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!

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 .

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!
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Viruses and Anti-Virus Issues

So, How many out there have been hit with a virus? How many out there have been hit with a virus even though you had the most up and coming anti-virus installed on your system? Every wonder why this happens even though you paid good money for protection?

First lets start with viruses themselves. Better yet, lets call them all MALWARE since spyware, adware and trojans all can infect and mess up your computer. Broke down simply, it is a computer program designed to destroy information, gather information, become a nuisance…or just to be malicious and destroy your hard drive. They (who are they) say that there are over 3500 new viruses or malware springing up every day. Their only intent is to cause some sort of harm.

The usual ways that these malware programs come into your machine is primarally by YOU!!! Not to scare you too much but here are some ways that this happens:

Email Attachments-DO NOT OPEN attachments unless you know the person or source. Be very sure you don’t get fooled by FAKES (SPOOF MAIL) either. Pay attention to how things are spelled and laid out. Close is not close enough

SPOOF WEBSITES- They almost look real but they are NOT. www.ebay.com is a well known website….www.1ebay.com is NOT.

DOWNLOADING- yes, i have been know to download items that even I should be wary of. Remember if you download it…you are permitting whatever it is to come into your system…weather music or movies or free whatever…if you don’t trust it, don’t do it! and if you do it….don’t trust it….lol.

There are a bunch more ways to get malware into your system but just wanted to get you to start thinking and ask me questions. Let me answer the question that I started to ask a bit ago.

WHY? I have anti-virus and I should be protected. I spent a fortune and I still get viruses…….WHY?

First, there is NOTHING out there that can guarantee you a 100% that you will be protected. Yes, some anti-viruses are better than others and yes free doesn’t always mean bad….but…imagine with me for a moment….

I am a smart, lonely, pre-teen/teenager and am tired of playing video games at home. I can put together a computer in my sleep and my bedroom is already networked with multiple servers and computers that I put together with my buddies. We all played every game, already know a ton about networking. What I need is mental stimulation and a little fun trouble…I know, I will manipulate some computer codes…lets see what this does. Wait, lets download a spammer and mail it to everyone we know (or maybe know and don’t like)…oh and let’s attach a worm so that it attaches to the computer’s address book and more people can be harmed.

How many smart kids you think are out there? Plus, that is just one scenario I am laying out.

Computer viruses are being made in droves EVERY DAY….and the makers of most anti-virus try to maintain that…but it is impossible. One may come out today and infect today and then may be recognized by the  anti-virus program tomorrow…but it still infected someone.

Remember, there are over 26 million recognized viruses out there….and a lot more to be made and a lot more to destroy.

Again, I write to ask you to write me and ask questions. We can all learn together!

Til next time,

Tara