Computer Support Blog

More shoppers buy items online everyday, with entire websites devoted to buying and selling. With the threats of identity theft and viruses, some shoppers still hesitate about making purchases over the internet.

Rescuecom offers five things you can go to protect yourself on and off the computer

1. Keep the browser and anti-virus software updated. Anti-virus software will keep information stored on personal computers safe from online exposure. When entering purchase information, like credit card numbers, a pause in the processing can endanger the information. The order might be lost, and someone else might get a look at the card number.  An updated browser ensures smooth processing of information on websites, and reduces the risk of private information getting exposed.
2. Know who you are dealing with. Stick to well-known stores or online marketplaces like Amazon.com. Legitimate businesses will help resolve an error or false charge and can refund the full amount sometimes. Business and marketplace websites also sometimes employ protective software to ensure customer privacy.
3. Never give out passwords. Private information needs to remain private. The less information available online, the less shoppers need worry about security. Create usernames and passwords with numbers and symbols to make guessing harder.
4. Use one card for transactions. Use only one credit card for online transactions. Shopping records are easier to follow and confirm on one card. Credit cards have to comply with Fair Credit Billing Act, so after reporting the theft of a card or a card number, the owner is only responsible for a small amount of the purchases. Each credit card company has the amount listed in the contract. More than one credit card used online not only increases the chance of stealing the numbers, card owners are also responsible for different amounts on each card. Using a check or bank card gives access to the entire account.
5. Record it. Keep detailed records of online spending by choosing to print the receipt copies. Check card bills every month and be sure that all transactions appear on both the bill and the receipts. Report any items that do not match the receipts to the credit card company and the online store immediately.

Shoppers can easily protect personal computers, identities, and personal bank accounts. Rescuecom’s five steps let customer shop online securely.

Next Windows Almost Ready

Personal technology goes far beyond just a home computer. So, Microsoft designed an operating system modified to perform on many different personal devices. Windows 8, due to release next year, adapts to each product that runs it.

Rescuecom has five things customers need to know about the upcoming operating system.

The classic design remains.  The classic Windows operations still exits for anyone who needs it. The basic programs like Word and Excel present similarly to Windows 7. Private individuals and businesses that make and store crucial documents in these files can still create and save work the same as before without needing to learn a new format.

New applications appear. The tile interface, a set of mosaic-like boxes showing different applications, lets customers find needed items quickly and choose which tiles appear instantly. The tiles are large enough to reduce mistakes in opening tiles on touch screen products and new information is clearly visible. Tablet and smartphone users can find favorite websites, while computer users shorten searches for files.

Customizable adjustments are possible. Microsoft designed the Windows 8 system to allow individual customization. Users who need certain pieces of information regularly choose which applications appear on the home screen. The constant connection to a favorite news website appears above the file for last summer’s vacation pictures as soon as the device turns on, and either one opens at one touch.

Fewer resources are needed. The Windows 8 operating system’s memory design lets the programs work more efficiently. The ability to multi-task and run several programs at once increases, letting customers do more. Downloads and updates will not cause other programs to run more slowly.

Microsoft is ready for the future. The new focus on compatibility helps the system get ready for future technology. Microsoft’s design includes many facets of smartphones, tablets and netbooks, integrating needs for a variety of devices. Windows 8 adapts to products already, and will adapt to new products. Customers will not need to learn new systems as products appear.

Windows 8 mixes what customers like about the operating system with the needs of new applications and devices. Customers will choose how the system works, instead of the system controlling how the customer works.

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 digital video making and viewing community came together a little more, recently.  Apple lifted the ban on Adobe Flash Player appearing in iPhone or iPad, ending online compatibility issues.

Last year, Apple refused to work with Flash, the most popular additional program for creating and viewing multi-media websites. The media creation and viewing program’s use restricted costumers to certain devices. Adobe blocked access to Flash from Apple devices. Apple’s continually expanding mobile devices struggled to view images and videos supported by the additional program.

Read more »

A recent survey has revealed some troubling data for corporate technology users when it comes to Internet security.

According to the Sixth Annual Enterprise IT Security Survey, conducted by Amplitude Research, 67% of large companies (minimum of 5,000 employees) reported at least one significant security intrusion.

That was over 25% higher than the year before.

Companies cited various potential reasons for the increase, ranging from significant Internet security weaknesses to employee Internet usage.  No matter the reason, one thing is clear:  large corporations are coming under increased attack. Read more »

It’s been a good news-bad news week so far for Microsoft.

On the positive side, the company announced a launch event for its Windows Phone 7 line of products, to be held on October 11.  Windows Phone 7 devices are expected to be released next month.

Within twenty four hours, Microsoft’s news had soured somewhat.  For the first time in years, Internet Explorer, Microsoft’s web browser, saw its market share drop below 50%.  At the same time, Google’s Chrome saw continued growth, tripling its market share from the same time last year. Read more »

Your business needs technology, and that technology doesn’t always work.  So how do you choose where to go for your computer repair and business support needs?

Business technology used to be simple: a computer or two, a phone, and maybe a fax machine.

Today’s technology is far more complicated.  Most businesses, even the small ones, rely on multiple pieces of technology, from networked computers, to printers, to servers, and that’s just the hardware.  When you add in software such as different operating systems, office productivity suites, email, scheduling, and payroll programs, many businesses find themselves dependant on technology that isn’t always reliable.

When technology isn’t reliable, you need business support and computer repair that is. Read more »

RESCUECOM offers suggestions on choosing the right network for your online business needs.

Today, almost every business functions at least partly online.  Choosing the right network and maintaining it can be hard, so RESCUECOM offers network service, tailored to your meet your online business needs. Read more »

The results are in for RESCUECOM’s Annual 2010 Computer Reliability Report, Apple claims the top spot!

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 22, 2010 – “Before making any computer purchases in 2010, RESCUECOM encourages consumers and businesses alike, to consider the reliability of their favorite brands. We are committed to helping you make the best decision on your computer purchases through our Computer Reliability Report” stated David Milman CEO of RESCUECOM. Read more »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RESCUECOM’s 2009 Second Quarter Top 5 Computer Reliability Report
ASUS, followed by APPLE and IBM/LENOVO, lock in the top three spots

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Aug. 18, 2009 — The ASUS brand of personal computers is still holding its own, ranking highest in the latest RESCUECOM Computer Reliability Report. For the second time in a row, results have shown ASUS to be the newest leader in reliable personal computers. RESCUECOM’s 2009 second-quarter assessment ranked ASUS in the number-one slot, followed by APPLE and IBM/LENOVO, which locked in the number two and three spots, respectively. Top ranking brands would likely require less computer repair than those that rank on the bottom. Read more »

For all the accomplishments of computer technology there are always mishaps that seem to happen without warning, and at just the wrong time. We’ve been there, too. RESCUECOM strives to be the reassuring response to expletives at computer monitors all over the country.

Get Going

It’s a fast world. Technology is advancing rapidly to satisfy our increasing need for quicker services, results, and ultimately quicker lifestyles. The faster technology progresses, the faster we can move, and the more we depend on technology to get us where we’re going. Computers have become as commonplace as coffee, and a crashed computer can be an immediate hassle. Cryptic error messages, fussy Internet connections, laptop problems–computer glitches interrupt the pace of life. Read more »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASUS, with new track record for success, and veteran leader IBM/LENOVO take top positions

SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 24, 2009 – Results are in from the latest RESCUECOM Computer Reliability Report, which recently increased the frequency of releasing its data from an annual to quarterly basis. An unbiased analysis that compares computer vendors’ market share with consumer service calls from RESCUECOM’s 1-800-RESCUE-PC call center, the report revealed a new leader in reliable personal computers. At the close of 2008, Apple had secured the lead with the fewest number of service calls. However, Apple slipped into second place while ASUS made a surprise leap into the top spot, with IBM/LENOVO sharing the lead. Read more »