ACE Computer Services Blog

Great Cleaning Program - Malwarebytes Antimalware

AC — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:41:12 +0000

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/

Regular Updates

AC — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:38:42 +0000

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.

ACE Computer Services now Accredited with BBB

AC — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:01:32 +0000

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

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

Small Business Services Available

AC — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:20:16 +0000

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.

Updated: Useful Links…

AC — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:12:41 +0000

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

Change in Meebo Me Client

AC — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:10:55 +0000

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!

ACE Chat - Meebo Me

AC — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:26:46 +0000

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:

New Look - New Rates

AC — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:28:12 +0000

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.

Tech Tip: Starting Outlook in Safe Mode

AC — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:24:58 +0000

If you run into problems starting Microsoft Outlook you can start the application in Safe Mode. Doing this allows you to get in and attempt to repair the problem. You can start Outlook in Safe Mode by holding the Control (Ctrl) Key when you launch the program.

Lots ‘O Links: 5/12/08

AC — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:59:55 +0000

BlackBerry Bold officially announced! - Bold is the correct name for this new BlackBerry coming this summer to AT&T.

Today’s sign that the 3G iPhone is nigh - Despite previous rumors of a new iPhone this time it looks to be the real deal.

Nintendo launches WiiWare with six games- The Wii gets some online gaming support.

Google Steps Into Data Portability Dance With Friend Connect - Is this Social Network Sites 2.0?