Most Common Computer Threats

Most Common Computer Threats

Computers are an amazing way to connect to the world around you, but they can also harbor several dangers. Many people may not even know how un-secure their computer is against things such as a hijacker, Trojans, spyware, and worms, but here is a list of the most common computer threats that you should be on the lookout for, and ways to protect your machine against these dangerous threats.

Computer Virus

One of the biggest threats to computer security that we see at Computer Fix SLC is the computer virus. It’s an insidious threat that, once inside your machine, can replicate itself and infect your PC, even before you might know it is in there. You may contract a virus from a hijacker, or just from a seemingly innocuous website or email that you receive. No matter what the source, it’s critical that you have an antivirus software installed on your machine in order to prevent the virus from taking over your machine, deleting or corrupting your files, and spreading through your networks.

Spyware

Detecting spyware can be very difficult, since it is designed to be installed on a PC without the user knowing of its existence. If you do get spyware on your machine, it could be monitoring your movements, tracking your network activity, or even interfering with the control of your machine. It collects information, including the websites that you go to, passwords and usernames used to log in to sensitive sites, and even personal details such as social security number, bank accounts and credit cards. You can get spyware removal programs, which function much like antivirus software, to scan your activity and keep spyware out. You can also do monthly scans, or bring your machine to Computer Fix SLC for regular scans to detect and remove the harmful programs.

Worms

Nobody wants to get worms, and that is true for your computer as well. Computer worms are software programs that attach to a program within your PC, then replicate themselves once you interact with the program. One of the biggest drawbacks to having a worm is how it can affect your network. By replicating and spreading through the network, it can reduce your network performance, and take up bandwidth, affecting your connection speeds and quality. On the more serious side, it can poke holes in your firewall or other system security that allows hackers to get into your computer and control it remotely. Keeping your system current with the latest security patches, and running scans to detect worms can keep them from getting into your PC.

Trojans 

If you don’t remember history class, the Trojans were the ones who tricked their enemies into letting them into their city by hiding inside a large, hollow horse. Once inside the city, they could attack from within and defeat their powerful enemy. In your computer, a Trojan or Trojan horse is software that looks just like a legitimate program, but it harbors a malicious program that will be released once inside. If they allow hackers or other malicious programs in to your machine, Trojans can cause significant damage or steal troves of private information from your PC.

 

The best defense against malicious software on your machine is a good offense. Being proactive about keeping your system clean and free of bad programs can help you avoid the difficulty that comes with trying to get rid of them once they are inside. Bring your PC to Computer Fix SLC to learn more and get it scanned for problems.

How do I Protect my Computer Against Viruses?

How do I Protect my Computer Against Viruses?

If you are like most people these days, your computer is a pretty important part of your life. Whether you’re using it to play computer games, stay in touch with friends and family, pay bills, or even work, you need a functioning machine. Unfortunately if you get computer viruses, it can put your machine at risk, and also put your personal information and files at risk. Here are the most important steps you can take to protect computer from viruses so you can avoid significant computer repair at Computer Fix Salt Lake City.

Use an Antivirus Program

If you use your computer on the internet at all, you need an antivirus program. There are dozens of different antivirus programs available out there with varying degrees of efficacy, but the most important thing is that you get a program on your computer. Some of the ones that protect computers best also include anti-malware and anti-spyware programs. Without this protection, your machine could be vulnerable to malicious viruses, spyware, and malware that you encounter online. Once installed, be sure to keep it updated to protect against new viruses.

 

Avoid Suspicious Sites

Anyone can post a website online, which means that even computer hackers and users trying to spread computer viruses can put up websites. Often these sites will be designed to draw you in and have you click on an executable file (one that ends in a .exe), which can install the harmful programs on your computer. Avoid sites that are not well known to you, or that seem suspicious, and especially avoid clicking any links on those sites if you do find yourself there.

Email Attachments

Email attachments are one of the most common ways antiviruses are downloaded. If you get an attachment, be sure it’s something you were expecting, and it’s from a trusted source before you open it. In some cases an email may come from someone you know, but the attachment could still contain a virus, so if it seems like a suspicious attachment, contact the person to be sure they sent it to you before opening it. Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know.

Use the Firewall

Today most computers come with firewalls that can block potential viruses, worms, and hackers from accessing your machine. The firewall may not be turned on by default, so when you start using a new machine, be sure to go into the “settings” and turn on the firewall if it is not already on.

Keep Operating Systems Updated

Your operating system runs the entire machine, and can include important security updates, so if you want to protect a computer from viruses, it’s best to have the most current version of your OS.

Computer repair is never fun, and the best way to ensure that you won’t need it on your machine is to protect the computer with the right software and hardware, then practice safe internet behavior that can keep you from mistakenly getting computer viruses on your machine. If you need information on the latest antivirus software or other protection measures for your computer, come talk to the experts at Computer Fix Salt Lake City.

What is Computer Firewall?

What is Computer Firewall?

Before the internet and networks, the term “firewall” actually referred to a wall made of fireproof or fire resistant material that was built to protect a building or area in case a fire erupted in another part of the same structure. These walls were designed to insulate parts of a building from threat of fire, for example, between separate apartment units or between the garage and the main part of a home.

In 1988, the NASA Ames Research Center reported the first known internet virus attack, and since then the online community has been building the best “firewall” software programs or hardware to protect a computer or network from external threats such as viruses, hackers, and worms that come through a network connection. With our increasingly connected world, a threat on one computer or machine can quickly threaten hundreds, even millions, of other connected devices. To prevent the need for excessive computer repair, it’s important to protect your machine with a good firewall.

Two Types of Firewalls

The two main types of firewalls are either software or hardware. The features and benefits of each are different, so it’s important to understand each so you know which one will be most beneficial for your situation. If you have questions about firewalls, talk to the experts at Computer Fix Salt Lake City to find out more.

 

Hardware Firewalls

These are often referred to as “network firewalls”, consisting of an external device between your computer and your internet connecting. If you’re using your computer at home, this type of protection is often built right into the broadband router so you can connect several machines or devices through one router and they will all be protected. Even if you only have one computer, a firewall can still be a valuable form of protection.

In larger network environments, such as a company, the same physical firewall may be used, but instead of being in a small router, it will likely be larger, and will be housed in the server or IT area of the company, protecting several dozen (or even several hundred) machines at once.   

Software firewall

While hardware firewalls are one form of protection, they are not the only recommended line of defense. In fact, most computers also run a software firewall that monitors all the incoming and outgoing traffic through the network and identifies potential threats.

Many of today’s operating systems, such as Windows or Mac, include a built-in firewall that users should take advantage of. In order to get the maximum protection from this available firewall, ensure that it is turned on in your general settings.

There are also several third-party vendors that offer programs called an “internet security suite” for virus protection, spyware, malware, and other common internet threats.

The right kind of firewall can not only provide great protection from the myriad of external threats designed to bring harm to your machine to avoid computer repair, it can also help improve your internet connection and the performance of your broadband service.

Improve Your Computers Performance

Improve Your Computers Performance

When you first come home with your shiny new PC, it can be hard to believe that the average lifespan of these computers is only about 3-4 years, according to survey data—over time, that fast machine will start to slow down. While it’s inevitable that your PC will not run like new for years and years to come, there are ways that you can help improve performance, stretching the PC lifecycle just a little bit longer without incurring a large support or service bill.

Before You Begin

Prior to doing any maintenance project on your PC, it’s important to backup your data. Once you start messing around with the inner components of the machine, there is always a chance you could mistakenly erase important files and documents. If you have little or no experience with PC repair, it may be best to take it to Computerfix Salt Lake City for computer repair.

In order to help with your computer, professionals always begin with the least invasive procedure, only moving to more complex processes if the PC doesn’t respond to the easier things. If you’re planning to do your own computer repair, you should follow a similar strategy. In the event you begin a process and are unsure whether it could do damage, it’s best to stop and take it to a place like Computerfix Salt Lake City to avoid extensive (and irreparable) damage.

 

 

Upgrade Your Hardware

Before you can do anything to enhance your machine’s performance, you must have sufficient hardware in place to support the software you intend to run, including your operating system. There are many hardware components you can upgrade (if you know how to do it correctly), including RAM, graphics card, hard drive, optical drive, and the processor. Some of these upgrades are easier than others, so if you have never done it or are not sure how to upgrade any particular item, it’s best to take it into a professional computer repair shop.

Check for Viruses & Spyware

The next thing you can do is check the machine for viruses, spyware, malware, and adware. All these types of files can be damaging to the machine, taking up space and slowing down the machine. While spyware and adware are often not intended to cause damage to your machine, they can cause the computer to slow down as it works to process these programs alongside your other programs. Viruses are often intended to cause harm, damaging files and destroying your computer. In both cases, having a good antivirus software can help you scan for and remove these files before they do damage that cannot be repaired.

Clean the Machine

Since your computer only has a limited amount of storage space and processing capacity, running dozens of unnecessary programs can cause the PC to slow down. If you’re not using a specific program, go into your system files and uninstall it (note: deleting the shortcut on the desktop is not the same as uninstalling a program). If you’re not sure how to do this, take it to the technicians at Computerfix Salt Lake City to have them help.

Reboot the Entire System

When nothing else works, you can also consider uninstalling and reinstalling the operating system and other programs, but this is a significant step and should only be done in extreme cases. If possible, it’s best to have a professional do this as it can cause irreparable damage to the machine when done incorrectly. Don’t forget to backup all your data before doing this, because it will all be gone as soon as you uninstall the OS.

Prolong the Life of your PC

Prolong the Life of your PC

For most people these days, a computer is a permanent and important part of your daily life, whether you’re using it for homework, gaming, or just to keep in touch with friends and family through social media networks and email. While the cost of computers has gone down significantly over the past couple of decades, it’s still a significant investment for many people. Here are a few ways you can prolong the useful life of your PC.

Adjust the Settings

When you first get your PC, there are many “factory settings” that are already determined, but often these are not things that most users require on a daily basis, especially if you are using your PC for more basic work, such as surfing the internet, word processing, and email. Check out the factory settings and disable things that you do not use as often to maximize the functionality of the programs you do use. If you’re not sure which programs you use and which you can shut off, talk to the experts at ComputerfixSLC for some help.

 

Upgrade the Components

When you first buy your machine, you often cannot predict what types of functionality you will need in the future. Your computer may slow down when the RAM and storage space start running low. Instead of buying a new computer or taking it in for computer repair, consider replacing components that you need to improve, such as adding more RAM (random access memory), or storage. You may also want to get an external hard drive to store larger files (videos, photos, etc.) because they can take up a lot of space on your hard drive. This can also protect you in case the computer is ever stolen, or shuts down, because you’ll have a backup.

Keep the Machine Cool

If you use your PC a lot, and you have it stored in a confined space, it will often get very warm and not cool off properly while it is in use. This often happens with laptops too. Overheating is one of the most common problems that cause your computer to malfunction and require computer repair. Keep the machine in a well-ventilated area, and allow it to “breathe” while it’s in use so you can get the most out of your machine.

Clean the Computer Regularly

When you use your PC, and when it’s not in use, it is collecting dust and debris from the air nearby. Often this dust collects and is stored inside the computer, causing damage over time and speeding up the time it takes before you need to start replacing components. In addition, a computer that is not properly cleaned can be more susceptible to overheating, which is problematic.

Get the Right Accessories

Stop by ComputerfixSLC even visit out web site www.computerfixslc.com to discuss some of the most useful accessories you can have for your computer, including cleaner, fans, and things like laptop desks for your laptop PC. You can find exactly the items you need to keep your PC running in great shape, and ensure that investment is built to last.

 

 

 

Tips on Buying a Desktop Computer

 Tips on Buying a Desktop Computer

While many people have moved from the desktop computer to more portable options such as laptops and tablets, there is still a place for the desktop PC. In terms of price, power, and versatility, it still beats a laptop, and can be an essential part of your computing world—the key is to find the right one. Whether you decide to go with off-the-shelf models or custom made computers, it’s important to know which components will help you build the perfect machine.

Start with Processing Power

The Central Processing Unit, also known as CPU or processor, is like your computer’s “brain”, controlling how long it takes the system to boot, how well it runs applications, and how much power it requires. There are a wide variety of CPUs out there and a CPU upgrade can get pricey, so it’s important to know what you want your system to do in order to get the best one at the right price. If you’re not sure what you need, talk to the experts at Computer Fix.

 You can adjust your CPU for custom computers based on a few factors—the speed (measured in gigahertz or GHz), the number of cores that the processor includes, and the brand. Generally more GHz is better, and the more cores you have, the more programs it can run simultaneously without affecting the performance of the machine.

 

Choose an Operating System

There are basically three operating systems (OS) to choose from—the most common is Microsoft’s Windows, followed by Apple’s OS X and Linux. The OS is the foundation for running various programs, so you want one that offers reliability, stability, and as much functionality as possible.

Most PCs today come already loaded with Windows, unless you buy an Apple computer (Mac). Linux ranks third in terms of total users, and while it is a free open source system, it is often only utilized by people with a lot of experience working with computers and is not generally used by the masses. Windows offers a variety of different OS options, most notably versions for home or professional users, and you can decide based on how you intend to use the computer.

Hard Drive & Memory

The next choice for your custom made computers is how big you want the hard drive, and how much memory you need. These are not the same thing—each has a distinct role within the computer, but both are absolutely critical. The hard drive (measured in GB) stores your data, while the memory is what accesses and runs programs (measured in RAM). You will usually have hundreds or even thousands of GB of storage (hard drive), while you will only have about 4 to 8 GB of RAM (memory). Generally speaking, more hard drive and more memory are good things, especially if you intend to run RAM-intensive programs like Adobe Photoshop, or you want to store significant-size files, such as videos and pictures.

The Finishing Touches

You also need to decide whether you want custom made computers with upgraded video cards. If your purpose is to use the computer for word processing, spreadsheets, and email, a video card will not be as important. If you’re using it for video games and other graphics-intensive programs, consider upgrading.

The final step is to choose your accessories, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Decide whether you need wireless or wired accessories, and what size and resolution you want your monitor to be. Today’s monitors are often super high resolution and large, offering an experience similar to watching television on an HDTV.

When you know what you want from your computer, visit Computer Fix to build a custom machine with everything you need.

Is Your Computer Running Slow?

Slow Computer?

Computers certainly make our lives and our work easier in many ways, and they have become a permanent part of daily life for most people. That’s why when they begin to run slowly it can be extremely frustrating. Whether you have had your PC for a while, or it’s brand new, there are a few common reasons it may be running slowly. Use this checklist to determine if your machine is suffering from these common ailments, so you can fix the slow computer and get it back to working like new again.

Reason #1: Spyware, Malware, Viruses

There are so many different ways that a computer can pick up spyware, malware, and viruses throughout the course of normal use that it’s important to check for it regularly. You should have a proper antivirus and antispyware program installed on your machine to help protect it, but also avoid doing things that usually result in spyware—surfing non-reputable websites, opening attachments in emails from people you don’t know, or clicking on links that you are not sure where they will lead. If you have a serious case of spyware, you may need to take it to a professional shop like Computer Fix to have it cleaned.

 

Reason #2: Overload at Startup

When you first get your machine, it probably only contains a few of the factory-installed programs. As you use it regularly, you install more and more programs that take up space on the hard drive and claim some of the start-up status, which can slow the machine down significantly. You can check out your start-up list by going to All Programs, and remove any that are unnecessary to have starting automatically when you turn on the machine. That is often a default setting, but it’s not necessary for all programs.

Reason #3: Not Enough Memory

Perhaps you purchased the computer and at the time were not aware exactly how much RAM you might need, or perhaps the memory capabilities have declined over time with fragmentation from opening, using, and closing various programs and files. Some programs may also be hogging some of that memory by not releasing RAM after it closes. You may want to consider adding more memory, which you can do on your own, or you can take it to a place like Computer Fix and have the experts upgrade your machine to make it a faster computer.

Reason #4: Fragmented Disks

Every time you create new files, delete old files, and open or close programs, the computer splits it up and stores the files in several different places. Over time, the effort to recover those fragmented pieces becomes difficult on the computer, causing excessive wear and tear on the physical components inside the machine. To optimize the system and avoid unnecessary effort for the internal components, consider defragmenting your disk every now and then to maintain drive integrity and realign the items inside the PC.

Reason #5: Redundant Programs

Your computer has a limited amount of space, so it’s important that you only install and run necessary programs. If you find the PC slowing down and you’re looking for ways to fix a slow computer, look at your list of programs and find out if there are redundancies that you can eliminate by uninstalling programs. There are also programs out there that can help you detect and identify redundancies in your system, then remove them.

These tips can help you get a faster computer without having to purchase a whole new machine. At Computer Fix can help get your machine back in shape, hopefully running like it was when it was new.