Consumer Guides and Recommendations May 10, 2009
Posted by twiznc in General, Services & Software Recommendations.add a comment
In addition to general information and “tips and tricks” (see menu at left), this blog includes comprehensive consumer guides as well as hardware and software recommendations based on our experience as one of the leading tech support providers in our markets. We cover all the basics including new computer purchase considerations, choosing an ISP and web browser, data backup solutions, email and SPAM tools, security and malware protection, and web surfing monitors and controls.
Click on a link below to see any of our consumer guides:
Computer Purchase Considerations
Web Browsers, Tools & Utilities
Best Free Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware Solution
Web Surfing Monitors & Controls
Computer Purchase Considerations October 11, 2009
Posted by twiznc in Services & Software Recommendations, Tips & Tricks.add a comment
Updated August 4, 2009
We are often asked for recommendations regarding which computer to purchase and what to consider when shopping for a new PC. This article discusses (in detail) the issues to consider when shopping for a new computer including: PC or Mac?… XP or Vista (or Windows 7)?… Which computer brand?… Desktop, Notebook or Netbook? We also cover CPUs, FSBs, RAM Memory, Drives, Monitors and Printers.
Best Free Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware Solution October 8, 2009
Posted by twiznc in Services & Software Recommendations, Virus Information, Virus, Spyware & SPAM Issues.add a comment
If a computer is connected to the Internet, it MUST have a current anti-virus/anti-spyware program installed and running with the latest “virus definitions” downloaded and installed. This article covers the dangers of virus and spyware infections, steps to safely browse the web, and why an available FREE anti-malware product is an excellent alternative to the “name brand” internet security products (Norton, McAfee, etc.) for home users whose budget does not allow the expense of subscribing to those products. (more…)
Windows SteadyState: Protect Your Computer (and/or Restrict Access) May 20, 2009
Posted by twiznc in Security, Services & Software Recommendations, Tips & Tricks.add a comment
Windows SteadyState is a versatile, FREE tool from Microsoft that can protect your computer from changes made by other users using your PC, or from damages resulting from unsafe web surfing or dangerous file downloads. It can also restrict access to features, functionality, programs and web access to whatever degree you choose.
This can be a great tool for parents or business owners, or for PCs with public access such as those in schools, libraries, reception areas, or Internt cafee.
Data Backup Solutions May 9, 2009
Posted by twiznc in Security, Services & Software Recommendations.add a comment
Data backup is critical for both businesses and home users. Unless you would be okay with your computer disappearing from the face of the earth as you read this sentence (never to return), and not miss anything stored on its’ hard drive, then you need to have a backup solution in place and backing up your data on a regular basis. This article covers the importance of backing up critical/valuable data on your hard drive, discusses both “on-site” and online backup options, and recommends some good backup solutions (some of which are FREE).
Junk Email/SPAM Filters May 4, 2009
Posted by twiznc in SPAM Information, Services & Software Recommendations, Virus, Spyware & SPAM Issues.add a comment
This article discusses the problem of junk email messages (SPAM), steps you can take to avoid junk messages, and provides descriptions of and links to several popular SPAM filters.
Email and Instant Messaging (IM) Applications & Utilities May 4, 2009
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Communications has become a key component of computer usage, primarily via email and Instant Messaging (IM). This article reviews the various email and IM applications and add-on utilities, and make recommendations based on the personal opinions and experience of the author.
Web Surfing Monitors & Controls May 4, 2009
Posted by twiznc in Security, Services & Software Recommendations.add a comment
Particularly useful for businesses and parents, web browsing monitors and controls allow the monitoring of web browsing activity, filtering of web sites that can be browsed, or limiting of when the Internet can be browsed. In this article we describe and provide links to several recommended monitoring and control programs. We invite any suggestions of programs to include in these listings. (more…)
Firewalls May 3, 2009
Posted by twiznc in Security, Services & Software Recommendations, Spyware Information, Virus Information, Virus, Spyware & SPAM Issues.add a comment
Taking advantage of the protection provided by a firewall is important in order to maximize your protection from the possibilitiy of a “hacker” gaining access to your computer (and the data stored on it) as well as to prevent viruses and spyware from taking over your computer and communicating with others via the Internet without your knowledge. In this article we describe the function of a firewall, why the Windows Firewall may not provide adequate protection, what to expect when you first install ”third party” firewall software, and we list two of the most popular free firewall programs availabe for download from the web.
Internet Service Providers (for residential and small business service) May 2, 2009
Posted by twiznc in Services & Software Recommendations.add a comment
There are many, many companies who can provide an Internet connection to residential and small business users. These companies are commonly referred to as “Internet Services Providers”, or ISPs. The three most popular ISPs for residential and small business Internet service in the Tech Wizards service area are Time Warner/Road Runner Cable Internet Service which provides an Internet connection over a cable TV connection, AT&T FastAccess DSL Telephone Internet Service which provides an Internet Connection through your telephone line, and Clearwire “Broadband Wireless” Internet Service which provides a connection that does not require any cable coming into your service location.
In this article we discuss what to consider when choosing an Internet Service Provider and the pro and cons of each of the three above-mentioned ISPs.
