitely take a few hours to complete, but it will definitely speed your computer up drastically. You will need your original Windows CD as well as your license key. Once you locate that, here are some other tips that you will need before you get started.
- Gather all of your original driver disks.
- Sound Card
- Network Card
- Video Card
- Printer/Scanner/Fax Machine
- Any additional Hardware
- Backup your important documents
- Make a note of all of your installed software
Here’s a little tip that can make your life easier for the next time that you need to do a re-installation of the operating system. Set up two partitions for your hard drive. The first partition should be at least 10GB. The second partition is the rest of the drive. All of your documents and setting should be kept on the second partition and only the Operating system and Programs are on the first partition. That way when you need to reinstall you can simply reformat and reinstall on Partition 1 and leave Partition 2 untouched with all of your files. This removed the need for a third computer or external backup.
This task will take several hours, but if you pay someone to do it, then it is likely worth your while. A tech support consultant will have the equipment and knowledge to accomplish the task much quicker, and since a majority of the time is waiting, they can perform other tasks at the same time and give you a fair price.
Tech Support Tips
As a small business, tech support may be something that is a challenge. When something goes wrong, you need it fixed right away, but maybe you don’t have the need to have a dedicated tech support technician on staff.
Here are some things to consider when deciding whether a freelance tech support consultant is right for you.
Tech support can run pretty pricey if you need on demand tech support. There are lots of different prices for tech support depending on the company and/or individual, but it’s hard to find a good tech support consultant. Here’s the thing about tech support. There are so many variables involved in what could possibly be wrong with a computer and so many different software packages that the guy is usually just figuring out things on the fly. So really if the tech support consultant isn’t a good problem solver and fast on his feet, then you could be paying a lot of cash for a problem that took the tech support consultant twice as long as it should have to figure out.
Big tip! When you find a tech support consultant that knows what he’s doing and finishes the work fast and thoroughly… Be nice to him/her!
Here are a couple of different types of on call tech support consultants;
Tech Support Company (like Nerds on Site)
This is perfect for you don’t need support often and if you are looking for someone to show up IMMEDIATELY. There are usually a few tech support consultants on call so you can usually get good service. The disadvantage is that you may not get the same consultant every time. It is usually better when the tech support consultant knows your business.
Self-Employed Tech Support Consultant
If you don’t need service very often or very urgently, then a self-employed or freelance tech support consultant is perfect for you. You know that he will always do a good job because he’s been there before and knows the drill. Usually, if a tech support consultant is self-employed then he’s been around longer and is far more knowledgeable.
Here are some things to consider when deciding whether a freelance tech support consultant is right for you.
Tech support can run pretty pricey if you need on demand tech support. There are lots of different prices for tech support depending on the company and/or individual, but it’s hard to find a good tech support consultant. Here’s the thing about tech support. There are so many variables involved in what could possibly be wrong with a computer and so many different software packages that the guy is usually just figuring out things on the fly. So really if the tech support consultant isn’t a good problem solver and fast on his feet, then you could be paying a lot of cash for a problem that took the tech support consultant twice as long as it should have to figure out.
Big tip! When you find a tech support consultant that knows what he’s doing and finishes the work fast and thoroughly… Be nice to him/her!
Here are a couple of different types of on call tech support consultants;
Tech Support Company (like Nerds on Site)
This is perfect for you don’t need support often and if you are looking for someone to show up IMMEDIATELY. There are usually a few tech support consultants on call so you can usually get good service. The disadvantage is that you may not get the same consultant every time. It is usually better when the tech support consultant knows your business.
Self-Employed Tech Support Consultant
If you don’t need service very often or very urgently, then a self-employed or freelance tech support consultant is perfect for you. You know that he will always do a good job because he’s been there before and knows the drill. Usually, if a tech support consultant is self-employed then he’s been around longer and is far more knowledgeable.
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