"Something's Wrong with My PC/Phone/Mac/Technology"

"Something's Wrong with My PC/Phone/Mac/Technology"

Before you download something from a commercial that promises to clean your PC, check with an expert who can give you a free consult!

For me, realizing how overwhelming it is when working on the varying needs of those customers who sometimes don't really know if there is an answer to their question, or if the question they should be asking make sense!  If you are treated like that, than you are not finding the right person.  .

My real mission is to provide people with a better overall understanding of technology fundementals in order to save money  get the most out of what you have.

How do I know if I have a Virus? 

If your computer is doing things it shouldn't, you may have a virus or some type of malaware!   (Malaware are generally classified as programs that infect the computers to monitor and control the way you shop.  Viruses can do unimaginable things from copying your private access to turning your computer into a "sleeper cell" to attack other machines.

The following is a brief overview of how to identify  protect, insure yourself against viruses and data loss.

CyberSecurity "To pay or not to Pay"  -  
With so many "fix it for $29.95" option available, I hear people asking me constantly "what is safe?" (parents, if you have kids in college looking for a major, cyber security is the one to recommend) or "why are their TV commercials ??   "Will it be more trouble than it's worth?" or my least favorite " It's probably cheaper if I just buy a new machine."

Answer)  Backup your data to an external device or reputable online backup service (such as Carbonite)  Beware of System Doctors / Registry Cleaners / and always TRY before you buy.  There are a myriad of cost effective and even FREE options out there depending on what your problems ares!

This become ever more apparent after some of the more well known companies started trying to "slip the their antivirus software" into another install (Java, Flash), acting like the malawaye creators they are trying to protect their clients from.

Their are the programs out there which are developed by "open-source" programmers which meet or even exceed popular virus scanners such as McAfee (r)  and Norton(R) (among the many whose systems are more expensive and take up significant amounts of previous computer resources; just Google "Free Antivirus" and see the Top 10... but do your homework).  

You are paying for peace of mind, they are paying for market-share.   I'm not saying its all bad, but the beauty of the internet is the ingenuity of those out there who are working for reasons other than money, and a testament to capitalism in and of itself!

The following is not a one-size fits all to repair - it's a represnative piece on the way to think and problem solve a problem.  I am always available to help poin you in the right direction!

.2.  Ok, I'm infected... what do I do!?

A) Disconnect your computer from the internet immediately, and reboot the computer in safe mode (tap F8 while it's booting up.  The first thing to do is reduce the most common denominator  so since the internet is where it came from  disabling the internet for now can only help.

B) The next thing you want to do is sign off the computer and when the startup screen starts popping up, tap F8 repeatedly for additional options and boot in SAFE MODE.  At this point, run your virus scan and see what it does.  If it cleans the files, then start in SAFE MODE WITH NETWORKING and try duplicating the problem.  

C)  Once you know where you stand, you'll be in a much better position to know you have to do.  Chances are, you have to disable a few tool bars, uninstall some programs, and make some small changes.   However, a full diagnostic is highly recommend by someone who knows what they are looking for.  If your computer is DOA, usually the worst case scenario because system files were corrupted by the  virus and reinstalling the OS will overwrites them system.

 However, while it won't likely come to this, don't worry if it does:   this procedure only makes you reinstall your software but does not remove your exiting data!   Even if you don't know all of your license keys to reinstall some  programs, there are tools out there like Magic Jelly Bean that can help you find them.  

D)  From a safe computer, begin changing your passwords.   Remember, viruses and malaware record Keystrokes!

Additional Measures

Even if you are the most elementary user of technology, I can give you some hints on what is available, proven, and inexpensive to keep your computer safe.  There are fundamental things to understand to realize how you get viruses, how they can hurt you, and how you can prevent them from happening again.

Eventually, I'll be able to post more of these online but for now, I invite you to read something I put together during a complicated virus removal..

A “Non Techie” Guide to Disabling Java and Removing Possible Viruses:  http://bit.ly/1d23LeE

I am also at your service anytime, and I invite you to ask for a SimpleAssist:  518.290.7079 or 845.430.7650. 

Best Regards,

DPS