What does it mean if my version of Windows is no longer supported?

Ending support means that Microsoft will no longer send you security or performance updates and software patches. Your PC will become increasingly vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. You will also no longer receive new drivers and patches that improve the reliability of Windows.

Get fully informed before upgrading

Windows 7 is considered by many to be the best operating system to come out of Microsoft in quite some time. But like any advanced technology, it must be properly configured for trouble free operation. We advise you carefully weigh benefits against the risks. The Windows 7 operating system will bring huge improvements in performance and functionality for most people. Yet the wisdom of upgrading depends on many complex factors. We recommend consulting a trusted expert to help sort through the options.”

Upgrade Issues

PC Mac Express suggests people consider a number of factors before upgrading to Windows 7:

Compatibility: some important applications and programs may no longer be compatible with windows 7 necessitating further upgrade on other software as well. This could lead to significant additional costs. Also keep in mind that you may only upgrade from Vista operating system not XP, another potential hidden cost.

Functionality: Each user and each machine is unique. Some machines run faster with the upgrade; others may not. Some features of XP are discontinued in Windows 7, also consider that there will be a learning curve that comes along with any new operating system. For basic users it could take a while to adjust. PC Mac Express recommends that novice users invest in an hour or two of one-on-one instruction,which could save them many hours of frustration and lost time in the future.

Cost: The new operating system is not expensive, but costs could escalate if numerous programs must be upgraded and new devices must be purchased as well.

Complexity: Upgrading can be challenging. XP users can’t directly upgrade to Windows 7. In addition to upgrading the operating system, you may have to also re-install applications, update drivers, and move files. For the average person, the process can be time consuming and fraught with frustration.

Advice Before Upgrading

In many cases you may be better off purchasing a new machine with Windows 7 already installed. Install your old software that is compatible on the new machine and purchase upgrades of software that is not. Take special care that old data will work with your upgraded software. In addition, we offer this advice:

1. Consult with a trusted IT professional who knows your machine, knows your current uses and future needs, and can effectively anticipate and test for problems in advance.
2. Make sure you know the advantages and weigh the risks before investing in Windows 7.
3. Consider your future plans. Every business is unique and that impacts the ultimate decision. Upgrading now may make sense for some, but waiting another year is a better option for others.
4. Whatever your decision, get regular yearly checkups and maintenance on your machine. You’ll enjoy better, faster performance, and may save yourself from expensive problems.

PC Mac Express advises people take the time to make an informed decision. Only by knowing the costs, the risks, and the expected benefits can you know if upgrading to Windows 7 is worth it to you and your business.

And we cannot stress this enough: Have you made a backup today?

Maintenance is Key to Computer Performance, Security and Problem Prevention

It takes less than half an hour to have your car’s belts tightened, tire pressure checked, and fluid levels refilled on your car.  Basic computer maintenance is just as fast and easy. A qualified Microsoft or Apple certified engineer can quickly perform the key tasks to keep your system running trouble free, securely, and fast:

• Operating system patches and updates
• Freeing disk space and defragmenting the hard drive
• Checking for proper installation of applications, removing unnecessary start-up items, and deleting unused programs
• Security checking including updating the firewall and removing adware, viruses, and spybots
• Checking registry for invalid items
• Check error logs for trends, patterns, and warning signs
• Much more

Beware of  “Geeks”—Use only Microsoft and Apple Certified Engineers

Basic maintenance should not take a lot of time, but it does take expertise. Many people claim to be technologists, but lack the training to do a good and thorough job. The technology that runs your machines is constantly changing. Make sure that you work only with Microsoft Certified or Apple Certified engineers who stay fully-up-to-date on the technology, software and security issues. At PC Mac Express, we often work on machines that were set up by “my brother who is good with computers”, or the “tech guy my friend uses”. Before we do anything, we have to undo their mistakes.  A “Geek” is not a certified engineer!

You Know You Have a Problem When

Many times, you can’t tell you have a problem until it is too late.  Get maintenance regularly no matter what.  If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, however, get your machine to the shop immediately:

• You get error messages that cause applications to shut down.  While Windows can recover from an error, it doesn’t fix the underlying problem
• Your machine takes a long time to start or to shut down
• Your machine runs slowly all the time
• Your start hearing unusual sounds or the unit produces an unusual amount of heat

Back Up, Back Up, Back Up

We cannot say it enough. Regular maintenance and good computer usage habits will go a long way to keeping you out of trouble.  Still things happen like fire, theft, electrical shorts, that are out of your control. For this reason, make regular backups. Test your backups to make sure they will work for restoring your system.  Keep at least one copy of your back up off site.  PC Mac Express can advise you on ways to make backing up easy, convenient, dependable and consistent.

Public News of Cyber Attacks the Tip of the Iceberg

Just this week, Google publicly acknowledged they were struck by thieves who stole their core password system. In February came the revelation of a coordinated attack on 2500 companies in 196 countries that began back in 2008 and continued for years. Retailers are regularly attacked by thieves seeking credit card information.

Richard Clark’s book on /Cyber War/: You are on your own

Richard Clarke, noted counter-terrorism expert and advisor to several Presidents, just published /Cyber War/, which details the damage terrorists can inflict over the Internet, including disabling transportation, scrambling financial records, and knocking out power.

The Pentagon’s Cyber Command defends the military and the government.

Corporations spend billions to protect themselves. But as Clarke notes in his book, individuals and small companies are “on their own”.

Are You at Risk?

Yes, definitely. You may already be a victim. Cyber criminals want your identity and your assets, and they are increasingly after control of your computer. They can take over your home computer and use it as a zombie in a large-scale cyber attack without you even noticing. Either way, it isn’t a matter of /if/ you will be attacked, but /when/.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Protecting your computer is like protecting your home from break-ins. A locked door is no guarantee, but it is a great first line deterrent.

Implementing a series of security measures adds layers of deterrent to make your machine less attractive to cyber criminals.

· Install security software. A firewall makes your machine invisible to other computers hooked onto the Web. You also need the best and most updated anti-virus and anti-spyware protection. PC Mac Express can advise you on the best options and can make sure everything is properly installed and regularly updated.

· Get sensitive data off your machine. Don’t store passwords, financial records, identity information, or even birthday and Christmas card lists on your computer. Do your taxes on your computer, and give a thief everything he needs to steal your identity and your assets. Store this information on a removable hard drive that is disconnected when you are online. PC Mac Express can advise you on cost-effective options that keep your data safe.

· Use extreme care online. Apps on Facebook, free music downloads, poisoned Websites, and email attachments are common ways criminals gain access to your computer. Do not trust, verify.

· Use strong passwords and protect them. Use upper and lowercase letters. Include numbers. Avoid actual words. Longer is better. Change passwords often. Never use automatic login features. Don’t store passwords on your machine.

Back up. Back up. Back up…Brush your teeth every night. Be sure to floss. And back up your computer. Online backup sites could be vulnerable in a large-scale cyber attack. A removable hard drive is a good back up to a back up. And keep paper copies of all financial statements just in case you need proof of ownership.

PC Mac Express Is Your Security Resource

If you haven’t thought about security lately, now is a good time to do so. We closely monitor this issue and keep up-to-date and the latest criminal ploys and ways to protect yourself. You may find a three-minute phone call with us could save you years of problems.

Dust clogs the vents behind your computer, which causes your CPU to heat up—and heat is the biggest cause of component failure in computers. Regular cleaning could save you costly maintenance fees down the road.

Keep your computer in tip-top shape by following Millman’s guide to a spotless computer system.

Preparation

You’ll need:

• screwdriver
• can of compressed air (available from computer dealers or office-supply stores)
• cotton swabs (do not use a cotton ball)
• rubbing alcohol
• paper towels or anti-static cloths
• water

Always turn your computer off before you begin and unplug all the cords.

Step 1: Inside the case

Using a screwdriver, remove the side of the case that’s opposite your motherboard. Touch as little as possible inside the computer, keeping fingers away from cards and cords.

Blow air around all of the components and along the bottom of the case, keeping the nozzle four inches away from the machine. Blow air into the power supply box and into the fan (from the back of the case). Lastly, blow air into the floppy disk and CD drives. Wipe the inside of the cover with a lightly moistened cloth before replacing it.

Millman recommends doing this every three months if your case sits on the floor, if you have pets that shed, or if you smoke. Otherwise, every six to eight months is fine.

Step 2: Outside the case

Run a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol around all of the openings on the back of your case. Give them one swipe with the damp end of the swab and one swipe with the dry end. Do this as often as you clean the inside of your computer.

Step 3: Keyboard

Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Most of the crumbs and dust will fall out. Take a can of compressed air and blow into and around the keys. Next, take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol. It should be damp, but not wet. Run the cotton swab around the outside of the keys. Rub the tops of the keys. If you have a laptop, follow the same procedure but take extra care with your machine. Do this monthly.

Step 4: Mouse

Rub the top and bottom of your mouse with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol. Open the back and remove the ball. Wash the ball with water and let it air dry. To clean inside the mouse, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub all of the components. Scrape hard-to-remove grime with your fingernail. Finally, blow air into the opening. Replace the ball and the cover. Do this monthly.

Step 5: Monitor

Moisten a paper towel or a soft, lint-free cloth with water. (You can also buy monitor cleaning products at computer-supply stores.) Don’t spray liquid directly onto the screen spray the cloth instead. Wipe the screen gently to remove dust and fingerprints. Never touch the back of the monitor.

For laptop screens, Millman suggests buying a special cleaning solution available at computer stores. Do this weekly.

Finally, make sure that everything is dry before you plug your computer back in.

Article written by Alyson Munroe and adapted from an original piece from Microsoft Home Magazine.

2.Activate and configure the windows firewall.

3.Keep anti virus, anti spam, and malware protection up to date. Make sure you are getting regular updates from the vendor, if not do it manually.

4.Wpa2encryption for your wireless network (make sure your password is protected) so other people  cannot use your wireless signal.

5.For maximum protection, change passwords every 3 weeks on the PC or Mac and your wireless. Use alpha-numeric passwords.

6.Double check web site addresses before you hit enter, many viruses lurk in miss typed addresses, “that’s how most viruses get in the machine.”

7.Create multiple user accounts if the PC is used by more than one person.

8.Clear cookies and temp files at least 3x a week.

9.Don’t open email attachments or emails from unknown senders.

10.Make sure you are getting periodic windows updates.

11.Make sure you get a yearly checkup from a certified professional. This simple step can prevent big problems later on.

I have a computer  virus, what should I do?

There many different viruses, Trojans, and malware some of them can be very tricky to remove specially when infected by a root kit.   Most antivirus programs do not remove everything   often people mistake Trojans for viruses .Some root kit can only be removed by reinstalling your system, only a professional can guide you to the proper action.If at all possible always look for a Microsoft certified Engineer rather than someone without certification.

I keep on losing my wireless signal, why is that ?

Several reasons for that here are a few:     1) the wireless is losing its signal strength; 2) interference with cordless phone; 3) your signal is to weak my need to add a booster; 4) have a professional check the integrity of your computer.

Working with Word

Expediting Internet Explorer

The more you use these tools, the more time you will save. Have fun and explore the options available to you.

Article written by Liz Eustace and adapted from an original piece from Microsoft Home Magazine.