Author Archive

Mac vs. PC

October 15, 2008 by AC.

I think the Mac vs. PC ads are funny at times but there is a clear divide between the two users - a totally different subculture if you will. I service both, work on both and enjoy both platforms. I could debate the pro’s and con’s for hours for each but the differences between the users are dramatic.

This is in no way an actual psychological experiment here but I have noticed clear differences between the two camps while running ACE Computer Services. Mac people leave messages. PC people rarely do. I cannot always get to my phone - as an aside I find it rude to answer while working with clients so I let my phone go to voice mail often. I know I should have an answering service but that is a blog for another day. Mac people always leave messages. PC people hang up and move on.

I have also noticed that Mac people are more willing to spend money to keep an old machine alive….and spend more money too. PC people are very willing to give up the current machine and buy a new one.

Just a few interesting observations in the Mac vs. PC argument.

Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6vbKRQsq1k

Posted in All Platforms, General | 1 Comment »

Quick Gmail trick/feature…

October 15, 2008 by AC.

This may be common knowledge but I came across a neat feature in Google’s Gmail.  I use Gmail for both personal email and to route my acecomputernj.com accounts.  The service is excellent as many, many people have written before.  Today, while looking at an email from a customer I noticed a link to the right of the message asking if I wanted to map the address that was included in the signature file of the email.  Very cool.

 I often use Google Maps to see how far a potential job is and this is a quick convenience if that customer has emailed an address.  I’m not sure if its a new feature but be on the lookout for it.

Posted in Software, General | No Comments »

Great Cleaning Program - Malwarebytes Antimalware

September 2, 2008 by AC.

I recently ran into a string of PC’s infected badly with ad/spy/virus activity.  There were pop-ups and programs trying to run with many trying to get me to buy some antivirus software or computer cleaner software.  Those programs are the end result of the initial infection - the creators of the virus get you to spend $50 or more to “clean” the system.It is all very confusing and annoying. It slows your PC down significantly.  These ads and programs can be very misleading and the common home user falls for these gimmicks often.

There are some legitimate cleaning programs out there than can help.  It is always important to keep a current, up-to-date antivirus program running.  If adding a new antivirus program please make sure to uninstall any existing antivirus software first - never use more than one antivirus software at a time on a PC.

Sometimes your antivirus gets compromised or these problems get on to your PC by other means.  When that occurs its best to use a specialty cleaner to remove anything that slipped through. Over the last few years many of these, most free, have emerged.  Ad-Aware, SpyBot Search & Destroy and Windows Defender were chief among them.  All are great but over time the bad guys adapt and get past these as well. My favorite program of the moment is Malwarebytes Antimalware.  It works, plain and simple. In time the bad guys will adapt to this as well but if you have a home PC that needs cleanup try this first.  Malwarebytes Antimalware is available at: http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Posted in Virus/Malware Alert, All Platforms | 2 Comments »

Regular Updates

September 2, 2008 by AC.

It is important to keep both your PC’s updated and running with the latest versions of both your operating system and installed programs. The process can be automated for the most part but there are times when your intervention is required.

Whenever you see a message for Windows Updates those should be installed. This will sometimes require a restart after the updates install. Likewise the updates for Java and Adobe products (like Acrobat) should be treated as necessary updates because of how often we use them and how often they are exploited online. These are generally updates where you are prompted to install the update also.

Generally these prompts come from an icon in the lower, right-corner of your PC. 

Also - when installing Java and Adobe updates watch out for additional software that is offered. This additional software is not bad, but it may not be necessary either. Both Java and Adobe Acrobat are free and the companies that support them create marketing opportunities with other companies to make some money. For example, Java updates offer an install of OpenOffice - a free version of office productivity software like Microsoft Office. It is a great suite of software but you may not need it.

Posted in Software, All Platforms | 1 Comment »

ACE Computer Services now Accredited with BBB

August 25, 2008 by AC.

ACE Computer Services is now accredited with the New Jersey Better Business Bureau:

Better Business Bureau

http://newjersey.app.bbb.org/report/24000496/?

Posted in All Platforms | 1 Comment »

Small Business Services Available

July 14, 2008 by AC.

ACE Computer Services provides personalized services for home users and small businesses.  Outsource your IT needs through flexible fixed monthly rates or hourly rates based on your business size. No long term contracts or obligations.

Posted in All Platforms | No Comments »

Updated: Useful Links…

July 10, 2008 by AC.

Looking for free advice and free software for your computer?  The Useful Links page is updated and provides lots of information to help you.

Posted in All Platforms | No Comments »

Change in Meebo Me Client

July 9, 2008 by AC.

I am having some problems with the Meebo Me IM client on the ACE Computer Services pages, so for now I have removed the feature.  I plan to add it back soon!

Posted in All Platforms | 1 Comment »

ACE Chat - Meebo Me

June 19, 2008 by AC.

I have been a big fan of Meebo for some time, having written about it before in the blog.  I added a neat little widget to the ACE Computer Services site today that allows guests on the site to IM for service/support at any time.  Check it out:

Posted in Internet, Web Design, Software, All Platforms | 1 Comment »

New Look - New Rates

May 22, 2008 by AC.

A few color tweaks on the ACE Computer Services (http://www.acecomputernj.com) site today and some new, flat-rate service prices have come out at http://www.acecomputernj.com/svrt.htm.

Posted in All Platforms | 1 Comment »

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