Got word yesterday from Insight Broadband, which services many computer users in the Louisville region, that home-based servers are not permitted on their network. Although Insight's terms and conditions state it is a violation to use Insight-provided services to "run programs or servers from the Premises that provide network content or any other services to others," I was not doing so. At least, I wasn't by my definition of "to others."
My understanding was that, since I was not providing my server's services to others and had in fact well secured my Windows Small Business Server, which was available only to myself, such action was permissible. Insight not so politely explained it wasn't.
It would have been nice to receive an email or telephone message to that effect. Instead, Insight simply terminated my service. So, beware. If you're hosting LAN-based games, XBox or Wii-based Internet games or other such services, technically you, too, are in violation, at least by the definition used to suspend my service. Just a heads up.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Avoid PC Tuneup Scams
I've long seen the ads. Unfortunately, there's much more to tuning PC performance than just buying a simple program and installing it. There is no magic solution. Slate confirms that fact, today.
Cash For Speed: Programs That Offer To Boost Your Computer's Performance Are Mostly Bogus reveals that most tune-up programs don't really do much. Read it for yourself here.
The author measured no improvement in system performance following the use of one such program. In fact, he calls it "a con."
Save yourself time and trouble. Contact a professional whenever you have computer questions. You can reach Computer Troubleshooters in Louisville at 502.767.3855.
Cash For Speed: Programs That Offer To Boost Your Computer's Performance Are Mostly Bogus reveals that most tune-up programs don't really do much. Read it for yourself here.
The author measured no improvement in system performance following the use of one such program. In fact, he calls it "a con."
Save yourself time and trouble. Contact a professional whenever you have computer questions. You can reach Computer Troubleshooters in Louisville at 502.767.3855.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A Word On "Bloatware"
As the owner/operator of Louisville's Computer Troubleshooters office, I'm learning not to be surprised. For example, yesterday I repaired a host of computer problems a client had already paid the local Best Buy technicians to fix, but they couldn't do it (they purportedly blamed the issues on software firewalls and other problems). I solved all the issues.
Sometimes these troubles arise as a result of a technician's lack of skills or a knowledge gap. After all, a professional who's been working with computers for 25 years likely has more knowledge, skills and expertise than a 25-year-old tech new to the field. It should be no surprise, then, that those with more experience will better be able to solve problems these novices can't.
But this week I've heard about a new trend that surprised even me: national electronics stores and office supply chains are now offering a new fee-based service. These chain stores will remove the bloatware they include on PCs they sell their customers. Let's get that straight: office and electronics stores are charging to remove all the unwanted software loaded on the PCs they sell their customers!
Bloatware is defined by Wikipedia as "pre-installed, huge software bundles, mostly consisting of demos and trial ware." Typically, this software slows system performance and needlessly consumes hard disk space.
If you're purchasing a PC, ask yourself one question: do you really want to pay extra to uninstall a bunch of software you don't want in the first place? If the answer's no, contact Computer Troubleshooters. We ensure you receive only the software, hardware and service you require. Call us at 767.3855 or visit us on the Web.
Sometimes these troubles arise as a result of a technician's lack of skills or a knowledge gap. After all, a professional who's been working with computers for 25 years likely has more knowledge, skills and expertise than a 25-year-old tech new to the field. It should be no surprise, then, that those with more experience will better be able to solve problems these novices can't.
But this week I've heard about a new trend that surprised even me: national electronics stores and office supply chains are now offering a new fee-based service. These chain stores will remove the bloatware they include on PCs they sell their customers. Let's get that straight: office and electronics stores are charging to remove all the unwanted software loaded on the PCs they sell their customers!
Bloatware is defined by Wikipedia as "pre-installed, huge software bundles, mostly consisting of demos and trial ware." Typically, this software slows system performance and needlessly consumes hard disk space.
If you're purchasing a PC, ask yourself one question: do you really want to pay extra to uninstall a bunch of software you don't want in the first place? If the answer's no, contact Computer Troubleshooters. We ensure you receive only the software, hardware and service you require. Call us at 767.3855 or visit us on the Web.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Name Your Own Tech Price
Need computer help? Most small businesses are best served by implementing a maintenance plan. Such service contracts enable proactive monitoring, prevention against failure and downtime and priority service. But calculating costs is often confusing.
No more.
Just visit Computer Troubleshooters new pricing site, where you can name your own technical support price!
Congratulations on taking control of your IT costs! Your friendly local Computer Troubleshooter will be in contact with you within 72 hours with a proposal based on your choices. For immediate information please visit our national website or email us.
Or, if you have more questions, contact Computer Troubleshooters in Louisville at 767.3855.
No more.
Just visit Computer Troubleshooters new pricing site, where you can name your own technical support price!
Congratulations on taking control of your IT costs! Your friendly local Computer Troubleshooter will be in contact with you within 72 hours with a proposal based on your choices. For immediate information please visit our national website or email us.
Or, if you have more questions, contact Computer Troubleshooters in Louisville at 767.3855.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Power Outage Recommendations
Whenever the power fails--and Louisville seems to have been cursed the past four months with two separate widespread electrical grid failures each extending a week or longer for many utility customers--computer users should take several steps:
1. Unplug all computers, monitors and printers.
2. Unplug all networking equipment, modems, CSUs/DSUs and routers.
3. Unplug all battery backups (after connected systems have had sufficient time to shut down).
It's also a good idea to unplug televisions, stereos and other electronic devices. Once power is restored, powerful surges and spikes are common and can easily damage or destroy electronic components (including hard disks, motherboards, power supplies and more). Only after consistent power is safely restored should these devices be reconnected.
1. Unplug all computers, monitors and printers.
2. Unplug all networking equipment, modems, CSUs/DSUs and routers.
3. Unplug all battery backups (after connected systems have had sufficient time to shut down).
It's also a good idea to unplug televisions, stereos and other electronic devices. Once power is restored, powerful surges and spikes are common and can easily damage or destroy electronic components (including hard disks, motherboards, power supplies and more). Only after consistent power is safely restored should these devices be reconnected.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Antivirus v. Antispyware
Louisville computer clients frequently ask me the difference between antivirus and antispyware software. It's a good question.
Antivirus programs are designed to spot (and remove) viruses and other malicious programs that possess distinct signatures and behavior and typically seek to delete data or otherwise corrupt Windows systems. Sometimes viruses aim to turn a Windows system into a zombie, or a PC that can be remotely controlled by another for sending mass email messages or generating other unwanted traffic.
Antispyware programs, on the other hand, typically seek to identify and remove (or block) malicious software designed to monitor behavior, surreptitiously collect personal or credit card information or install programs designed to serve ads or hijack home pages and Web browser settings.
Many leading antivirus products (such as AVG Antivirus Professional 8.0 and Norton Antivirus 2009 with Antispyware) include both virus and spyware security tools within the same application. Unfortunately, a single antispyware program often isn't sufficient to block ever-growing spyware threats. For that reason, most computer professionals recommend installing two antispyware programs.
My experience maintaining and troubleshooting numerous PCs reveals a few programs standa bove the rest. Louisville's Computer Troubleshooters office recommends the following antispyware programs:
* MalwareBytes AntiMalware
* Sunbelt Software Counterspy
* Spybot S&D
Have more questions? Contact Computer Troubleshooters for help. You can reach us at 767.3855.
Antivirus programs are designed to spot (and remove) viruses and other malicious programs that possess distinct signatures and behavior and typically seek to delete data or otherwise corrupt Windows systems. Sometimes viruses aim to turn a Windows system into a zombie, or a PC that can be remotely controlled by another for sending mass email messages or generating other unwanted traffic.
Antispyware programs, on the other hand, typically seek to identify and remove (or block) malicious software designed to monitor behavior, surreptitiously collect personal or credit card information or install programs designed to serve ads or hijack home pages and Web browser settings.
Many leading antivirus products (such as AVG Antivirus Professional 8.0 and Norton Antivirus 2009 with Antispyware) include both virus and spyware security tools within the same application. Unfortunately, a single antispyware program often isn't sufficient to block ever-growing spyware threats. For that reason, most computer professionals recommend installing two antispyware programs.
My experience maintaining and troubleshooting numerous PCs reveals a few programs standa bove the rest. Louisville's Computer Troubleshooters office recommends the following antispyware programs:
* MalwareBytes AntiMalware
* Sunbelt Software Counterspy
* Spybot S&D
Have more questions? Contact Computer Troubleshooters for help. You can reach us at 767.3855.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Disk Images v. Backups
Louisville computer users frequently ask me about the differences between an imaged drive and a regular backup. It's a great question, especially as there's a very big difference between the two.
With traditional disk backups, the files you create are typically backed up to another hard disk or tape. This means the Microsoft Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, Powerpoint presentations and Quicken or QuickBooks files you create are backed up to a second location. It's always a best bet to locate a second copy offsite, too. Doing so protects against data loss due to theft, flood, fire or other catastrophe. Other files typically protected by a traditional back up include digital photos, iTunes and music files and even Outlook email and calendars.
When a hard disk fails (and all hard disks will fail, it's just a question of when), the traditional response has been to either purchase a new computer or replace the hard disk in the existing computer and recover your data from your backup. The only problem with that method is recovery takes quite a bit of time. In fact, on a complex server, rebuilding a system could consume several days (particularly if record keeping is inefficient and certificates of authenticity, application and operating system CDs and product keys and licenses aren't readily available).
Disk images eliminate issues associated with recovering a system from scratch. Instead of requiring that Windows be reinstalled, user accounts be recreated, settings be reconfigured, applications be reinstalled and data be recovered from the backup file, a disk image backup is just that: an actual image, or copy, of the computer's hard disk. In some cases recovery from a failed hard disk may require less than 15 minutes to complete! The only catch is cost, as disk imaging applications cost more than typical backup software programs (Windows even includes a free backup utility).
Have more questions? Contact Computer Troubleshooters. You can reach us in Louisville at 767.3855.
With traditional disk backups, the files you create are typically backed up to another hard disk or tape. This means the Microsoft Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, Powerpoint presentations and Quicken or QuickBooks files you create are backed up to a second location. It's always a best bet to locate a second copy offsite, too. Doing so protects against data loss due to theft, flood, fire or other catastrophe. Other files typically protected by a traditional back up include digital photos, iTunes and music files and even Outlook email and calendars.
When a hard disk fails (and all hard disks will fail, it's just a question of when), the traditional response has been to either purchase a new computer or replace the hard disk in the existing computer and recover your data from your backup. The only problem with that method is recovery takes quite a bit of time. In fact, on a complex server, rebuilding a system could consume several days (particularly if record keeping is inefficient and certificates of authenticity, application and operating system CDs and product keys and licenses aren't readily available).
Disk images eliminate issues associated with recovering a system from scratch. Instead of requiring that Windows be reinstalled, user accounts be recreated, settings be reconfigured, applications be reinstalled and data be recovered from the backup file, a disk image backup is just that: an actual image, or copy, of the computer's hard disk. In some cases recovery from a failed hard disk may require less than 15 minutes to complete! The only catch is cost, as disk imaging applications cost more than typical backup software programs (Windows even includes a free backup utility).
Have more questions? Contact Computer Troubleshooters. You can reach us in Louisville at 767.3855.
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