Tech Tip Of The Day -- PC Security

Here are some quick and easy tips to secure your computer without going overboard. First I would advise coming up with a strong password to access the computer or your account on the computer. A strong password usually consists of alphanumeric characters, a capital letter, symbol or a number somewhere in the password. Try to not make the password something that is easy to crack by another person.

Another tip is to encrypt files from email, cloud services and other documents that you have stored on your computer to keep sensitive information private in the case you forget to lock the computer or the inevitable case that your computer is stolen. Some software that can be used to help with file encryption are GNU Privacy Guard, TrueCrypt, 7-Zip, AxCrypt. You might also want to encrypt any storage drives that you have whether they be internal or external to prevent information from being retrieved from the devices against your permission.

Also find a good antivirus software to help block unwanted attacks to your computer. There are tons of virus protection softwares out there, the trick is to find one that works for you and your needs. What works for one person might not work for the next.

Also do not give anyone your password or encryption codes for your files. If more than one user is on the computer set up multiple counts so that all users can have all their information stored and safe.

Tech Tip Of The Day - BSoD Issues

Here are some tips for the BSoD {Blue Screen Of Death} a daunting issue that all computers will have at least once. These Microsoft 'stop errors' are not as common as they use to be but they still happen from time to time. If you get one simply reboot and see if the issue is resolved. However if you get the BSoD on a frequent basis there is a problem that needs to be fixed.

If you look at the BSoD it will tell you what the issue is whether it be a drive that is become corrupt, hardware issue. This information is found near the top of the message that appears on the screen. As you continue to look down the page you should see a "Technical Information: *** STOP:..........................." which will tell you a series of numbers and letters that you can look up on google and see what the issue says. It might also give you a file that the issue is originated in.

After a reboot you might get a 'Windows has recovered from an unepxected shutdown'  View Problems Details, to see what the issues is.

Update drivers, you can also download BlueScreenView to view a detailed description of what the BSoD means to the average users.

Tech Tip Of The Day

Every wondered what to do if your computer is stuck in the never ending reboot cycle, where here are some steps that will help with this issue.

First boot the PC before the Windows logo screen appears press F8 repeatedly to being up Boot Menu Options. Select Safe Mode

Once in Safe Mode

• Start --> Run --> Search - 'sysdm.cpl'
• Once this window opens click the Advanced Tab --> Settings button under Startup & Recovery and uncheck Automatically Restart. 
• Then Click OK to reboot. 

There is a good chance that you are receiving the BSoD {Blue Screen of Death} but due to the automatic restarts you were unable to read the message displayed on the screen. 

If the BSoD appears there are steps that you can do to remove this and have your computer running like new once again. First try and run a Malware or AntiVirus software to see if it detects anything. If you are unable to boot in regular mode boot the computer in Safe Mode. 

Tech Tip Of The Day - PC Maintenance

Here are some tips to keep your computer running at it's best performance. 

Clean the Case, Keys & Display

• Compressed Air
• Rubbing Alcohol 
• Monitor Wipes

Back Up Your Data

• Find an online backup site
• CrashPlan.com
• Carbonite
• Use Cloud Storage and a means of backup
• Copy important documents and pictures to external hard drive

Guard Against Malware

• Antivirus / Malware Software
• Run Scans Regularly if your computer is acting different

Update Software

• Windows Updates
• Third Party Software Updates

Organize Files

Delete Unnecessary Files, Programs, Etc

• Space Sniffer
• PC Decrapifier

Encrypt Private Data

• TrueCrypt

Change Passwords On A Regular Basis

• KeePass

Optimize Startup

• Remove unneeded programs from start
• WinPatrol

Tech Tip Of The Day - Network Problems

Today's Tech Tip is how to diagnose and fix network issues that you may incur. Issues connecting to the  internet or simply no connection to the network resources from a particular computer. Here are some basic commands to use to diagnose network problems.

Start --> Run --> type 'cmd' -- this will bring up the Command Prompt Dialog Box

type 'ipconfig /all' to display all the network connections for your network. this allows the user to check to make sure that there is a network connection, IP Address, default gateway and subnet mask are all correct.

Next you can try to Ping the IP Address of the computer in question to make sure that it can be researched via network connection.

To go further into the network diagnosis process you can run a tracert. A simple way to run the tracert is by going to www.tracert.com and then type in your IP address and run the trace this will do all the hardwork for you.

The tracert determines what package has stopped working on the network, this will let you know if it is the router or the network.

Tech Tip Of The Day - Slow PC Pt 2

Here are some more tips to fix a slow computer. Some issues may be fixed by simply restarting your computer which will clear all the cache that is stored in memory freeing up space on the RAM to open applications. Also you might want to see how many programs you have opened which will slow you computers performance down. Another issue can be that the computer is overheating which will slow the performance. Make sure there is an open space between the computer and wall or desk which can block some airflow.

• Reboot Computer
• Close Unused Programs
• Check for issues with Hard Drive
• Start --> Run --> cmd --> type chkdsk or sfc / scannow
• Scan for malware
• Download Malwarebytes and run the Full scan
• Check for Windows Update 
• Update drivers - look for issues with hardware
• Control Panel --> System --> Device Manager

Tech Tip Of The Day

Slow PC - check to see how many programs are running during Startup. Start --> Run --> type 'msconfig' chrck or see how many programs are running remove unnecessary programs. Also delete temporary files, empty recycling bin. Delete cache files and unneeded files. Along with uninstalling unneeded programs.