www.simtechcomputerservices.com http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 Protecting your Computer from Viruses http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2012/01/10/protecting-your-computer-from-viruses/ http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2012/01/10/protecting-your-computer-from-viruses/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/?p=11 It doesn’t matter if you are using a game console, business voip service or your home computer. Any internet-connected device has the potential to be hacked and plagued with viruses if the proper steps aren’t taken. A virus on your home computer can be a truly traumatic experience and while some might not think it’s quite as severe as a home invasion, think about this:

A skilled hacker can obtain the personal information, banking information, credit card digits – all the information necessary to fulfill their objectives and ruin your life, and all they need is a way in. Of course, some hackers just need a crack in the wall to worm their way into your life which is why virus protection is not only integral but an unofficial mandate to anyone using the internet.

Reliable antivirus software isn’t hard to find and they often involve yearly plans with rates you can afford. Some of the big names like Symantec and MacAfee are constantly being updated with new and useful information as the viruses constantly mutate and change to evade detection. There are also free antivirus programs you can find as well but you need to weigh the risk of using a free, third party program against the consequence of it not working.

We use computers more often than we like to admit – you should protect your computer at all costs.

]]> http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2012/01/10/protecting-your-computer-from-viruses/feed/ 0 The Truth About Outdated Computer Virus Protection http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/19/the-truth-about-outdated-computer-virus-protection/ http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/19/the-truth-about-outdated-computer-virus-protection/#comments Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/?p=10 PC users buy virus software all the time, but few users ever bother to renew subscriptions or update virus protection. They have outdated programs, and this is often the entry point for new viruses that infect their systems.

Virus definitions have to be updated. PC users may think that it is some sort of scam, but it is not. Even free virus protection programs require updates of the virus definitions. This is often the only way that the program can really be effective.

A new virus that surfaces may not be recognized by an outdated program at all. This is why it is important to do the updates on a regular basis. Virus, spyware, and malware is changing all the time. The same virus that attacked your system several years ago will not be the same virus that attacks today.

Virus protection programs are only good at stopping attacks when they are up to date. The majority of the software programs allow people to connect to servers. Once they connect they can update their accounts.

People that stick to their outdated virus protection programs will find themselves at risk. They will become more vulnerable to attacks from new virus threats.

]]> http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/19/the-truth-about-outdated-computer-virus-protection/feed/ 0 Does My Computer Have A Virus Or Not? http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/15/does-my-computer-have-a-virus-or-not/ http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/15/does-my-computer-have-a-virus-or-not/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/?p=9 The best way to tell if your computer has a virus is by seeing if it has slowed down significantly in a short time. All computers slow down over time but if you notice your computer is suddenly running slow you may be infected.

You can use a virus identification tool. You should be careful and choose one from a reputable online company. Some virus are hidden within programs promising to spot viruses. Install an anti-virus program and have it run a test on your whole system.

If you suddenly see multiple pop ups on your screen for no reason your computer is certainly infected. Check your task manager when there are no programs loaded. Your CPU should be barely registering any cycles when no programs are loaded. If your Task manager is riddled with CPU cycles for no reason you should be suspicious.

Finally check to see if your Windows Machine still has the important Msconfig file. You also want to click on the start button then choose run and type in regedit to make sure that the registry still loads. If the Msconfig file is missing or the registry editor does not load you definitely have a virus.

]]> http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/15/does-my-computer-have-a-virus-or-not/feed/ 0 Get The Most Out Of Depleted Computer Battery http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/11/get-the-most-out-of-depleted-computer-battery/ http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/11/get-the-most-out-of-depleted-computer-battery/#comments Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/?p=8 As laptop batteries age, they stop holding charges for long periods of time. This can become a hassle and interfere with one of the greatest features of laptops – portability. Here are some suggestions to extend the life of your battery and to get the most out of each charge.

1. Keep the battery charged between 20 and 80. Overcharging or undercharging is harmful to the battery cells, making them work harder and wear out faster.

2. Keep the laptop battery cool. Batteries can heat up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too hot and will begin to damage the battery.

3. Turn off extra programs that are not needed. This will keep the battery running longer on a single charge since it will not have to power as much.

4. Dim the screen brightness. One of the biggest charge-killers is the screen. Dimming it will greatly prolong the time your laptop can go on a single charge.

5. Cut down on devices used. USB devices (mouse, flash drive) and WiFi drain battery life.

Practicing these tips with old or depleted batteries will extend life and usability. Always take care to the most mileage out of your laptop as possible.The information party rocks on: Laptop power saving tip

]]> http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/11/get-the-most-out-of-depleted-computer-battery/feed/ 0 Reasons Your Computer May Be Having Internet Connection Issues http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/08/reasons-your-computer-may-be-having-internet-connection-issues/ http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/2011/09/08/reasons-your-computer-may-be-having-internet-connection-issues/#comments Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.simtechcomputerservices.com/?p=7 Nothing can be more irritating than losing your internet connection. This has happened to me on a few occasions and it is a very frustrating situation. One of the main reasons your internet connections fails has to do with a reset at the router. At times, the router can be knocked offline and must be reset manually. If this is the case, then just press the reset button for ten seconds and the router will reboot. This should reconnect you to the internet within minutes. Another reason you might lose your connection involves power failures. This can happen during storms and in most cases you are out of luck until the power is restored. Occasionally, your computer will mysteriously drop the connection. If this happens, simply restart your computer to reconnect to the router. One of the most frustrating connection loses happens when a cable line is severed. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do in this case and the provider must correct the issue. The last interruption can take place if you use satellite internet. Much like satellite television, the dish can be disrupted by sun spots. Luckily, these kinds of disruptions are minimal and can quickly resolve themselves.

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