Everybody Needs This Software ASAP!

*************** This is very, very, super important information  ****************

Maybe you've heard the term "Malware" recently...  "Malware" - Wikipedia's official definition is short for: Malicious software - consisting of programming designed to disrupt or deny operation, gather information that leads to loss of privacy or exploitation, gain unauthorized access to system resources, and other abusive behavior.

This type of infection is very popular lately.  I am removing an average of 10 of these infections per month.

My experience with it is that it usually shows up on your computer as some form of exploitation.  Some new-to-you program will all of a sudden appear on your computer - telling you your computer is infected with hundreds or thousands of viruses - and it tries to convince you to purchase their software to fix all the viruses.   This entire situation is totally bogus ( it is itself the Malware).  Do not buy their software...  - but if you do happen to purchase their "fix" - then your computer will become even more infected with the Malware - and you will not be able to recover the money spent on the software ( unless you realize you've been scammed and call your credit card company within an hour).   If this situation occurs, call  me as soon as possible.

The "real" fix is to purchase and install an anti-malware program called  Malwarebytes.   Malwarebytes Professional can be purchased from  www.malwarebytes.org -  it costs $24.95 per computer - unless you have more than 10 computers, then you can get lower pricing.   They also have a "free" version but it will not prevent the Malware from infecting your computer - so I strongly recommend to go straight for the "Pro" version.

If you already have Malwarebytes Free version on your computer...
Open it and click on the "Purchase" button.... follow the directions to purchase the software.  They will send you registration information to your e-mail address.   When you receive it, Open Malwarebytes and click the "Register" button and copy/paste or type in the information that was sent to you. 

While some anti-virus software has some prevention against Malware, no anti-virus software is a total solution for both viruses and malware.   Amazingly, only about 3% of bad stuff out there is classified as a virus - so all the more reason to use software designed to stop Malware from infecting your computer in the first place!

The cost to prevent this This is definitely one of those " an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" situations...

Pay invoices from the website:

In order to help keep overhead down, we have implemented the functionality for our clients to pay open invoices using a credit or debit card through this website.  As of July 2009, unless special arrangements have been made, we will no longer accept checks unless that is the only way you can pay.

To make a payment for an open invoice, please click on the "Make A Payment" link in the Link Bar and fill out the form.

Crashing Hard Drive?

If you hear a loud "clank -clank - clank" sound coming from your computer and it is either running very slow, erratically or not at all - Please turn the computer off as quickly as possible as this "clank" sound is nearly always associated with a hard drive in the process of "crashing".  After you turn off the computer, please notify me as soon as you can.

Battery Backup UPS Important Info:

The battery backup UPS that helps keep your computer running through power outages needs to have the battery inside it replaced every  3 - 4 years.   The battery inside is a dry-cell rechargeable battery and like all batteries of this type, it looses its ability to be recharged at some point.  With this type of battery, that time interval is about 3-4 years. 

I recommend Batteries Plus on  Hendersonville Rd. (828)277-6776.

If you do not have a Battery Backup UPS on your desktop computer, I strongly recommend to obtain one ( one for each desktop computer - laptops don't need one).

               

Antivirus Software Recommendation:

I recommend and support Windows Security Essentials. 

It is 100% Free - and they will never bother you about upgrading - as there is no upgrade.

Google "Microsoft Security Essentials" and follow the link to download and install. 

After you install - Don't forget to uninstall AVG - or any other anti-virus software. 

Let me know if you have any problems

Microsoft Windows 7:

Microsoft Windows 7 is out and is being well received by the industry.  I had my reservations about it but have to say that after many encounters with it that I like it and recommend it for your next computer purchase.  That said, I would like to recommend that if you do get Windows 7 on  your next computer to go with the at least the "Professional" or "Pro" version - not the "Home" version. Versions offered are:

(1)  Home Premium

(2)  Professional

(3)  Ultimate.   

 Also be aware that there is no direct upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows 7.   

Contact  me if you have questions about this.

Programs not to install:

             

When some of the approved updates are being installed, some will pause and ask your permission to install other softwares.

                During installation, Please un-check any of these software offers as, generally,  you do not need them and they may slow your computer operation down.

                These are:

                Ask Toolbar

                McAfee Scan

                Norton Scan

                Google Chrome Internet Browser

                Safari (Apple) Internet Browser