Archive for the ‘Computing’ Category
2012 brings in a new year of resolutions for many of us. But those shouldn’t be limited to you. Don’t forget to consider your computer too! Today, Geek Squad has some New Year’s resolution tips for your computers. These maintenance tips will help you start off on the right foot, avoid problems, and help with your PCs performance!
Keep your PC clean of clutter!
Over time, hard drive space can get used up by temporary files (from the Internet, program installations, and more). The easiest and safest way to get rid of these and reclaim disk space is to use the built-in Windows Disk Cleanup Utility. You can search for “Disk Cleanup” in the start menu, or find it under “All Programs” > ”Accessories” > ”System Tools”. Not only will this utility safely find the files unnecessary for your PC, but will allow you to select which of them to be removed.
Another source of frequent clutter on your drive are files stored by your Internet browser. These files accumulate as you surf the net every day. To clear these unnecessary temporary files in the latest version of Internet Explorer, IE 9, click the gear icon in the top right-hand corner of your browser and select “Internet Options”. On the very first page/tab, you’ll see a “Browsing History” section in the middle of the window, with the option to “Delete.” On the next window, you get the option of deleting some or all of that data. Some of the information stored within Internet Explorer, like cookies, you may want to keep, as they help track when you revisit certain websites, preferences from last visits, however you can choose to delete all the information here safely. If you’re using another popular browser, like Firefox, you would find similar options under a “Tools/Preferences” menu, typically listed as “private data.”
Keep your PC healthy and up to date!
Updates are an important part to keeping your PC/Mac as secure and bug-free as possible. If you are using Windows, search for “Windows Update” in the Start Menu, or find it directly listed in the “All Programs” menu. On a Mac, you can click the Apple logo in the top left-hand corner of your screen, and click “Software Update.” For both, it will scan your computer and check for any available updates. Once it has determined which updates you need, you can review them prior to installation, and determine if they appeal to you. If you’re not sure what something is, just use this rule of thumb: if the update is not listed as important, then you don’t have to install them; they’re optional. Anything listed as important, however, is vital to keep your computer as secure, and well behaved, as possible.
Keep your PC safe!
Antivirus or antimalware is another thing to keep in mind while maintaining your PC. If you have an active antivirus program, we recommend opening it on occasion to make sure it is up to date, and has scanned your PC recently. If you don’t have a current antivirus program installed, there are several recommendations we can make. Norton, Trend Micro, and Kaspersky all make very effective products for a variety of terms and options. If you prefer a no-cost solution for your antivirus, we can also recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. While lacking some of the features of a paid antivirus product, it offers you basic protection, and is updated by Microsoft themselves.
Keep your PC dust free!
Lastly, there is the physical cleaning of your PC. If your PC is over a year old, or in a dusty location, you may want to clean it with compressed air. Keeping your PC clean of dust allows air to flow more freely, keeping the temperature down, and protecting the PC from overheating. If you choose to use compressed air, be careful and follow the instructions listed on the can. Not doing so could result in damage to your computer from condensation (hold the can upright, spray in short bursts).
Geek Squad recommends performing these steps every 6-12 months, to keep your PC in optimal condition. Not sure this is a project you want to undertake? These are some of the same steps Geek Squad Agents utilize when performing a PC Tune-Up on your PC. Agents are standing by 24/7/365 to keep your PC in prime condition. Chat with an Agent today at GeekSquad.com or give us a call at 1-800-GeekSquad.
Agent William G. has been an Agent with Geek Squad since 2004. If he’s not working on computers remotely, or contributing to the Geek Squad Intelligence Blog, he can be seen skateboarding in the city streets of Atlanta.
In this, the first post of a three-part series of this week, we will discuss how to make it easy to keep your visiting family connected with a dedicated guest wireless network. A guest network not only makes connecting all those devices a snap, but also separates your personal network from the family’s devices. This helps keep your data, and your peace of mind, safe and secure.
Connect for the Holidays
So, how did you spend your Holiday Season last year? Trying to connect the 10 different devices of 10 different relatives to your home network? Wrestling with a new digital camera or smartphone? Trying to understand what you’re going to do with an iPad? If you’re tired of being overwhelmed by an onslaught of new technology every year, we have glad tidings. It is our mission to help the holidays go smoothly and help the excitement of your shiny new toys last beyond reading the first page of that poorly written instruction manual.
“Grandma, I want to use the internet.”
Every year more and more devices are designed to connect to the internet. Handheld gaming devices, iPods, laptop computers, and digital cameras are just a few of gadgets your extended family may be bringing to your house this holiday season.
Let your relatives share their ugly sweaters on Facebook, watch their favorite YouTube videos after dinner, and keep things simple and secure by creating a wireless network specifically designed for visitors. A “Guest Network” is a small section of your home’s wireless network that is set up for use by temporary guests in your home. Perfect for your holiday gathering!
What do I Need?
Setting up guest networks can be easy, but you have to have the right gear. Almost all dual-band routers support guest networks, as well as a few newer routers that do not have dual band capability. You’ll want to check your wireless router’s specifications to verify it supports a guest network.
What do I do?
Setting up a guest network is actually easier than configuring a wireless router, and routers that support guest networks have all the tools you’ll need, already built in! To start your guest network, you’ll need to visit your router’s configuration page, specifically the page for wireless settings. IF your router supports guest networks, you’ll see an option under the wireless settings to enable a guest network. You’ll be able to turn on a guest network, set up a password to control who is allowed to connect to it, and even limit the number of users connected simultaneously. By setting up this guest network, utilizing a simple password, you won’t need to share your encryption key with your family. This second network will keep your network isolated, protecting the information on your computers, and helping to keep everything safe and secure.
If diving into your router’s configuration doesn’t sound like something you want to try, fret not! Geek Squad Agents are standing by 24/7/365 to configure it for you. For help with setting up your guest network, contact us at 1-800-GEEK-SQUAD or visit GeekSquad.com. We set up guest networks in our sleep and would be glad to help!
-Agent Laura M.
Every day, Counter Intelligence Agent Laura M, of Precinct 329, heroically removes malware and saves the personal lives of computer users in Maple Grove, MN. She has a vitamin D deficiency from playing too many video games. She likes animals and books.
A recent survey shows 46.7% of shoppers will purchase holiday items online this year. Unfortunately, there are people out there looking to “scrooge” your holiday shopping experience. Regardless of how you shop online, keeping your online identity safe is crucial.
In part of our mission to police technology and protect the world, Geek Squad Agents have prepared tips to keep you safe while shopping online. Here are a few ways to ensure your identity remains safe while grabbing those hot deals on Cyber Monday.
Our mobile devices are replacing computers for more of our common tasks each year, and this year’s online shopping season is no different. There are a few special security concerns that come with using a mobile device to shop online. While shopping on the go this year, be sure to follow these security precautions to keep you and your digital wallet safe.
Remember, Geek Squad Agents are there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our primary mission is keeping your techno-stress at bay, whether that is providing you with some preventative tips, or saving the day when everything seems to be going wrong; we’re here when you need us.
-Agent Patrick B.
Fix It Free Day in the Twin Cities
October can be a scary month, with Halloween just a few days away, but it can also be a happy month if you’ve been having issues with your Mac or PC and live near select Best Buy stores in the Twin City Metropolitan area in Minnesota.
Did you say “fix it free?”
To help reduce the October techno-stress your technology may be causing, Geek Squad Precincts in the Twin City area will be holding a “Fix it Free Day” on Wednesday, October 26th. If you bring your computer into select Minnesota Twin City Best Buy stores, our Geek Squad Agents can help with the following services at no cost:
So if your computer is running slow, your email program won’t load, or your word processing software won’t save files, let us show you exactly how Geek Squad can resolve your issues with our expert Geek Squad Agents and services.
What limitations are there?
Here are a few disclaimers for your PC or Mac to qualify for free service:
What should I do before I visit the store?
Which Geek Squad Precincts in the Twin Cities are participating?
For a complete list of participating Geek Squad locations at Twin City Best Buy Stores visit http://www.geeksquad.com/fix-it-free-day.aspx
Fix It Free Day is a great way to let Geek Squad show you why we are so proud of our Agents and our services, while helping you to get your computer issues resolved. It’s all at no cost to you, so feel free to spend the money you save on Halloween candy you’ll be giving out on the 31st.
-Virtual Agent Derek M.
Steve Jobs is gone. The founder and father figure of Apple has died, leaving us all wondering what will happen in the wake of his passing.
Steve’s impact on modern computing is incalculable. When you look at technology (MP3 players, smartphones, tablets, and laptop/desktops) in pop culture, hardly a segment of it doesn’t have Steve’s handwriting all over it.
Steve had a unique vision. It didn’t always buy him friends. He was a perfectionist in every sense of the word. “Good enough” wasn’t in his lexicon — and aren’t we glad for that! He was an uncompromising visionary, and his vision & drive brought a true marriage of form and function together in Apple products that first delighted print and design professionals, and then the rest of the world.
Each Apple Keynote with Steve was a magical event, looked forward to with great anticipation. “What new piece of technological wizardry will he unveil now?”, we’d ask, sitting on the edge of our seats. And like the master showman that he was, Steve would spin it out like a well-crafted yarn — releasing tidbits slowly, bit by bit, until — with a final flourish — he’d unveil the final bit of magic. Whether it be a new iPod, new iPad, Macbook or the like, he did it with style — and the people voted with their pocketbooks, gobbling up the new technology and cementing his impact on the world.
The loss of Steve came like a blow yesterday. Yes, we all knew it would happen eventually — and when he stepped down as CEO, I figured it would be sooner rather than later. That still didn’t lessen the impact when I heard he was gone.
Steve: you walked the land as a giant. You showed us the power of true belief, what happens when you aren’t afraid to dream, and are willing to follow thought with action. You showed that it is possible to marry form and function, creative design and excellence in performance — all with class and style. You inspired a new generation of dreamers, and left your mark upon the land.
You will be remembered.
Farewell, Steve.
So what happens when a non-Windows OS gains traction? Well, the inevitable happens – and people using such systems without malware protection face a nasty wake-up call (yes, even systems with fruit-based logos adorning the front). Today’s example? Mac Defender.
Mac Defender first appeared in May 2011 as a browser pop-up screen, stating that the computer is infected – and that Mac Defender can remove the infections. The truth? It’s actually a false antivirus application with a built-in malware payload. It demands payment to work, so once users enter their credit card number… BAM! (They’ve got you.)
Malware like this is nothing new. Malware is constantly evolving, as hackers find new ways to wreak havoc on your computer, or to obtain your confidential information. And once you’ve been infected, removal can be complicated – often requiring Geek Squad Agents (or other experts) to get it cleaned up.
To protect yourself from malware, all computer users should follow these tips to help them stay safe:
- Update your operating system often. People avoid updates because they seem like a hassle. System updates include fixes to vulnerabilities often exploited by malware. Updates are your first line of defense against infections.
- Don’t download suspicious-looking programs. If it looks suspicious, it probably is so avoid it! Only download programs and updates that you are familiar with, and then only from official (safe) resources.
- Email attachments and links: be cautious. Most people know better than to open attachments or links in email from unidentified sources. It’s common for many malware applications to harvest email address books on infected computers and send out copies of the infection on your behalf to your family and friends. Got an attachment from a friend or family member? Give them a call to verify whether they actually sent anything. When in doubt, toss it out – no matter how tempting it is to open.
- Beware of pop-ups. Like Mac Defender, these pop-ups may look like legitimate warning messages from your operating system. They try to trick you into purchasing, downloading or installing some sort of application that can infect your computer. Clicking on them often loads malware onto your computer, and can lead to all sorts of headaches. Get to know what to look for to close pop-ups (tiny “X” or red dot for closing the window in the upper corner), and NEVER click anywhere else within it.
- Avoid giving out personal or financial information. If you are prompted to provide credit card information and you are uncomfortable with where you are submitting it, walk away. (Only provide credit card information to authorized sources that you trust.)
- Install protection software. To reduce threats to your computer, purchase and install protection software. Anti-virus software is a good start, and there are programs with internet security available that can help prevent hackers from getting into your computer and stealing your personal information.
- Scan your computer for viruses or malware – especially if your computer is sluggish. Quite often, Internet slowdowns and general slow operation of the entire computer can be one of the symptoms of an infection. When in doubt, scan the computer for a malware infection to determine if this is the cause.
Malware – regardless of who’s behind it or what operating system it runs on – is a fact of life for computer users. Yesterday, it was only Windows-based PCs. Today, it’s fruit-labeled ones. Tomorrow? (Hey Linux, I’m looking at you.) By following these simple tips and making sure your operating system is up to date, you can avoid most of the headaches that come with a malware infection.
Afraid your Mom won’t be able to open the e-card? Have no fear – each e-card is accompanied by a 20% off coupon for any Geek Squad Online Support service.
Although your Mother may not accept the e-card as a substitute for an in-person greeting on May 8th, she’ll be slightly less disappointed knowing you care not only about her, but her well-being online. So check out all the cards at http://www.someecards.com/geek-squad-cards/most-sent-today and select one to send to your mom before you help her celebrate her big day.
What rumored features made the cut, and how will they affect performance of the device when it hits shelves next week? Let’s take a look.
The first thing you might notice about this new iPad is that it is thinner and lighter. Compared to the 1st iPad, the 2nd generation device is only a third of an inch thick, making it 33% thinner. The weight has also been reduced from 1.5 to 1.3 pounds. The overall screen size and shape hasn’t changed, however, with the same 10 inch screen found on the original iPad, with the same resolution as well.
Another change to the iPad 2 is the addition of two cameras to the device. The front facing camera will support VGA resolutions at 30 frames per second. Most users will use this camera with the iPad Photobooth and Facetime apps that will be available with iOS 4.3. The iPad’s version of Facetime will allow video calls to be made between iPad 2s, as well as iPhone 4s and Macs running the app. The rear facing camera will record 720p HD video at 30 frames per second, or take still shots with a 5x digital zoom. Apple will also be releasing a new iPad iMovie app for purchase on the app store to edit these videos while on the go.
Under the hood, the iPad 2 has been upgraded to a 1GHz dual-core Apple A5 processor. Apple claims this new processor will provide 2 times the processor power for apps and multitasking, along with a 9 times increase in graphics processing for when you want to take time out for some portable gaming. Equally important is that Apple states that the new processor won’t impact battery life, with a reported 10 hour battery life, the same as the original iPad.
Just like the original, the iPad 2 will come with options of 16, 32 and 64GB storage, along with both WiFi-only and 3G mobile + WiFi models. A key difference, though, is that the iPad 2 3G will be like the iPhone 4, and will be available in either a GSM model compatible with AT&T, or a CDMA model supporting Verizon. This will allow a choice in which mobile broadband provider the iPad 2 can be used with, but it does present a buying decision that will need to be made by potential owners.
The announcement also held news about iOS 4.3, which will be available on the same day as the iPad 2. With this update, Apple has improved performance with their mobile Safari web browser, added features to AirPlay to allow wireless streaming of videos shot on the iPad 2 with an Apple TV, and included the ability to access the music and video library stored on your computer via your wireless network with iTunes Sharing.
How will these changes impact the average iPad user? The thinner and lighter design will certainly make the already portable tablet even more so, but the screen size and resolution will still be familiar to those who already own the original. Storage sizes remain the same, but the improved processor will certainly help with web browsing and regular app use, while the improved graphics speed will help the iPad 2 compete in the portable gaming market dominated by Nintendo and Sony. Overall, the changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, but Apple does get credit for sparking the latest tablet revolution with their original iPad last April.
The iPad 2 and iOS 4.3 will be available on Friday, March 11th. The 2011 tablet wars just got a little more interesting.
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