Posted by Eric Peterson on Tue, Jun 01, 2010
I am sure everyone has seen or heard commercials for websites such as FinallyFast.com. They offer things such as:
- "Clean your system registry"
- "Improve the performance of your computer"
- "Stop Blue Screen of Death Errors"
- "Works on Windows and Mac computers"
These websites are not safe. Their "free scans" just check your computer for problems that don't really exist.
These website have a goal of getting you to purchase their "software" (if you can call it that). They will not help your performance and will most likely infect you with real infections (which they won't remove). Normal charges for this software is between $50 and $100. So you will pay money to be infected!!!
I still recommend Trend Micro Internet Security for home users and small businesses without a server. I also recommend Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security for small businesses who have servers (I can save businesses about 20% on this software). I have seen this software not only protect against these infections, but also protect again most other infections.
(Note: no security software is perfect and you can still get infected with any security vendor's software, I have seen less infections get past Trend Micro than other vendors)
Posted by Eric Peterson on Tue, May 11, 2010
For everyone in Grundy County, this event is for you. Every year, the Grundy County Environment & Resource Conservation Office and Environtech Landfill come together to bring an electronics recycling program to the area. Attached to this article is a copy of the flyer I received. Here are the details:
- Business Collection - Friday, June 18th 1pm - 4pm
- Residential Collection - Saturday, June 19th 9am - 1pm
The following items are accepted at both events:
- Computers
- Monitors
- Laptops
- Printers
- Fax Machines
- DVD Players
- VCRs
- MP3 Players
- Cell phones
- Televisions
- Refridgerators
- Freezers
- Ranges
- Ovens
- Dryers
- Air Conditioners
- Trash Compactors
For more information call 815-941-3214.
Click here for the Flyer
Posted by Eric Peterson on Mon, May 03, 2010
I see too many people who manage to get infections on their computers. Below are a list of important things to keep in mind while browsing online. Make sure to teach these to your children and employees. Everyone is happier with a working computer.
- Don’t Download Free Music, Software, or Movies!!! – If it is free, someone is paying for it. If you are not paying for it, some company is paying for it by ads or adware.
- Don’t Download Pretty Cursors or ScreenSavers!!! – These items are definitely not necessary and usually come with infections.
- Avoid Unknown Toolbars – If you want to have a toolbar on your browser, stick with the names everyone recognizes, such as Google, AOL, Comcast, Bing (formerly MSN
or Live!), Ask.com, or AT&T. Also, only keep 1 toolbar. Multiple toolbars can slow down your browser.
- E-mails from Banks or other Services – There is not a bank out there that will ask you to confirm your information by clicking on a link in an e-mail. If you get anything like this, goto your bank website immediately and DO NOT click on the link in the e-mail.
- Keep that Security software updated – This is critical for any safe browsing experience. Most vendors offer an Internet Security package that will also include web filtering to block children from going to adult websites and keep everyone from going to malicious websites.
- When purchasing online, Always look for the Lock icon – The lock icon shows you that you are on a secure website. This will allow you to be protected and know your information is only being transmitted to the site you are on.
These are a few important ideas to keep in mind. Most of all, like with anything in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Free music, free money, most things in life are not free and the same is true online.
Posted by Eric Peterson on Wed, Apr 21, 2010
I just wante
d to take a few minutes to outline how to perform proper computer maintenance on your computers. Although it sounds simple, it does take take and discipline to make sure it is all done and working correctly.
Computer Maintenance is Important!!! So take the time to do it correctly.
Weekly
- Delete temp files - I recommend using CCleaner because it is easy and fast.
- Run a full virus and spyware scan - Use whatever computer security software package you have, but make sure it covers viruses and spyware. I am a huge fan of Trend Micro Internet Security.
- Backup - Backup important files once a week or at least once a month. A great option is an online backup service, such as Carbonite.
Monthly
- Windows Updates - Microsoft releases updates on the second Tuesday of every month. I suggest checking for them on the second Wednesday of every month. Most people have their computers setup to automatically download the updates, but I suggest checking to make sure they are installed.
- Defragment your Hard Drive - Defragmenting your hard drive speeds up how the computer accesses the files. I like to use a program called MyDefrag. The first time it takes a long time, but is very fast after the first time.
- Backup - If you don't backup your data weekly, make sure to do it at least once a month.
Every 6 Months
- Blow out Dust - This is very important and most people don't do it routinely. Dust builds up inside your computer and it is important to get it out. When dust builds up, your computer gets hot and can overheat.
Yearly
- Yearly Checkup - Have your IT consultant (hopefully me) check your PC to make sure everything is working correctly. Have him make sure everything you have been doing is working and there are no obvious problems. He can also help you keep up-to-date on what's new for computers and new ways to improve your computing experience.
There are my quick tips for everyone. Just like a car, computer maintenance can help your computer run the way it is supposed to.