January 26th, 2010
We have a small furnishings store that has been in the family for a while now and thanks to my son we have moved from a mom and pop outfit to a smart high street store complete with online data catalogues which offer color matching, room layout planning options to our clients via screens placed through out the store. Very recently our son moved on to get a college degree and returned the day to day running of the store to us. One day when we reached the store to open up, an alarmed sales staff came running to inform us that he was unable to retrieve any data and nothing was working. PANIC. After that day we realized the need for data backup although computers are not prone to crashing for no reason they are not immune to virus attacks, robbery and natural calamities.
For that matter electricity blowouts; and that is what robbed us of all our data that day. The local power company had a malfunction which resulted in us having a massive system crash. Unfortunately, while Nate had warned us about getting some UPS and data backup system in place we had just put it off for later, thinking that we would never really need it and that our data was secure. We soon realized soon after this episode that we needed a really fool proof data backup support plan.
We sat down with Nate and he explained that the very basic data back up could be done by using thumb drives, CD? and CVD?s. This could be useful for our data that was stored on our personal laptops. We could use this option to backup data on an everyday basis. However, as a business we needed dedicated data back up support and USB?s and thumb drives were not a feasible data backup option. Even external hard disks were not really a suitable data back up option on a long term basis.
His advice, given the situation in which we found ourselves was to call in the experts. These days, he explained, remote tech support companies provide expert services data backup support services for a flat fee. Given their wide portfolio tech support companies have the requisite experience to carry out the required data backup support for our business. Our data can be backed up on their servers and maintained in a secure environment by the tech support company.
Another important data backup support issue that we needed to understand here was that a power surge or other natural calamities are not the only things that could result in data back up requirements. Virus attacks could be just as debilitating to the health of our data. There has to be a pair of eyes watching your system like a hawk. These eyes would be that of a tech support company whose job it is to ensure secure data support through active data backup, archiving of data, virus and spyware removal to name a few activities.
Updating anti-virus and spyware software is best left to experts as it is a full time job. New avatars of nasty virus appear with alarming regularity and tech support companies are normally on top of such happenings. Their trained tech support professionals will make sure that, not only is you?re backed up data safe but also your system per se.
Data back up support is necessary for the smooth running of a business and for peace of mind. We acted a bit late but today are wiser for it. We have chosen our tech support company and are much happier for it; have you?
Tags: backup, Backup Data, Backup Option, Backup Support, Backup System, Cvd, data, Data Catalogues, ears, Everyday Basis, Expert Services, External Hard Disks, eyes, Eyes And Ears, Fool Proof, Local Power Company, Massive System, Natural Calamities, Personal Laptops, Remote, Room Layout, Suitable Data, Support, System Crash, Thumb Drives, Virus Attacks
Posted in HP Laptop Repair | 2 Comments »
January 26th, 2010
Trojan Horse – One Mans ?Worse Case Scenario? Prediction—————————-This is a fictional article about a Trojan Horse Virus, or you could say it is one mans prediction of a ?worse case scenario?. Because of the field I?m in, I maintain a personal list of my top 10 ?worse case scenarios?. Every time I perform a security assessment I run into something new or identify a situation that is ripe for a potential vulnerability. I think we could all agree that no respectable or ethical company would intentionally deliver a malicious piece of code as part of a helpful update solution. However, the reality is that human beings are behind technology and human beings are unpredictable and fallible.Many major operating system vendors have automatic update services. Many hardware vendors and other software packages have followed this trend, incorporating automated update services into their products. In some cases, the services for automatic updates run as the local ?system? account. This account has the ability to access and modify most of the operating system and application environment. When automatic updates were relative new, many people would perform the updates manually, however, as time has progressed, many now trust these services and allow the updates to proceed in a truly automated fashion.The Final Step before the Hammer Falls————————–So let?s expand upon our ?worse case scenario?. A new service pack is just about ready for release. The last step prior to public release is quality control / validation. The team of people performing this task includes a significantly disgruntled employee (Or may he/she is going through a horrible life crisis and has not much to lose). When people are in pain or distress it is not uncommon for them to project this same feeling onto others in any way they can. So, instead of performing their job in the normal fashion, they decide to incorporate a malicious payload into the forthcoming update.The First Step For The Trojan Horse: Evasion————————————————–This payload has some unique characteristic, three to be precise. First, it is constructed in such as way to not appear as something malicious. The anti-virus and anti-spyware programs currently on the market won?t be able to detect it through anomalous detection techniques. The Second Step For The Trojan Horse: Information Collection—————————-Secondly, it has been instructed to wait 12 hours to activate to start searching your computer an network for important files that may contain financial, healthcare, and other confidential information such as user accounts and passwords. It then sends this information to anonymous systems on the Internet. Because this ?Trojan horse? has been incorporated into an automated update by someone with reasonable skills, it is instructed to only perform the collection of data for 12 hours. Given the number of global systems that allow automated updates, 12 hours should be more than enough. The person behind this realizes that someone will quickly identify that something malicious is going on and start to rollout a defense solution to halt the process.The Final Step: Incapacitate——————————-Finally, the Trojan Horse will cease it?s data collection and deliver it?s final blow. Because of the level of system privilege it is running at, it modifies the communication protocols and services on the system to prevent any type of external communication to its local peers and external (Internet) hosts. It does this in such as way that the only immediate method to recover from this is a system roll-back, system repair, or restore from near-line media, such as tape or disk. And as far as system recovery is concerned, I can tell you that many people even in corporate entities do not perform the most basic steps to be prepared for a quick system disaster recovery. In some cases, some of the most important recovery services have been disabled because of lack of system resources or disk space (which is amazing given how inexpensive this is anymore).What Could Be the Impact of This ?Trusted? Trojan Horse—————————————-Just about every time you install a new application or piece of software you increase the time it takes to boot your PC and in some cases decrease its performance. On thing that drives me crazy is printing software. For the life of me I cannot understand how or why printer support software could total 400MB in size, but they sometimes do. Not only that, they tend to load all kinds of unnecessary real-time running applets. HP printers are notorious for this. Be very aware of what it is you are loading and only load those components that you need. Even some off-the-shelf software packages load adware and other not so helpful applets. Also, when you uninstall software, not all the software gets uninstalled in many cases. One thing I suggest is to purchase a registry cleaner. This can dramatically decrease boot times and in many cases increase the overall performance of your PC. People are already concerned about identity theft, or at least they should be. I recently spoke with a business associate that told me that even with everything he does to keep his identity secure he has been the victim of identity theft not once, but twice. If your user id?s, online accounts, passwords, financials, or other confidential information winds up on the Internet for any anonymous person to see, you can bet it will be used in a way to cause you problems. Even if only 10% of the global systems fell victim to this Trojan Horse, the cut off of communications could cost businesses billions of dollars and potentially impact their reputation as ?secure? institutions.Conclusion———-If we don?t think that this ?worse case scenario? can happen, then we?re kidding ourselves. Recently, one of the market leaders in the perimeter defense business had to recall a service pack because it contained a significant ?bug? that could result in a security breach; a service pack that can be delivered through and intelligent update service. Obviously there has to be a certain level of trust between us, the consumer, and the vendors of hardware / software we rely on. I?m not entirely sure what ?fail-proof? solution can be put in place to prevent something like this from happening. Although I?m sure there are quite a few checks and balances in place already. The bottom line is, if you or I can image a scenario like this, there is always a chance of it happening. In my case, I usually wait for several days to apply new service packs and hot-fixes. Hopefully someone else will find the problem, correct it, and then I?ll apply it. You may reprint or publish this article free of charge as long as the bylines are included.
Tags: Application Environment, Automatic, Automatic Updates, Case Scenarios, Delivered, Disgruntled Employee, Fo, Hardware Vendors, Horrible Life, Horse, Human Beings, Life Crisis, Local System, Malicious Payload, Quality Control, Security Assessment, Service Pack, Services, Software Packages, System Vendors, Trojan, Trojan Horse Virus, Trojan Virus, Update, Vulnerability, Worse Case Scenario
Posted in HP Laptop Repair | 2 Comments »
January 25th, 2010
Remote technical support help you for computer troubleshooting like software and some basic hardware related computer errors through online. You can take a remote technical support for your personal computer your laptop even your printer and scanner. For get a remote technical support you need to have Internet connection. Many user facing a lots of computer problem daily basis, but they have no enough time to bring a technical person for troubleshooting. In this situation a Online Remote support solved you computer issue within a few time. You can get Online remoter support 24×7. Those company which proving a online remote support they offering a wide range of troubleshooting kinds like: > They help you to troubleshoot Internet service problems like slow Internet connection, Internet downloading problem, web browsing problem etc.> Some time they help you to resolve hardware devices problems like printer and scanner driver installation, setup the wireless printer, configure the digital camera, MP3 Player etc.> They optimize your computer and also help to take data backup.> They provide you assistance for software problems, > They help you to remove viruses and spywares.> They fix your Emails related errors. If you want to remote technical support for your computer, then you would have to contact those companies which are providing you computer repair environment. You have to register your computer configuration to their database, after that they provide you web based online platform to troubleshoot the computer issue.
Tags: Computer Configuration, Computer Errors, Computer Issue, Computer Problem, Computer Repair, Computer Troubleshooting, Connection Internet, Daily Basis, Digital Camera, Hardware Devices, Internet Service, Laptop, Personal Computer, Problem Web, Remote, Scanner Driver, Slow Internet Connection, Software Problems, Support, Technical, Technical Person, Technical Support, Wireless Printer
Posted in HP Laptop Repair | No Comments »
January 25th, 2010
With the development of science and technology, the bulky printer has now become a handy device that can be connected to your computer or laptop and used either at home or in your office. Most businesses around the world run on documents such as memos and reports and thus the humble printer has become an indispensable tool in offices around the world. In case you are looking for a printer, copier or an all in one for your home or office need, you do not need to look any further than Faxcomm Solutions, a Melbourne based Company which specialises in the servicing and repairing of laser printers, fax machines, multifunction machines and personnel computers. They also sell a large range of business equipment, toner & ink cartridges, maintenance kits, spare parts and accessories at competitive prices. Faxcomm Solutions was established in 1991 and their aim is to provide customers with the best possible service available. Fixing most machines within one Service Call and with minimal down time is their Key objective. Their years of experience in the Business equipment industry and extensive product knowledge mean that Faxcomm Solutions can also assist you in choosing the right equipment for your needs. The range of brands stocked by Faxcomm is quite comprehensive. They are sellers / resellers of HP, Canon, Samsung, OKI and Kyocera printers, copiers and faxes. They also deal in printer repair and service including service and repair of copiers, fax machines and PC’s. They also undertake the supply and installation of printer consumables and accessories. Faxcomm Solutions can also supply you with a comprehensive range of IT consumables, which include: Laser Toner and Inkjet Cartridges, Copier Toner, Thermal Transfer Films, Compact Flash / SD cards, USB Flash Drives, Drum Units and Maintenance Kits. In most cases they can have your supplies out to you within one business day. They also carry an extensive range of both generic and genuine consumables, all with a 100% guarantee and totally backed up by their service department. So for all your printer related needs (including printer repair) please visit Faxcomm Solutions at www.faxcomm.com.au
Tags: Best Possible Service, Business Equipment, Canon Copiers, Canon Printers, Copier Toner, Flash Drives, Handy Device, History, Hp Canon, Including Service, Indispensable Tool, Inkjet Cartridges, Kyocera Printers, Laser Printers, Maintenance Kits, Oki Printers, Printer Consumables, Printer Copier, Printer Repair, Printers, Product Knowledge, Resources, Sd Cards
Posted in HP Laptop Repair | No Comments »
January 24th, 2010
Whether you own a Desktop or a Laptop, you must have noticed how fast technology has changed and progressed. For the non-technical person, it is almost impossible to stay in step with all the changes that are out there. For most of us, a multitude of computer support and online computer repair resources are available to help our systems get back to life.
With increasing craze of searching everything online, there is a sharp rise in online computer support vendors. It has become a popular service offering among computer enthusiasts looking for things like setting up computer, PC troubleshooting or optimization or fixing email errors, virus and spyware removal, and other critical issues such as the blue screen of death error. Online personal computer repair works for most issues.
Online computer support is the simplest, cheapest yet the most self sufficient service for tech savvy and small business that cannot afford a full-fledged IT helpdesk to handle their daily needs. These techs take care of everything remotely over a secure Internet connection. It offers the users to control actions taken on their system; tech support enhances the user’s computer knowledge.
Services such as online computer troubleshooting, computer set-up/installation, computer repair are available to all; whereas other services such as server support and network monitoring and reporting re especially designed for small businesses. These service plans are made considering specific needs of businesses.
How to differentiate among tech support companies? Good technical support companies first diagnose the things comprehensively whereas an under experienced or bad computer support company will try to rush the support session.
Online computer repair is most helpful at the time of troubleshooting software problems. Starting out with simple issues such as those of installation of any software programs simple to critical, you can contact these techs for anything related to your PC.
By working with a support resource that offers a combination of computer technician services and online PC Repair, small businesses can receive the IT support they need without the heavy price tag associated with it. Another advantage of availing these tech services is their 24×7 availability.
Tags: Away, Bad Computer, Blue Screen Of Death, Call, computer, Computer Enthusiasts, Computer Knowledge, Computer Pc, Computer Repair Resources, Computer Support Company, Computer Troubleshooting, Help, Just, Knowledge Services, Online, Pc Help, Pc Troubleshooting, Personal Computer Repair, Popular Service, Secure Internet Connection, Server Support, Software Problems, Spyware Removal, Support, Support Session, Support Vendors, Technical Person, Technician
Posted in HP Laptop Repair | No Comments »
January 24th, 2010
Why buy a refurbished PC? The quick answer is price. But we realise the term ?refurbished? conjures up images of out-of date and undesirable PC equipment. So we wanted to clear up a few myths and explain why buying refurbished PCs from Europc is a great way to get brand name IT equipment for less. What is ?refurbished?? Unlike many preconceptions, refurbished PCs aren?t second-hand. They can be excess, fully factory refurbished, as new or cancelled orders straight from the factory, packed and boxed ? the same as the units on the shelves of your local PC store or in a manufacturer?s warehouse. More often than not, refurbished machines are PCs that were returned by the original customer simply because they changed their mind. Moreover, chain stores, for example, may return items unsold if they need to clear space for new stock. However, the minute they leave the manufacturer?s warehouse, they can no longer be sold as new. So companies such as Dell, sell these to us directly. Not only are the systems tested, repaired, checked and repackaged just like new, but they?re not far off new when Europc puts them back on sale. They are mainly current product or not more than six months old. The benefits of refurbished The most obvious benefit of purchasing refurbished equipment is the lower cost. The savings made allow customers to replace, expand or upgrade their IT equipment more often, letting them take advantage of the rapid advancements in PC technology, keeping them up to date and ahead of everyone else. Moreover, by purchasing from a company like Europc, you are offered a more personalised service, than you would receive elsewhere as we provide all customers with their own personal account manager. To find out more, please visit our website http://www.europc.co.uk Some Myths About Refurbished PCs Dispelled Myth: Refurbished goods could be faulty Truth: Many refurbs will have been returned by the original customer. But only a limited number of returned units ever had a fault in the first place, and if there was one, it?ll have been fixed – that?s what refurbishment is all about. After being returned, the product will have been tested, repaired (where necessary), retested and repacked. Insiders tell us that refurb units are actually less likely than new kit to go wrong, because they?ve passed more tests. Myth: Refurbs are products of obscure origin Truth: The biggest players in the computer market are increasingly supplying the largest numbers of refurbished units. Names like Dell, Fujitsu Siemens, HP and Toshiba are easy to find. Myth: You don?t have the same rights as usual Truth: Yes, you do. You may be offered a shorter warranty (though 12 months is still possible), and minor cosmetic flaws, such as small scratches, are less likely to be considered grounds for a refund, though they?re still not the norm. Beyond that, consumer law doesn?t care whether you buy brand new or refurbished, and you can expect a good standard of customer service. Myth: Refurbished computers are out of date Truth: You can certainly pick up older machines for incredibly low prices, but most refurbished PCs are very recent or still current models. It?s not at all unusual to find huge discounts on exactly the same products that are on the shelves right now. That?s what makes buying refurbished such a useful way to make your cash go further.
Tags: Benefit, Brand Name, Dell Laptop Repair, Europc, Factory Refurbished, Images, Myths, Pc Technology, Personal Account Manager, Personalised Service, Preconceptions, Purchasing, Rapid Advancements, Refurbished, Refurbished Pc, Refurbished Pcs, Refurbs, Shelves, Six Months, Stock, Truth
Posted in HP Laptop Repair | 1 Comment »
January 24th, 2010
LCD monitors are a great way to save space and get high resolution graphics without the bulk, or lead, of a CRT monitor. However, LCD monitors do have drawbacks. One of these is what people call a “dead pixel.” Basically, a dead pixel appears as a small black spot on your screen. A stuck pixel can also appear black, though it can also be blue, green or red, as well. The difference between a dead pixel and stuck pixel is subtle (that is to non-techies), but it is important to note. A stuck pixel can usually be fixed, while a dead pixel can be the result of failed hardware and may not be able to be fixed. Either way, attempting the repair of your monitor, or monitors, will help you decide which it is. There are actually several ways in which to do this. Massaging, Pressing or Tapping: 1. Turn off power to the monitor. If you are using a laptop, you’ll need to turn off the entire machine. 2. Put gentle pressure on the dead pixel with your finger or the end of a pencil eraser. If you’re worried about smudges or scratches, get a clean damp cloth. Protect your screen while doing this and do not apply too much pressure. 3. Turn the power back on. 4. Gently rub the spot where the dead pixel is located, until the color begins to change. You may need to do this for anywhere from several minutes to several times within an hour. A variation of this method is to gently tap the area where the pixel is located, with a black background in place. And remember, always be gentle with the screen or you will cause more damage. 5. When the pixel is repaired, use a white background to make sure that it is the right color. Color Flashing: 1. Download a freeware color flashing program. These are specifically designed to stimulate the dead pixel, as well as those around it. One such program is a small, rapidly flashing square, which can be dragged over the pixel. 2. Leave the program running for at least 1 hour. If, at the end of that hour, the pixel is still stuck or dead, you may need to use a full screen version and let it run for as much as half a day (12 hours). It is very important to understand that none of these methods is guaranteed to work. Trial and error may give you the results that you want, but you might just be stuck with that annoying dead pixel. Also, if you’re going to try to send your monitor in for replacement under warranty, understand that a dead pixel is not considered grounds for replacement by most manufacturers. Of course, many users are not bothered by a dead pixel, especially if you have dual LCD Monitors or one large monitor and that dead or stuck pixel is just one in a sea of pixels and space. It helps, however, to start out with a quality LCD Monitor, so make sure you purchase a trusted brand. HP LCD Monitors, Samsung LCD Monitors, and Sony LCD Monitors are just a few of the reliable brands. Remember, if it?s some off-name brand you?ve never heard of and the price seems too good to be true, it is. If you do run in to a stuck or dead pixel, try the instructions above and there?s a decent chance you?ll revive the pixel.
Tags: Black Background, Crt Monitor, Dead, Dead Pixel, Flashing, Gentle Pressure, High Resolution Graphics, Laptop, Lcd Monitors, Lead, Pencil Eraser, Pixel, Pixel Lcd, scratches, Several Times, Several Ways, Smudges, Stuck Pixel, Tap, Techies, Variation, White Background
Posted in HP Laptop Repair | No Comments »
January 24th, 2010
Data security within the computer became a big concern over the period of time due to sharing of resources through networking and internet which results a lot of customer to go for technical help from different Tech support groups like Microsoft Help, Online Microsoft help, Hp Support and Dell Support. Nowadays there are many Antivirus, Antispyware and Firewall applications exist which prevents data theft as well as implements security over the network.
Data security on lost or stolen PC devices like Notepad or Laptop is a big concern for the corporate executives who frequently travel and there is no Tech Support which can monitor or prevent it. The data stored on the PC is often significantly more valuable to a corporation than the asset itself, and the loss, theft or unwanted disclosure of that data can be very damaging.
BitLocker Drive Encryption is a data protection feature available in Windows Vista Enterprise and Ultimate for client computers. BitLocker prevents a thief who boots another operating system or runs a software hacking tool from breaking Windows Vista file and system protections or performing offline viewing of the files stored on the protected drive. For more information refer to online Microsoft help , HP support or Dell support.
This feature ideally uses a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) to protect user data and to ensure that a PC running Windows Vista has not been tampered. BitLocker enhances data protection by bringing together two major sub-functions: drive encryption and the integrity checking of early boot components.
Drive encryption protects data by preventing unauthorized users from breaking Windows file and system protection on lost, stolen or inappropriately decommissioned computers. This protection is achieved by encrypting the entire Windows volume, with BitLocker all user and system files are encrypted including the swap and hibernation files.
Integrity checking the early boot components helps to ensure that data decryption is performed only if the encrypted drive is located in the original computer. It is tightly integrated into Windows Vista and provides a seamless, secure, and easily manageable data protection solution for the enterprise.
Windows BitLocker is for both business and personal users who need to help protect sensitive data on their PC without depending on any Tech Support like Online Microsoft support, HP support or Dell support.
Tags: Antispyware, Bitlocker, Client Computers, Corporate Executives, data, Data Security, Decommissioned, Dell Support, drive, Drive Encryption, Encryption, Firewall Applications, Hacking Tool, Hibernation, Hp Support, Microsoft Help, Notepad, Period Of Time, Protection Feature, Secure, Support Groups, Technical Help, Thief, Unauthorized Users, Unwanted Disclosure
Posted in HP Laptop Repair | No Comments »
January 24th, 2010
A laptop is indispensable to all. Even those who have a desktop need a laptop as a subsidiary to complete their circle of action. Desktop computers may be having an edge over laptop computers as far as 3D modeling, gaming, or photo editing is concerned. Still, the portable nature of laptops makes them kings of the computer world. And the features of each brand of computers improving and evolving in different ways, if the brand of the one you have is Toshiba, Toshiba laptop service will be your bridge to surviving with it. Toshiba service becomes imperative because the problems that a Toshiba laptop faces could be unique to it and can possibly be rectified only by technicians who have expertise in Toshiba laptop service. One of the common problems faced by Toshiba users is the problem regarding its power connector. This connection, between the system board and the power jack on it is frequently damaged, especially if the machine is second hand. This might cause the system to shut down suddenly. A reliable service provider will be able to diagnose the problem and get the point re-soldered. Overheating is another problem with some Toshiba models. This too could cause the machine to stop working without warning. Most often it is a defective cooling fan, or a layer of dust collected around the fan, which would block the air to the heat sink, that causes the problem. In the former case, the fan will have to be replaced. In the latter case blowing off the collected dust by effective air circulation could solve the problem. In either case, good Toshiba laptop service providers will be able to rectify the problem at minimal cost. Another problem seen in Toshiba laptops is difficulties with onboard memory. The problem is characterized by the appearance of lines and dots on the screen. Then there could be problems with battery charging. Toshiba website does offer solutions for some of the problems. For example, updating the BIOS by downloading it from their website could rectify some of the problems. Still, the safest bet is to get technicians who can provide Toshiba service at short notice. Touching the palm rest surrounding the speaker can also spark off problems in some Toshiba models. The electricity discharge, that results from the contact with speakers, can cause the machine to shut down, or either shut down and reboot. The problem in such cases has been traced to the top cover assembly that provides insufficient protection. Changing the top cover assembly or fixing up the area with a foil will solve the problem. Toshiba laptop service technicians can provide both these services. Some of these Toshiba problems are model specific. For example, the power connector problem is more common with models like A70 and A75 whereas overheating problem and onboard memory problems are more common with A60 and A65. The speaker-connected problem is found in A70 and A75 and also in M35X. However, the overheating problem, due to clogging between the heat sink and cooling fan, could be common to many models. All these can be set right by the right Toshiba laptop service providers. For any type of Toshiba laptop service and repair in Sydney or any suburb, call PCSoft for a qualified Toshiba service technician. PCSoft provides Same Day onsite repairs and support services anywhere in Sydney and its suburbs. Visit our site for online booking or call us now.
Tags: Air Circulation, Computer World, Cooling Fan, Desktop Computers, Different Ways, Heat Sink, Laptop, Laptop Computers, Laptop Toshiba, Latter Case, Lines And Dots, must, Offer Solutions, owners, Photo Editing, Power Connector, Reliable Service, Service, Service Provider, Toshiba Laptop, Toshiba Laptop Repair, Toshiba Laptops, Toshiba Models, Toshiba Service, Toshiba Website
Posted in Toshiba Laptop Repair | 1 Comment »