Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Monday, August 31, 2015
How Do Worms and viruses Affect Your Computer?
Unlike viruses that most commonly infect an individual computer, the worms usually attack a computer network. A computer network functions by using a collection of servers and routers. This is what the internet is comprised of. A server is like a PC but has more speed and storage and a router is a server with specialized functions, it directs traffic through the network.
PC Security - Worm Viruses, Deadliest of All
A virus attacks the unit used to run programs on the computer called the central processing unit or CPU for short. This is how a worm functions on a network.
Worms carry payloads which are comprised of other types of malware, backdoor installations or spyware. Spyware is a monitoring program that can keep an eye on activities on your computer and backdoor programs set up hidden access points used by hackers to steal your information or send spam.
"My Doom" sent out at the beginning of 2004, was the fastest spreading worm to date. The worm came in the form of an email with the message "andy; I'm just doing my job, nothing personal, sorry.".
Although the culprit was never found, its intended victim is thought to have been a software company called Santa Cruz Operation or SCO for short.
When a person opened this email, the worm was programmed to overwhelm SCO's website with traffic. The worm spread through the internet and caused a massive slow down.
For the individual computer, the worm's payload is more serious because it allows ports to be opened on the computer where hackers have access to steal or delete information. In addition, a payload may come with a program to attack your antivirus software and disable it.
De worming.
Using firewalls will help protect your computer. Firewalls reduce traffic and "hide" your computer. In this state, you are less likely to be attacked by worms spread over the network.
Be careful not to open suspicious emails and if you don't know the person or get and unexpected email don't open it. You may have been infected if you find your computer is slow and reboots by itself or the internet is sluggish. Try running antivirus software to check it out. If that doesn't work, try to manually removing the virus. Information as to how this is done can be found on the internet.
Unlike viruses that most commonly infect an individual computer, the worms usually attack a computer network. A computer network functions by using a collection of servers and routers. A virus attacks the unit used to run programs on the computer called the central processing unit or CPU for short. In this state, you are less likely to be attacked by worms spread over the network.
If you find your computer is slow and reboots by itself or the internet is sluggish, you may have been infected.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Friday, July 3, 2015
Happy 4th of July from John PC Configurations Inc.
Happy 4th of July from John PC Configurations Inc. !!
Friday, June 19, 2015
Should I Upgrade To Wndows 10? What You Need To Know
The Windows 10 release is right around the corner and as it is with all computer issues we are here to help you upgrade your computer or your entire office network. You can contact us and set up an appointment even before windows comes out by contacting us through this blog or our website at www.JohnPC.net. Here is an article I found useful and I'm sure you will too and of course if you have nay questions you can always contact us.
Beginning July 29, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will be able to download Windows 10. It’s a monumental shift for both Microsoft and its customers. But Microsoft has provided a wealth of information to ease the transition, and let you upgrade to Windows 10 as simply and easily as possible.
For consumers, the choice is a simple one: You’ll be upgraded to one of two versions of Windows 10: Windows 10 Home, or Windows 10 Professional. (This guide doesn't cover the upgrade process to Windows 10 Mobile for phones.) Microsoft has also released the official retail pricing for Windows 10, in case you're building a your own PC.
During the update process, plan to invest some time in prep work and at least an hour in the upgrade process itself. And be careful—some of your applications may be left behind.
Aside from one major component of some versions of Windows 7, however, the transition between the earlier versions of Microsoft’s operating system and the new Windows 10 that will officially be released on July 29 should be relatively painless. Basically, if you own a “Pro” version of Windows, you’ll migrate to the Professional version of Windows 10. Otherwise, expect to receive a copy of Windows 10 Home. (We have more about the individual Windows 10 editions here.)
Besides this story, a good reference is Microsoft’s Windows 10 FAQ itself, which explains, for example, what the Windows 10 reservation app is, how it works, whether you can update more than one Windows PC (yes) and whether you can cancel your reservation (also yes). Also, it offers one piece of important advice: You’re running a genuine, licensed copy of Windows—sorry, Microsoft won’t be upgrading pirates for free.
Windows 10 prep work
If there’s one thing you need to make sure of, though, it’s that your PC is up to date. Windows 7 users must be running Service Pack 1 to enable the update, and Windows 8 users must have upgraded to the latest version of Windows 8.1. You’ll also need to enable your Windows 10 reservation. Look for the tiny Windows icon down in the right corner of your taskbar, and click it to launch the Windows 10 reservation app. Our earlier story walks you through the quick reservation process.
Here are the system requirements for Windows 10:
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
- RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for a 32-bit version, or 2GB for 64-bit
- Hard disk space: 16GB for a 32-bit OS; 20GB for 64-bit OS
- Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
- Display: 1024x600
Microsoft also warns that even if your PC seemingly meets those specifications, itmight not be upgraded. “Driver and firmware support, application compatibility, and feature support” could affect whether the Windows 10 upgrade takes place. Fortunately, there’s one way to be sure: use the “check my PC” function within the reservation app.
Microsoft advises that the Windows 10 download will be about 3GB in size. Installation will take about 20 minutes for newer PCs, and possibly more than an hour for older ones. What the reservation process does is kick off background loading of some files before Windows 10 “unlocks” on July 29. (Some preordered PC games do the same thing.)
Be smart: Make sure all of your important files are backed up before beginning the upgrade process, either via OneDrive or a local external hard drive. By default, your files will remain on the hard drive. “Applications, files and settings will migrate as part of the upgrade, however some applications or settings may not migrate,” Microsoft says, somewhat cryptically.
And yes, it’s completely free, as long as you take advantage of the upgrade before July 29, 2016. Microsoft promises that upgrades will be free for the “supported lifespan” of the device; that’s the phrase that the company hasn’t really explained fully as yet.
What you’ll leave behind by migrating to Windows 10
The upgrade process will involve some sacrifices—but Microsoft is making an effort to make the transition as painless as possible.
For one thing, if you own the premium versions of Windows 7 — Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate—as well as Windows 8 Pro with Media Center or Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center... say goodbye to Media Center. Microsoft is going to install its own DVD-playing app into Windows 10 to replace it. Likewise, Windows 7 desktop gadgets will be uninstalled. And the Windows 7 versions of Solitaire, Minesweeper, and Hearts that came with Windows 7 will also vanish, to be replaced with new versions of those apps with Windows 10.
Microsoft also says that it may erase “some applications that came from your OEM.” That seems to imply that some of your PC’s bloatware—or prized utilities, depending on your view—could vanish.
Finally, Microsoft will uninstall, then reinstall, your antivirus application. If your subscription is out of date, however, only Microsoft’s own subpar antivirus app, Windows Defender, will be installed. (Microsoft tried this in 2013, then backed off.) Be sure and check this after upgrading.
Some additional assembly required
Keep in mind that older hardware simply won’t include some of the hardware conveniences being included inside new Windows 10 machines. For example,Windows Hello, which logs you into your PC by recognizing your face or your fingerprint, won’t work with a webcam—you’ll need a new depth camera (like a Kinect for Windows or Intel’s RealSense) to enable it, or a fingerprint reader. Speech recognition will work best with a high-fidelity microphone array, no surprise there. And there’s a whole host of nitty-gritty specifics that Microsoft has included for Windows 10 Professional, such as a requirements for BitLocker and Wi-Fi Direct Printing.
In general, however, it seems like your pre-Windows 10 checklist will be pretty short: Sign up for a “reservation” for Windows 10, back up critical files, and keep an eye on your antivirus subscription as the transition takes place. Chances are we’ll be upgrading at the same time, so you can rest assured that we’re all in it together.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Computer Virus Repair
Once that's been done, reconnect your internet connection and if necessary update your anti virus software with the latest virus signatures and then re-run the software. This should trap anything that has crept through your defenses whilst you were running the first virus scan.
If you're not already running an up to date virus removal program, install one now. Most of the programs around can cure most viruses for you when they detect that you've got a problem. If you've got a boot sector virus you may not be so lucky, but otherwise there's a good chance that they can help.
So, if you've caught a computer virus, just what do you need to do when you need to perform a virus repair on your computer?
Get Windows Security Center to advise you when there problems with your virus repair software. If you're running XP or Vista, you'll find the Security Center in your Control Panel (or just search Help and it will point you in the right direction).
Next, make sure you a great computer maintenance professional.
They will stop your computer from causing damage on your network or to unknown computer users across the internet. Remember to disconnect your infected computer from your home wireless network before you cause any damage there.
With luck and help, you've now repaired any virus infection you may have had.
Of course, you should be running up to date anti virus software at all times. Since anti virus software involves both computers and software writers, that can be easier said than done. If there's a loophole in a software program, you can bet that a virus writer will exploit it quicker than the software writer can patch the hole.
Check your virus repair software settings. Make sure that the virus signatures are regularly updated so that you keep any potential future infection safely out of harms way.
Even if you have all your anti virus defenses in place, occasionally a virus will still slip through the net - maybe a scheduled update fails, perhaps the anti virus software company launches a new version that causes your current program to stop getting updates or you've just plain ignored the "you need to update" messages. Whatever the reason, it's irritating when your computer gets taken over by a malicious virus.
This is the time when having a great computer person will come in handy and save you time and money especially in the long run.
http://johnpc.net/
Thursday, May 7, 2015
How To Find The Right Computer Service Company
Computers often need a tune up even when they are brand new. Finding a computer company that will always be there to help and really knows what they are doing can be difficult to find. Here are a couple tips that can help you find not just the right company but the right guy too.
Here are a couple questions to keep in mind when you are looking to find a partner to help you maintain your computer like John PC Configurations:
How long has the company been in business? They have been in business for decades
What are customers saying? You can talk to any of their customers and will get glowing reviews
Who will be fixing your computer? You will have John himself or one of his decade experienced programmers working with you
How much does the company charge? You can work out the payment by the hour or by the job
Is the company easily accessible? They are extremely accessible by phone, you can visit their office or they will even come to your office to help you if you need it
John at John PC Configurations is one of the best local companies you can find to parnter with to always make sure your computer is running in top condition and there is always someone there to call if you need help.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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