Protect Your Computer Originally Posted: April 19, 2019

Originally Posted on April 19, 2019

Anti-Virus & Cleanup Protocol

 There are several important things to remember about keeping your computer safe.

Be Careful:

  1. Do not install anything on your computer when you do not understand why you are installing that specific program. Just because something asks to be installed does not make it legit.
  2. Move carefully on the Internet. Do not search for websites that you already know. Just type addresses into the address bar at the top of your browser.
  3. Do not look for phone numbers for computer product support on the internet. You can find some correct numbers, but the odds are against you.
  4. Do not allow anyone into your computer. Exceptions to this are the vendors for your software and hardware. And some onsite support.
  5. Beware the upgrade. Many items on your computer will regularly update, but anything that suggests an UPGRADE is likely to cost you money.

 Current Tools:

  1.  We always recommend an anti-virus. Most of those on the market, whether paid or free are good. None of them are great. You can buy more coverage, but the bigger the program, the harder it makes the computer work. Most anti-virus programs have virus protection both active, and on-demand scanning, some add a firewall solution, and several other tools.
  2. You should have Malwarebyte’s Antimalware.(It also has a free or paid version) This program is on-demand scanner and removal tool. It looks for assorted non-viral threats like adware, spyware, and Trojan actors. It should be run when you suspect something has gotten in from the Internet which is acting badly on your system.
  3. Our third tool is CCleaner. It is designed to remove the debris and detritus (also known as Crap) from computer systems. It pulls temp files and marketing cookies from your system.
  4. Your browsers are important. One manual step needed is to open your browsers, and look at your installed add-ons and extensions. There are a couple of ways to get there, as each browser is different, so you may want to call me or Google for the correct access to these items. You want to remove anything that you didn’t intentionally install, or that the software designer didn’t put in. Some legitimate items are Google Docs, Adblock Plus, and various anti-virus add-ins. Almost no add-ins are required, and all of them can slow down your computer.

My normal recommendations are for quarterly cleanups.

UNLESS. You see something that makes you nervous. If you do get nervous, clean before you start to worry. It takes very little time (about an hour). And if you clear everything these programs find, you will probably beat the bad guys to the punch.

Any questions,

Call me

Any questions, Any Time.

Call Tom Hall at 704-619-9643


Holler If You Need Us!

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Passing Milestones Originally Posted: January 2, 2019

Originally Posted January 2, 2019

As we move into a Glorious New Year with High Hopes and Great Expectations, we would like to thank you for our latest Milestone.
December 21, 2018 marked the 24th Anniversary for Computer House Calls. We could not have come this far without YOU, the fabulous people who have supported us, and brought us this far on a wonderful journey.

We have met many unique (as you all are), and interesting (as again, you all are) people. Our customers come from throughout the area, across the country, and around the world. It has been eye-opening, and a great experience to learn just how much of a gathering place Charlotte is.

Thank You for all of Your Questions, Calls, and Challenges. Without them, Computer House Calls would never have grown or lasted to this point. Please keep them coming as we move into Year 25 and Beyond.
 
Tom Hall & Susan Haywood
 
One more thing: Please let your family, friends, and neighbors know about us.

Call Tom Hall at 704-619-9643
Holler If You Need Us!

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Beware the Scams Originally Posted: November 20th, 2018

Originally Posted on November 20 , 2019

Many of our customers have been targeted by scammers trying to take their money, online accounts, and passwords. They have been contacted by phone, email, and website ad drops.

Your Computer is not a SELF REPORTING DEVICE.
IT WILL NOT tell you, or anyone else, it is malfunctioning, or needs outside assistance.
IT WILL NOT have someone call you.
IT WILL NOT tell you to call anyone.

But you might see any of these things.
YOU MIGHT get a call from Microsoft or Dell or Apple, or a Major Computer Company
YOU MIGHT have a screen pop up and tell you to call a Major Computer Company
YOU MIGHT see your computer lock up and yell at you about BAD THINGS
 

ALL OF THESE ARE SCAMS!
If you see any of these, or anything else that you don’t feel right about


Call Tom Hall at 704-619-9643
Holler If You Need Us!

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