Does Your Computer Need a Fresh Start?
If your PC is sluggish, crashing, or generally misbehaving, chances are it could benefit from a reformat, a "clean install" of the system to get it back to factory specs. No worries: when it comes to reformats, nobody does it better than PC Liferaft. Over the years, we've done so many that we've lost count...but it's probably in the thousands.
Can your computer be "disinfected" rather than reformatted? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, but based on your individual circumstances we may recommend you play it safe. Once your computer is infected with spyware, worms, or other malware, the only way to be certain that it's clean is to start fresh. Most important of all, PC Liferaft can both guarantee that your computer is clean and help you keep it that way.
Of course, not every computer needs a reformat. Call us and let us help you be sure that you'll be practicing safe computing both today and tomorrow.
Malware is Everywhere
Roughly half the computers we see are infected with some sort of malware (viruses, worms, spyware, etc.). They may slow the system or cause endless pop-up ads, but what's worse is that you may never see any adverse effects at all. Why, you might ask, would that be worse? Imagine that a stealthy bit of software is running quietly in the background on your computer, listening for patterns of keystrokes that look like credit card or bank account numbers, then sending those numbers to criminals for resale on the black market?Not a happy thought.
Fortunately, like most criminal types malware tends to focus its energies on the unwary and unprepared. If you follow safe computing practices, chances are you can avoid becoming a victim. Feel free to call us at (423) 208-9695 or e-mail to support@pcliferaft.com if you have questions or concerns.
BEST PRACTICES
Over the years as countless computers have passed through our hands, we've detected patterns in the problems we see, and thought long and hard about how the worst problems might be prevented. Here are our recommendations:
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Data Independence
We can't say it enough: the computer is expendable, but the data it contains--pictures, tax returns, important school or work documents--is not. If your computer dies, right now, how much do you stand to lose?Your data needs and wants to be independent of a single computer. Web-based e-mail such as Yahoo or Gmail provide good examples: you can access your mail from anywhere in the world with a decent Internet connection because your e-mail is not tied to one computer. A good system of automated back-up (another of our favorite best practices) will move your other documents one step closer to that ideal.
Less... Automatic Backup
Backing up your important files is kind of like flossing your teeth: we honestly intend to do it, but don't get around to it quite as often as we'd planned.Fortunately, there are plenty of options for automated backup, although not all of them work as well as advertised. We are currently big fans of the Seagate Freeagent 1 Terabyte external hard drive, which sells for around $120. How much is your data worth to you? If you need help installing your drive, call us and we'll bring the drive and set it up for the cost plus only $20 to cover our travel--that's how important we think this is. Less...Careful Where You Click!
You can run the best security software in the world and still get infected if you click carelessly.Be especially careful opening attachments (even those allegedly coming from friends, via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, or whatever). When in doubt, wait and ask. Beware of windows that pop up and say you are infected with something--fake antivirus alerts can cause you endless grief. No legitimate vendor will pop up a screen telling you to purchase their product in that fashion. If a rogue antivirus window pops up, do not click anywhere, even on the "x" to close the window. Try Alt+F4 instead, and if that doesn't work, click START and shut down the computer. If the issue persists on restart, call us! Less...Windows Updates
Not keeping Windows computers updated with the latest security patches from Microsoft is a leading cause of infection.Your computer should be set to update automatically and you should install those updates when you are prompted. Ever seen the "gold shield" in your taskbar (bottom right corner of the screen)? When you see it, click and you'll probably be told that updates are ready to install. These are critical updates issued typically on a bi-weekly basis (but sometimes even more often) which you should always install unless you have a very good reason not to. Less...Antivirus
A good antivirus is similar to a flu shot for your computer. Having an up-to-date antivirus application doesn't mean you can't be infected, but it's a crucial way to minimize the chances.Many new computers come with trial versions of antiviral products that expire within 30 to 60 days; once expired, they will no longer protect you from the newest threats. Popular products such as McAfee and Norton antivirus are fine, but there are also free versions such as AVG that will do the job. If you need help choosing or installing a product, contact us and we'll be happy to advise you. Less...Install Only What's Necessary
It's a simple truth: the more you install on your computer, the more chances for problems and slowdowns.It doesn't help that most computers today come with dozens of unnecessary programs pre-installed, but there are literally thousands more available on the Internet. At some point the clutter will begin to have a serious effect on your computer's performance. We're not saying you shouldn't install software that you need; just be aware that just as in life, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Install only what you need and no more.
What to do if your computer is already feeling bloated? We'll be happy to assist you in determining what you need and what you don't, and uninstalling the extras. Less...Use My Documents
Most software will try to store your documents somewhere under the MY DOCUMENTS folder. This is a good thing.It's fine (and in fact wonderful) to make your own folders and organize your files just as you would a physical file cabinet, but whenever possible keep everything inside of MY DOCUMENTS instead of scattering them about. By doing so you'll make it easier for automatic (or manual) backup software to copy your files, or to be sure you don't leave thinigs behind when you move to a new computer or have to reformat. A few minutes setting up a system of organization can save a lot of headaches down the road. Less...A Clean Desktop
The desktop of your computer (the "main screen" you see after it starts up, before you start any applications) is called that because it's just like the physical top of a desk: a place meant to hold just those things you are working on that is all too easily cluttered up with other things.Get rid of the shortcuts to programs, especially those you don't need (you can always start them from the Start Menu); delete installer programs you've downloaded; organize and drag files to MY DOCUMENTS. You'll get back the time you spend organizing and cleaning up the next time you're looking for something important that isn't surrounded three dozen other icons. Less...Organize Software
Most computers come new from the store with a variety of software CDs or DVDs, most or all of which are already installed. Don't just mix those CDs with the dozens of others you already have.Instead, physically organize your software so that you can find it a year later if you need it. Organize it by computer in a CD wallet or (our favorite) tape or staple the sides of file folders shut to form "file pockets" you can keep in the filing cabinet. A little time spent now when you've got some to spare is worth much more down the road when you need something in a hurry. Less...Help Yourself
It's midnight, and you can't figure out how to format multiple columns in Microsoft Word. Is there any hope?You can find the answers to many of your own computing questions through search engines such as Google. Type in the key words of your question or problem, always including the application and version you're using, and scan the results. For example, you might type "Word 2007 columns" to see how to use columns in Microsoft Word. Is everything you find helpful or even accurate? No, but if you keep sifting you'll probably find the solution you need.
Don't overlook another resource at your fingertips: the HELP button in the application itself. Companies such as Microsoft have put a lot of thought into helping you help yourself, so give it a try. It's bad for our business, but good for you. Less...
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We don't love computers. We love what they help us achieve.
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E-mail webmaster@pcliferaft.com or call (423) 208-9695.