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Important things!
You Should Know
We see lots of people with their respective computer problems daily, the percentage of these customers who are ill informed or simply don't know the things others take for granted is very high. So we have put together this section of our site to try and educate our customers and visitors to those important aspects of using a computer.
You Should Know
We see lots of people with their respective computer problems daily, the percentage of these customers who are ill informed or simply don't know the things others take for granted is very high. So we have put together this section of our site to try and educate our customers and visitors to those important aspects of using a computer.
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Download Limits & Speed
Some people opt to have cheaper Internet connections and without understanding what they are actually signingup for. There are two (2) main things you need to consider when choosing an ISP (Internet Service Provider), firstly the speed of your connection. There are many different levels of speed you can get we recommend a minimum connection speed of 1500 kbps or 1.5 Mbps this way you get to enjoy faster load times and better streamimg of video. A common response is we dont mind it being slow however as your confidence and abilities grow - which they will - a slow connection speed becomes frustrating.
Secondly, download limits, some ISP's offer cheap connections with very low download limits. We have had customers say that they dont download so a low limit is fine until they discover they are actually exceeding their allocated data transfer allowances. Whenever you make a connection to the Internet you are downloading, the webpage dispalyed in front of you has been downloaded, those emails you recieve have been downloaded, Windows and other applications on your computer download updates regularly, so even without you initialising a download, you are in fact already downloading.
So consider this when signing that contract with your chosen ISP.
Some people opt to have cheaper Internet connections and without understanding what they are actually signingup for. There are two (2) main things you need to consider when choosing an ISP (Internet Service Provider), firstly the speed of your connection. There are many different levels of speed you can get we recommend a minimum connection speed of 1500 kbps or 1.5 Mbps this way you get to enjoy faster load times and better streamimg of video. A common response is we dont mind it being slow however as your confidence and abilities grow - which they will - a slow connection speed becomes frustrating.
Secondly, download limits, some ISP's offer cheap connections with very low download limits. We have had customers say that they dont download so a low limit is fine until they discover they are actually exceeding their allocated data transfer allowances. Whenever you make a connection to the Internet you are downloading, the webpage dispalyed in front of you has been downloaded, those emails you recieve have been downloaded, Windows and other applications on your computer download updates regularly, so even without you initialising a download, you are in fact already downloading.
So consider this when signing that contract with your chosen ISP.
Why I should Update
Firstly, updating your computer doesn't mean buying a new one. If you are using a PC then chances are that it has Microsoft Windows installed, either XP, Vista or 7. Whatever version of Windows you use requires updates to be installed regularly. As the most commonly used operating system for PC, Windows is a major target for those in the world that see it as a challenge to attempt to destroy, disable or compromise it in any way possible. However Microsoft spends millions of dollars to ensure it remains safe by closing holes, these hackers have found. Each Tuesday, Microsoft releases updates and patches to help you stay safe and all these updates are free to you, all you have to do is install them. Microsoft even lets you know that these updates are available by placing a small icon near your clock ( bottom right hand corner) to inform you.
We see many computers that have been victims of infections that could have been avoided if these updates had been installed. So the next time you see this icon, you need to make it a priority to install them.
Firstly, updating your computer doesn't mean buying a new one. If you are using a PC then chances are that it has Microsoft Windows installed, either XP, Vista or 7. Whatever version of Windows you use requires updates to be installed regularly. As the most commonly used operating system for PC, Windows is a major target for those in the world that see it as a challenge to attempt to destroy, disable or compromise it in any way possible. However Microsoft spends millions of dollars to ensure it remains safe by closing holes, these hackers have found. Each Tuesday, Microsoft releases updates and patches to help you stay safe and all these updates are free to you, all you have to do is install them. Microsoft even lets you know that these updates are available by placing a small icon near your clock ( bottom right hand corner) to inform you.
We see many computers that have been victims of infections that could have been avoided if these updates had been installed. So the next time you see this icon, you need to make it a priority to install them.
Protection Better Than Cure
Once upon a time in a land... Back in the early days to become infected you had to download an executable file - exe, com or bat - to launch the infection on your computer. Sadly in today's world of technoloical advancements all you need is an active Internet connection.
It's not a matter of downloading the wrong things or visiting a naughty website, though these things increase your risk they are by no means the only source. Having no protection and simply going to Google will see your computer compromised. Therefore to protect not just your computer and its data but to also protect yourself and your family you must have some form of security installed.
There are many forms of security software available today and everyone has their favourite, but really it doesn't matter what you use as long as you have one of them. Most require you to pay an annual subscription fee and their are some that are free. Please keep in mind that some companies offer a free version that is limited to entice you to purchase their full version. Of all the freebies we have used the one that has proven and is proving to be a great choice is Security Essentilals created by Microsoft for Microsoft and is not limited to entice you further.
As with Windows updates, your security software must also be updated regularly at least daily or more often if possible. With tthe common use of broadband these days these programs update themselves but it pays to check them often to ensure this is the case. The next thing is to also ensure that a full system scan is done regularly at least once a week.
Your security software can only protect you against infections it knows about and infections are released onto the Internet every hour so unless you keep it updated your chances of becoming a victim increases.
Once upon a time in a land... Back in the early days to become infected you had to download an executable file - exe, com or bat - to launch the infection on your computer. Sadly in today's world of technoloical advancements all you need is an active Internet connection.
It's not a matter of downloading the wrong things or visiting a naughty website, though these things increase your risk they are by no means the only source. Having no protection and simply going to Google will see your computer compromised. Therefore to protect not just your computer and its data but to also protect yourself and your family you must have some form of security installed.
There are many forms of security software available today and everyone has their favourite, but really it doesn't matter what you use as long as you have one of them. Most require you to pay an annual subscription fee and their are some that are free. Please keep in mind that some companies offer a free version that is limited to entice you to purchase their full version. Of all the freebies we have used the one that has proven and is proving to be a great choice is Security Essentilals created by Microsoft for Microsoft and is not limited to entice you further.
As with Windows updates, your security software must also be updated regularly at least daily or more often if possible. With tthe common use of broadband these days these programs update themselves but it pays to check them often to ensure this is the case. The next thing is to also ensure that a full system scan is done regularly at least once a week.
Your security software can only protect you against infections it knows about and infections are released onto the Internet every hour so unless you keep it updated your chances of becoming a victim increases.
Repairing My Laptop
There are a few things you need to consider when having your notebook repaired.
1. You have paid the extra money so as to be mobile
2. Notebook lifespans are shorter than desktops
3. Components are fully integrated (all on one circuit board)
4. Parts are much more expensive than desktops
One of the key features of a desktop computer is the size of the case, due to this and the arrangement of fans it can expel its heat much more effeciently. A laptop on the other hand is very limited in its ability to remain cool. Becuase of this heat issue, notebooks suffer from damage as a result. The most common fault we see is heat damage to circuitry, to rectify this we need to replace the mainboard which could cost from $500 upwards. So if your notebook is 2 -3 years old and has suffered a serious failure the cost of repair up against replacement should be a major consideration. It is strongly advised that if purchasing a notebook computer you should also have a three (3) year extended warrantty. This way for the expected lifespan of the equipment it is covered and you don't have to put your hand in your pocket for the repair costs or replacement costs.
If your notebook is older than three (3) years it would be advisable to be considering a replacement unit.
1. You have paid the extra money so as to be mobile
2. Notebook lifespans are shorter than desktops
3. Components are fully integrated (all on one circuit board)
4. Parts are much more expensive than desktops
One of the key features of a desktop computer is the size of the case, due to this and the arrangement of fans it can expel its heat much more effeciently. A laptop on the other hand is very limited in its ability to remain cool. Becuase of this heat issue, notebooks suffer from damage as a result. The most common fault we see is heat damage to circuitry, to rectify this we need to replace the mainboard which could cost from $500 upwards. So if your notebook is 2 -3 years old and has suffered a serious failure the cost of repair up against replacement should be a major consideration. It is strongly advised that if purchasing a notebook computer you should also have a three (3) year extended warrantty. This way for the expected lifespan of the equipment it is covered and you don't have to put your hand in your pocket for the repair costs or replacement costs.
If your notebook is older than three (3) years it would be advisable to be considering a replacement unit.
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Copyright 2000 - 2010 Help Me Computer Services All Rights Reserved ABN 86 430 330 358 Bill Roberts T/AS
helpmecomputers.com.au provider of computer repairs gold coast
Copyright 2000 - 2010 Help Me Computer Services All Rights Reserved ABN 86 430 330 358 Bill Roberts T/AS
helpmecomputers.com.au provider of computer repairs gold coast
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Things to consider for 2010
Some important information to consider when using your computer.
Ransomware - Ransonware is a viral infection you can get via the Internet from any site anytime, This malware will lock all your files on your PC and to unlock them you will need to pay the source a fee, either directly or indirectly via a subcription or purchase a product or simply send a SMS to a particular number etc. Once you have decided to pay the fee, there is no guarantee that you will recieve the unlock code or that they wont attck you immediately after unlocking. To protect yourself you must keep backup copies of your files and maintain good security software with regular system scans plus install all updates from Microsoft.
The end of XP is Near - Microsoft will be no longer supporting Windows XP SP2 as of 13th July 2010. Therefore you will need to ensure you have SP3 installed. Generally Microsoft will continue support for three (3) years after the release of a service pack (SP) so this would mean that if you have Windows XP SP3 you are safe until at least 2012. We would recommend upgrading to Windows 7 sooner rather than later.
Some important information to consider when using your computer.
Ransomware - Ransonware is a viral infection you can get via the Internet from any site anytime, This malware will lock all your files on your PC and to unlock them you will need to pay the source a fee, either directly or indirectly via a subcription or purchase a product or simply send a SMS to a particular number etc. Once you have decided to pay the fee, there is no guarantee that you will recieve the unlock code or that they wont attck you immediately after unlocking. To protect yourself you must keep backup copies of your files and maintain good security software with regular system scans plus install all updates from Microsoft.
The end of XP is Near - Microsoft will be no longer supporting Windows XP SP2 as of 13th July 2010. Therefore you will need to ensure you have SP3 installed. Generally Microsoft will continue support for three (3) years after the release of a service pack (SP) so this would mean that if you have Windows XP SP3 you are safe until at least 2012. We would recommend upgrading to Windows 7 sooner rather than later.
Information stored on hard disks and flash drives are vulnerable and can be damaged and lost. Data recovery can be attempted under certain conditions but is not always possible. So before you throw away that old hard drive that failed call us as we just might be able to get your files back. For critical information keep copies on CD/DVD and make two (2) copies. Mechanical devices will fail its when not if.
