Nov 7, 2010 | Computer Repair, Software
It is amazing how many files are being saved on the computer right now as this blog is being created. Hundreds of cookies, caches, and temporary internet files are stored in folders across the hard drive, taking up valuable space you need for important files.
A perfect tool that is free to download is called CCleaner 3.0 and it works like a miracle. I just downloaded it to test it out, it takes about two minutes total to get it up and running. It gives you a checklist of Windows applications on your computer, like Internet Explorer, Mozilla, and Google Chrome, that save tons of files every time you log on to the internet.
This tool is easy to use. It runs very fast searching through your hard drive, based on your selection of what you want deleted, and gets rid of all that crap you do not need. What is good about it is that when it is deleting all that crap, it knows what files to keep like email and other files that you use most frequently.In fact, that is what the name means: “Crap Cleaner 3.0”, just what we need!
What I love about using this tool for cleaning up my computer is that it really makes me feel that I have total control. Isn’t that what everyone wants for their PC? For me, having the ability to run a broom through my hard drive and clean up 118,096 MB of free space, is pretty freakin’ sweet!
Most of the programs used on the computer take “craps” on the hard drive, and after a while this can lead to a very slow PC. Another great feature of this program solves that riddle called DLL, that annoying error message that comes up when a file is missing. This program uses the registry cleaner, which searches the computer for those missing DLL files and solves the riddle.
What about those pesky start-up programs that clutter your computer as soon as you turn it on? No problem with the Crap Cleaner, it has a special tool to clear that crap out of there. By doing this your PC will be running like new again, simply because your PC will not be full of crap!
The new version has added new programs such as AVG Internet Security, Bittorrent, Audacity, and Windows Game Explorer. It gets better, after installing this program on your computer, all you have to do is sit back and let the cleaner do it’s job. The major problem people have with their computer is the speed it is running at. If it is not fast enough to their liking, then one of the first issues to look at is the crap that is covering the computer.
This is the way to thoroughly clean-up your PC. Yes, you can use the programs provided by Windows but this one is too easy. Keeping your PC clean should be easy, fast, and complete in doing the job. By giving you the control of what you want to be deleted, Crap Cleaner 3.0 is the ultimate cleaning tool.
Oct 27, 2010 | Computer technology, General, Software
If you have a PC, then you have a problem. It comes with the package when you first open up the box and plug in your computer. You cannot escape it, this inevitable attack on your privacy is something we all have to live with, but is there protection out there that will totally 100% stop thieves and hackers from messing with our computer?
Opinions vary on this issue, some think the idea preposterous and others are more sure of an anti-virus security that is able to protect the computer.
It all depends on what kind of security software you are using. Beware: just because a software like Norton or McAfee comes built-in and ready to go on a new computer does NOT mean that it is a good choice in protection. There have been a lot of complaint recently about this conundrum of having to deal with all these programs that are already installed on the computer, and cannot be removed. So what do can you do to find the right software?
Research. Read blogs like this one. Educate yourself, knowledge of which security programs work and which suck ultimately comes down to experience. In the case of internet and computer security, hearing about other people’s experiences with certain anti-virus software and how they either saved them or failed them is important information to people like you and me who might be clueless.
Let’s look at the record.
Firewall does not always protect your internet from being invaded by hackers, especially Windows firewall. In the past this has not worked, so check the record, for the future do not put your PC at risk by settling on a crappy firewall service. Firewall comes from the original lack of internet security back in the 80’s when the Morris Worm spread its way to thousands of computers shutting them down because there was unlimited access.
Firewall was introduced to restrict access. It acts as a traffic check, looking at all the communication coming into the computer and seeing if it matches with its own protocol. Web browsing, remote printing, email transmission, and file transfer are common forms of traffic that are stopped at the firewall. If it does not recognize the packet of information in the files coming in, it will ask you for permission to let it into your system.
For example: you just installed a business application that needs access to the internet in order to get updates. In order for this program to work properly, you need to give it the okay to access the internet, a box appears with yes or no. Firewall is very important in protecting your computer against attacks.
Best Anti-Virus Software
If you are cheap like me, then you are looking for the best anti-virus software that has the magical four lettered word attached to it: FREE. For this I choose Avira AntiVir Personal, where a lot of people chose this option based on its virus scan engine called “Luke Filewalker”. Very clever, they deserve a round of applause for that one! Unfortunately, as is the case with free programs, it lacks what you could get with the premium package. There is no email protection, parental controls, anti-spam, or firewall with the free program.
I recommend downloading Comodo’s Free Firewall to bolster the defenses along with Avira to make sure your computer is completely safe. To answer the debate about perfect protection? The answer lies in what steps you are willing to take against attackers by paying money for software or finding security programs that are free and can do what you need them to do so you can go along your way without worries.
Oct 21, 2010 | Computer Repair, News, Software
by Sean Wilcoxson
A new PC utility enables users to slim up there computer and cut down on all those programs you do not need which fills up disk space.
?Bloatware?, or software bloat, is a term that is used to describe the unnecessary features that are not being used but takes up valuable space on your computer. In the beginning, back in the 1970?s, every byte was accounted for because disk space was like gold not to be wasted. It seems in today's world the reverse is the normal: pack in the useless nonsense!
With all the new operating systems, browsers, protocols, and storage formats, no wonder your computer is fat and farting! For example, a program that once could only save in text format is now demanded to save in HTML, XML, XLS, CSV, PDF, DOC, and other formats.
In comes SlimComputer software from SlimWare Utilities, a useful tool that collects user ratings of programs that ship with that PC you ordered and aggregates them to make it easy to decide which ones to delete, and which ones to keep.
“As more users participate, we get more data. As we get more data, the better the ratings are,” said Chris Cope, CEO of Slimware, based in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Looking at these ratings, you might still be skeptical at whether or not certain programs are valuable or not. The tool will identify and remove programs that many users don’t want, like the free games that come with many PCs, and also list nonessential toolbars, startup items and shortcuts. Basically the SlimComputer eliminates all those annoying programs that take up all the space that you could be using to store all those ?movies?.
Why Is Bloatware Bad?
How does it feel to be bloated? Not good. That is what your computer feels, and it will go a lot slower than usual because it is too busy farting. Software companies often pay PC makers to include trial versions in the computer so you will get a nice variety of nothing!
This software can slow boot times, drag on performance, and take up disk space. Other examples of bloated software are trial productivity tools and accounting. So what can you do to get your PC up and running full speed?
With Slimware the main goal is to not interfere with important programs that are used to help the computer function properly. That would screw things up big time, no, what this program does is make it so that when you get a new computer or have an existing one, based on user ratings of how important a program is you can decide for yourself which ones to get rid of.
This is a valuable tool in this day and age of endless content that never ceases to fill up your screen with useless nonsense. Get rid of all that crap with slimware.
Microsoft, iTunes, and other applications like NERO burning ROM have been accused of being bloated. They come with all sorts of ridiculous add-ons and downloads that look great, but actually are just there to slow you down.
Here is a tip: if you feel your computer is bloated and is not as fast as you would like? Instead of buying a new expensive Sony laptop, download this free program and see how much money you can save by freeing up space.
Oct 20, 2010 | Computer technology, Malware, News, scam, Software
By Sean Wilcoxson
Adobe is releasing a new version called Reader X. Another name for that might be Adobe ?Bait-for-Hackers?. With the release of this new product which enables users to open PDF files and view them with even more content types, and expanded PDF access to mobile devices.
What also comes with the release of Adobe Reader X and other Acrobat X applications is the susceptibility of hacks and security issues that comes with the ongoing threat of malicious campaigns against programs such as these.
Even the chief security executive for Adobe said that there will be a bull?s-eye on this product once it is released in 30 days.
Adobe is taking the hackers into the sandbox.
To explain, a sandbox in the world of computers is a way of isolating running programs. This security mechanism restricts the ability of untested codes and third party programs to enter and see the network access and the host systems. In other words it makes the world of computers a better place because it plays nice and makes sure your computer isn?t running around the playground kissing every kid and telling about it.
While the sandbox protect mode will not stop attacks, it will at least stem them to a point where they are manageable. Hackers want bragging rights, so the first one to break into Adobe Reader X is a hero, and then it is off and running for them to cause chaos with your information and money.
Hackers can get into this program and exploit it by running the program with the looks and feel of the real thing. So when you put your credit card in to upgrading to full service or when you send money, although you think it is going to a legitimate company, it is really going to some fat over-weight asshole who needs your money to fuel his Twinkie addiction.
Sandbox is another word for isolation chamber.
Applets, which are self-contained programs that run in your operating system, are common in web browsers; they use the mechanism to safely execute untrusted code embedded in web pages. Java is a common one you might be familiar with. When it asks for your permission to run a program, that is an example of a sandbox doing its job.
The one major important job of the sandbox for Adobe and for your system is that is prevents viruses and Trojans from infecting you. If you do not want to get sick and lose all your memory and work that you have done for years on your favorite computer, make sure you have a sandbox application running. A common one is Sandboxie, which is a great tool for isolating the virtual processes in a controlled environment to allow for testing before it is sent out over the web and into your machine.
Adobe against the Hackers
The programmers at Adobe want to make sure that they come out on top over the hackers. A daunting task, but with 13,000 lines of code making it the most popular program to get this much attention, anyone trying to get into this sandbox will be tested to the fullest extent.
If you are downloading the new Adobe and are unsure about whether it is safe or not, remember the days of playing in the sandbox, and you should not have any more worries. The internet playground is a better place with a sandbox in it.
Oct 19, 2010 | Computer technology, email, General, networking, News, Software
Today Microsoft Office is on over a billion PC?s around the world. If you work in business or any company, chances are pretty good that email is involved, and Office is perfect for organization and ease of use.
Chris Capossela , who is the Senior Vice President of the Microsoft Office Division, has this to say on a new product that might interest users of Microsoft Office, and businessman who either own a small business or work in one.
?This is just the beginning; Office 365 allows us to take the Office suite and all the servers that go along with it, and move those to the Cloud with a world class productivity service. That really will define the next generation of productivity,? said? Capossela.
It looks like the world of computers and internet is improving for the better. Major factors involved include ease of use, how fast it is, and results. Microsoft Office 365 delivers every day of the year, hence the name.
?No other online service can provide the rich productivity capabilities of Office 365, the ease of use and depth of services, combined with the communication and collaboration of Exchange Online, SharePoint online, and Lync Online, deliver incredible benefits for organizations of all sizes,? said Betsy Webb, who is the General Manager for the Microsoft Office Division.
Small businesses that do not have formal IT staff but have big business needs for communication and collaboration will find a home here. Office 365 provides services for small businesses who want to get up and running in minutes.
You can share your work right with others with the broadcast capabilities of Powerpoint. Make a presentation on your laptop at the office and have that sent to the people who cannot make the meeting.
Sharepoint Online ?allows every employee of your company to have their own website, a sort of Facebook that allows each employee and employer to find each other and connect in ways they could not before.
Certain abilities like PC to PC communication are great for small businesses. Employees are able to work across distances with audio and video conversations, Microsoft Office 365 creates an easy living world in your business.
Here is a look at the specifics.
Microsoft Exchange Online is designed for organizations who want to get the benefits of cloud-based email without sacrificing the business-class capabilities that Exchange Server has been providing for decades.?Built on the same technology as Exchange Server 2010, Exchange Online provides organizations with the latest capabilities including built-in archiving, optional Conversation View, and MailTips, along with powerful web-based tools for managing online deployments.? With Exchange Online, Microsoft handles the ongoing maintenance, patches, and upgrades of the Exchange infrastructure while providing IT administrators the control and flexibility they require.
With SharePoint Online the services are there for you to make life easier. Manage and share personal documents and insights with colleagues using ?MySites?, a great feature like Facebook. Keep teams in sync with shared document libraries, task lists and calendars with Team Sites. SharePoint allows you to stay up to date on company news, events and business updates with Intranet Sites. Another good feature is the ability share documents and insights securely with partners and customers using Extranet Sites.
The last feature is called Lync Online. It is a next-generation cloud communications service that connects people in new ways, anytime, from anywhere. Lync Online provides intuitive communications capabilities across presence, instant messaging, audio/video calling and a rich online meeting experience including PC-audio, video and web conferencing. Transform your interactions with colleagues, customers and partners from today's hit-and-miss communication to a more collaborative, engaging, and effective experience.
All in all, if you have a small business and already use Office 2007, the upgrade to Cloud could mean increases in productivity and results. Personally I have not checked out this Cloud business, as it is only in Beta form right now. It looks promising, with the future of communication happening today, I would check it out.
Apr 14, 2010 | Computer Repair, News, Software
Have an iPad and Carbonite online backup service from Computer Geeks? Now you can access the files you’ve backed up from your desktop on your iPad with the free Carbonite app! This is great for the person who is on a business trip to New York and needs a file on their computer, but lives in Boston. Have no fear! It doesn’t matter if your in Houston, Dallas, Washington DC or even Philadelphia or Phoenix, you can access your information as long as you are connected to a signal!
Carbonite keeps secure copies of your files on their servers in case of hardware failure or other data loss. It’s completely automated and secure, and could save you thousands in data recovery costs. The new iPad app adds the ability to access your backed up files from anywhere in the world with your iPad. Your Computer Geeks tech can help you purchase and configure Carbonite service for your laptop or desktop computer to make sure all of your files are protected and available on the go.
To learn more about this, give us a call at 800-433-5435 or send us an email service@geekchoice.com . We look forward to hearing from you!
