The year 2020 is only days away and with a new year, comes many new changes to occur including some in the technology world. One of the biggest changes to expect is the end of life support for the beloved Windows 7 operating system. What does it mean exactly for the end of life? Many consumers are under the impression that their PC will no longer function and therefore “die”, however, the computer will continue to perform daily tasks but will shortly become outdated with no new updates to keep it optimal and secure for your tasks. The last security update will be released on January 14, 2020 and Microsoft is continuing to urge its users to upgrade their software to the newest available. According to the article, there are roughly 28% of windows users still using Windows 7 currently. It is important to adapt to the new upgrades/ changes as time continues on and there are many helpful tools available online or at your local computer store that can help guide you through the process.
Understanding What A Computer Virus Can Do
No matter how careful you are with your computer, it more than likely will face some issue over time. This typically includes slow speeds, error messages, file corruptions, and reboot issues. There are times these issues are due to the computer’s age or simple hardware issues. These can be rectified by replacing the part that has been causing the problem. In other cases, it may be due to a software problem.
However, in today’s day of high-speed downloads, the issue is usually due to a virus or spyware. Computer viruses are software programs that spread within the operating system by multiplying and corrupting essential files, eventually making the computer unusable. Whereas spyware is a piece of code that has been designed to obtain your personal information and send it out to third parties.
Spyware and viruses have the ability to enter your computer through a variety of means. Email attachments, software installs, online games, and untrusted downloads all have the ability to infect your computer with a dangerous virus or spyware. Both the spyware and virus have the ability to slow down your processor speed, change the homepage, alter registry settings, damage your files, and display a wide range of content and pop-ups.
One of the best methods for keeping your computer clean is to avoid putting your computer in such dangerous positions. Before you download anything from a website be sure to read the agreement. Your internet security settings should be set to medium or higher. Even taking the above steps is not enough to keep your computer safe from infections. When your computer is connected to a network, the threat level is magnified.
It is essential that anti-spyware and anti-virus software has been properly installed on your computer. There are a number of software suites available on the market that will cater to your individual budget and needs. However, like all things in life, not everything is what it would seem. There are some anti-spyware programs available online that are spyware programs themselves! It is quite important to download from only trusted sites and once again, read all of the fine print. Once the proper software has been installed on your computer, it is generally just a matter of hitting start to remove the unwanted programs from your computer.
If you feel you know where the culprit is hiding, you can start in that folder. However, it is typically best to scan the entire system, this is done by selecting all drives and folders. This type of scan will take several hours but it will find all viruses and spyware on the computer and remove them. In addition, there are many products available that will offer real-time protection for your computer. These products will prevent any form of malicious code from entering into the computer. They will continually scan the computer looking for anything that may be a virus of spyware and block it. In fact, these products have the ability to warn you of any suspicious sites before you even visit them.
These products are an excellent addition to your arsenal in keeping your files and computer safe. However, there are times when a computer is going to be too infected for one of these products to clean the system. In this case, you will have two options. One is to reformat the hard drive and reinstall all programs. Or bring it to a computer repair shop and hope that the system can be salvaged. They will back up your essential files and important documents and restore the computer to its factory settings.
The most important thing to remember is to think before you click when online. And if the situation becomes too bad, it is best to talk to a professional as soon as possible.
Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com. To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.
How To Choose The Right Commercial IT Specialists And Avoid Danger
As a small business grows it is essential that the amount of data that you store stays safe. This can include sensitive employee files or customer credit card information, regardless it is time to look into the hiring of dedicated commercial IT specialists. However, if you have little knowledge of the IT field, how can you be sure you are choosing the right company? Below are a few tips that will ensure that you hire the right professionals to keep your data safe and move your company in the right direction.
Understand Your Particular Needs
It is essential that you understand what you want and what you are looking to achieve. What role will the commercial IT specialist perform and what requirements will be needed of them? Many businesses will go with the least expensive option a newly graduated student for example. However, while they have the essential knowledge they will lack the formal experience.
A Team Effort
While an individual may be a more cost-effective solution, it may be inefficient. Many times IT is simply not a one-person job, this is especially true for larger businesses.
In addition, there is not one person who is going to be capable to contain all the knowledge that is necessary to perform the job to their fullest ability.
The Difference Between Skill And Talent
A professional IT specialist does not have the luxury to be technical, they must be able to understand it all. Businesses are used to hiring individuals who are skilled in one particular area, however, they may not always understand the process or procedure. It is essential that the commercial IT specialists that you hire are skilled at understanding why security breaches happen as well as how they can be prevented in the future. It is not always necessary to hire someone who is skilled with your particular system. As long as they possess the knowledge of “why”, they will have the ability to adapt and learn your system.
Experience vs. Certifications
While a certification will clearly show a certain level of knowledge, it is not a replacement for daily experience. A job should be posted looking for individuals not only with certifications but a certain level of experience.
The Value Of A Background Check
The individual or company who fills this position is going to have access to some of your companies most sensitive data. It goes without saying that there must be a certain level of trust.
Asking The Right Questions
If you are not familiar with the technology sector it might be well worth it to have an outsider help conduct interviews. It is important to be able to understand the potential candidates ability for troubleshooting on the fly, gauging risks, and prioritizing daily tasks.
A Recap Of Simple Tips For Hiring The Right Commercial IT Specialists
- Be sure you know what you need and what you are looking for.
- Never assume that one person is going to be capable of performing the job.
- Understand the difference between skill and talent.
- Do not rely solely on certifications, experience can be much more important.
- Ask the right questions of the candidate.
- Always run a background check.
Regardless of where you stand with technology, these simple tips will allow your companies data to remain safe while streamlining daily IT activities.
Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com. To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.
Repairing your computer vs. replacing
One glance around in today’s culture and you can tell computers are a major part of daily living and functioning. We use computers for everything and we even carry tiny computers in our pockets which we refer to as smart phones. So, when your computer goes down and needs to be fixed it’s a major issue. Should we simply toss out the old computer and purchase a new one or should you have your current computer repaired? Today, we look at some reasons why it would be more beneficial to just repair your computer rather than replace it.
- The first thing to consider when deciding to replace or repair your computer is price. It’s like a car if it would cost more to fix the car than the car is worth we tend to junk the car and get a new one, your computer is the same way. If it will cost you more to repair the computer compared to purchasing a new one then you would obviously want to replace it not repair it.
- The second consideration is age, how old is that computer anyways? If your computer is older than 7 years it might be high time to replace it. The traditional lifespan of a computer is between 3 and 7 years and a good thing to keep in mind is the price of your computer originally. Traditionally the more expensive your computer was to purchase the longer you can expect it to last. Technology and especially computers are constantly being upgraded and updated so if the broken computer is older than 7 years it might be a better option to replace it rather than repair it.
- Software is licensed not owned so if you have special software on your current computer that may not be able to be transferred to a new computer then repairing your current computer would make more sense.
The decision really boils down to personal preference as well as that you will be using your computer for, having a computer repaired does tend to be cheaper than replacing it completely. Just keep in mind when you have your computer repaired to have it done by a professional because if you take your computer to someone who doesn’t really know what they are doing you run the risk of seriously causing harm to the system rather than helping or bettering it.
Some things to keep in mind when trying to find a reliable and skilled computer repair technician:
- How long has the company been in business?
- Are the technicians certified in computer repair services?
- Do they have references that you can talk with?
These are just a few things to keep in mind when looking for a professional to repair your computer. Hopefully this has helped you not only decide whether to repair or replace your broken computer but also has given a little insight into who to select should your computer need repaired.
Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas. You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.
Understanding What Information Technology Consultants Offers To Your Company
Not many people completely understand what services IT consultants provide to their clients. Information technology consultants, also known as computer consultancy services, advise organizations on how best to utilize technology in order to achieve success within their business. IT consultants will create a plan to direct, employ, set up and oversee information technology based on the systems currently in place as well as the goals the business and long term objectives.
Outsourcing is a common practice amongst growing businesses. Companies outsource IT consultants for a number of reasons. Large professional service firms may be able to afford having an IT workforce but for midsized and smaller companies the expense of an IT specialist may not be justifiable. When looking to outsource it is important that you do so with your company’s size and goals in mind.
There are several tiers within the IT consulting industry.
- Professional IT service companies that retain a sizable workforce to provide consulting services and a rate that matches.
- Temporary staffing firms that place IT specialists with businesses that require their services on a temporary basis. This is most often due to the fact that an employee is absent or that the skill the temp offers is something unique that no one else currently employed can offer. IT temps are also hired when a technical project requires something that is needed that current employees can offer.
- Independent IT consultants are individuals that are self-employed and are hired as independent contractors to provide services on an as needed basis.
There are several reasons IT consultants are asked to provide services.
- When advice is needed from someone that is outside of the company. When external, objective advice and recommendations are needed from an impartial party.
- When specialized expertise service can be gained from the consultant.
- When a onetime project requires services that cannot be performed by a current employee and when it is cost prohibited to hire a permanent employee.
- When IT services are required from a specific company.
When a company realizes it is time to take their IT to a new level it is important that they bring in an expert IT consultant to define the scope of the project including time of implementation and costs. The IT firm will maintain and support the development of the companies IT plans. IT consultants work with the company from the beginning of the projects development until the end in order to ensure complete satisfaction by the hiring company.
Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas. You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.
Hiring An I.T. Company That Does It All
Small business, large businesses and all the ones in between rely on computer systems, the internet and a variety of other I.T. services. How do business owners come by professionals to provide these services? Is it possible that one team of I.T. specialist can supply all of the services that businesses need? The answer is simple, yes. It is possible to find an I.T. team that specializes in a variety of services to offer reliable affordable computer repair, computer consulting, networking, server builds and installations, data back-up systems, computer troubleshooting, wiring, website design, graphic design, web hosting, SEO, iPhone and Android programming as well as custom programming.
There is a lot to consider when looking into I.T. services. A lot of times the idea that a company would need all of these services is a lot to think about. This is especially true because half of them are services that you had never heard about. Let’s look a bit deeper into each area and how your business uses these services to run more efficiently.
Computer Repair, Computer Tune Ups and Computer Malware and Virus Removal: Computers are a main stay in running any sized business. When the computer fails it can take the entire business down and out of service. What you need is I.T. services that quickly repair your computer issues so that your business is not out of commission for too long. Computer viruses, hard drive repairs, new mother board installation and more are services that your I.T. company should be efficient at.
Computer Consulting: Part of servicing company’s I.T. services it devising a technology plan for the company. Considering their budget and time frame a company then can begin implementing the stated plan and put it into action. Many times an I.T. plan includes computer networking, building and installing a server; putting back-up systems in place and the ability to trouble shoot any current computer issues.
Website Design, Graphic Design, Web Hosting and Search Engine Optimization Services (SEO): Much of a company’s business comes from their internet presence. It is crucial that not only does your business run with up to date computer technology but web presence as well. Companies that already work with you and understand your I.T. needs have a better understanding of what represents your business. That information can be taken and turned into a graphic playground in the form of a website. The presence of your company online is also crucial which is why SEO services are performed. It is important that your clients can find you online and that they are drawn to use your business services from the online presence that is present.
iPhone and Android Programming and custom programming: Apps have taken on a life of their own in the world we live in. These app ideas don’t come to be magically. They require custom programming. Bringing your ideas to life, in order to grow your business you will need to develop a mobile presence with the use of a website that is mobile friendly and apps for both iPhones and Android phones.
All of these services tie into one another and to find an I.T. company that can provide all of them for you in a one stop shop is the best possible scenario for your company. An all inclusive I.T. service company knows your company inside and out. This means that they will provide better services based exactly on what they know you need to continue to grow your business.
Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas. You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.
Creating A Presence For Your Business Online With Search Engine Optimization
The aim for business owners when developing a website and online presence is to show up at the top of internet search engines. The goal is to standout above the competition whether you are online or in person. To do this your business must include search engine optimization in their website design and marketing plan. Search engine optimization, otherwise known as SEO, is the process of promoting your website to search engines in order to achieve higher rankings. Different companies offer their own distinct methods to do this for customers. Below are some powerful SEO strategies to consider and others to avoid when looking to increase your search engine rankings.
Your site must be optimized properly to engage your target market. Bringing visitors to your site that are not your intended market is of no use to you as a business owner. Your SEO must optimize your site to create traffic from your desired target. Your content is what will help bring the traffic to your site if properly optimized; the graphic design and layout will keep them there.
Not only does the sites content need to be optimized the site itself should be built and coded in a manner that search engines can clearly identify what your business offers. It is crucial that your site is optimized for several keywords and their variations. Search engines analyze your site metatags in order to determine what your site offers.
When creating your sites backend metatags don’t keyword stuff or over optimize key phrases. This is seen as a black hat technique and many search engines will black list your website until they see vast improvements. Natural use of keywords within your site metatags is the best option to appease search engines. Consider using several variations of your keyword throughout the backend of the site. Analysis of your website should be conducted to ensure that your keywords and variations don’t comprise more than twenty percent of the sites content for optimum results.
When choosing a url be aware that this is also an integral part in SEO. Your site url and page names should not only be relevant to the site content but also memorable. When choosing a url for your site avoid the use of special characters as these make it more difficult for users to remember. Add keywords and their variations to the sites many different pages. For instance a contact us page can turn into contact our search engine optimization experts. Your base url needs to be simple and easy to remember. Side page urls need to be site descriptive and optimized to bring the best search engine results.
SEO is an ever changing process. Work with professionals in the search engine marketing process that understand they must adjust the techniques they employ as time progresses. Using SEO techniques that worked last year is not a guarantee for success this year. You must work with an expert that understands the ever changing ways search engines are looking for when ranking websites.
Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services and SEO serivces to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas. You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.
Google eavesdropping tool installed on computers without permission
Privacy advocates claim always-listening component was involuntarily activated within Chromium, potentially exposing private conversations
Privacy campaigners and open source developers are up in arms over the secret installing of Google software which is capable of listening in on conversations held in front of a computer.
First spotted by open source developers, the Chromium browser – the open source basis for Google’s Chrome – began remotely installing audio-snooping code that was capable of listening to users.
It was designed to support Chrome’s new “OK, Google” hotword detection – which makes the computer respond when you talk to it – but was installed, and, some users have claimed, it is activated on computers without their permission.
“Without consent, Google’s code had downloaded a black box of code that – according to itself – had turned on the microphone and was actively listening to your room,” said Rick Falkvinge, the Pirate party founder, in a blog post. “Which means that your computer had been stealth configured to send what was being said in your room to somebody else, to a private company in another country, without your consent or knowledge, an audio transmission triggered by … an unknown and unverifiable set of conditions.”
The feature is installed by default as part of Google’s Chrome browser. But open source advocates are up in arms about it also being installed with the open source variant Chromium, because the listening code is considered to be “black box”, not part of the open source audit process.
“We don’t know and can’t know what this black box does,” said Falkvinge.
Opt-in or opt-out
Google responded to complaints via its developer boards. It said: “While we do download the hotword module on startup, we do not activate it unless you opt in to hotwording.”
However, reports from developers indicate otherwise.
After having identified Chromium as the culprit, developer Ofer Zelig said in a blog post: “While I was working I thought ‘I’m noticing that an LED goes on and off, on the corner of my eyesight [webcam]’. And after a few times when it just seemed weird, I sat to watch for it and saw it happening. Every few seconds or so.”
Google also blamed the Linux distribution Debian for downloading the non-open source component with Chromium automatically, rather than Google Chrome.
“The key here is that Chromium is not a Google product. We do not directly distribute it, or make any guarantees with respect to compliance with various open source policies,” Google developer mgiuca said.
Falkvinge countered Google’s explanations saying: “The default install will still wiretap your room without your consent, unless you opt out, and more importantly, know that you need to opt out, which is nowhere a reasonable requirement.” He says a hardware switch to disable the microphone and camera built into most computers is needed.
Voice search functions have become an accepted feature of modern smartphones, but their movement into the home through the smart TV, and now browser, have caused concerns over the possibility of being listened to within the home.
While most services require a user to opt in, privacy advocates have questioned whether their use, which requires sending voice recordings over the internet to company servers for processing, risks unintentionally exposing private conversations held within the home.
Original Source: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/23/google-eavesdropping-tool-installed-computers-without-permission
Mac attack! Nasty bug lets hackers into Apple computers
Some Apple Macs have a particularly terrible flaw that lets hackers sneak in and remain undetected, a security researcher has found.
It means a hacker could — from far away — force a Mac into a coma. Personal, corporate or government Macs could be spied on in a way that even the best security checks wouldn’t discover — until it’s way too late.
“This is scary,” said Sarah Edwards, a forensic analyst at the SANS Institute who specializes in reviewing computers for evidence of hacks. “I would never see this. There could be funky stuff going on in the computer system, and I would never know why.”
What makes this one so bad? It’s a computer bug that runs especially deep in the machine.
All computers have some kind of basic input/output system (BIOS), the core program that brings a machine to life. It’s the kind of thing you should never tamper with. And it should obviously remain heavily guarded.
But Macs purchased one year ago or before, apparently, leave a door open.
When a Mac goes into sleep mode and wakes back up, it allows direct access to the BIOS. It’s a weird quirk that lets someone tamper with the code there. That’s what was discovered recently by Pedro Vilaça, a curious independent computer security researcher in Portugal.
He revealed this vulnerability publicly in a blog post last Friday. He told CNNMoney he alerted Apple directly soon thereafter.
Apple (AAPL, Tech30) did not respond to questions about this flaw — nor would it say when it plans to release an update to fix it.
Several cybersecurity experts confirmed to CNNMoney that this is a real problem, and they plan to research further in the next few weeks.
This isn’t an easy hack. An attacker first needs administrative access to a machine. But what this means is that if a Mac gets hacked with a low-level computer virus, it can bury so deep you’ll never find it.
That’s the real problem here. It gives hackers more time to plot a massive bank heist or a huge corporate takedown, like the Sony Pictures hack.
So, who’s in real danger? High-value targets: think company executives, bankers, politicians, the wealthy, journalists, or anyone else worth spying on for a long period of time.
The average Mac user doesn’t have to worry about this one, because they’re actually susceptible to cheaper, easier hacks — that are easier to spot and fix. So says Katie Moussouris, an executive at HackerOne, which helps companies fix dangerous computer bugs.
Tod Beardsley, a security research manager at cybersecurity firm Rapid7, stressed that most Mac users aren’t likely to get hacked because of this bug. He said the flaw is “certainly surprising … but the bar of difficulty is pretty high.”
This is the second major flaw in Apple devices discovered in the last week. Recently, people discovered that you can crash someone’s iPhone simply by sending it a text message.
Vilaça decided not to name this bug. But every major computer flaw nowadays deserves a name. Given that it involves a poisonous kiss that wakes a sleeping Mac, Moussouris suggests this one: Prince Harming.
Original Source: http://money.cnn.com/2015/06/03/technology/mac-bug/