Who is Fixing Your PC
You may think that it’s ok just to invite someone in to your home to fix your PC, without really checking them out. After all, it’s not gas we’re talking about is it? Well, there are several important things to consider which you might not have thought about.
The majority of viruses on a PC arise due to the user and if your engineer isn’t qualified they could end up doing more harm than good. Even more worrying is that someone with the right equipment could download some of your most personal information in a few seconds, for their own use, and you would never know.
CompTIA, the UK’s best known computer engineer training organisation, provide the training necessary to ensure that all engineers who possess the A+ qualification are bound by the Data Protection Act and, of course, have the technical skills to do the job correctly. In addition to qualifications, you need to be aware of insurance, of which there are two types: public liability and professional indemnity.
Public liability insures against any damage to you or your property caused by the engineer. Some engineers may not be covered at all or only be insured for domestic premises and not business premises, which carries a higher risk and cost.
Professional indemnity is there to insure against negligence on the part of the engineer, obviously important when someone is working on your PC, especially if you are a business customer and your company relies on the use of the PC and associated data! This insurance is quite expensive and so some engineers may not be covered for this either.
PC PAL only use fully qualified and fully insured engineers with the experience and knowledge to solve all your PC problems, giving you peace of mind.
We all know about pirate software, and this is rife amongst the industry. If your engineer is telling you they can provide you with an up-to-date installation at a very cheap price, be sure to check and ask for the product registration key, as well as the original software discs, to be provided to you.
A recommendation is obviously the best way to find a new engineer so ask for testimonials or references from previously satisfied customers. A professional website is also useful to find out more. So, the next time you reach for the telephone, make sure you ask plenty of questions of the engineer before they arrive on your doorstep!
If you would like any help with your PC, contact PC PAL on our 7-day helpline on: 0121 705 0010 or see our website at http://www.pcpal.co.uk for full details of services and to view our customer testimonials.
Jat Mann is the owner of PC PAL, the PC repair specialists. PC PAL currently operate in the Solihull area, offering customers a fully qualified, experienced and insured engineer to fix their computer in their own home or office. More information, tips and resources, as well as information about our services, can be found at http://www.pcpal.co.uk
Tags: broken, computer, computers, engineer, fix, pc, pcs, repair, repairs, spyware, virus, virusesFiled by itbsuperrich on May 26th, 2008 under free-spyware-guide.info | Comment now »
Spyware Programs Are Out To Get You!
The average computer is packed with hidden software that can secretly spy on online habits.
The US net provider EarthLink said it uncovered an average of 28 spyware programs on each PC scanned during the first three months of the year.
There are currently over 38,000 spyware and adware programs that are infecting innocent Internet users such as yourself through downloadable games, music, screensavers, pictures, pop-ups, emails, and the list goes on and on. Spyware and Adware can cause your PC to run extremely slow and even crash, and allow hackers and advertising companies to invade your privacy whenever they wish.
Spyware is a broad term for programs that collects information from your computer without your knowledge or consent.
Spyware is a software program that transmits a unique code to identify you (for tracking purposes) without your knowledge or consent. The programs collects or transmits information about your computer use, or other habits without your knowledge or consent.
This internet pest which is better known as spyware installs itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent. It performs other unwholesome duties, and continue to reinstalling itself no matter how many times you remove it.
Spyware!
It has become so pervasive that lawmakers in the US are looking into ways to prevent or regulate it. The Spy Audit by EarthLink reflects the results of scans involving over one million computers between January and March. It uncovered more than 29.5 million examples of spyware.
Why should I be concerned about spyware or adware?
Passwords, credit card details and other personal information could end up in the wrong hands.
Your computer could get unwanted viruses, worms or even Trojan.
You would receive unwanted emails.
Your computer could be used by malicious operators to do damage not only your own computer, but to other computer users too.
How did I get spyware on my computer and how do I eliminate it?
It usually happens when you visit a web site, and are prompted to download something that is said to be “necessary” to view or use features of that web site. Also, you might want or download a program that has some nice features, but also installs program code that can send information out without your knowledge.
“By tracking and publicizing the growth of spyware, we can better educate consumers of its risks and encourage them to take steps to protect themselves and their families while online,” said Christine Stevenson of Webroot, which conducted the scans.
People concerned about what might be lurking on their machine can download software such as the popular ZoneAlarm Pro to disinfect their computer.
The author of this article ia a software developer, consultant and author of numerous books. Visit his site for more information at http://www.traffic-o-matic.com
Tags: adware, spyware, viruses, ZoneAlarm ProFiled by itbsuperrich on May 23rd, 2008 under free-spyware-guide.info | Comment now »
HackAttack
P C. owners are constantly at risk from attacks by hackers.
Spy ware, viruses, trogan horses, and all sorts of other malevolent programs are all trying to take control of your computer.
What can we do about it?
How can we be sure that we are properly protected against them?
A hacker will generally not be interested in doing damage to your PC. His main interest is in gaining control of your computer so that he can use it to send out hundreds of thousands of e-mails in your name with the intention of crashing your mail server.
This can get you into very serious trouble with the server. This is something that you do not want. How are you going to prove that you were not to blame?
How do the hackers do it?
What tools do they use?
A port scanner.
What is a port scanner?
A port scanner can locate PCs that are on line and check for an open port.
A hacker using a program such as ‘Super Scan’ can find an open port to gain entrance to your computer. Once in, he can use your computer as if it were his own. The only difference is that to all intents and purposes it is you that is causing all of the trouble.
The main port that the hacker is interested in is port 80. This is the one that you use to log on to the internet.
I am not going to confuse you with all the various programs that are designed to show you what ports are open at any particular time. What you need to know is how to protect your computer against these attacks.
There are a number of programs designed to show you what is going on inside your PC. I will give you a short list of some that are recommended by some of the program makers.
The one that I would not be without is: www.testmyfirewall.com As its name implies it will test your firewall for flaws and scan for open ports and any other security problems you may have.
You do have a firewall, don’t you?
Another one is: www.pestscan.com This will scan for any nasties that are already on the computer.
Lastly, I use: http://www.security.symantec.com This will run a security check of all my systems.
Don’t put of what you should be doing today. Make sure that your protection is doing its job. Check that you have the latest version of whatever protection you are using. An out of date system is worse than useless. It gives a false sense of security and suddenly you find yourself in serious trouble with your ISP.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your computer will not cause problems for someone else. There are so many free systems out there that you have no excuse for not using one or more of them.
Be safe. Be happy. Be responsible.
All the best. Bob
—
Robert has been on line for over four years and earns a very good living from some of the very best affiliate programs on the web. This is one of his favorites.
If you are interested in growing your very own opt-in mailing list in the shortest possible time, take a look now.
http://www.bz9.com/robjfar ‘It’s free.’
Tags: hackers, spyware, trojan horses, viruses
