From the Mind of Marc... » Computer Fixers http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com Advice and insights from a computer authority Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:47:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 en Windows 7 is (almost) here! [updated] http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/10/19/windows-7-is-almost-here/ http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/10/19/windows-7-is-almost-here/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:33:27 +0000 Marc http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/?p=126 Microsoft will release Windows 7 on Thursday October 22nd. Are you ready? We’ve been testing 7 from early this year, and we really think it’s a worthwhile upgrade from Vista. You can check your machine to see if the hardware and software you have are compatible using the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor (Beta) here, or you can use the compatibility check on the Windows 7 DVD when it’s released. If you would like advice on whether or not you should upgrade, feel free to contact us.

Update: Microsoft has released the official version of the Upgrade Advisor here.

]]> http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/10/19/windows-7-is-almost-here/feed/ Schedule an appointment with us online! http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/07/03/schedule-an-appointment-with-us-online/ http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/07/03/schedule-an-appointment-with-us-online/#comments Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:18:04 +0000 Marc http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/?p=120 We are happy to announce that we now offer an online appointment system. Visit our website, www.mdpsystems.com, click on the Make an Appointment button, and fill out the information to schedule an appointment for our services. No need to play phone tag or trade emails with us to figure out when the best time is. Now you can see our schedule and choose the most convenient time for you.

]]> http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/07/03/schedule-an-appointment-with-us-online/feed/ The Conficker Worm http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/04/09/the-conficker-worm/ http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/04/09/the-conficker-worm/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:00:34 +0000 Marc http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/?p=83 A particularly nefarious piece of malware has been in the news a lot lately: Conficker. Also known as Downadup and the April Fools worm, it is very sneaky and difficult to detect. Fortunately, because of its popularity, there has been a lot of research done to figure out ways to stop it from spreading and to remove it from machines that have been infected. The easiest way to determine if you have been infected with Conficker is to use the Conficker eye chart (available here). Part of Conficker’s programming is to block access to well-known security software vendors’ websites, such as Symantec and Trend Micro. The “eye chart” has a legend that explains what you should see if you don’t have Conficker, and also what you see if you do have Conficker. If the chart appears normal, then you most likely haven’t been infected; if there are some images missing, then you probably have Conficker. Don’t panic though, it can be fixed. You can access a list of steps to remove Conficker here, or you can give us a call. Even if you don’t have Conficker, make sure you have the latest version of your preferred security software and that it’s up-to-date. We recommend Norton Internet Security 2009 (available here).

]]> http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/04/09/the-conficker-worm/feed/ Backing up… but not in reverse. http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/04/09/backing-up-but-not-in-reverse/ http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/04/09/backing-up-but-not-in-reverse/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:00:24 +0000 Marc http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/?p=88 Do you backup? Should you? Backing up ensures that your information is not affected should anything happen to your computer’s hard drive. It can be as simple as copying your files to an external hard drive once a month, or you could use an online backup service that automatically backs up changed and new files every night. Let’s put it this way: If something were to happen to your computer and you lost everything on it, what files would you absolutely have to have? Professional data recovery services usually start around $1,200 and increase exponentially based on the size of your hard drive. What information on your computer would you be willing to pay that much to get back? If the answer includes music, videos, and photos, then the simplest backup solution is an external hard drive. If your answer is Word and Excel documents, email, and financial files like QuickBooks or Quicken, then you could benefit from an online backup solution. For an external hard drive backup, Western Digital and Seagate offer good solutions with the My Book and Free Agent line of hard drives, respectively. There are many online backup solutions. Two that I would recommend are Mozy Online (though I have seen some machines slow to a crawl when using the always on backup, meaning it will constantly backup throughout the day when it senses a change); and Dr. Backup. Mozy gives you 2GB of storage free, or charges a monthly fee for unlimited storage. Dr. Backup charges a monthly fee for storage depending on how much you need, and has excellent customer support available by phone, email, and instant message. A good rule of thumb for online backup is that if you have more than 20 gigabytes of data, you’re either backing up unessential files or you need to switch to an external hard drive method. This is especially true if your Internet connection is DSL, because it could take several days to back up several gigabytes of data. If you would like to discuss a backup solution, or have questions about any information here, feel free to contact us.

]]> http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/04/09/backing-up-but-not-in-reverse/feed/ Thinking about Apples? http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/04/07/thinking-about-apples/ http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/04/07/thinking-about-apples/#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:25:42 +0000 Marc http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/04/07/thinking-about-apples/ A lot of people have been considering Apple for a new or replacement computer. The most common question is "Will my files transfer?". The answer, in almost all cases, is yes. Pictures, music, Word and Excel files, and even email can usually be transferred without problems. If you are worried about specific programs, you can always check the manufacturer’s website to see if they have a version for Apple. In some cases, mostly where you’re working from home, you may need access to a Windows-only program such as Internet Explorer. In that situation, it’s ok, you can still switch; we can install a copy of Windows on the Mac so that you have access to any Windows programs you need (it’s difficult to explain, but you can actually use Windows and Apple software simultaneously on a Mac). Just don’t forget that you will need to think about security software for your new Mac at some point. Luckily it’s not at the same level as Windows machines, but it’s moving in that direction. And of course we can still help you with your Mac if you have trouble.

]]> http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2009/04/07/thinking-about-apples/feed/ Spam, spam, and more spam… http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2008/09/02/spam-spam-and-more-spam/ http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2008/09/02/spam-spam-and-more-spam/#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:41:52 +0000 Marc http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/?p=38 It seems that the spam never ends these days. In a previous post, I wrote about a new wave that looked like it came from CNN, Microsoft, and later, MSNBC. That seems to have slowed down as everyone caught on that it was a hoax, but the general sea of spam has kept up at a steady pace. I just wanted to remind everyone about the basics of good email safety: never open a message from someone you don’t know; never click on a link in an email (if you have to go to the link, such as a bank, open your browser and type in the address); don’t send your personal information via email; no reputable company will EVER ask you for either your personal information or your account information via email, so don’t send it. The most popular spam email subjects I’ve seen lately are “security updates” from small banks; the oldie but goodie “You’ve received an ecard”; and of course the ever present porn subject line. A couple months ago, I wrote an email newsletter about email and computer safety that you can read here.

]]> http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2008/09/02/spam-spam-and-more-spam/feed/ Introducing Computer Fixers… http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2008/07/31/introducing-computer-fixers/ http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/2008/07/31/introducing-computer-fixers/#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:29:35 +0000 Marc http://mdpblog.mdpsystems.com/?p=27 We’ve created a new, more recognizable name to operate our residential portion of the business. I’m proud to introduce to you our new moniker: Computer Fixers LLC. Fear not, we are still MDP Systems with the same great service you’ve known. We just thought it would be easier to recognize and remember Computer Fixers. We have also set up an 800 number to make it easier to contact us for service: 800-480-4598. We will be handing out new business cards and magnets in the next few months so everyone has our new information.

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