Carlton Whatley Consulting

Everybody Needs This Software ASAP!

2011-10-12T11:17:00.001-07:00

*************** 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 denyoperation, 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 anaverage of 10 of these infections per month.

My experience with it is that it usually shows up on your computer as someform of exploitation. Some new-to-you program will all of a suddenappear on your computer - telling you your computer is infected with hundredsor thousands of viruses - and it tries to convince you to purchase theirsoftware to fix all the viruses. This entire situation istotally bogus ( it is itself the Malware). Do not buy theirsoftware... - but if you do happen to purchase their "fix"- then your computer will become even more infected with the Malware - and youwill not be able to recover the money spent on the software ( unless yourealize 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-malwareprogram called Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes Professional canbe purchased from www.malwarebytes.org - it costs $24.95 percomputer - unless you have more than 10 computers, then you can get lowerpricing. They also have a "free" version but it will notprevent the Malware from infecting your computer - so I strongly recommendto 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 thedirections to purchase the software. They will send you registrationinformation to your e-mail address. When you receive it, OpenMalwarebytes and click the "Register" button and copy/paste or typein 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 ofprevention is worth a pound of cure" situations...

Pay invoices from the website:

2011-10-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

Inorder to help keep overhead down, we have implemented the functionality for ourclients to pay open invoices using a credit ordebit card through this website. As ofJuly 2009, unless special arrangements have been made, we will no longer acceptchecks unless that is the only way you can pay.

Tomake a payment for an open invoice, please click on the "Make APayment" link in the Link Bar and fill out the form.

Crashing Hard Drive?

2011-10-12T11:14:00.001-07:00

If youhear a loud "clank -clank - clank" sound coming from your computerand 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:

2011-10-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

The battery backup UPS that helps keepyour computer running through power outages needs to have the battery inside itreplaced every 3 - 4years. The battery inside is a dry-cellrechargeable battery and like all batteries of this type, it looses its abilityto be recharged at some point. Withthis 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:

2011-10-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

I recommend and supportWindows Security Essentials.

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

Google "Microsoft SecurityEssentials" 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 ifyou have any problems

Microsoft Windows 7:

2011-10-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

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

(1) HomePremium

(2) Professional

(3) Ultimate.

Alsobe aware that there is no direct upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows7.

Contact me ifyou have questions about this.

Programs not to install:

2011-10-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

Whensome of the approved updates are being installed, some will pause and ask your permission toinstall other softwares.

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

Theseare:

AskToolbar

McAfee Scan

NortonScan

GoogleChrome Internet Browser

Safari(Apple) Internet Browser

Safe Programs to update:

2011-10-12T11:00:00.001-07:00

Manyof you write and ask about which software programs are okay to update - whenyou are notified by popups or messages...

Here'sa list of ones that are okay to update:

AdobeReader, Shockwave or Flash

Microsoft Security Essentials or AVG Antivirus

Malwarebytes

Bonjour (Apple)

iTunes

Java

LogMeIn

MSOffice (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Publisher)

Quicktime

               Windows Operating System Updates and Drivers
                Windows Genuine Advantage

Having problems with your internet connection?

2011-10-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Please - Try this before calling me or your Internet Service Provider.

Here's how to reset the Modem and Router...

Whenyou begin to have trouble connecting to or browsing the internet it usuallymeans the connection to your High Speed Internet provider has either beendisconnected or interrupted. When thishappens the modem needs to be reset so it can re-connect and again properlycommunicate with your ISP. This iscalled "power cycling". If youhave a router connected to the modem - then that has to be power cycledtoo. Here's how to do it.

Power cycling the Modem and Router (if there is one):

1. Turn offyour computer.

2. Unplug thepower cable from the back of your Modem - and if you have a router - unplug thepower cable from it too. ( don't get the cables mixed up)

3. Wait atleast 1 full minute.

4. Plug in thepower cable to the Modem and watch the lights on it. If it is Cable Modem, the "Cable"light should start blinking and then stop and burn continuously after about 30seconds. If it is a DSL Modem, the"DSL" or "Status" light should do the same. (If this light wont stop blinking, then youwill not be able to connect to the internet and you need to call your internetservice provider and tell them about it) . After that status light burns continuously, go to the next step.

5. If you havea router - plug in the power cable on it. If not, go to the next step.

6. Turn on yourcomputer.

7. After thecomputer completely finishes starting up - try to connect to the internet byopening a web browser ( Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc)

*** NOTE *** - The Modem and Router both have a"Reset" button on them near where the power cord plugs in... Please do NOT press the reset button unlessasked to do so by your ISP tech support - or by me.

If the computer still won't connect or if browsing is stillslow - contact your internet service provider (Charter, AT&T, etc).

Going to make changes with your internet service provider?

2011-10-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

Are you planning to make changes to your internet serviceprovider (Charter, AT&T, etc) - or to your in home or office network or addwireless capability? If so, pleaseconsider contacting me before you make these changes. Many times these kinds of changes create astressful or emergency situation. If Iknow about it ahead of time, most times I can help the process go muchsmoother! :-)

Software Help / Training / Tutoring

2011-10-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

If youneed training or software help, please contact Cindy Moors at (828) 242-9019

orto e-mail her, compu-ease@gmail.com

(Sheis really great with Quickbooks & Quicken and lots of other software!