computer

Occasionally someone will tell me that I’m talking over their head. More often, they will just nod in agreement to make me think they understand. Don’t get me wrong, some people really do understand my poor attempt to explain a technical problem in lay terms; but most people probably do not. I try to make it as non-technical as possible, but it’s difficult when there just isn’t an easy translation from techno-speak to everyday language. Because of the complexity of computer security, most people don’t understand the importance or know the how-to of keeping their computer secure and virus free. To that end, Symantec (the parent company of Norton) has created a “cult icon” superhero called Norton Fighter. You can read more about their endeavor here. Unfortunately, Norton Fighter exists only in Japan at this point; but the idea is good. Hopefully it will encourage more security companies to come up with creative ways to explain the complexities of computer security to the average user. And the next time I start getting carried away with the techno-speak, feel free to tap me on the shoulder and bring me back down to earth.

A new round of spam has been showing up in inboxes the past 2 weeks. The first round purports to come from CNN, with the subjects “Daily Top Ten” or “My Custom Alerts”; the other looks like it is from admin@microsoft.com and has the subject “Internet Explorer 7″. The gotcha in the CNN spam is a link to supposed CNN videos that require you to download and install “Flash Player”; of course the download is actually malware and will infect your computer. As always, never open any unsolicited email, even if it seems to come from a legimate source.

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.

Unfortunately (or fortunately if you like peace and quiet in the house) it’s time to start thinking about kids going back to school. If you’re thinking about getting the kids a new computer, but aren’t sure what they need, give us a call. We’ll walk you through the process of configuring and purchasing the new machine, and we can help set it up too.

Welcome to my new blog. I hope to keep you informed of the latest happenings within the world of technology and also within MDP Systems itself. Stay tuned for more!