Chalkhill Computer Systems

Call Us Today!
01737 845980 or 07710 147512
info@chalkhillsystems.co.uk

roger

By

New PC? Don’t forget anti-virus protection!

When buying a new computer, most people forget to buy anti virus protection. Some PC manufactures bundle some sort of AV software, but sadly this is usually only a 3 month trial. The manufactures of the AV software then expect you to upgrade when the trial period comes to a close. Most people will renew the software online. When you do this the cost of downloaded the program could cost one third to a half more (when compared to the over the counter price) and you do not always get a disk should you need to reload it. The practical way to buy AV software is to purchase a new full retail product when you buy your PC or laptop.

Most people think that if they have anti virus software on their PC then they are safe. Think again!

More and more computers are coming through ChalkHill Systems’ workshop contaminated with what is known as “Hijack ware, malicious wear, and Spyware”. This type of threat is far more damaging to your computer than most viruses. Your antivirus program does not see the Hijack ware as a threat and lets it through.

If you notice your PC running slower, unable to start your home page, or maybe your computer just stops working or turns itself off, then the chances are you have Hijack ware on your PC.

Once again when you are buying your new computer ask the sales person to supply you with some anti Hijack software. By investing in anti virus and anti Hijack software when the PC is new, you are protecting your computer as well as all your precious documents, pictures and music.

By

Dust off that new PC!

Spring, summer, winter, autumn… anytime is a good time to think about giving your computer a good clean.

Computers keep cool, by drawing air over their internal components and because fans are used to move the air in and out of the PC, fluff, dust, pet hairs, smoke and all kinds of airborne partials get sucked into the PC. This in time clogs up in and around cooling fans. The result is over heating of the internal circuitry, microchips and power supply of the computer. This in turn shortens the life of quite delicate components.

Most of you probably keep the PC on the floor, usually under a desk or in a corner of a room and because the wires are at the back of a PC most people are reluctant to vacuum around it.

The best thing you can do is to run the extension nozzle around the back of the PC and around the various grills found at the rear. Please remember to turn the PC off before you start.

The braver amongst you might want to dive inside the PC by taking the side panel off. If you do, please remember that there are delicate electronic components inside. It is best to use a 1 inch wide paint brush to loosen the fluff and dust, while holding the vacuum nozzle an inch or so above it. Make sure the PC is switched off at the wall, but leave it plugged in to allow the components to “earth”.

ALWAYS back up you data. If you are still a little unsure with giving your computer a ‘seasonal clean’ then give our engineers a call on 01737 845980 and we’d be delighted to help you.

By

Get rid of temporary files

Temporary computer files may help you browse the internet quicker but they can take up large amounts of disk space unnecessarily.

By now you should all be familiar with your old or new computer or laptop, but did you know that every time you switch it on, Microsoft Windows creates temporary files. The worst offender is MS Windows Explorer. Every time you arrive at a web site your computer takes a copy of each page, so that when you return to it, the page loads faster.

However all this actively produces hundreds of megabytes of no-longer needed files. In some cases it can slow your computer down, but it all takes up valuable hard disk space.

The good news is that you can remove some of these temporary computer files for yourselves. But before you do this we always recommend you back up your data, including photographs, documents, and music, before you carry out any kind of maintenance on your computer.

Here’s how to remove temporary computer files:

  1. Click Start
  2. Click Search
  3. Click All Files and Folders
  4. Click All or part of a file name
  5. Type *.tmp
  6. Click Search
  7. Once the search has finished, you can select the files that you want to delete and remove them.

This is a great way to remove unnecessary files cluttering your system.

Alternatively, you can also use the Disk Cleanup facility that comes with Microsoft Windows.

  1. Click Start
  2. Click All Programs
  3. Open the folder Accessories
  4. Open the folder System Tools
  5. Click on Disk Cleanup

You should notice a difference in performance, but it is worth carrying out regular housekeeping on your device. Some temporary computer files containing hijack ware and other ‘unwelcome’ files are sometimes hidden. For a more in depth ‘file or system clean’ call ChalkHill Systems engineers on 01737 845 980.

By

Is it time to upgrade your computer?

If your PC is more than 5 years old, then it could be the time to upgrade your computer. If it is slow, crashing or you suspect it is infected with viruses or malicious software then it could be more cost effective to purchase a replacement.

Now is the time to consider a new computer.

WHY, because some repairs and upgrades are simply not cost effective. With today’s multi-core processors and large hard drives, running most programs is now possible. You can now watch or burn DVDs or listen to music, without the need to wait for the PC to catch up. Graphics are smoother and games play faster.

However, before you make the leap and buy a new shiny computer think about what operating system (OS) it has. If it is the latest model then it will come with Microsoft Windows 8. This operating system looks and works very differently to Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. If your printer or other hardware is also more than 5 plus years old then you need to ensure they will work with your new ‘toy’. When you discuss your requirements with a dealer make sure you tell them what devices you already have. The same applies to software programs that you may have.

Those of you who like to use Windows XP will be dismayed to find that you can no longer buy a computer from the high street with XP installed.

All is not lost if you want a Windows 7 computer, some independent companies can still get you branded computers with it installed, and it uses the latest technology. Always purchase anti virus software when you buy a new PC as this will give you some protection when going online for the first time.

Remember to back up your precious data, photographs, or music to an external device before you copy data to your new computer.

ChalkHill Systems can offer you independent advice about your specific requirements. Call us on 01737 845980 for more information.

By

The ‘Microsoft Support’ Scam

The Microsoft support or the BT scam begins with an unsolicited phone call, but it can end with you losing hundreds of pounds, or PCs being ruined and personal data in the hands of villains.

You’re at home, it’s the middle of the afternoon, and the phone rings. When you pick up, there’s a voice ask in for Mr or Mrs X, falsely claiming that they are calling from Microsoft or BT technical support, and that they wish to speak to you about the recent computer problems that you’ve been experiencing. They say that your computer is or that internet connection is unreliable.

Of course the call is not from Microsoft or BT, but it is their opening line of a scam, and one that has been doing the rounds in various ways for nearly two years.

PC support scams should not be taken lightly. Beyond the annoyance of receiving the calls, they can leave you out of pocket and potentially at risk of having your personal details copied from your PCs.

Here is the best way to stay safe:

If they say they’re from Microsoft or BT etc:

They’re not. Microsoft will never call its customers directly. The safest thing to do is to hang up immediately.

If they say your PC is running slowly:

They don’t know this. Even Microsoft itself cannot know what state your computer is in, as error reporting data is always anonymously sent to Microsoft.

If they say you have a virus:

You can check this yourself using your security software. Never trust an unsolicited caller who claims that your PC is under threat.

If they want to remotely access your PC:

Never, ever allow them to. This hands them keys to your PC. They will waste your time and money. At worst, they’ll infect it with malware or even steal personal details.

THE NEXT PART OF THE SCAM, is to get you to look at incomprehensible system files that look like there are real problems with your computer. They will them ask you to go to a web site and download some software. This program gives the fraudsters remote access to your PC. Armed with this they can now look around your computer for personal information. But what is worse is they can then put another hidden remote software on your PC. Because if you become suspicious and remove the first software, they still can look at your computer when you least expect it.

Another part of the scam is to sell you a contract or anti-virus software for really inflated prices. All they really want is your credit card details or bank information.

Never ever give out your personal information to strangers over the phone.
If you think you have been attacked like this contact ChalkHill Systems on 01737 845980 and we can sort out your computer for peace of mind.