Computer Support Blog

A recent article on Yahoo.com named seven gadgets that will die out by the end of the decade. Among the seven gadgets are the stand-alone GPS and the low-end digital camera. According to the article, smartphones will take over both products’ functionality before long. We’ve already begun to see the demise of the stand-alone GPS as smartphone users turn more frequently to the navigation features readily available on their devices. As for cameras, well, the Apple’s iPhone 4S sports an 8 megapixel camera, as does Nokia’s new Lumia 800, which is more than what most people need for casual photography!

With the ubiquity and increasing sophistication of wireless network services, smartphones are able to do what previously took a specialized device to do, like give driving directions. Because wireless network service providers are constantly competing for customers, we’re seeing navigation systems rise to standard feature status along with faster speed networking.

Wireless network services have become such a regular component of modern technology that they have lost their appeal as a hot topic. Inter-device network services are on their way to becoming standard, too. Soon we will forget what it is like to use a wired network service that connects a camera to a computer device, which in turn often depends on a wired network service to connect to a printer.

With wireless network services becoming the standard form of network services, the centrality of smartphones will become fundamental to communication and entertainment. Smartphones are on their way to becoming one of the primary mediums for linking users to a plethora of options ranging from tech support to entertainment, from information to communication.

Of course, as smartphones morph into their new eclectic roles, they will also become more susceptible to breakdowns and may require more frequent tech support. Right now, users require a relatively low level of tech support for their separate products. For example, users may need simple tech support in handling a poor satellite signal on a GPS device. When several devices are incorporated into one, though, users might find themselves in need of more frequent tech support.

Still, the fact that increasingly sophisticated devices are likely to require more tech support should not deter anyone from endorsing them. After all, getting tech support for smartphones and modern electronics is becoming easier by the day thanks to almost instant tech support availability. With a wireless network service, for example, users can get remote tech support in minutes.

Wireless network services are becoming incredibly powerful, and with their help, smartphones are almost certainly going to become the main technological vessel for housing GPS devices and low-end digital cameras.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

No computer is infallible. Hardware failure or virus damage can happen to even the best-kept computers. Physical damage to a laptop, for example, can damage the hard drive, causing stored data to be lost, while viruses can erase important documents, photos, and videos. As is often the case with computers and the process of system recovery, prevention is the best cure. When prevention doesn’t work, it’s important to handle data recovery correctly to avoid further damage and minimize costs. Here’s what you should keep in mind even before you need a system recovery:

1)      Backup: There’s really no way to stress this point enough; back up your data regularly and consistently. Nothing makes data recovery easier (or cheaper) than having a backup copy of your information. Use an online service or website to store copies of all your valuable data. Such services are readily available, but pick carefully, as some services like those offered by Rescuecom are more secure than others. Alternatively, you could buy an external hard drive and copy your data onto it. External hard drives are becoming increasingly less expensive and come in a variety of storage capacities. If you do lose your data, you will be grateful that data recovery involves simply copying your files back onto a new or repaired device.

Make sure you understand the differences and limitations of functions like system restore that come with your computer. System restore doesn’t really help with system recovery or with data recovery because it only stores files related to a system’s settings and parameters. If you delete a photo album (and empty the recycling bin), restoring a system to a previous week’s settings will not help with data recovery. Remember, there’s no alternative to backup, and system restore does not provide complete system recovery.

2)      Don’t store files on the same drive as your OS: Have a tech expert partition your hard drive into two (or more) partitions and store your photos, videos, documents, and other important files on a separate partition than the one that holds your system information. In case you need to erase all your system data and reinstall your OS, you won’t have to affect your personal data, making your system recovery easy, perhaps even avoiding the need for data recovery in the first place.

3)      Get professional help: When disaster does strike, stop using your machine, and seek out a professional data recovery service. Especially when your data is invaluable, don’t take your chances with a free online application. Instead, take your machine to a professional. In fact, services like Rescuecom’s can offer remote data recovery aid, which means that you can get professional system recovery without even leaving your home.

No matter how you approach system recovery in general, and data recovery in particular, remember that both can be made easier and cheaper if you have the right kind of backup. So keep your files safe to avoid the awful feeling of knowing that entire photo albums, work documents and other important data have been erased, possibly forever.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Netflix is undergoing some major changes. Along with losing over one million customers, the company is hiking prices and setting a plan in motion that will soon kill off its DVD mailing services. The millions of customers who joined Netflix for the DVD service and the millions who still primarily rely on mailed DVDs for their entertainment intake may have to start adjusting their home network services soon. The push towards online streaming will bring with it new tech support issues. It will also force many customers to upgrade their home networks to meet the demands of online streaming.

The harbinger of phasing out the DVD mailing service came early this year when Netflix announced that customers would no longer have the “Add to DVD Queue” option from streaming devices. Netflix cited a vague tech support related issue to justify the change. Still, customers didn’t buy the tech support reasoning. It was clear that Netflix was trying to start limiting customer interaction with DVD selection.

Then, last summer, the company announced a price hike that outraged subscribers and everyone else alike! Again, Netflix cited tech support issues and a desire to focus on its online streaming services as justification. Many customers were then forced to choose only one of the two services to avoid paying more.

For many, the choice continues to be difficult because online streaming can take a toll on home networks. Many home network services set limits on the amount of data usage, becoming slower when such limits are reached. Alternatively, some home networks simply do not offer enough connection speed to stream movies at high quality. Sometimes users have the option of upgrading their home networks by paying more or changing their home network service provider, but who wants to have to pay more just to accommodate Netflix? Yet according to SplatF.com, Netflix realizes that these are short-term tech support issues that will disappear with time. Home networks are on their way to becoming incredibly powerful, and when that happens, speed related tech support will become obsolete—for a few years at least.

Netflix’s DVD service requires less tech support than the streaming one. Perhaps the most common tech support problem that comes up with the DVD service is a scratched disc, and the solution to that is imply getting a different disc. However, given the long-term advantages of only providing a streaming service, it looks like Netflix is willing to deal with some temporary transitional tech support issues.

Netflix keeps citing tech support issues and practicality behind its (now defunct) plan to split its streaming and DVD mailing services, limiting customer access to DVD queues to the computer interface, and its price hikes, but customers aren’t buying it. It seems that the days when the public bent over backwards to accommodate capitalist growth are dying out. People realize that Netflix changes have nothing or little to do with tech support, and plenty to do with profit, and many of them are taking their business elsewhere.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

The computer tablet market is about to be shaken-up. Amazon’s Kindle Fire is almost here, and the tablet is already causing a stir. Analysts and bloggers agree that the advent of the Kindle Fire will usher in an era of real tablet competition. Several of the Kindle Fire’s features suggest that it is going to give apple’s iPad a run for its money. On the other hand, despite its great price of $199 (which International Business Times believes is a net loss for Amazon), the tablet has a few tech support and Internet security issues that are worth considering.

First of all, the Kindle Fire has several intriguing qualities like stereo speakers and 169 pixels per inch resolution, but these relatively high-tech features may require extra tech support down the road.

The Kindle’s Silk web browser is another interesting feature of the tablet, but according to ZDNet, the software has serious Internet security problems. The browser will make surfing the Internet super fast, but at a cost to Internet security and user privacy. To increase the browsing speed, the Silk browser depends on the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) to act as a Web proxy. As web browsing becomes delocalized with data passing through a third party (the Amazon cloud), Internet security threats are bound to increase. Users who use this feature may witness an increase in their need for tech support.

The good news is that users can enhance the tablet’s Internet security by turning off the Silk’s cloud-enhanced mode. Using the Silk in offline mode prevents data from passing through Amazon’s cloud, improving Internet security but also slowing down the browsing experience.

The Kindle’s traditional function as an e-book reader has been significantly revamped with this new model. Users will be able to use this tablet to watch rich color movies and television shows, listen to music, read magazines, browse the web, play games, and of course, read books. There are a few advantages to using the Kindle Fire to do all this rather than, say, an iPad. For example, Amazon’s tablet is almost a third of the price of an iPad2. Also, the Kindle Fire offers paid access to millions of books, millions of songs, and over 100,000 television shows and films.

According to PCWorld, Android-based apps and their related tech support for Amazon’s Kindle are limited. Since the Kindle Fire runs on a system similar to Google’s Android, future changes to the OS may create significant tech support issues for the Kindle Fire.

If Amazon’s tech support for the Kindle is anything like its customer care, then you can plan on finding quality tech support to help deal with the Internet security and other problems that require tech support. Still, the longer you wait before buying the product, the more you can count on tried and tested tech support and maybe even better Internet security.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Simple computer problems that appear harmless can actually end up becoming serious issues that require costly or professional computer repairs. A louder than usual fan, an overheated base, random screen glitches, and strange internal noises are all easy to ignore at first, but these may be signs that your machine is on its way to requiring expert computer repair. Small changes in the way a computer acts can be the result of hardware failure or a software problem.

Viruses are one of the most common software-related problems that require computer support. In the past, computer repair service providers needed to be physically located in front of a computer to perform necessary computer repairs. Today, though, a good deal of personalized computer support occurs remotely! That means for people who can’t part with their machines for too long, computer repair experts can provide computer support by tapping into your computer from almost any location. By connecting to a computer via the Internet, computer repair experts can provide safe and secure computer support for a device as if it were in front of them.

Choosing remote computer support is a convenient option for several reasons. First, since you don’t have to physically take your machine to a computer repair shop, remote computer repair can take care of problems like virus removal and provide other kinds of computer support much faster. Remote computer support can also start fixing the problem as soon as you discover it, possibly minimizing the resulting harm. Instead of allowing a virus time to progressively wipeout your hard drive, for instance, remote computer support can nip it in the bud.

Remote computer repair is not only a solution to virus related problems. Hardware related problems can sometimes also be fixed with the remote assistance of a computer repair expert. Fan related problems are especially easy to handle over the phone or the Internet.

Alternatively, some computer support problems require the personal attention of a specialist. Laptop hardware computer repairs are often more difficult and are best handled directly by a professional. Even then, though, you can find computer support providers that come to your home or office to fix the problem in a short amount of time.

In the end, pay attention to small warning signs that can indicate more serious problems. Catching viruses or hardware problems early on, and getting the right kind of computer support can help prolong your machine’s lifespan. It’s also an easy way to reduce computer repair costs. If you’re delaying that trip to get your computer repaired because of a busy schedule, wait no longer; remote computer support is your best option.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Using the same password for most or all online activities may be convenient, but it is a dangerous Internet security practice that we should all avoid. Sure, recycling passwords makes remembering them easier, but it also makes it easier for cybercriminals to steal that information. Even when you’re using a trusted network service like your home network, having weak or recurring passwords is an unnecessary threat to your Internet security.

Along with monitoring how you use public network services and keeping your anti-virus updated, consider using a different and difficult password for each of your accounts. Varying your passwords is an easy way to increase the level of your Internet security. When cybercriminals learn one of your passwords, they may try to use it to gain access to your other accounts. Using significantly different passwords can drastically limit the damage to your overall Internet security.

To check the strength of a password (or even just for fun), consider searching for a list of the worst passwords and making sure yours isn’t on it! One online list includes the 500 worst passwords of all time, and among these are: 123456, password, eric, gandalf, rainbow, barney, and butter!

Even when passwords are not as ridiculous as these (barney?), Microsoft’s Safety and Security Center suggests changing them periodically. When coming up with passwords, keep in mind that you may have to enter them while using public network services where Internet security is not very high. The Security Skeptic also offers some easy ways to create better passwords to improve your Internet security.

To test a password’s Internet security level use an online service, and keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid common words
• Don’t use personal information such as a telephone number, address or birthday
• Use at least eight characters, the more the merrier
• Combine upper and lowercase characters
• Include numbers and symbols (%4#3*1)
• Start with a sentence and change it around (Somewhere over the rainbow/ SomeWhereOverDaR@inbow22)

If you’re worried about forgetting a password, write it down! Storing your passwords on paper isn’t necessarily a threat to your Internet security. Cybercriminals will try to target your information through your online network, not your desk. Still, keep your password in a safe place.

Prevent cybercriminals from infiltrating your Internet security, personal accounts, and network services by changing your passwords often and making them difficult. If a password is too difficult for you to remember, then it’ll certainly be difficult for a hacker or virus to figure out.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Many websites offer computer support tips for taking care of laptops to help avoid needing laptop repairs. Along with the detailed, technical computer support practices that can greatly benefit your devices, there are a few easy tricks that can help you put off that trip to the laptop repair shop. So if you have a hard time making too many small changes to the way you use your device, here are three short and sweet habits that you might find helpful.

3 easy computer support tips:

• Keep it cool: Overheating can be annoying to users and harmful to laptops. The most common cause of overheating is poor air circulation. This usually happens when dust and other particles accumulate on and around a laptop’s fan and plug its air vents. A good computer support practice is to clean out the vents regularly. Use specialized compressed air or consult a laptop repair specialist periodically.

Placing your device on your lap or a cushion as you lounge on the couch is a sure way to reduce air flow and overheat your laptop. Doing it once or twice won’t hurt; however, if you make a regular habit of it, don’t be surprised if you need professional laptop repairs.

• Keep it clean: keyboards love to accumulate dirt and dust. With time, dirt under the keys can cause them to stop working properly, a problem that will eventually require laptop repair work. An easy way to prevent the accumulation of dirt is to keep food away from your device.

Many websites suggest using compressed air as a regular means of computer support, but this technique can be risky as it may push the dust further under the buttons. So when cleaning does become necessary, use a small vacuum attachment to get dirt out from in between the buttons.

• Keep it gentle: Carry your laptop using its base and not its screen. According to Wikihow, pressure to the screen can cause long-lasting damage. It can also break or offset the hinges, which can require the attention of a laptop repair specialist.

Protect your device’s cords by loosely wrapping them around your fingers then securing them with a Velcro strip or rubber band. Never wrap a cord around its adapter because that can damage the cord’s tip and will only add to your laptop repair bill.

Remember, prevention is the best cure. Regular computer support can delay the need for laptop repairs. Perhaps the best kind of computer support is taking your laptop to a professional computer and laptop repair professional for regular maintenance and cleaning.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Watch out for Free Wi-Fi

Many people find it hard to go even a few hours without an Internet connection. Shops, restaurants and a variety of other venues are adapting to this need by providing free Wi-Fi. Whether you’re at your favorite coffee shop, shopping at the grocery store, or waiting in an airport lounge, you’ll probably find that you have access to a free Wi-Fi network. If you decide to use it though, you should be aware of the dangers of using a network service without proper Internet security.

It may be tempting to quickly connect to a public network service and log into a social networking site such as facebook or check your bank account, but unless you can trust the network service provider’s Internet security, you should only do casual surfing. If you find yourself using a questionable network, avoid logging into websites and services that require you to type a username and password. Faulty Internet security leaves room for cyber thieves or hackers to infiltrate your network service and steal your private information without your knowledge.

Good Internet security practices can spare you potentially disastrous outcomes like identity theft. So when choosing a public network, always make sure you select a secure connection. If you’re at a Starbucks, for example, ask an employee to verify the name of the network service before connecting. Avoid using unsecured network services because they are easily prone to Internet security breaches.

Keeping your anti-virus software up to date and your computer’s firewall turned on are just two of the basic principles of achieving Internet security and using public networks safely. Besides, having anti-virus software does not guarantee your device’s safety; it’s merely a basic component of Internet security.

Another common Internet security problem occurs when cyber thieves record keystrokes, giving them access to your usernames and passwords. Changing your passwords periodically can help counter this kind of threat, especially if you use a public network regularly.

Even with these precautions, the strength of your Internet security can be hard to gauge, and networks that appear safe can still place your device at risk.  If you do suspect that a virus or malware has breached your Internet security, get professional help immediately.  Some viruses can seriously damage your device if they’re not caught quickly. In fact, because the average user cannot detect malware, it is essential to have a computer or network services specialist look at your system from time to time.

Always try to balance the advantages of using public network services and the potential threats to your Internet security that accompany them. What appears to be a free Wi-Fi service could end up costing you a lot in virus removal costs and privacy breaches.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Everywhere you look these days there are people doing all sorts of cool things with their smartphones.  In fact, the one thing you see them doing least is actually talking on them.  They are availing themselves of the crazy number and types of apps available to them right there in the palm of their hand.  How many of those users do you suppose are worried about who has access to their personal information?  Not just the information they are exchanging with a friend at that moment, but ALL of the information their smartphone (aka Mobile Computer Device) to which their network service is connecting them?

Of course most business users are well aware of the risks associated with using mobile devices and have acted appropriately with their network services to assure that they are adequately protected.  The everyday user may not even know enough to worry about this.  Everyone who uses a smartphone requires a connection to a network service.  There are a number of ways that providers accomplish this connection to a network service, not all of which represent secure computer service.  Then there are all those apps users download, some of which are extremely cool.  Are those apps from a secure network service?  Is any information you share while using those apps protected by secure computer services?

As we all know, providers of apps and services often do not have the consumers’ best interests at heart, in fact, many prefer that we not use secure computer services.  The truth is that a virus or thief has victimized pretty much anyone who has been using a computer in any form for any length of time.  A network service who intends to stay in business over the long run will probably be a secure computer service, but a look into their records and comments from users is still a good idea.  Still, the user should not become so paranoid about suspicious providers and network services that they stop using their smartphones entirely.

Awareness is the key here.  If you are in doubt about the integrity of a particular app, do not download it until you can check it out through a reputable network service.  If you are not sure what kind of personal information your provider is sharing with whom, contact them directly and ask.  It is best to use secure computer service, especially as the use of mobile devices increases at such a rapid pace.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

So just what is “analytics” in the world of computing today?  According to the impeccable Wikipedia, “analytics is the process of obtaining an optimal or realistic decision based on existing data.  Business managers may choose to make decisions based on past experiences or rules of thumb, or there might be other qualitative aspects to decision making; but unless there are data involved in the process, it would not be considered analytics.”  Therefore, business people are using computer support to gather vital information.

Most savvy members of the business end of Internet use, marketing, and Internet security are already busily using analytics to keep their competitive edges, just one of the many reasons that intellectual property and Internet security are such hot issues.  Here is an interesting twist though.  What if a behemoth of online marketing began allowing lesser competitors to use its giant market to market their goods?  What if this behemoth even provided lots of computer support and increased Internet security for them?  How could this be good for the behemoth’s bottom line?  Analytics is the answer.

If a giant online marketer can collaborate with a lot of lesser marketers, the giant marketer can then watch these marketers much more closely without violating any Internet security protocol.  This watching is possible since sales and demographic data of the smaller marketer will be a part of the giant’s business now.  This collaboration will essentially remove any issues of Internet security and spying.  The giant is cutting out the middleman – the computer support analytics guy who used to have to chase all over cyberspace getting this same information, sometimes even violating Internet security.

At the same time, the giant is improving its upfront profile by providing access to and computer support for all of these products and services without the consumer ever having to leave the giant’s site.  In addition, at least in the short run the smaller vendors are getting a potential boost in sales based on their greater visibility, not to mention a greater sense of Internet security for their customers and for themselves.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to see this as a mutually beneficial relationship for the long run.  In the business of Internet marketing and competition, the object seems to be to always to come out on top.

That is not to say that these larger operators are merely victimizing their smaller competitors.  For right now, it seems as if both are benefitting in good ways, sharing computer support and Internet security.

Just for the sake of argument though, before a smaller competitor signs a contract with one of the “big guys,” it would be good for them to consider exactly what sort of access to information they are giving the bigger entity in exchange for their greater visibility.  How much computer support and Internet security are they gaining or losing for the sake of some perhaps temporary increased sales?

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com