The alleged computer technician will start the conversation by telling you that you have been overusing your computer and other stories about how your computer is infested with viruses. Stories vary, but the theme is the same:

They will then ask you to go to a certain website – usually to www.showmypc.com. Once you do that they will have complete and total control of your computer and that is where the real scam begins as they can access all your files and documents.

And they will plant a virus into your system and that they can help you and you need to pay $100 or $200 to clean your computer.

SO please be aware. Do NOT – under any circumstances:

Log into the website they tell you to!

Give out any of your personal login or password information

BE AWARE! THIS IS A TOTAL FRAUD AND SCAM!

Please share this information with your friends and family as this scam has become rampant.

If in doubt call us at 212 682 6878 or 718 459 9477 or email us at info@pcmacexpress.com.

1. Check for spyware, malware, and viruses. This is something that we recommend you do regularly. Not only is your computer at risk, but your personal information is as well. These malicious little buggers can affect how well—and how fast—computers perform. Installing the latest updates to your antivirus software will go a long way towards keeping your computer safe from harm, but when in doubt, a more thorough professional diagnosis may be necessary.

2. Defrag your hard drive. Over time, hard drives become fragmented. Fragmentation slows down the computer’s overall performance, since opening fragmented files means piecing together those fragments first—and saving those files becomes similarly slower and more complicated as well. There are software programs available that can defragment your hard disc and restore those fragmented files. Many of these programs can be set to run automatically on a regular basis. Defragmenting is standard procedure these days, and highly recommended for maintaining your file systems. It doesn’t take too long, and you’ll likely be amazed at the difference in speed afterwards!

3. Free up space on your hard drive. In short, the more space available on your hard drive, the faster the processing time. Get rid of temporary files and paging files, Java applets, and any installed software programs that you don’t need or use. Older files that you don’t need as often can be moved to an external hard drive and backed up on CD or DVD. (And in any case, you should always be sure to back up your files to an external hard drive or other media.) Also, don’t forget to empty the Trash or Recycle Bin—otherwise, all of those files will still be on your computer, taking up space.

4. Add more RAM. Adding a gigabyte or two of RAM (random access memory) can give your computer a second wind and is considered a cost-effective investment. The more RAM on your computer, the faster you can access your data, since the data doesn’t need to be continuously read off the hard drive. However, since the installation involves messing with the hardware a little, and it’s easy to get confused when choosing between different types of RAM, it’s best to leave the installation to an expert or repair person.

Taking these steps should help keep your computer processing time as fast as it was when you first got it. If your computer continues to act slow, consult a computer repair person.

So, the question is: should you take advantage and get a new computer or is your old one just fine? 
And if you get a new one, how do you transfer all your data and programs to the new system?

There are a few things to take into consideration when buying a new computer. Here is our advice what you should check before you head to the stores:

1. Are you satisfied with the way your system operates now? Or is it too slow? Did you recently do a check up on your computer? Regular check-ups help preventing performance issues on your computer, just as they do on a car, and make your PC/laptop work like new.
2. Do you have a lot of data on your computer? Data can always be backed up and transferred to a new hard drive. If you need help, consult a professional computer service technician.
   
   
3. Do you have many programs on the computer for which you don’t have the installation CD anymore? This may be an issue if you want to keep using those programs. Purchasing those programs again can be costly.
   
   
4. When getting a new computer, you don’t need to oversize. Evaluate your needs and determine which features give you the best performance.
   
   
5. Once you have decided and purchased your new equipment, you want to make sure that it is protected well, has the right setting for your needs and security. Getting an annual service plan and check up may be a good idea.

If you are unsure what to do, we advise that you contact a professional computer service technician to help you evaluate your situation and needs.

When you contact a computer service company, please ensure that the technicians have the required licenses for your system. They should be Microsoft or Apple certified engineer. Before you chose someone, check for licenses and recommendations. During the job, ask questions and let them explain to you what they are doing and why. Make sure, when the technician leaves your house that you are properly instructed on how to maintain security and functionality of your new system.

Checklist for working with a technician:

-          Certifications?

-          Able to explain in plain English?

-          Provides instructions and training?

-          Service plan?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1 212 682 6878 or email us at info@pcmacexpress.com

Happy Holiday Season!

Your team from Pc Mac Express

A New Computer Is Not Always The Best Solution
Especially if you have incompatible software with the new system.  Instead…

Up Performance Without A Downside

Consider some better options: usually, a simple optimization improves your systems performance immensely.  Alternatively, buying a new hard drive for as little as $100 can dramatically improve the performance of your computer with no downside. Installation and mirroring starting at $115, much less than the cost of a new machine.

Call us today for a free phone consultation at 212 682 6878.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PcMac Express Receives 2012 Best of Manhattan Award

Manhattan Award Program Honors the Achievement

MANHATTAN October 2, 2012 — PcMac Express has been selected for the 2012 Best of Manhattan Award in the Computer Repair Services category by the Manhattan Award Program.

Each year, the Manhattan Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Manhattan area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2012 Manhattan Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Manhattan Award Program and data provided by third parties.

For more information visit manhattan.awardprogram.org

As always, we are grateful for your referrals. Recommend a customer to us and enjoy a 30% discount on your next service call.

While the earth quake and tsunami in Japan made headlines, another lesser known disaster has struck the Far East. Experts at the Asian Development Bank say the massive October floods in Thailand, a key source of computer components, could impact manufacturing networks with delays that may last longer and go deeper than those caused by Japan’s March earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis.

The effects are already being felt in technology markets. Computer hard drives prices, over 50% of which are manufactured in Thailand, have almost tripled in price. A hard drive costing $48 a month ago now costs between $129 and $145. Western Digital, one of the key suppliers of computer memory components, shut down operations in Thailand completely in October, as did primary competitor Seagate. Even three weeks after the monsoon rains ceased, factories remain submerged in the brown corrosive waters. Company spokesmen report that even after the water recedes, clearing factories of much and debris and rebuilding clean rooms and production lines will take years.

The shift from traditional hard drive technology to solid state drives (SSDs) was an established trend before the Thailand floods. It is sure to gain steam now that traditional drive manufacturing has taken this great hit. Talk to your IT consultant before you make any hardware acquisition decisions. You’ve got cost factors and technology factors to consider.

FAQs

Is free software useful or trash?

Some software is totally useless, some software, if you know what you’re getting can be very useful, for example “Malwarebytes” can eliminate a lot of malware that anti viruses leave behind, and that is one among hundreds of free software that is very useful, on the other hand there are thousands of software out there that are a total waste, and some of them can actually damage your operating system, so you have to proceed with caution.

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.

The scam appears to be an official email from newswire service AFP with images of Gaddafi’s body but when users open the attachment, the virus infects Windows computers with malware.

A detected malicious email reads:

Subject: “Fw: AFP Photo News: Bloody Photos: Libya dictator Moammar Gadhafi’s Death”

Message body:
“Libya dictator Moammar Gadhafi’s Death
Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, the most wanted man in the world, has been killed, the country’s rebel government claimed Oct. 20. The flamboyant tyrant who terrorized his country and much of the world during his 42 years of despotic rule was cornered by insurgents in the town of Sirte, where Gadhafi had been born and a stronghold of his supporters.”

“The death of Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi has almost inevitably resulted in cybercriminals taking advantage of the news story, and the general public’s seeming interest in viewing ghoulish photos and videos of his last moments,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

“As unlikely as the legitimacy of these emails may seem – in this case, the latest photos being forwarded to you in an email attachment – the news is often just too interesting for people to ignore. Internet users need to be sensible when it comes to a top news story, and not throw their security suspicions regarding links and unsolicited attachments out the window, in search of the latest revelations or shocking images.”

PC users are advised to avoid opening the email and updating or applying their security settings.

SIVRE FRANCE

Please always be cautious when opening emails from senders you don’t know , or emails with subjects you have not requested. Cal us at 212 682 6878 if you have any questions.