Computer Care

We're off to a fine start to 2010! Two different systems came into the shop this week because both suddenly coughed up the BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) and refused to boot up properly. Can't blame it on H1N1, but that's beside the point.

User 1 (we protect identities here) hadn't backed up since some time in November and certainly knows better.  He came back from the holiday break, fired up the system and opened an email from a trusted user. Kaboom......BSOD.  End result: Data Recovery of critical files, reinstallation of Windows XP, reinstallation of various software particular to his job and the relatively new system (about 1 year old) will be headed back to him very soon.  Various checks and double checks found that this was not a hardware failure.

User 2 hadn't backed up since, wait for it.......March!! Now she knows better.  Again, checks verified that while Windows XP and the drive partitions had gotten scrambled, the hardware tested out fine. So, with the data successfully recovered, full system reset and reinstallation of software, she'll be back in business. The cost stings a bit, but a near miss for sure.

We've a marvelous track record for getting critical data back, but it's far from 100%.  Not to mention the stress, anxiety and hand-wringing that accompanies any near miss for the owner.  Add in the lost time business wise and it can be a less than joyous experience.

Truly, an ounce of prevention is better than the pound of cure!! Automatic, offsite solutions are reliable, convenient and surprisingly inexpensive. Check our recommendations and do yourself a favor: BACKUP!!

Do you have a computer that is being used by multiple people? Or, do you use multiple computers? Ever feel uncomfortable sharing a computer because every time you use it, something’s been changed by another user, or the file you need turns out to be on the “other computer”?

Advances now permit you to have a “virtual desktop” where you could keep files and access them from any internet connected computer and always have the same layout/setup regardless of where you are or what PC you’re using.  There are several services that offer up “cloud” based desktops for little or no cost.  I see this as a sweet solution for those families that have youngsters using a common computer.  Each youngster, user, could have their own “desktop” that would hold their “stuff” and wouldn’t be subjected to being inadvertently changed or modified by another user.  For a mobile user, these “cloud” solutions can offer a stable, normalized “desktop” that would enable them to virtually have whatever they needed businesswise wherever they were regardless of the system they happened to be using.

There are, as mentioned above, several of these services and more coming online every week. Each will vary some in features and layouts, so explore a few and test drive them to ensure a good fit.  To get you started you might look at:  http://www.glideos.com or http://g.ho.st/

Have some fun and let us know your thoughts and own discoveries.

Gee.....April 1st turned out to be fairly quiet, which is good! That said, the threat still exists as the significance of April 1st was that the deployed infected systems were to request updated instructions from the author(s) of the virus/malware. Those updated instructions might have programed, via the virus/malware, an attack target and date, or simply a new date to check back for more/new instructions.

Reports, from various sources, indicate that a multitude of attempts to get updated instructions were intercepted or the sources that held the information were no longer in existence. Additionally, due to the wide spotlight cast on the issue, systems around the globe were scanned for the infection, infections were removed and systems were updated to prevent being infected in the future.

This points out the need to regularly apply those updates/patches distributed by software developers/publishers and to regularly check that your antiviral/anti-malware security programs are being updated as well. Additionally, take media reports with a grain of salt. While CBS's 60 Minutes report on the issue was comprehensive and largely accurate, several other reports we encountered, both in print and on TV, were significantly inaccurate. The inaccuracies were such that in some cases had the information been followed the problem would not have been fixed, yet the user would have thought it had been! When possible, check multiple sources for recommendations or consult a trusted expert for information

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE
April 1st could be a very nasty "fool" day if the rumors about the worm/virus Conficker come true. If you saw 60 minutes last Sunday ( if not, or want to view it again - here is a link to watch it http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=3036&tag=nl.e019).

This virus is supposed to mutate in some way tomorrow, but the experts can’t agree on what or where or how it will do it’s dirty deed. All agree that the Microsoft Patch of Oct 28, 2008 is the strongest safety against this virus. We agree and if you have not downloaded this patch (MS08-067) do as soon as possible!

Here are some tools, and links, you can use to both check your systems and learn more about the threat:

MALWARE BYTES ANTI MALWARE (Free edition, detects all malware)
http://www.malwarebytes.org (download it, install it, and update it before running)

BitDefender FREE detector (only detects the worm, includes personal version and network version)
http://bdtools.net

a-squared FREE (detects all malware) http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/ (install, update, and run)

F-Secure FAQ: http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00001636.html

Sadly, there may be some scams that try to take advantage of all this news about this threat. Be sure to check with trusted sources, advisors, or us regarding steps to protect your systems and what to do to remove any beasties you uncover in the process.

Call us if you want help, we are always here to be your “single source solution” provider. 802-862-9645 or TOLL FREE; 1-887-CMPTRHELP.

1. Be in business but have an email that is MyBusiness@aol.com/gmail.com/hotmail.com etc. Come on! Are you really in business or just playing? An email only Domain name (e.g. www.IMakeGreatCookies.com) is inexpensive and allows you to promote a more professional appearance on numerous fronts. You don’t have to have a web site, but should consider it. An email only Domain will allow you to have a virtual presence through which you direct your mail to an actual account like YourBusiness@YourInternetProvider.com . They’re not expensive, and you can get them for as little as $1/month. Speaking of websites, you can get hosting (including email and lots of other things) for about $4 and up/month.
2. Have no clue where the disks that came with your system(s) are. Don’t pay a support person for their time while you hunt high and low for the disks that came with the computer. Maybe you don’t know where they are now, but find them before the Support folks put you on the spot by asking for them. At the very least you’ll know that these items are not available and can inform the support folks in advance. This will permit the folks to have an alternate plan ready and available.
3. Support folks need to gather information and thus ask a bunch of questions you’re usually not ready for. Some take delight in stumping you with questions like:
a. What changed most recently with the system? Upgrades, Antivirus protection expired, New Software installed, Power Outage, Child/Nephew/Niece/Sibling was using it and now it doesn’t work.
b. Describe the error in detail, please. What happened immediately before the event? What was the error code? How often is this error occurring?
c. When did you last backup your important data? Did you backup your email? Your financials?
4. Know your system so well that you’ve spent hours and hours trying to fix it yourself before giving up and calling support. Let’s face it, when you try to fix it yourself you often make it worse or are so confused about where things went off the rails that you cannot coherently communicate the original problem.
5. When you get help, first exhaust all “free” options by calling a friend/relative/neighbor’s kid first.
So Stump the Nerd by having answers to all this ready!

With some regularity I'm contacted by someone who has received a file, via email, that they cannot open. As I deal primarily with business professionals, inevitably the received file is important and needs to be handled in a timely fashion. The inquiring individual usually has been waiting for the file and now that it has arrived is disturbed that they cannot open it. Perhaps you've experienced this same situation. The scenario continues along the lines of a reply email is sent explaining that the awaited file could not be opened and inquiring what software should be used to open it.

Someplace along this path the individual either receives the file in an alternate format, sometimes faxed instead even, or acquires the missing bit of information about the software that would have permitted the file opening from the original message. A recent example is where the file sender suggested to the recipient that perhaps changing the file extension would allow existing software to open the file. The suggestion was so pathetic as to be laughable on so many levels. First is the assumption that the recipient would know how to change a file extension. Second was the level of ignorance about their own software, in which the file was created, that they would think that changing the file extension might work. Third was, perhaps institutionally, assuming that since they were using the newest version of this software, that the whole world was also using the same version. And there's the rub.

For years now, all major software has had "backward compatibility". What this means is that files created in older versions can be opened by the newer version. This also means, largely, that the new versions can save files in the older version format, thereby allowing those that are still using the older versions to open files from the new versions.

Using Microsoft's Office Suite as an example, I regularly see the following versions in my travels: Office 2000, Office XP, Office 2003, Office 2007. By no means is the latest version the most numerous. Nor will it be until just before a newer version is about to be released. Fortunately, MS Office 2007, while being a major change in many respects, still maintained a "backward compatibility" aspect that is notable. Not only can it open and save in the older formats, there is even a compatibility pack that can be downloaded and when installed will open Office 2007 files even if you're using Office 2000. You can find it here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=941B3470-3...

The example above was not an exchange between a nearby service organization and a vendor, but between a major brand name entity and boutique vendor. That the larger entity would assume "the world" could open file attachments from the latest software reflects poorly on that entity, not the recipient. Adding insult to injury, the sender had no idea of how to help the receiver open the file.

So, as we strive to communicate, let us not assume we're all on the same page, version, or field of dreams.

The end of a year is always fun when it comes to technology. This is when many hardware manufacturers and software publishers come out with the latest iteration of their products hoping to grab a piece of the gift giving season. This is year is no different, but does have some special notes that shoppers and business buyers need to keep in mind.

A family member forwarded a list of stores that may not be in business come January, due to the economic situation. A list can be found at: http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/storeclosings.asp . Of concern is gift cards that these businesses sell for the present idea challenged among us. Although these gift cards may be legally sold throughout the holiday season, the stores themselves may be closed come January. The list is too long to include here so be sure to check that website for more information.

Although Microsoft will continue supporting the Windows XP operating system into 2014, you will not be able to purchase it with a new computer system by this time next month. This is of concern to anyone who has applications that will not run on Windows Vista, particularly businesses with custom modified programs. That's the bad news. The good news is that there are some terrific deals to be taken advantage of, again, due to the economy. So if you want a new system, and you want it to come with Windows XP, now is the time to get it!

I like seeing the new stuff come out, but I also advocate researching the reviews and articles on hardware by folks such as PC Magazine, EWeek, Cnet and others. I prefer to wait for the initial "bugs" to be worked out by someone else and thus will usually avoid buying something that is less than six months old. Keep that in mind, as well, as you select a technology oriented gift for someone special. The last thing you'd want is the joy of giving and receiving be replaced by the aggravation of an item that turned out to be "not ready for prime time".

Last, but not least, keep in mind that the return policies for electronics may differ from other merchandise and from store to store. Check the store policies regarding this equipment and make sure you allow your gift recipient time to use and return the iitem within the allotted time period, if neccessary

I look at my desk and wonder at the amount of paper that I am still surrounded by! Why is it that when I'm on the phone, I'm still making notes on paper?

An easy answer is that I'm accustomed to holding the phone with one hand and writing, while listening, with the other. Typing takes two hands, for me, and writing only one. Yet, electronic storage of information, notes in this case, is greatly more efficient in retrieving information that has been stored than paper because I can have the machine search for what I want. With paper notes, I'm stuck with sorting through the piles looking for a particular item.

Then there's the option of making notes and then entering them in the system when that second hand becomes available. This where the "system" breaks down as there is always something else to do and the "feeling" that the note is just temporary. Not worth the effort to handle a second time. Yet these notes hang around my desk for long period, to the absolute frustration of some forced to view my desk on a regular basis.

There is a madness and sense about it, though. I'm somewhat ADD (Attention Divided dis-Order) and the "chaos" around me counters the tendency of "out of sight, out of mind". Recently we made a purchase of a "digital notepad". This device, in conception, would allow me to make notes and then upload the digital translation onto the computer. Unfortunately the device I received was defective and didn't deliver as needed or expected. While I await the exchange of this item for another, hopefully non-defective, one, I wonder about the transition we're all undergoing as our information moves off paper and onto the screens of our lives.

A recent convert to being a Blackberry user has enabled me to respond more promptly to email from customers and co-workers. The ultimate library known as the Web is with me constantly and I can look up all manner of things "on the go".

While bringing benefits, this evolution of technology is bringing challenges to us all. I encounter end-users that have no idea where their system documentation is and are challenged to tell me what kind of system they have beyond manufacturer. This is somewhat like telling a mechanic that your Ford has a problem but not being able to tell him/her year or model. Where I am going with all this? Patience. Patience as we all adjust to the new capabilities of this information technology. Patience with the systems, ourselves and each other as we adapt to using these new tools. Lastly, stop apologizing for not knowing how the doohickey connects with the dongle connects with the gigaflop and resides in the cloud. Sometime, probably not quite soon enough, this will settle down, standards will evolve and another paradigm shift will take over. Now....where'd that note go about virtualization?

I'll provide you with a short list and welcome additional suggestions from other readers:
1. ALWAYS, always, provide a subject line about the content of the message. Subject lines provide the intended receipient with information that they will use to choose to open or disregard the message. For folks that receive a multitude of emails daily, a missing subject (reason) will probably mean the message will not be treated with the respect you believe it should deserve. This includes messages that have been forwarded that do not have a subject and thus appear as "re: (no subject). You're disrespecting the recipient's time when you don't include a subject.
2. NEVER, ever, send a message to your entire addressbook. Exceptions to this may be of a class of urgency such as: Global Nuclear War; the reappearance of Buddha (or a spiritual leader of your choice); or the discovery of The Fountain of Youth.
3.When sending a message to multiple folks don't use "cc", unless everyone you're sending to needs to know who else received the message. Use "bcc" instead. Why? When you use "cc" everyone you sent the message to now has everyone else's email as well. Respect folks privacy by not broadcasting their address to the world!
4.Reserve "Reply to All" for those times when everyone who received the email needs to see your particular response. I recently received an email addressed to a dozen folks about whether any of us would be attending a particular event. Over the next 36 hours I kept receiving news that someone would not be attending as that someone replied to all instead of just the person inquiring. Frankly, I didn't need to know, or care, their status.
5. Don't forward those insipid warnings of alarm regarding some email threat. Instead, check them out for validity at www.snopes.com. This is a reliable site that exposes email hoaxes, frauds and myths for what they are and are not.

The above are a few of my suggestions. Do you have your own? Let me know!

I recently traded in my aging cellphone (Motorola Razr V3) for a Blackberry Curve. The 'berry includes the capability of adding storage in the form of a "microSD" card and can handle capacities of 1GB to 8GB. Market wise, the 1GB and 2GB are the most prevalent, and there are a plethora of sources to purchase them. Imagine my surprise when comparing prices I found you can obtain a 2GB microSD card from Blackberry for a listed price of $59.99, while I could get the same thing (including shipping!!!) for $11.44.

Suppose you chose to get it through Verizon? $29 and change. That seemed a little more in line with my experience. I can usually save about 50% off the easy sources. I rarely find an example like the Blackberry Store, but it does show that a little effort can be well worth it. My source is a tried and true vendor that I regularly refer my customers to when they're looking to buy these kinds of products.

When shopping online, I recommend checking the seller's reputation by visiting ResellerRatings.com. You'll find other customer's experiences and get a good idea about how they conduct business. I rarely will purchase from a vendor that doesn't show up on this site and thereby avoid needless headaches. Check them out!

Wrapping up.....If you're in the market for a 1 or 2GB microSD card, let me know! I might be able to make some money helping you save some!!