MyTechs Hawaii

A Virus got you down?

admin — Sun, 29 May 2011 06:04:44 +0000

If your computer has access to the internet and e-mail, then it is only a matter of time before you will get attacked by Malware or Viruses. We get most of our business from cleaning these pesky things, but we believe if we can help you before you have the problem, we may retain you as a customer for future problems you have. Below are a few things we recommend about being safe on the net.

One reason why Malware and Virus Removal is such a big business today is that they are making themselves more and more difficult to differentiate from legitimate software than ever before. A few of the newer viruses are desiquised as ANTIVIRUS and confuse the average user. We have come accross computers that are so infected it is unbelieveable and the customer believe the virus is the ANTIVIRUS! With so many different types of malicious software on the net, it is important to understand the different types and know how to recognize them for what they are.

Spyware: Spyware are hidden programs that advertisers install on your PC without your consent to spy on your purchases, collect information about your searches and browsing, and report this information about you and your online activities to a third party.

Most spyware finds its way onto your computer via file downloads including free programs, music files, and screen savers. While you think you are downloading that cute kitten background and screensaver, you are unknowingly also downloading a spyware program that is reporting your other software and web browsing to possibly more SPYWARE companies.

Malware: Malware represents all programs, viruses, Trojans, and worms that have malicious intent to infiltrate or disrupt a system. Malware is harder to remove and will try to fight back when it is cleaned from your system. In some extreme cases, we need to format the hard disk and start with a fresh re-roll of the operating system.

Simple Steps To Avoiding Malicious Attacks

1. Keep your antivirus up to date. If you don’t antivirus, get some. We recommended Microsoft Security Essentials for most home users. It is free and gets the job done easily.

2. Use and alternative browser to Microsoft Internet Explorer. Most hackers have written code based on vulnerabilities in Microsoft Internet Explorer. Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome have not been focused on as much by hackers and have ad-ons that protect you from visiting malicious sites. Google Chrome is our favorite as it has the Web-Of-Trust add-on that actively checks sites for malware.

3. Avoid opening emails that don’t quite look right. If they are offering you a FREE 50″ TV!!! It is probably a scam or a chance for them to install malicious software on your machine. If you want a new TV that bad, go and buy one (as flat panels are getting exremely affordable now ).

4. Get a hardware Firewall for your network. This may seem like an obvious thing to most, but half of our clients have problems because of their lack of firewall. Without a firewall you are opened to the world and are asking to get infected.

MyTechs Hawaii offers a complete Virus Removal for $149 and also offers a Preemptive Strike Virus Protection suite for $49 installed. We have many a service call for Viruses and it is one of our specialties. We even offer Remote Virus Removal if your computer can still access the internet during your infection. These are case by case and start at $99. Call us today at 808-235-7828 or click on Contact Us above to shoot us an email.

Why So Blue?

admin — Sun, 29 May 2011 05:27:20 +0000

Ok, so you are in the middle of writing that 6 page long email arguing that Poi is better than rice any day of the week to your Aunty and BOOM! Blue Screen! What just happened? What can I do to fix it? Is a Computer Repair needed to get back to normal? What can I do to prevent it from happening again? These are all VERY good questions and I will try to explain them as detailed as possible.

What just happened?

Typically you had a hardware failure of some kind. It may have been your disk having a cache error or your memory kicking the bucket, but the only way to tell is to get some diagnostics run on a few hardware components and check a few files in your system. One other alternative is a Virus is tricking you into thinking you had a failure and is asking you to buy their ‘Anti-Virus’ to fix it (by the way, NEVER do this). The best thing to do is take it down to MyTechs Hawaii today and get a system check run.

What can I do to fix it?

As mentioned above you can bring it down to MyTechs Hawaii and get it checked out, but if you are the Do-It-Yourself type, you could run a basic anti virus scan on your system or run a Hardware Diagnostic on your system. These software are not hard to find and are typically free. Virus Removal can be a tricky thing to handle on your own, but for Anti-Virus you can use Microsoft Security Essentials and for hardware diagnostics, most are available from your computer vendor (IE: Dell, HP, Compaq, Acer etc..). Running these still may not find the solution though. Your best bet is to take it to a professional.

What can I do to prevent it from happening again?

As the causes for BSODs vary from instance to instance, so are the ways to prevent them.

Since hardware failure and the need for Virus Removal or Spyware is typically the cause of a BSOD, and since hardware can fail at any time, impractical advice would be to simply stay away from a computer in the first place. If you are like me though, I can’t live a day without mine. The key is to try and keep your computer ‘healthy’. If it is really dusty in there, take some canned air from Sam’s and clean it out every once in a while (it can’t hurt much). If you notice a clicking sound from the drive, it may need a new hard drive soon. If it is getting old, it may be time to put it to rest.

There really is not a simple answer to the BSOD question, but with a little help from MyTechs Hawaii, you may just be rid of them forever.

How to Prevent Malware

admin — Sun, 29 May 2011 04:42:48 +0000

What is malware?

Malware is any program that contains “malicious software”. You may have heard other terms such as viruses, trojans, adware, and keyloggers. They are all forms of malware. Is your computer and internet running slow? Do you have random pop-ups? Have there been changes to your computer that you didn’t initiate? You may have malware.

Isn’t it really just the FBI trying to hack my computer?
No. More than likely it is just malware.

Are you sure the government isn’t trying to access my files?
Lets just move on, thanks.

How do I get rid of malware on my computer?

Like cancer malware will spread itself through your computer. It will replicate itself, infect your registry and refuse to leave quietly. Trying to remove these things manually is not an easy task and may leave you frustrated. But there is FREE software that can help.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes is a program that is specifically made to seek out and kill malware. It has been rated the #1 anti-malware software by many reviewers. Install it, keep it up-to-date and compute care-free.

Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft? Free? Yes! Believe it or not. This anti-virus software is easy to use and non invasive. It stays out of your way unless it needs to be updated or immediate action is required. If you are running Windows XP or later this is for you. Besides, Microsoft just makes cool stuff. (IMHO)

How can I prevent Malware from installing?

I thought you would never ask... The key to solving most computer problems is stopping it where it starts. Here is a list of common ways malware is installed.

P2P file sharing
Oh man did you hear that new song on the radio? I am going to go home and download it. Maybe I will use Limewire or better yet get the whole album with Utorrent.
Always run scans when using p2p file sharing programs. Although it is a fast way to download files, you have no control over the integrity of the content you are downloading. If you find yourself constantly infected with malware I recommend you uninstall these programs.
Email
Ah look at that cute bunny in my email… Lets click on that link because I love cute rabbits!
Opening emails from unknown senders is never a good idea. If you do not know the name of the person sending the email just do not open it. Always run scans on attachments before opening even when from a trusted source.
File Downloading
Just like email attachments running scans on any files you download will prevent you from installing malware.
Ads and Pop-ups
Hey look I this ad wants me to kill 3 aliens with my mouse!
Don’t click it please.
But I win a free plasma tv!!!
Well in that case, still don’t click it please.
Never click on adds and pop-ups that promise you free rewards in return. These sites are often filled with viruses that can install itself without user interaction.

Remember nothing is fail safe, but these steps keep most malware away.

What happens if my computer becomes inoperable?
“HELL-FIRE AND BRIMSTONE IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD!!!” Just kidding. In most cases a format using the original install CD’s that came with your computer will clean everything out. Remember though you will lose all your files!!! Preventing malware from ever setting foot on your computer is the best way to fight it. Here at MyTechs Hawaii, we offer our Preemptive Strike Virus Protection suite installed for just $49 flat fee. This includes a host of software that protects you from getting malware in the future. In the end, the best prevention is avoidance of the things mentioned above that are known to hide these malicious files and programs.

Being smart can keep you from the headaches of malware and maybe save you time and money. Call us to get your computer cleaned today! 808-235-7828