10 Things about moving from XP to Windows

10 things you should know about moving from Windows XP to Windows 7 With Windows 7 a little over a month away, Friendly Computers thinks you should start preparing for the switch if you are using Windows XP. Read more below… If you skipped Windows Vista and stuck with Windows XP, chances are good that you are now seriously considering moving to Windows 7 after it’s released on October 22. If so, there is much for you to do. Not only should you begin planning for your operating system migration, but you should begin learning as much as you can about Windows 7. Here are 10 things you can do to get ready for the switch. 1: Check your hardware Windows 7 was designed to be lean in terms of hardware, so that it will be able to function satisfactorily on sub-powered netbooks. If you’re running Windows XP on a computer manufactured within the last three or four years, chances are good that Windows 7 will run fine on your system. However, you can make sure that your hardware is compatible by running Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will perform a detailed scan of your entire system, checking hardware, programs, and peripheral devices. Once the scan is complete, the Upgrade Advisor will display a report telling you whether your system meets the hardware requirements and idenfying are any known compatibility issues with your programs and devices. If it finds problems, the Upgrade Advisor will provide suggestions you can use to better analyze your upgrade options to Windows 7. You can download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft Download Center. At the time of this writing, this tool is listed as being a Beta version. However, running it now will give you a good idea of what you will be facing as you prepare for your upgrade. If you’re planning a much bigger Windows XP to Windows 7 migration, you’ll want to investigate the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit. This free toolkit, which runs across the network without having to install software on client systems, will allow you to investigate systems and compile reports on hardware and device compatibility. 2: Understand the Custom Install If you’re running Windows XP on your computer and you want to use Windows 7 on that same computer, you’ll purchase an Upgrade license package of Windows 7. However, you won’t be able to perform an in-place upgrade. In other words, you won’t be able to upgrade to Windows 7 on top of XP and keep all your applications and settings “in place.” Instead, you’ll have to perform a Custom Install, which Microsoft describes as follows: A custom (clean) installation gives you the option to either completely replace your current operating system or install Windows on a specific drive or partition that you select. You can also perform a custom installation if your computer does not have an operating system, or if you want to set up a multiboot system on your computer. When you completely replace Windows XP, the installation procedure will not totally obliterate it. In fact, the installation procedure will create a folder on the hard disk called Windows.old and will place the Windows, Documents And Settings, and Program Files folders from your Windows XP installation in it. Your data files will be safe and accessible, but your applications will not be viable. (Even though the Custom Install saves your data in the Windows.old folder, you will want to have a separate backup on hand just in case!) Regardless of whether you choose to completely replace Windows XP or set up a multiboot system, you are going to have to back up and transfer all of your data, reinstall all of your applications, and reconfigure all of your settings. 3: Consider a setting up a multiboot configuration When pondering a Custom Install, you should consider setting up a multiboot configuration. That will place both Windows XP and Windows 7 at your disposal, which will be a big advantage as you begin migrating your settings, documents, and applications. More specifically, you can boot into Windows XP to check out how something is set up and then boot into Windows 7 to re-create the same configuration. Once you have everything in Windows 7 exactly the way you had it in Windows XP, you can remove the multiboot configuration set Windows 7 as the primary OS and then remove Windows XP. To be able to perform this type of switch, both XP and 7 must be installed on the same hard disk but on separate partitions. (If you install Windows 7 on a second hard disk, the boot partition will exist on the first hard disk, so you won’t be able to remove that drive once you’re ready to get rid of XP.) As a result, you’ll need to repartition your hard disk to make room for Windows 7. To repartition your hard disk without destroying data, you can take advantage of partition management software, such as Norton PartitionMagic 8.0, which retails for about $70, or Easeus Partition Manager Home Edition 4.0.1, which is available for free and earned a 4.5 star rating in a recent CNET editors’ review. 4: Plan your backup and restore strategy Before you move from one operating system to another, you’ll want to back up all your data — at least once and maybe twice, just in case. While it may sound like overkill, having an extra backup will give you peace of mind. If you’re using a third-party backup program, you will need to check the manufacturer’s Web site to see whether the program will be upgraded to work in Windows 7. If you aren’t using a third-party backup program, you’re probably using Windows XP’s native Backup Utility. As you may have heard, the file format used for this tool isn’t compatible with Windows Vista’s Backup And Restore Center. To provide for that, Microsoft released a special version of the XP Backup Utility, called the Windows NT Backup – Restore Utility. It’s designed specifically for restoring backups made on Windows XP to computers running Windows Vista. While I was unable to get official confirmation, it is a safe bet that this special version will work in Windows 7 or will be adapted to do so. If you aren’t willing to take that bet or you are not sure whether your third-party backup program will be upgraded to work in Windows 7, you can simply make copies of all your data files on CD/DVD or on an external hard disk. 5: Plan your data transfer strategy To move from one operating system to another, you’ll probably want to use a transfer program that will scan your XP system, pull out all your data and settings, and then transfer them to Windows 7. Fortunately, the Windows 7 Easy Transfer utility can provide this service for you. However, before you perform this transfer operation, it will be in your best interest to have a separate back up copy of your data (see #4). The new operating system will come with two copies of the Windows 7 Easy Transfer. One copy will be on the DVD and the other will be installed with the operating system. Before you install Windows 7, you will run Windows 7 Easy Transfer from the DVD and back up all your files and settings. Then, once you have Windows 7 installed, you’ll use it to move all your files and settings to the new operating system. You can learn more about the Windows 7 Easy Transfer by reading the article Step-by-Step: Windows 7 Upgrade and Migration on the Microsoft TechNet site. 6: Inventory your applications and gather your CDs Since you won’t be able to perform an in-place upgrade when you move from Windows XP to Windows 7, you’ll have to reinstall all your applications that passed the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor compatibility tests (see #1). It will be helpful to have an inventory of all the installed applications so that you can track down all your CDs or compile a list of Web sites for those applications you downloaded. While the report generated by the Upgrade Advisor will be helpful as you create an inventory, it won’t be comprehensive. To create a detailed inventory, you can use something like the Belarc Advisor. For more details, see the article Gather detailed system information with Belarc Advisor. 7: Become familiar with the new UI The UI in Windows 7 is quite different from the UI in Windows XP, and it offers a lot of new features. As a result, you may encounter what I call “UI Shock.” You’ll know what you want to do, but you’ll experience a momentary lapse of composure as you strive to adapt what you know about XP’s UI to what you’re seeing and experiencing in Windows 7. To ease the level of UI shock, you’ll want to become as familiar as possible with the features of the new Windows 7 UI. One starting point is Microsoft’s Windows 7 page. While a lot of the content here is essentially marketing related, it will give you a good idea of what to look for when you actually move into the Windows 7 operating system. To help you get right to the good stuff, check out: The Windows 7 features section, where you’ll find a host of short videos and descriptions. The Windows 7 Help & How-to section, where you’ll find a whole slew of step-by-step articles that show you how get around in Windows 7. Be sure to check out the section on installing Windows. You’ll also find useful information on the Windows Training Portal on the Microsoft Learning site. Be sure to check out: The Windows 7 Learning Snacks, which are short, interactive presentations. Each Snack is delivered via animations and recorded demos using Microsoft Silverlight. The Microsoft Press sample chapters from upcoming Windows 7 books. Viewing the free chapters requires registration, but it is a short procedure. Once you’re registered, you can access sample chapters from Windows 7 Inside Out, Windows 7 Resource Kit, Windows 7 Step by Step, and Windows 7 for Developers. 8: Check for XP Mode support If you discover that some of the applications you’re currently running in Windows XP are not compatible with Windows 7 (see #1) or you just want to keep Windows XP accessible, don’t forget about Windows XP Mode. This virtual environment includes a free, fully licensed, ready-to-run copy of Windows XP with SP3 that runs under Windows Virtual PC in Windows 7. As you consider the Windows XP Mode, keep these things in mind: Windows XP Mode is available only in Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions. Your computer must support processor-based virtualization. You can learn more about Windows XP Mode from the following TechRepublic resoruces: Determine if your hardware can support Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 Hands on: Windows 7 XP Mode 10 reasons why Windows 7’s XP Mode is a big deal 9: Ask questions You aren’t the only one making the move from Windows XP to Windows 7, so ask questions and share information you pick up along the way. Of course, you can use the TechRepublic discussion forums. But you should cast a wider net. One good place to connect with Microsoft experts is the Getting Ready for Windows 7 section of the Microsoft Answers site. Another good place is in the Windows 7 forums in the Windows Client TechCenter on the Microsoft TechNet site. 10: Subscribe to the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report TechRepublic’s free Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report newsletter, which is delivered every Friday, offers tips, news, and scuttlebutt on Windows 7. As we count down to October 22, the day that Windows 7 is to be released to the general public, we will be covering topics of interest to Windows XP users in more detail. You can sign up on the TechRepublic newsletters page. Source: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1000

I Dislike Laptops

OK, I know everyone has one or wants one. I just think they are more of a hassle than not. They fall, they over heat, their jacks fall off easy…shall I continue. Plus you over pay for the parts that come in them.

Sure you have portability…have that latte (that will spill on the keyboard) at starbucks. But what else do you have?

Ok, here is one…college classes….I guess it makes it a little easier to take notes.

Ok, I am obviously overworked when it comes to these broken laptops. Maybe a even a little bitter.

I do always suggest a PC over a laptop whenever possible. You get a lot more bang for your buck. You can still pick XP over Vista and build it your way.

That being said:
Dont be suckered by a cheap price tag at walmart for a acer laptop. Remember you get what you pay for. Research and ask questions before you buy your next laptop and if all else fails, you can always ask me.

Microsoft and their new attempt! Windows 7, Bing, Outlook 2010, MSE

Finally, Is Microsoft trying to fix their problems….?

First of all…Vista.

Why did it take so long to get Vista off the grid? Why did it take so long for Microsoft to come up with another functioning operating system? Vista’s issues include: Compatibility problems with software, too slow, driver problems, too many redundant security warnings, etc. Why do I have so many unhappy clients?

Well, the big fix supposedly is Windows 7 (I guess that is the only name they could come up with). I have 2 technicians who have been beta testing it and actually LOVE it. Yes, they Love it. They say it is all the things that Vista promised and has found very little problems with it. XP programs are compatible with 7, it is fast, the security pop-ups are not aggressive like Vista. This is supposed to hit the shelves sometime in August-September, I’ll keep you posted.

BING- A better way to search…Trying to compete with Google by using Yahoo as it’s search engine and calling it something else. Sure it looks pretty…goes fast too…but the best feature is (kids listen up) you can search for porn easier that ever! Free and with no adware too…so parents, you may never know. Ok, I admit I had to try this feature and BING…I had some of the raunchiest porn I have seen in about 2 seconds. Also, you can look up pirated movies and music extremely easy. I tried that too…and took me 2 seconds to find hot new movie releases playing in the theaters now. I know the word is that they are working on the porn issue…lets see what else is in the works…

Outlook 2010 has people up in arms…Big issue here is that it forces the user to use Word as it’s editor. The new Word does not use HTML in the correct way…and to break it down as easily as I can, you won’t be able to view most emails as we are used to. We may not even be able to see the web content at all. If you need more explanation on this, please let me know…but basically pictures will be out and Microsoft is not using web standards and forcing their users to do what they want…again.

Finally, MSE-Microsoft Security Essentials- a free anti-virus program for all to use. Well, we all remember the free forced update defender that was to help us all defend ourselves against evil doers. That worked out well (yes, sarcasm). Funny enough, if you download this free software, it disables defender anyway…meaning some items in this new and improved anti-virus still has defender in its make up. Ughh…on a good note, this will probably be good for business…bad for the consumer.

If you would like to add your opinions…please do. I personally am waiting for Windows 7 but I will use Google and an old copy of office…and PAY for my Anti-virus ! New system…in the fall!

Remote Computer Clean-ups…what is that?

You may see different computer companies advertising remote clean ups for your computer. You may be asking, what is a remote clean up? Is it safe? Can anyone come into my computer now? Well, I hope to try to clear some of your questions up.

Everyone knows what a slow computer does to your mood. You have a great job you found on Monster but now your resume wont upload. Your web browser is not moving fast between pages. You are bidding on something you have wanted off Ebay but the page wont load. Clicking on Microsoft Word and Outlook express takes forever to open.

If you clean up your computer regularly it will help you with all these frustrations. Taking “cookies” and temporary files and getting rid of them helps. Cleaning up special folders that holds junk and defragmenting helps. Checking your updates from Microsoft and your anti-virus helps. Even cleaning up Malware helps.

But what if you are not comfortable doing this yourself? What if you don’t have a time for a technician to come in and spend and hour or so in your home? What if there was a product that you can install so that someone can go into your computer and do all these things without you being there? Sounds scary to you?

Let me help you relieveyour fears. I can only speak for Friendly Computers but believe most computer companies work in the same manner. We can have you download a small program that will allow a tech to come into your computer. While we are in there, we will clean up your system, check out the specs on the computer (such as RAM speed and Processor speed). We can even download a malware remover program to scan out any you may have picked up.

When it is over, you have the full ability to turn it off (or disable it). Once disabled, your computer will not allow anyone in back in. You would have to turn it on and then give the user on the other end permission to do so. If you feel unsafe even still, you can always remove the program right after being serviced.

If you still don’t like the idea of someone being in your computer remotely, you can always sit and watch what the technician does. One reason is that you can learn what you need to do for computer yourself and two you can actually see them go in and do what it is they are supposed to do.

Hopefully you deal with a computer company that is licesned and insured and recommended by other people in your neighborhood, family or friends. Friendly Computers Charlotte will only do what it is needed and will not take vital information from your machine. We care about your data and will do all to protect it!

Please like always, ask any questions you may have or make any comments you have to make.

What to Buy? PC, Laptop, Mac?

Yes, I am a woman and yes, I work on computers for a living. This doesn’t mean that I don’t get confused with all the fancy and flashy gimmicks out there. I mean, it’s just a computer right? I know walking into a Best Buy can either suck you in or repel you. I get sucked in. I want all the big screens and loud surround sound systems and fancy computers. I can get mesmerized by the lights and sounds. So to save myself from myself, I do a lot of research. I know what I want before I go in there. OK, first, Desktop PC, Laptop, or MAC? I am a lover of the desktop. You can get a lot more bang for your buck when comparing a desktop to a laptop. Granted, you can’t carry around a desktop but if you need 1 solid computer, I would always have a desktop. It is cheaper to build a desktop and the parts inside are faster, come with larger hard drives, and a lot more bells and whistles than a laptop. Laptops are great for mobility. There are 2 types, a notebook or a netbook. A notebook is just what you think a laptop should be, bigger screen size, larger hard drives, dvd-rw drives…a miniature desktop. A netbook…is just what that sounds like…mobile internet. They have small screens, not much of a hard drive and generally no dvd/cd reader. It is made for internet access and not for data storage. You can not run a cd or dvd. Now, Macs…Great computer, now integrates well with PC programs and acts more like a PC. What Macs are known for is for their creative side…great for images, music, art…etc. They run efficiently and made differently than PC. Macs are very expensive and I recommend that if you are budget conscious and do not do a lot of creative things that you do on your computer, stick with a PC. A little unknown fact is that Macs do get viruses too and they do break down. Things to look for in any new computer: Brand Name (yes, there are some duds out there), Speed (the ability to access your programs and documents quickly) and Storage (how much can I put on this thing). Brand – Cheaper is NOT better. There are economy packages all over the place. They are put together poorly and have cheaper parts. It is not uncommon to have your newish computer die exactly one day over the warrantee. I promise I see it a lot. This doesn’t mean that you have spend a lot either, but please don’t be fooled by pricing and all the “extras”. In the end, the extras are all you will have. Now speed. There are 2 things I want you to look for: Processor speed/type and RAM. Yes, bigger here is better. Processor speed is measured in Ghz…again; all you need to know is the larger the number, the faster the computer is going to be. If the computer says Dual Core…this means it is has 2 processors in one. Each “core” is going to run at the speed of the Ghz…so 2 is better than one. Also, there are two major players in the computer world when it comes to processors. Everyone has heard of Intel but only a few recognize AMD. AMD is just as good as Intel. Plus they are generally a little cheaper than Intel. AMD is a fine choice. RAM- all you need to know is more is better. Generally anything new is going to have at least 1 GB (gigabyte) of RAM. The more you can afford the faster and efficient your computer will be. Storage- this will be determined by the amount of GBs stated on the hard drive. Again more is better. The larger the number the more pictures, music, files and documents you can store. Also, you can have a ton of programs stored. Most machines out on the market come with at least 250 GBs…use this as a guideline. I also want to take the opportunity to talk about Microsoft Vista. There are not many choices on PCs/Laptops for your operating systems. Big stores and computer outlets are only going to have Vista. There is another operating system coming out in fall to replace Vista. So far, reviews have been good. Vista has a lot of bugs and you may want to consider staying with XP. Generally, you can get XP from companies that custom build machines. Custom built machines are more reliable and you get what you pay for and no “freeware” or trial packages that clogs up your machine. So remember, cheaper is not always better, the bigger the number the bigger the bang…and don’t be fooled by flashy lights and a fancy gimmick. -Tara Belzer owns Friendly Computers in Charlotte NC. She has her own blog on www.tarabelzerfriendlycomputers.wordpress.com and talks about computer issues in an open forum. She enjoys helping people understand computers and make them feel more comfortable with them. Visit Tara’s Website at” www.friendlycomputers.com/charlotte

What are you really downloading when you download music, games and movies

Getting “free” music and media can seem pretty cool and almost exhilarating. You just figured out how to get something for nothing. But, what are you really downloading into your system? Is it really free…or are you paying for it some how, some way?

 

First, I am going to use the word Malware to represent viruses, Trojans, spyware and other malicious software. There is always a chance that you are picking up some sort of malware when you download media

 

Again, free is not always free. Any sharing site (like limewire, youtube, Kaaza) is just what it sounds like. You are opening up your computer for sharing…music, movies, etc. While you’re downloading the newest Beyonce song…someone is downloading something from you. Right there you are inviting others into your computer. All you need is one smart person to know a little about computers and they can capture all your information. Identity theft is a big problem these days and that free movie can cost you your name and financial information.

 

Secondly, you are allowing files to be downloaded onto your hard drive. Many if not most files have malicious code embedded in the background of that free song. Minimally you are allowing someone or something to track where you go (what websites you are visiting). Worse, you also can be downloading a virus that can wipe out your hard drive. How much do those pictures, documents mean to you? How much money will it cost you to get that machine repaired?

 

Teenagers love these free sites. They can put music on their MP3 players and movies on their ipods. They can share videos with each other and keep each other updated on social sites (facebook, myspace). It keeps them busy but can be jeopardizing the family computer in the ways I have explained.

 

The first mode of protection is to just keep an eye on what they are doing. If you see a ton of music, if you cursor is now a pretty bird or there are smiley faces (emoticons) in your emails…you can be sure the computer has been downloading items for some time.

 

Secondly, Anti-virus is a must. Not a free version Time Warner or AOL gives to you for using their services. Go out and buy a highly rated anti-virus. We sell Panda Internet Security and AVG internet security. I like them both because they update daily and catch things quickly.

 

Remember when thinking about anti-virus, there is no guarantee that ANY anti-virus can catch all malware at 100%. They update there database AFTER a malicious code was made. They other thing to keep in mind is to run the program. I think if you have tweens to teenagers in the house, scan your computer often.

 

The best prevention is just not to do it at all. It will protect the computer and all the information that it holds. It will save you aggravation and money in the long run and just not worth doing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What? Your computer is slow? Why?

Why is my computer running so slowly? When I bought it, it was so fast…but now I can barely get my internet up. Does this sound familiar? Computers sure can help us simplify our lives but when they stop working the way they used to, it can be frustrating. So what are the reasons a computer slows down?

 

Here are my top 5 reasons that I see on a daily basis:

 

• 1-Clicking yes on everything – Downloading tool bars – Just because it comes to you for free and promises to help you, doesn’t mean it actually does. Many times I see internet explorer bogged down with a yahoo toolbar, a Google toolbar, and other toolbars that take away resources from the browser. These small programs start up when you start up your internet and take away space and time. They promise you help with searching and finding things quickly, but when you have too many, it has the opposite effect. Also, when cruising on the internet…don’t click on everything that they give you. Yes, it’s free but how many computer clean up tools does a person need. Not only do they conflict with one another, they generally install malware (bad things that get into your system – spyware, adware, viruses, Trojans) that hurt your computer. Just remember…nothing is really for free…you are paying for it in one way or another
• 2- Boy, is this desk a mess - Not Cleaning up your files - Computers are like file cabinets. Eventually you can fill one up, have it overflow and you can’t find anything. Computers gather data that starts off making your life organized. What happens when you start stuffing it full of information? You need to clean your computer just like you would have to clean your file cabinet. All computers have clean up tools already installed in them. We just need to use them. Cookies, temporary files and set up files collect on your hard drive and over time clutter up and are hard to sift through. One should clean up (disk clean up and defragment) at least once a month. This keeps your computer running smoothly and with little issues.
• 3-I wanna play…pick me… Too many things running in background…start up – When you computer starts up, there are many programs that start up with it. The only programs that should run when your computer starts up are your anti-virus program, and any drivers (hardware) that need to make your computer run. That is really all you need. Sometimes I get computers that have multiple programs running such as limewire, quicken, Microsoft office, adobe, etc…and they take so much time to open. Only open programs that you need to use and then when you close them, you’re done. Why have these programs take away from your computer performance. So when download or installing, make sure you do not check the open at start up option.
• 4 –I don’t feel so well- Viruses or operating system issues – Installing freeware, downloading music and clicking on unfamiliar emails can leave your system open for vulnerabilities. Malware can come in many ways and can infect your system and certainly slow it down. You should get a highly rated anti-virus program and make sure it is updated daily. I recommend scanning your system once a week to make sure nothing comes in and if something does, hopefully, it will scan out. Remember no anti-virus can give you 100% protection, but the better ones help out tremendously. Remember what I said about freeware…you get what you pay for, so buy yourself a good one. Malware can start slowly…and eventually take over a system and render it useless. Also, it can cause operating system issues by making necessary files not work. It can corrupt your registry (where your system files, settings and options) and take over your system slowly. You may notice small issues but sooner than later, your computer will start to lock up, freeze and not boot.
• Ouch something is broken! – Hardware issues – RAM can be an issue if your computer is older than 3 years old. Programs are being made daily that need more speed and more space. Adding RAM can help these older computers. RAM helps with the speed on your computer. It helps the processor and hard drive work together. Also, If your hard drive is smaller and you are storing a lot of pictures and music, you may want to consider a large external hard drive to store your information on. Freeing up space on your hard drive makes cleaning up and defragmenting your computer easier. Sometimes these parts just start to go bad, and replacing makes a world of difference.

 

Follow these guidelines for basic care and maintenance. This will keep your computer running smoothly for years to come.

 

-Tara Belzer owns Friendly Computers in Charlotte NC. She has her own blog on www.tarabelzerfriendlycomputers and talks about computer issues in an open forum. She enjoys to help people understand computers and make them feel more comfortable with them. Visit Tara’s site at www.friendlycomputers.com/charlotte .

Finally Fast.com uhhh buyer beware – Ascentive LLC

Yes, it does sound like it will save you time, renew your computer, and most importantly, save you money. This software promises you that it will clean up temp files, fix registry issues…optimize your memory and will kill spam… This software says it will  update itself and customer support is given whenever needed 24/7. Well buyer beware…. there are a ton of complaints and issues with this software.

Complaints: will not remove itself from computer; downloads malware and trojan; Customer support is hard to come by; overcharges you; make false promises – keeps wanting more money for more parts of software that were not included; slows down systems; Refunds are hard to come by…do I need to say more.

So, when it sounds to good to be true, please do your research before committing to anything computer related. Otherwise there is always me to help you out. Plus, we would have been cheaper in the long run….and your computer would still be humming away…

Links to visit for complaints:

 

http://ascentive.pissedconsumer.com/

 

http://www.ripoffreport.com/searchresults.asp?q5=Ascentive&searchtype=0&q1=A

As always, send me your comments and questions and have a great 09!

Tara – Friendly Computers Charlotte

New Funny Hoaxes and Legends and Truths!

WARNING- This is true

BBB Alert: Phishing Scams Pose as Fed Ex and UPS to Con Consumers

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - December 4, 2008 - With only three weeks left to get holiday cards and gifts sent to loved ones, phishing scams are posing as holiday shipping and mailing services to scam consumers. The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the lookout for two new phishing scams this holiday season. Hackers and scammers are pretending to be customer service personnel from some of the biggest names in business – including FedEx and UPS.  Hackers are impersonating well-known companies in order to gain access to computer drives to steal your personal information including Social Security, bank or credit card numbers.  

 

“While most of the country is preparing to celebrate the holidays, cyber criminals are spreading computer viruses and stealing identities,” said Tom Bartholomy, president and CEO of The Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont. “Hackers using e-mail phishing messages are posing as trusted businesses to take advantage of the seasonal increase in online shopping and shipping of merchandise all across the country.” 

 

The BBB has the following advice:

 

Shipping scams – Hackers send phishing e-mails from “shipping companies” claiming that there is a problem with delivery of merchandise. Commonly, the e-mail will include a hyperlink for recipients to click on that will take them to another Web site that might install malware or solicit personal information. A message currently making the rounds has a subject line that looks like, “Subject: Tracking Number 13040065504.” The body of the message claims that a package could not be delivered and advises the recipient, “to print the copy of the invoice that is in the added file.” The attachment is actually a virus that will infect the computer.

 

BBB Advice: Instead of clicking on the link in the e-mail, go directly to the shipper’s Web site or contact the company via telephone to confirm whether there is a shipping problem with your package. Do not open attachments to unsolicited e-mails.

 

E-card scams – E-cards are a popular and inexpensive way to deliver season’s greetings to loved ones. With legitimate e-cards, the recipient receives an e-mail with a hyperlink that will take the user to the e-card which is housed on a Web site. Unfortunately, by design, e-cards are an easy way for hackers to disguise phishing e-mails and direct you to their Web sites which will install viruses and malware on your computer.  You should  be careful about clicking on a link in an e-card as the hackers will often use logos from recognized brands and companies in order to appear legitimate.

 

BBB advice: Phishing e-mails posing as e-cards can be difficult to spot. Spelling and grammatical mistakes should be a red flag. Also, do not follow the link in an e-card if you do not recognize the name of the sender. Consumers who receive suspicious e-mails should report them to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

 

For more information, please visit www.bbb.org or call the BBB (toll-free in NC and SC) at 1-877-317-7236.         

• and here is an example of this:

                           This is a HOAX:OK>….. here are some links from Snopes.com that will be real viruses:

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/obamavideo.asp

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/cnnalert.asp

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/obamaspeech.asp

And these are real HOAXES:

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/mobile.asp

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/gotyou.asp

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/jdbgmgr.asp

Friendly Computers hopes you enjoyed this!

Contact Fedex Delivery Man Mr.Daniel j Cole for your package of $800.000.00 United States Dollars, with your valid home address and phone number, find his contact below .Contact Person: Mr.Daniel j Cole Email fedexdispatchunit2008@live.com Telephone 0044-704-571-8669 0044-700-593-8850

0044-704-572-3886

Regard,

Mr.Wellingston Ferguson.

 

 

Dear Capital One Customer,

This is your official notification from Capital One. Your online account has expired. If you want
to continue using our service you have to renew your online account. If not, your online account
will be deactivated and deleted.

To continue click here, complete the renew form with your current
information.

Many Thanks and Kind Regards – Capital One Bank – Update Department

• Look at hyperlinks and pay attention to web addresses!
• I wish this was true:
• CHEVRON OIL/PETROLEUM COMMISSION

Abuja (Regional Office-North)

Plot 698, Zone B3,

Off Jelowo Idris Road,

abdul District,

Abuja.Nigeria

We bring to your notice,that during our

randomly select of

the(CHEVRON OIL/PETROLEUM)lucky winner,your

mail was the luckies

winner of our CHEVRON ONLINE BONANZA.So all

you have to do,

right away is for you to go on with the

forms filling,so as to no the

identity of our luky winner.you have to

quickly at fast as

possible,once again CONGRATULATION.

Draw (#385)

Date: 11th-November 2008.

Ticket Number:234867009 with a

Serial Number 80074/09

Winning numbers: 04, 08, 20, 05, 27, 16

(BONUS.20)

Amount: $7,500,000.00 USD

Contact the promotion Manager with the

information below:

Full

Names:………………………………

Contact Address:………………..

Nationality:…………..

Sex:……….

Tel:……………………

Home/Mobile:………………….

Fax:……………….

Occupation:………………………

Batch/Winning

Numbers:…………………………..

Mrital status:………………………

Country:…………………..

So your mailings are much needed,

Yours faithfully,

Mr: Ali Yusuf.

Services Manager,

Payment and Release order Department,

CHEVRON LOTTERY PROCESSING AGENT.

Federal Capital City,

Abuja.Nigeria

Email:mr_ali_yusuf660@yahoo.com.hk

Call Me @:+23480-7206-1247

Mr.Deji Suleman

Chevron Oil Petroluem Bonanza/Lottery

Coordinator,

Winning Department,

Custom Built vs. Store Bought Computers

So maybe you’re wondering….. which is better for your money — store bought or custom built computers? 

Well, it really depends upon what you are trying to do with that machine, and how long you want to keep it.  First off, a store bought machine can be a great value….. as long as you aren’t planning on doing too many upgrades in the future.  All of those “on-board” or “integrated” components basically just mean that if one component breaks, you can’t remove it… you just have to disable it, and add another to replace it.  So now you would have two of the same part in your machine, only one isn’t working.  Another thing to consider when you buy a store-bought machine is the warranty.  Yes, you can buy an extended warranty that gives you great coverage, but you have to take into consideration that that’s just an extra expense to add onto your bill.  If you don’t get that extended warranty, then you have only the manufacturer’s warranty, andyou will probably be stuck sending in your machine to some other state, then waiting for weeks to get it back.  And in order to make a claim, you will be making a call to the technical support line for Dell or HP or other reputable companies (and let me tell you, that isn’t fun….. it’s hard enough to explain the issue you are having, and even harder to explain it to someone that you can hardly understand).  All of your store-bought machines are pre-manufactured, and really are not too customizable, so you are stuck either getting more or less than you need.  And not having what you need in terms of speed can cost you some time down the road. 

On to custom built-machines… you basically tell the builder what you are going to do with the machine, what speed you are looking to get out of it, and how likely it is that you will be doing future upgrades.  With this information, the builder can help you pick out a motherboard/processor combination, the amount of RAM (memory) you need to suit your applications, and what will be the most dependable machine that will provide for your future needs.  The warranty that comes with the custom-built computers should also include on-site service for the duration of the manufacturer’s warranty period.  The builder you choose should also be able to offer you an extended warranty for an extra charge, but will also include on-site service. 

It’s really up to you which would better suit your needs now and in the future, store-bought or custom built.  Just remember that you should always ask questions before you buy.