Computer Support Blog

Research in Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry line of products, has announced the impending release of a tablet style device known as the PlayBook.

The PlayBook will feature a 7 inch touchscreen, front and rear facing HD cameras, and will run on a new OS developed around QNX’s Neutrino software.

While RIM has yet to announce a firm release date or price point for the PlayBook, the announcement of the device’s specs was major news.  Unlike the recently released BlackBerry Torch, which featured a touchscreen but still ran the BlackBerry OS, the PlayBook is being viewed as a major step for RIM. Read more »

Samsung has debuted their Galaxy Tab, one of the first of the so-called “iPad Killers” from a major manufacturer.

The Galaxy’s specs will vary slightly from carrier to carrier, but all versions will run Google’s Android 2.2, the same OS that has helped propel some smartphones – including Samsung’s Galaxy class devices – into direct competition with the iPhone. Read more »

In news that’s sure to stoke the Apple vs. Android fan battles on messages boards across the Internet, Android has cut into iOS’s market share and is threatening to become the number two ranked mobile operating system.

According to comScore, Apple’s market share 1.3% this summer, as opposed to the significant 5% increase for Android.  While Google’s mobile OS still trails both Apple and RIM, Android has made massive gains and has the top spot in its sights.

Obviously, this is a significant moment for Google and Android.  As the only mobile platform to grow this summer, the popularity of Android cannot be questioned.  In terms of bragging rights in the ongoing battle with Apple, Google has struck a major blow.

However, while the numbers appear, on the surface, to be a major win for Android, Apple has no reason to concede anything yet.  As the company’s supporters would be quick to point out, Google has several key advantages in generating market share:

• Unlike Apple, Android phones can be found on all major carriers. The iPhone is, for the moment still tied to AT&T.
• iOS runs on only the iPhone. Android can be found on a hefty number of devices, ranging across all price points.
• The iPhone 4 was only available for one of the months covered by the comScore report. Additionally, it was the only iOS release, while Android was released on multiple new phones.

Regardless of the caveats, Android’s growth is still worth noting.  Apple’s supporters have long pointed to the company’s significant head start in both mobile operating systems and tablet computers as reasons why the competition will never catch up.

If the latest figures are any indication of what the competition can do when they’ve got the right product, Apple is going to have far more of a fight on its hands than it, or its fans, may have expected.

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 of us are still passive technology users.  Concepts such as computer repair and tech support aren’t even considerations until an actual crisis arises.

Technology used to be so complicated that only experts would use it on a regular basis.  However, easy to use devices such as smartphones, mp3 players, and tablet computers allow anyone to be a regular tech user.  You no longer need to be a computer repair specialist or work in tech support to be able to operate these sorts of devices.

However, many of us rely on our tech, but never understand it.  Because we don’t understand all the ins and outs of the devices we’re using, we often panic when trouble hits.  That panic can often make a computer repair problem instantly worse.  Read more »

A new Internet security attack spread through email Thursday, though it came in somewhat old packaging.

The attack, dubbed “Here you have” after the subject line of the phishing attack emails, was reminiscent of attacks from 2000 and 2001.  Those attacks, the ILoveYou and Anna Kournikova worms, were the last significant mass email attacks, until now.  The Kournikova worm even used the same “Here you have” subject line. Read more »

What is reliability?

When it comes to manufacturing a reliable computer, it means more than just putting together something that works.  It’s about putting together a computer that holds up and functions well over the long haul.  It’s about providing computer service when that computer doesn’t hold up, and about ensuring that a customer gets the fixes they need to get up and running again. Read more »

SYRACUSE, N.Y., August 27, 2010 – Any time you seek out computer repair or computer support services, you are putting a great deal of trust in someone.  To help you choose only a quality and reputable computer repair service, Rescuecom offers these tips.  Read more »

Apple has announced a media event for September 1, at which the company is expected to announce a new iPod Touch and a refresh of Apple TV, which launched three years ago but never truly caught on.

While most expect Apple CEO Steve Jobs to downplay the Apple TV angle and instead focus on video playback on the iPod, iPad, and iPhone, there is reason to think that Apple TV could be a more long term play for the company.

Jobs has said that until such time as end users could stream television, movies, and other video content from their computer to their TV, with little or no need for tech support or elaborate hook-ups, he didn’t expect Apple TV to be mainstream hit.  That, apparently, still holds true.

What’s interesting to note is that most pre-event reports have indicated that Apple TV is expected to run the same iOS as the iPad and would have access to the iTunes App Store.

Such access could allow Apple TV to be used for games and apps, turning into Apple’s entry into the home gaming market as well.  With television rentals set to be available from Disney, ABC, FOX, FX, and others, Apple could be positioning itself nicely for the long term as an all-in-one home entertainment delivery system.

For now, Apple is expected to put its emphasis on the iPod Touch and watching video content on the other i-devices, ideas general users could grasp without needing tech support.  But, as with everything Apple, a newly refreshed – and more useful – Apple TV is sure to attract attention and could appeal to a more mainstream audience.

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

Users of Apple’s iTunes store have been victimized yet again, but not because of Apple.

A series of ongoing phishing scams have tricked users of Apple’s online service into revealing login information.  In turn, this has allowed hackers to bypass the Internet security of those users with ease.

Once logged into the account, hackers have rung up hundreds or even thousands of dollars in charges.

Most of the attacks have happened with accounts linked to PayPal.  In many cases, hackers have used the stolen funds to purchase iTunes gift codes – online gift cards – which they can then resell on the Internet for a profit.

Unlike many Internet security attacks which originate with a security breach on the part of the vendor, this attack seems to be largely caused by trusting users being victimized by phishing emails.

These sorts of fraudulent emails are sent to users, often requesting that they verify login information.  Because the emails appear to be legitimate, many users click on the links within them or enter their private account information.

Once hackers posses that info, they simply log in.  The account, and everything linked to it, is easy pickings.

To protect yourself and your iTunes and PayPal accounts, follow these simple Internet security tips:

• Never provide your login information via email
• iTunes and other legitimate businesses will not request such information through email
• If you suspect an email is a phishing attack, report it to the merchant, your ISP, and/or your email provider
• Verify the legitimacy of an email by contacting the supposed sender at the email address or website you know is real

For more information on protecting yourself, read Rescuecom’s 5 Tips to Detect Phishing.

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

SYRACUSE, N.Y., August 19, 2010 – Any computer malfunction is a nerve wracking experience.  Whether it’s a situation that requires significant computer repair, or only minimal computer support, every computer crisis can seem like a catastrophe.  Rescuecom’s computer support specialists offer theses 5 tips for handling your next technology crisis.  Read more »