608 406-HELP (4357)

Tech Tips

Approved Updates

By Ryan | Published November 5th, 2012

Here is a list of approved updates; these updates should be installed when available. The updates should automatically prompt the user by displaying their company’s logo in system tray (lower right corner by the time). It’s important to be careful when installing the updates because sometimes they package other unneeded bloatware that can be deselected during the update process.

.

1. Java

Java allows you to play online games, chat with people around the world, calculate your mortgage interest, and view images in 3D, just to name a few. It’s also integral to the intranet applications and other e-business solutions that are the foundation of corporate computing.

2. Adobe Reader

Adobe Reader is free software that lets you open, view, search, digitally sign, verify, and print PDF files. To date, more than 600 million copies of Adobe Reader have been distributed worldwide on 23 platforms and in 33 languages.

3. Adobe Flash Player

Adobe® Flash® Player is a cross-platform, browser-based application runtime that provides uncompromised viewing of expressive applications, content, and videos across browsers and operating systems.

4. Microsoft Windows updates

It is an updating service that enables users to obtain bug fixes and new features for their version of Windows. Windows Update components analyze your PC’s configuration and display a list of appropriate downloads for your individual system.

5. Antivirus software

Keeps your computer’s antivirus software up to date allowing it to properly detect newer and more complex viruses.

Free alternative to Microsoft Office

By Ryan | Published July 16th, 2011

Microsoft Office is very expensive but being able to open and edit office documents is a must!  Oracle and Sun helped develop OpenOffice, a free alternative that resembles Microsoft Office suites.  Download  it here.

How to prevent computer viruses

By admin | Published June 8th, 2011

Virus protection should be installed and updated daily on all Microsoft Windows operating systems. There are several legitimate companies that offer free virus protection. I don’t recommend purchasing virus protection when the free programs offer the same or better protection. Most viruses are disguised as rouge antivirus programs that trick the user into downloading it. This can happen with any antivirus program. The trick is to identify the fake virus program pop window and close the pop up with the task manager.

Recommended free virus protection programs.

  1. Microsoft Security Essentials
  2. Avast!
  3. AVG

Dust is an enemy of your Computer

By admin | Published April 11th, 2011

Dust can cause computer hardware nightmares. Dust is sucked into your computer from the power supply fan, processor fan and case fans. It’s a good idea to keep your computer off the floor and on the desk to reduce dust intake. With several points of entry I recommend a computer cleaning every 6 months, pop the case open and carefully blow it out with canned air.

4 Tips for your Wireless Network

By admin | Published April 11th, 2011
  1. Place your wireless router\access point in a central location.
  2. Keep the wireless router\access point away from walls and metal filling cabinets.
  3. Update the firmware on your wireless router\access point
  4. Secure the wireless signal to prevent unauthorized access.

How to backup your files

By admin | Published November 12th, 2010

The most common way to back up your files is by using some sort of removal media. i.e. CD\DVD’s, flash drive or external hard drive. The most common mistake is that once a form of media is used for backups the user will move his or her files to the backup media. This creates more storage space but doesn’t create a redundant backup because the information is still on one point of failure. The purpose of back up media is that if there is one point of failure there is another device with the same information on it. The user should copy files to their backup media instead of moving the files.

Slow computer? Follow these steps

By admin | Published November 12th, 2010

Uninstall any bloat-ware\trail based software or unused software. Do not install any free software without verifying the legitimacy of the company. Keep your operating system current by installing the updates. A daily reboot is always a good idea.