Jul/100
The Significance Of Proper PC Maintenance
Some might say that we are now a slave to this invention of mankind whereas others might say it is a boon to mankind. Whatever be the debate, the fact still is that it is almost impossible for man to do without the PC. Almost everything is computerized or is in the process of becoming computerized.
Mar/100
Wise Security Habits Save Money on Repairs
The majority of computer users occasionally employ a PC repair service to take care of problems stemming from insecure browsing habits. There are so many harmful programs in the ungovernable atmosphere of the web. However, there are certain important steps that can be taken to reduce the probability that you will have to deal with this type of problem.
Mar/100
Understanding Minimum System Requirements
When new programs are put out, the majority of users will design their machine setups around meeting the requirements required for use of the program. On the other hand, there are a number of important considerations to ponder when investing in a costly system build to use a new piece of software. Failure to take note of these warnings could result in a system purchase that fails to deliver sufficient performance.
Mar/100
Virus Removal is Tough Business
Whether it’s Conflickr or a new fake anti-spyware program, it seems like malware and viruses are inescapable for any PC hooked up to the internet. It’s estimated that the amount spent annually on security software in the United States has risen to over $800 million in recent years, but computers are still getting infected daily. Why aren’t we virus free yet?
The answer is found in the nature of malicious programming or greedy programmers. Computer viruses don’t spring up out of nowhere, they’re designed by programmers who either have nothing better to do and think it’ll be interesting, or pros who earn cash by abusing your computer. Whenever anti-virus companies are made aware of a new virus, they create a new definition for their anti-virus software to help isolate and remove that virus if it is downloaded onto your PC. Once the new definition is widespread enough that a serious share of PCs are safe against that virus, a new one is created by the malicious programmers and the cycle begins again. Just about 2000 new viruses were identified every day in 2007, and the issue isn’t going away any time soon. This is why you want to allow your anti-virus software to download new virus definitions so often.
Frustrated hackers tired of the quick turnover of “regular” viruses have graduated to attacking your personal computer’s defences directly: your anti-virus software. Many new viruses include programming that either hides itself specifically from several popular anti-virus programs, prevents them from downloading new virus definitions, or shuts them down completely. Even if these new viruses are identified quickly, many PCs will already be infected and the software on the machines won’t be able to get rid of the virus. In situations where one virus shuts down the anti-virus software entirely, other viruses will usually infect the machine and can render it inoperable in a few hours if not minutes. Still other nasty viruses employ tricks to avoid removal strategies, and will re-infect a machine after an anti-virus program or a user tries to remove them.
The battle against computer viruses is non stop, but you can do something to help protect your system. Installing a good anti-virus program and allowing it to update often is just the first step, but be careful of fake anti-virus programs you may find online (many of these are viruses themselves). The fake anti-virus programs normally go by the names : Antivirus 2010 Pro, Windows Pro Police, System Guard 2009, Personal Antivirus, Antispyware XP 2009, and lots more. You can see a pattern in how they name themselves. Never download anything from an individual or internet site you do not trust, never open a suspicious email (you don’t always have to open the attachments to get infected), and don’t go to websites with a poor reputation. If you take these steps and your personal computer still gets infected, have a trained pro remove the virus for you instead of attempting to remove it yourself. Modern viruses can be very difficult to isolate and remove, and it’s very simple to break your system accidentally while making an attempt to remove one.
If you have a slow computer and think you are infected, call Geek Choice today. Our techs have the tools required for proper virus removal and have access to fast breaking reports about new types of viruses and their removal. Geek Choice is a nationwide on-site computer service and repair company. If your personal computer has any of the following Problems, we can help : Slow PC, Virus or Spyware, Computer startup problems, Printer not printing, Not connecting to the Internet, Scanner not working, or the “blue screen of death”. We also offer other tech support services, including: New pc setup, Data Backup or Recovery, Wireless network setup, Business Network Firewall setup, Upgrading memory, cpu, hard drives, video cards, and more. You can pick up the phone at any time and call us at 1-800-GEEK HELP (433-5435).
Mar/100
Understanding Misleading System Requirements
When new software is released, most consumers will plan their machine builds around meeting the requirements needed by the program. However, there are a number of critical considerations to ponder when investing in an expensive system build to use a new piece of software. Failure to pay attention to these warnings could result in a PC purchase that won’t deliver sufficient performance.
It’s important to remember that minimum system requirements can be somewhat confusing. While some consumers might find them to be valuable, they typically detail the hardware required to get the program to start. This does not mean that the performance will be enough to really use the software for anything at all. Some consumers see this as misleading. Since there are PCs that meet the basic guidelines which can still run the program, it is not false advertising. However, any unanticipated problem will be much more significant when your PC barely meets these guidelines. If you intend to run a program using the minimum hardware requirements, flawless driver compatibility will be needed. Your PC must be optimized in every way. Realistically, minimum requirements aren’t going to be reliable metrics by which to pick out a new system.
If your system currently meets these basic requirements, it may not be harmful to try to run the software. There is a possibility that you will be able to get decent performance. Unfortunately, you are likely to have serious problems.
The recommended requirements are better data to bear in mind when purchasing a machine to use for a certain program. It may be prudent to exceed these requirements. Future updates might involve extra features that further stress your PC. You don’t want an exciting new patch to cause performance problems.
If the software has already been put out, you can gain further information from online forums which current users frequent. There are often technical support discussions where professionals weigh in on the most affordable machines that can comfortably run the software. There are also a few pieces of hardware that have inferior compatibility with a program. These things are not often indicated in the recommended requirements. For example, a video game may suggest that you need a 3D graphics card with a minimum amount of memory. However, certain cards might have individual compatibility problems while meeting this specific mark.
Ultimately, tread with great care when building a computer to meet the needs of a specific piece of software. You want to be absolutely confident that it will run the program. Unfortunately, deceptive minimum requirements may cause you to spend money on a PC that will simply not run the software. The software company is not likely to refund your purchase. You will wind up having to upgrade your computer again. If the necessary upgrade involves significantly advanced hardware, you might have to buy an entirely new PC. The smartest idea is to surpass the recommended requirements. This could be more pricey, but you won’t have to worry about upgrades in the future. You should be able to run your software along with many future patches.
Geek Choice understands that many machine users have a hard time understanding vague system requirements. As an on-site computer repair company, Geek Choice seeks to help customers get the best performance out of their computers. If your PC can no longer run your favorite programs, call a customer service representative at 1-800-GEEK HELP (433-5435). Geek Choice provides nationwide system repair service.

