Saturday, April 12, 2014

Windows 8.1 Update, 4/12/14

Window 8 User?

Today's Windows 8.1 Update release brings some nice new features to Windows 8. Here's a list of the update's features along with explanations of how to use them:


Windows 8 is becoming more like Windows 7, and that's a good thing! Please CONTACT ME if you have any questions or concerns.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Warning: Avoid Computer-Related Phone Scams!

There is an increasing threat in the world of computer scams that all should be aware of: Some people have informed me that they have been contacted over the phone by someone claiming to be from Microsoft or a computer security company. If you ever receive this type of call, here is what to look out for:  
  • The caller uses urgent wording and claims that your computer is infected.
  • The caller asks you to allow them to remote-control your computer, at which point they proceed to access your private data or install fake antivirus software (which is itself a virus).
  • The fake software pretends to scan your computer, showing a huge number of false alerts.
  • The caller or the software claims to be able to fix your computer, but only if you pay them $$ or give them your credit card number.
  • Here is a YouTube video with a few more details:


It is very important to note: 
  • NEITHER MICROSOFT NOR ANY COMPUTER SECURITY COMPANY WILL EVER CALL YOU UNSOLICITED WITH THIS TYPE OF MESSAGE 
  • Anyone calling you who claims to be with a company that has detected that your computer is infected is a scammer.
  • Any programs on your computer, other than your known security software, that claim to have found huge numbers of infections, are scams.

The basic fact of the matter is that no company has any way to monitor what YOUR computer is doing specifically, and anyone claiming otherwise should not be trusted. ANYONE who claims to know what's going on with your computer is not telling the truth.

This is a rising problem in the computer world, but it can be avoided, and any damage caused by these types of scams can be fixed. If you have any questions about this matter, please CONTACT ME and we can see about getting your computer secured.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Print From Your Mobile Device To Your Printer!

Using Google Cloud Print (http://goo.gl/Mm1eT), it is possible to connect your printer to the Internet and print to it from your smartphone or tablet. This will enable you to print photos or documents FROM anywhere you have an Internet connection TO your home or office printer!

To use Google Cloud Print, you will need to have Google Chrome on your home or office computer that is connected to your printer. A few settings tweaks will connect your printer to the Internet: http://goo.gl/Nxazjg

You will also need an Android phone or tablet, or an iOS device like an iPhone or iPad. Install the Cloud Print app on your Android device or the PrintCentral Pro app on your iOS device and it will allow you to connect to your printer.

You can even print from a remote computer (like at a relative's house) by logging into your Cloud Print account and sending a photo or document to it from anywhere in the world!

Please CONTACT ME if you'd like some help getting this set up. It could serve a very useful purpose to those running a business or anyone else who would like to print from their mobile devices!

Windows 7 & Windows XP Alert

This article contains a few different items of importance.

1. In order to increase my availability in case of computer problems, I have made a Skype account that you can use to contact me.

If you have Skype already, you can click the 'Add a contact' button and search for me under the username of compmaint.

If you do not have Skype, it is available for free from their website HERE. Please let me know if you'd like some help setting it up.

2. If your computer has Windows 7 on it:

I wanted to make sure you are aware of an upcoming date of note. On April 9, 2013 you must have Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed to continue to receive security updates and vital system patches. For more info click HERE.

You can check to see if your system already has SP1 as follows:

   1. Click on the Start orb

   2. Right-click Computer and select Properties


A window will open with details on your computer. Below where it says Windows 7, it should say Service Pack 1.


If you don't see the words Service Pack 1 then you need to run Windows Update. There is a link for Windows Update on the lower left of that window to get you started.

3. If you are still running Windows XP, you have just over a year before all support is ended, regardless of the Service Pack the computer has installed. If you would like to see about upgrading to a new computer with a faster, more secure operating system, I'll be glad to discuss upgrade options with you.

As always I am available to help if you run into trouble or if your computer could use a tune up. Please CONTACT ME if you have any questions or if you would like some computer service.