5. Best Security Software for your Computer

We are continually asked which software applications are the best at protecting your computer, but at the same time not crippling your performance.  For new computers, we recommend Avast Antivirus Free coupled with Malwarebytes Professional ($25 one-time license fee).  For older computers, we recommend Microsoft Security Essentials Free coupled with Malwarebytes Professional ($25 one-time license fee).  We are an authorized Malwarebytes Reseller, so please call 239-437-4357 for help installing the program.

6. Upgrading to Windows 7

Most people have heard how fast and reliable Windows 7 is but do not know that almost all Windows Vista computers and even some Windows XP computers have everything needed to upgrade to Windows 7.  We recommend that a professional from Computer Medics check your computer to perform this upgrade.  This upgrade process involves backing up your data, formatting your hard drive, installing Windows 7, downloading hardware device drivers, installing the latest Windows 7 updates, installing your applications (please note that some of your applications might need a newer version to install on Windows7), restoring your data, setting up your email, and installing your printer software.  Please call us at 239-437-4357 for an estimate.  Summer is an excellent time to give that slow computer new life.

7. Upgrading to Internet Explorer 9

Many people are complaining about the constant pressure to upgrade to the latest Internet Explorer version 9.  Normally a web site will detect that you are running an older version and will show an advertisement for IE 9.  First of all, Internet Explorer 9 is not compatible with Windows XP.  In that case, Internet Explorer 8 is fine.  Or downloading Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome is even better.  Those programs purport higher security.   If you have Windows Vista or Windows 7, feel free to upgrade to Internet Explorer 9.  However, keep in mind that older computers may experience slow performance.  If you have any questions, please call 239-437-4357 to speak with a professional at Computer Medics.

8. Windows 8 Consumer Preview

The expected release date for Windows 8 is October 2012, but could be pushed to 2013 if there are any glitches.  Microsoft’s goal is to minimize any disruption to the important holiday buying season.  The new features of Windows 8 include a tile-format (like the iPad and Android devices), the Office Ribbon prominently displayed throughout, and touchscreen capability.  The primary complaint is the absence of the Windows Start Button and Windows Start Menu.  Stay tuned because features may be added or dropped before the release date.

We have been witnessing an increase of people who call and say that they have downloaded and installed the Consumer Preview version of Windows 8.  They were surprised to find the software would automatically expire on January 15, 2013.  Worse yet, they were unaware that the only way they can go back to Windows 7, is to back up their data, format their hard drive and install Windows 7 from scratch.  That’s a lot of work just to experience a test version of Windows 8.

In summary, Windows 8 will bring a new user interface designed for touch-screen devices.  If you have more questions, do not hesitate to call 239-437-4357 to talk to Computer Medics professional.

9. Employee Spotlight – Kristie Belton

Kristie is our newest addition to Computer Medics; she joined in 2011, and specializes in Hardware and Software Training and Website Design. She has over 3 years’ experience along with some college courses in Website Design.  When she was 2 years old her parents bought her and her sister a Commodore 64 computer. From there her fate was sealed with a love of technology and creativity. In her free time you can find Kristie playing video games, reading, playing computer games or spending time with her husband Bobby and their two dogs

Dear Computer Medics Client,

I hope everyone is enjoying the seemingly endless sunny, 80 degree  days by going to the beach, golfing, playing tennis, boating, biking, or just enjoying the sun.  We, at Computer Medics, have no time to be idle.  We are busy setting up new computers, removing viruses, troubleshooting problems and training.  Please call us or email us and we will connect to your computer remotely,  visit you onsite, or invite you to drop off your computer at our workshop.  Whatever the case, we promise to provide a fast and efficient solution to to your computer problems.

Mike Peterson
Owner
www.onsiteservice.net

Computer Tip #1: Print out your newsletters
If you print the newsletters, you can enjoy reading them in your lazy chair, or out on the deck in the sunshine! 

Computer Tip #2:  Use your Tab Key in web forms
The tab key is located just above the Caps Lock key on the left side of your keyboard.  This key is helpful on web forms (ie. when you are purchasing a product, or signing up for an event).  Instead of taking your hand off the keyboard to click your mouse in next box, press the Tab Key to go to the next box.  Also, you can move back to a previous box by pressing and holding the CTRL key, then tapping the Tab Key.

Computer Tip #3: Using the Undo Button in Windows Mail
For those of you that use Windows Mail, there is an Undo Button at the top of the page.  It is a blue arrow that is pointing counter-clockwise.  This is the same feature as you might have seen in Microsoft Word.  This a is great feature if you suddenly realize that your text has disappeared or is all mixed up.  Windows Mail is a free program, so please call us if you would like us to install it for you.

Computer Tip #4: Organizing your email storage folders with a numeral
If you would like to move an email storage folder to the top of the alphabetical list (so you can see it better), put the numeral 1 in front of it.  For example, the folder 1-Orders will appear before folder Attachments.  This tip also applies to your cell phone.  Put a numeral 1 in front of your frequent contacts and they will instantly move to the top of  your Contacts List.  This tip also applies to folders in your Documents, Pictures, Music, or Video folders.

Computer Tip #4: Online Backup
Gone are the days of floppy disk backups (1 digital picture will not even fit on a floppy).  Burning a CD or DVD is confusing and time consuming.  Using a flash drive or external hard drive is fast on convenient, but remembering to do it can half the battle and setting up automatic software can be difficult and unreliable.  Nowadays, online backup is the best choice.  Your files will be securely copied throught the Internet to a server in another city.  It happens automatically every few hours.   Computer Medics is a partner with Carbonite Online Backup, with prices as low as $3.86/month (prepaid 3-year subscription). Please call us and we can help you setup an account and choose which files to backup.

Internet Browser Questions and Answers:

1. 1. Which one is the most popular and why?

According to Wikipedia, Internet Explorer (IE) is the most popular browser with a 40% market share.  This is because IE comes pre-installed on every Windows computer.  However, Mozilla Firefox (26%) and Google Chrome (21%) are close behind.  This is due to the number of helpful add-ons and features that included with each browser.  They also work well on all versions of Windows, loading webs pages much faster, especially on older computers.

1. 2. Which one is the safest?

Internet Explorer 9 is the safest browser.  Microsoft has put great efforts and resources into fixing security risks that have been discovered and making it harder and harder for IE to be compromised.  As a general rule, the latest version of any browser will be the safest.

1. 3. Which one is the best?

The answer to this question is a matter of personal preference and opinion.  Some people will highly recommend a certain browser, but it is normally based on their personal experience or familiarity with it.  Some people like Internet Explorer because it is a Microsoft product.  Others prefer Firefox or Chrome because they are NOT a Microsoft product.  Our advice is to try all of them, and stick with the one you like.

1. 4. Are there any particular problems with them and why

Some banks and credit card companies require that you use Internet Explorer, for its security.  Other websites will not work with Internet Explorer because the developers are programming the content for use only with Firefox.  Google Chrome can take a bit of a learning curve to operate it.  Firefox’s weakness is in blocking pop-up advertisements.

1. 5. Which version of Internet Explorer should I run on my computer?

If you have Windows XP you can run either Internet Explorer 7 or 8.

(Internet Explorer 8 is recommended if you have at least 1.0 GB of memory)

If you have Windows Vista it is best to run Internet Explorer 8.

If you have Windows 7 you can use either Internet Explorer 8 or 9.

1. 6. I heard that you should delete your Brower’s Temporary Internet Files, Cookies, and History?

It is always a good idea to delete temporary internet files, cookies and history on a regular basis (we recommend once a month).  There are menus to do this in each of the browsers.  However, we recommend a free program called CCleaner that will automatically perform these tasks and a whole lot more.  If you need help download, installing, or using CCleaner, please call a professional at Computer Medics.

1. Internet Explorer

Ever since Internet Explorer (IE) was introduced, people have been using it as a web browser and it has regularly been updated in order to meet the current demands. Even now it is the most widely used Internet browser.  However, due to competition there is slight decrease in its share of the market.  Microsoft has recently come out with their latest IE version 9, which has many new features.

Ease of Usage – IE 9 has a much better tab facility and it provides better experience for those who work with multiple numbers of tabs. People find Internet Explorer easy to use, since they are quite familiar with its tools.

Security – Internet Explorer has a useful security features for example Smart-Screen Filter and In-Private Browsing. When you activate In-Private Browsing, it prevents personal browsing disclosure, so your web pages visited will not appear in your history. Smart-Screen Filter can protect against Malware and Phishing (a term used for websites that try to trick you into divulging personal information with the purpose of stealing your identity).

Speed – IE 9 is faster as compared to its earlier versions.  But still not as fast as Firefox and Google Chrome.

Remarks – The IE 9 is favorable due to its speed and ease of use.  However, you may need to call a professional at Computer Medics to help determine if your computer will support the new version.

2. Mozilla Firefox

Firefox is an up-and-coming browser.  It can assist you in browsing Internet pages quite fast and it is also quite reliable. It also comes with number of good features and many add-ons, which can facilitate the user to have better experience with the Internet. The latest version is Firefox 7.

Ease in Usage – This browser has the ability to open a number of sites simultaneously. Just with a single click you save and open bookmarks, restore sessions, and spell check.  It is also very good at saving passwords for quicker access to secure websites. All these features help while exploring websites.

Security – It can protect against Malware and Phishing and allows Private Browsing to keep your personal information protected.  If you wish, you can also customize your security settings regarding your passwords, add-ons, etc.

Speed – This browser is very fast.  We recommend you down the latest version 7 to get the best speed possible.

Remarks – The range of features offered by this browser and an overall good browser experience has surely attracted more people to this browser.

3. Google Chrome

This has recently appeared in the web browser field.  It has done quite well in a short period of time. It is very simple to use and has interesting features. This browser is also quite secure and fast in speed.

Ease in usage – Google Chrome has been specifically designed to user ease in mind. You can get many more Tab features in this browser, at much higher levels, making it very organized. You also get the necessary tools to keep the interface less complicated than Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Security – Chrome also ensures high level security for the user and also gives warning signals to point out the presence of any suspect website. It also protects against Viruses, Malware, and Phishing. By using its sandboxing technology, it allows the independent running of each tab. So in case one of the tabs develops a problem, the other tabs will not be affected.

Speed- It is quite fast on most machines.

Remarks – Chrome is quickly overtaking Internet Explorer and Firefox due to its each of use, fast speed, and high level of security.

It is that time of the year here in the Fort Myers area.  The snowbirds have flown up north, the schools are in recess, and people are planning their getaways to escape the heat and the hurricane season.  However, computers are still as important as ever.  Whether we like it or not, we are tied to our computers and want them running as fast and error free as possible.  We use them daily for email, ordering airline tickets, everyday products, researching the latest medical breakthrough or following our favorite sports team.  That is where Computer Medics comes in.

We have responded to the need for faster and more efficient computer service.  When people call for service, we are normally onsite within a few hours.  But we can respond even faster when people use our remote assistance support option.  We have software that allows us to see your computer from our workshop.  You can be at your home or business in Fort Myers, in a hotel room, or up north in your summer home.  There really is no reason to call anyone else when you have a computer problem.

Finally, here is the best part.  We have lowered our remote assistance support prices and simplified the billing process.  Our minimum charge is now $40 for up to 30-minutes of support, then $20 for every 15 minutes thereafter.  Where else can you get high-level computer support for that price?  For those who are still too busy to call and stay on the phone with us, you can call us and we will repair your computer while you are gone, and then call you when it is finished.  Our goal is to make the computer your friend and want your experience to be as pain-free as possible.

Computer Tips

Tip #1: Difference between sleep and hibernate.  Sleep is also referred to as Standby.  The computer appears to be off.  The CPU has no power, data is saved into RAM (Random Access Memory), and the power supply is in a reduced power state.  If the AC power is cut-off, your data will be lost.  An exception to this is those who have a battery backup or a laptop with a good battery.  Hibernate means the contents of the RAM are written to the hard disk drive.  If the AC power is cut-off, data will not be lost.  We prefer to sleep over hibernate because the computer will wake up from sleep in about5 seconds vs. 1 minute for hibernate.

Tip #2: Warning about iYogi.com remote assistance support.  Many software companies (like Avast) are forwarding technical support phone calls to iYogi.com which is located in India.  They will ask for your credit card and push for their $139.99/year remote assistance plan.  If you resist, they will drop the price to $60 for1 incident.  This sounds inviting, but you will end up taking to a person located in India who will most likely not know all of your computer’s hardware and software.  At best, you will be on the phone for hours and gain a solution.  At worst, you will have to call another company to get help.

Tip #3: Adding or switching to a new email address.  Lately we have experienced a high number of service calls where an email address has been hijacked.  This means that someone knows your email address and password and is using your good name to send out emails to everyone in your address book or even send to their bulk email lists.  You will start to hear reports from your friends who are receiving junk emails (SPAM) from you.  The first step we take is to change your email password.  If necessary, we will create a new email address for you.  We can help you send an email to everyone in your address book.We will forward the email from your old email account or simply close it out.  We think Gmail is the best email carrier for their superior SPAM filters and their simple user interface.

Tip #4: How to safely store pictures and other important documents.The way people back up their data has evolved over the years.  First it was floppy disks, then CD disks, then flash drives, then external backup hard drives.  Now the preferred method of backup is an online service from Mozy.com or Carbonite.com.  Mozy.com is good for small amounts of data.  Their prices start at $4.95/month.  Carbonite.com has unlimited storage for $59/year or $139 for 3 years.  When you start these services, you will likely need help choosing which files to backup.  Please call us for onsite or remote assistance for help beginning this process.

Tip #5:  Please check our recently renovated website where you will find more information about our products and services and meet our technicians.

Dear Computer Medics Client,

On behalf of our entire staff, I would like to entend heartfelt best wishes for you and your family this Christmas Season and the upcoming New Year. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns.

Annual Computer Checkup

It is that time of the year again, people are preparing for Christmas, enjoying time with family and friends, and preparing for a new year. This a perfect time to think about your computer and give it some attention too. Computers will keep running well if they are properly maintained. Over time, programs are downloaded and installed and start to slow down the computer. More and more files, like temporary internet files, temp files, cookies and emails start to pile up. Soon your fast new computer has slowed to a crawl. Rather than getting frustrated and throwing out the computer, Computer Medics can come and tune up your system. We start out by installing, updating and running cleaning software like Malwarebytes, CCleaner, and others. Then we run a special disk defragmenter that will defragment your hard drive in 15-30 minutes, rather than 1-3 hours. Then we will go through your Add/Remove Programs list and uninstall any software that you do not need. Finally, we will update your Antivirus software or download powerful, free antivirus software. As you can see, there are many areas of your computer that need attention and an expert from Computer Medics is a valuable resource to get the job done. Please click the support tab on our website to submit a request for service or send us a question.

Renewing Avast Antivirus

As you probably already know, we highly recommend Avast Antivirus Free to protect your computer from viruses. We think it is better than Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro, Kaspersky, and Microsoft Security Essentials. Avast is free, but requires you to renew it annually. This is where the confusion lies. Avast is pushing their Avast Internet Security software for $29.95/year and sometimes makes it tricky to continue their free product. If you run into any trouble renewing the free product, we recommend calling us for help. Most times we can help you in a few minutes over the phone by using our remote assistance software. We must also warn you that calling Avast technical support will automatically transfer your call to iYogi.com technical support. They are a support company located in India. They charge $139.95/year for unlimited software support phone calls. At first, this sounds like a good deal. However, we think your questions can be answered faster, better and cheaper by our local computer technicians.

Taking care of your laptop battery

With more and more people using laptops, the questions about laptop batteries has been increasing. Such as, how shall I properly care for my battery? Or, how long does a laptop battery last? Or, how long is the typical battery run time? Or, how should I go about replacing my battery? Proper care for your battery is a lot like your cell phone battery. You should keep the laptop plugged in all the time. This will “trickle charge” your battery and keep it fresh. There is no need to run the battery all the way down to zero and charge it up to 100%. This was true for Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) batteries, but not for the modern Lithium Ion (LiIon) batteries. A typical laptop battery life is2-4 years. The longevity depends on many factors. Heat can degrade the battery life, so keeping it in a cool room is better. However, just the heat generated by the laptop is enough to degrade the battery. Laptop run times depend on the type of laptop you purchase. Tiny Netbook computers have around 6 hours run time vs. large 17″ laptops with around 1 hour run time. Many laptops have the option to replace the factory battery with an extended life battery with 50% more run time. When you are replacing your battery, we suggest you NOT purchase a Chinese refurbished battery. The battery cells are of inferior quality, so the typical life of the battery is less than 1 year. Computer Medics stocks many regular and high capacity batteries and are happy to help you choose one that fits your computer.

New Dell Computer Spotlight

With the introduction of Windows 7, many people are clamoring to upgrade or replace their old computer systems. Since 2003, we have been an Authorized Dell Sales and Repair Center. This status was very difficult to obtain and we are proud to represent Dell. Their quality, reliability and price are outstanding. This month I would like to highlight the benefits of purchasing a new computer system from Computer Medics. The following FREE services are included with every new Dell computer purchased AND installed from Computer Medics of SW Florida.

* FREE diagnosis of your old computer system. We will attempt to repair your system or waive the diagnostic fee if you purchase a new system from us.
* FREE new computer consultation (if computer is purchased from our in-stock selection).
* FREE 30-days of remote assistance support for hardware and software issues.
* FREE 1-year onsite hardware warranty (mail-in service for those outside of Lee/Collier County).
* FREE 1-year anniversary computer checkup (via remote assistance). This includes renewing your Free Avast Anti Virus protection, deleting temporary files, temp files and cookies and a general checkup.

Please email or call if you have any questions about our new computer systems or service. We look forward to serving you

Dear Computer Medics Client,

It is time for another exciting newsletter from Computer Medics that highlights the latest technology and gives valuable tips you can use to make your computer experience more enjoyable. Please check our website to: chat with a technician, submit a web request for service, or read more information about our company. It is always our pleasure to serve you.

Best Regards, Mike Peterson, President, Computer Medics of SW Florida, Inc.

Window 7 is now 8-month old
Windows 7 has been around since October 22, 2009 and we are pleased to report that it has exceeded everyone’s expectations. In fact, those who have Windows Vista can receive some immediate benefits by upgrading to 7. First and foremost is the incredible speed increase. Computers that took 5 minutes to boot with Vista, now take 2 minutes. Instead of 5 minutes to shut down, now is 1 minute. Vista took 30-60 seconds to come out of standby mode, now it about 10-15 seconds. Also, Vista computers took a long time to run updates and sometimes crashed. With Windows 7 it is very rare. Also, we are finding that Windows Vista required 2GB+ to run efficiently. Windows 7 runs good with 1GB+ of RAM. Finally, adding a hardware component to Windows 7 is easy. Windows 7 uses the Internet to automatically find drivers. You can almost say that it takes care of itself. Finally, if you purchase Windows 7 Professional, you can run your legacy (old) programs with the built-in Window XP mode. What is there not to like about Windows 7? The best part is that Computer Medics is authorized to sell and support Dell computers. This means that we can help you purchase the right computer and support it right here in Fort Myers.

Using a “friend-of-a-friend” to fix your computer
The other day I was listening to radio commercial where they talked about hiring a “friend-of-a-friend” to fix their air conditioner and how it ended up costing them thousands of dollars instead of a quick and easy repair. It made me think about all of the computer “professionals” that are out there trying to fix computers. It seems like even 5-year-olds know more about computers than we do. However, consider the dangers of having a friend-of-a-friend work on your computer. First, what are their qualifications? Second, will they be around later when you have questions or problems? Third, someone may offer a lower hourly rate, but will it take them twice as long to fix your problem? Finally, are they going to take the care necessary to backup and restore your data so you do not lose any of your valuable pictures, emails, or documents? Instead, call a professional at Computer Medics who will promptly and quickly fix your problem and stand behind each job.

IYogi.com Warning
We have been continually receiving inquires concerning phone solicitations from IYogi.com.

We are not sure why people are suddenly being solicited.

Their sales people are trying to persuade our customers to signup for unlimited telephone support for $139.99/year. What they do not tell you is that all of their representatives work in India. Also, they do not tell you that the computer must be operational before they can help you. Finally, they do not have anyone local if the problem requires an onsite visit or a trip to a repair shop. Conversely, we think that you should try our remote assistance support before visiting Internet sites for your support. With a quick phone call to us, we can connect to your computer and fix it quickly and efficiently. All of our technicians live locally here in the Fort Myers. They are easy to understand over the phone. If we can not fix your problem over the phone, we will cheerfully come to your home or business to finish the job. We think you get a better value by calling our professional, local technicians.

I have decided to devote this quarter’s newsletter to a series of basic computer tips. These are the top 10 questions we hear from our clients and corresponding answers and are in no particular order. Keep in mind that your particular situation might not match these and could require further analysis to determine the proper response. Our staff always approaches a problem with the goal of providing the fastest and least expensive solution for you. We never tell you that your problem is “unsolvable.” I hope you enjoy these tips and will share them with your friends and relatives. If they would like to sign-up for our free quarterly newsletter, please refer them to our website www.onsiteservice.net. Finally, if you need help, we are on the cutting edge of technology, by offering chat sessions through our website, web requests for service, and remote assistance software. Most of all, we want you and your computer to be happy and productive. Best Regards, Mike Peterson, President, Computer Medics of SW Florida, Inc.

1.Question: My computer is stuck on the “Windows is shutting down” screen. What should I do?

Answer: Sometimes a program that is unable to close which causes Windows to not close. Simply hold down your power button (the button that turns on the computer) for 10 seconds, or until the computer shuts off. Then tap the power button again to start your computer normally. If this problem happens repeatedly, then an expert should be contacted.

2.Question: I constantly see popup windows in the lower right corner of my screen asking me to update programs. Which ones should I click on?

Answer: Your antivirus or other security software (Norton, McAfee, Avast, etc) should always be updated. Other programs are OK to update when you have the time, like Adobe Acrobat Player, Flash Player, Windows, etc. Or wait until you are able to consult with an expert.

3.Question: Should I shut down my computer every night, or leave it on?

Answer: This is an age-old question that has many answers. Our opinion is that a computer should remain on through the day, then shut it down every night to prolong the life of the hard drive, motherboard, power supply etc.

4.Question: How long should a computer system last?

Answer: The typical life of a computer is 3-5 years. Any longer and you will risk the possibility of the hard drive failing and all data being lost. Monitors will normally last 5-7 years. Printers will typically last 1-3 years. Printers have many moving parts that are susceptible to problems.

5.Question: What brand and model computer is good to purchase.

Answer: They are called “personal” computers because everyone’s wants and needs are different. Like purchasing a car, you want to talk to experts who know all of the options. We have been an authorized Dell sales and repair center for 7 years.

6.Question: Which Antivirus product is the best to use?

Answer: We have been recommending Avast Antivirus Free Edition for about 2 years. We have found it more effective than other popular products like Norton and McAfee.

7.Question: Which Firewall product is the best to use?

Answer: We like the free Windows firewall that is included with every machine.

8.Question: What computer problem is the hardest to repair?

Answer: Locking up computer are the worst. Not only is it frustrating to see the machine lock up, it is even more frustrating to an expert because there is no error message to research. This is where an expert is needed to carefully diagnose the situation and offer a solution. Just like when a car misbehaves, it is helpful when the event is happening frequently (several times a day) and there is a definite pattern to the events (certain program is opened, certain time of the day, etc.)

9.Question: How do I change my desktop background to one of my personal pictures?

Answer: Find the picture you like, right click on the picture, left click on Set as desktop background.

10.Question: I keep seeing “Page can not be displayed” when I open Internet Explorer, what should I do?

Answer: First, check your modem and router to make sure all the lights are on. If you do not see the DSL light or the Cable light not illuminated, then call CenturyLink or Comcast. If it is illuminated, then call Computer Medics for a brief troubleshooting session over the phone. Frequent causes include a virus, firewall block, antivirus blocking or Internet Explorer security setting. We will do our best to quickly get your computer up and running.

Everyone has a computer mouse, some which have a scroll wheel. The scroll wheel on the mouse is between the left and right mouse buttons. A couple of ways to use the scroll wheel are: While browsing the Internet with Internet Explorer or Firefox and you would like to change the size of the webpage; hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard and roll the scroll wheel up to enlarge or down to reduce the size. Also, instead of using the back or forward buttons in your browser, simply hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and roll the scroll wheel on your mouse.

What should I do if my hard drive crashes? The first call you should make is to a computer professional like those at Computer Medics. Just like your first call after your car engine fail should be your mechanic. The reason this is important is that the chance of data recovery diminishes every time you try to start your computer. The hard drive is a mechanical part, not unlike an engine in your car. Sometimes a hard drive will have a few hours of life left, just enough time to extract the data before it crashes for good. At Computer Medics, we have all the tools needed to extract the data on 3 dedicated data recovery machines. The typical cost for data recovery is $79-$250. The cost varies by the severity of the situation and the amount of data needed. Usually we are only able to recover data if the hard drive is not mechanically damaged inside. In that case, we will refer you to a nationwide data recovery company that will open the hard drive in a clean room environment and replace any failed components. This normally costs $600-$3000. Keep in mind, it is not a matter of IF a hard drive will fail, but rather WHEN it will fail. Don’t forget to backup!

I would like to warn you about software programs that use popup windows to tell you that your computer is infected with a virus or other malware. They will make the situation sound dire, like hundreds of viruses are attacking your computer, people are stealing your passwords or bank information, or your computer becomes slow and non-responsive. The point of these popup windows is to make you fearful and frustrated, to the point where give-in and provide your credit card number to make the problem go away. This is totally unnecessary. You are just paying the people who started the problems. And worse, they may be just collecting your private billing information to stage a future attack on your bank account. If you see a popup window like I am describing, click the red X in the upper right corner of the window. Do not click on the No button or Continue unprotected. These buttons are really hidden Yes buttons. If you happen to download the free cleaning program that they advise you to do, then you will need to call Computer Medics for a professional cleaning. If the malware is caught soon enough, the cleaning can be done in your home. Sometimes, the computer will need to be taken to our workshop. Our normal procedure is to remove your hard drive and connect it to one of our shop computers to scan and remove the malware. I severe cases, we will need to backup all your data to another hard drive. Then we proceed to install a fresh copy of Windows, reinstall all your programs, and restore your data.

Lately I have noticed that scores of computer companies have begun to advertise for their remote assistance services. Many of these companies will keep you on the phone for hours. Often, you will be talking to someone in another country, will little or no results. Then you might be referred to another business, where you will spend several hours trying to resolve the same problem. This is where a call to Computer Medics is a wise chose. Number one, we always respond to your problem the same day or the next morning. Number two, we schedule exact times so you fit the appointment into your busy schedule. Number three, we can normally repair your system quickly and for less money than the remote assistance company is charging. Finally, Computer Medics offers remote assistance as well and you can speak to a friendly, local technician who will immediately resolve your issue.

Click on our archives to read past newsletters with more valuable computer tips. Also, click on the Contact tab to ask a specific question or request service on your computer.

Remote Assistance is available. Many of our customers are not aware that Computer Medics has been providing remote assistance for over 2 years. Some people have heard of GoToMyPC.com which allows users to pay a monthly fee to access their home computer from a remote location. Users download and run software on their host machine (normally a tower) and then login with software on their remote machine (normally a laptop). Their remote computer instantly appears and they can use their keyboard and mouse just like they are sitting at their host machine. Our remote assistance software is similar, with one large exception. We can not take control of a remote computer, like yours, without you giving us permission. Here is how it works. First, you must go to our website www.onsiteservice.net and click on the 10th anniversary logo at the top of the screen. This will download a small program to your computer. The icon is a red cross with a teal background. Double click on the red cross icon, then click on run, then double click on the name of the computer that you are trying to reach. At this point, you must call Computer Medics to find out which computer you should connect to. We will accept your incoming request for service and proceed to fix your computer. This is a great service for our northern folks and permanent residents who are traveling. And it is peace of mind for those who have become accustomed to our great service in Fort Myers. We have helped people from Tampa to Germany. Our billing policy for remote assistance is $89.00/hour billed in ½ hour increments payable by credit card.

Using the Windows Print Screen feature. Have you ever wished you could print an error message so you can show it to your computer technician? As long as the computer is Windows XP or Vista, this is very simple. Just press the Print Screen button in the upper right corner of the keyboard. Then click on the Start Menu, All Programs, Accessories, Paint program. Then click on Edit Menu, then Paste. You can choose to save the error message or print it.

Zooming in and out using your mouse. There is a little known feature in Windows XP and Vista that allows you to easily zoom in and out on window to enlarge or reduce text or pictures. Simply hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard while you spin the mouse wheel forward and back.

Status of Widows 7. Microsoft is charging ahead with their release of Windows 7 on October 22, 2009. They will release the software first to manufacturers like Dell, HP, etc. and then to the general public on the release date. There will be 6 different versions (as opposed to 5 Vista versions). 1. Starter Edition, 2. Home Basic, 3. Home Premium, 4. Professional, 5. Enterprise, and 6. Ultimate. The only differing version from Vista is the Starter Edition. It is targeted toward the mini-notebook market and only allows 3 applications to run at the same time. Starter and Home Basic have no Aero interface. Enterprise and Ultimate have Bit Locker Encryption to make your files secure. We have been testing Windows 7 for several months and have been very pleased with the results. Please call or email if you have any specific questions regarding Windows 7 and your upgrading options. Here is a link to frequently asked questions. www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/upgrade-faq.aspx