Newsletter Jan/Feb 2011

A belated Happy New Year to you and your family. I wish you a happy, healthy and safe 2011

Here’s a quick round up of the latest news.

Internet Explorer

As you are probably aware, there was a major announcement from Microsoft just before Christmas, advising the public that there was a security problem in all versions of IE in all operating systems. I wrote to all my customers advising them not use IE, and instead use an alternative browser, such as Firefox or Google Chrome.

Well as of today, 16^th January, there is still a problem with IE. Click on the link below to see the latest bulletin.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/01/12/ie_code_execution_bug/

There a still a small, yet significant risk that when you have IE open, even if you just have Google on the screen, potentially a hacker could get into your computer, steal your data, and plant viruses, malware or other nasties.

The simplest solution is to just not use IE. I really think Firefox and Google Chrome are a much better option for the foreseeable future.

So if you are still using IE, then be aware there is a potential risk.

If you are not confident to install Firefox or Chrome, then of course I would be happy to come and take care of it for you, and show you how to use it properly.

PCs available for sale, only £60!!!!!

I have been given 3 PCs from customers who have upgraded to new computers. I have restored them to factory settings and there are working absolutely beautifully. They are just PC towers, without a monitor, (but you can always buy a new monitor for as little as £70 upwards).

I have a Dell Dimension and Compaq PC which I’m selling for just £60 each including basic set up and delivery. Absolute bargain. Would be ideal as a replacement for an old slow PC or a second computer. First come, first served.

Scams

 Beware, there are many scams around currently. The most frequent scam is many of my customers are getting phone calls which are from “Microsoft”, saying they have detected that there is a security problem with your computer. They ask you to perform certain actions to see if your computer has been compromised. Once they have confirmed that there is a problem, they ask you to make various changes to your computer. THIS IS BOGUS. DO NOT DO IT. Microsoft is NEVER going to phone you to say there is a problem with your computer. But the problem is that they sound very convincing, that’s their job. If you were to follow their instructions, you are giving them unlimited access into your computer, where they can steal all your data, read your financial details such as bank and credit card information, as well as planting malware or viruses in your computer.

So, should you ever get a call from someone who says they have detected a problem with your computer, you only ever need to say two words to them… and the second one is OFF!

If you would like me to come over and check your computer’s security a) to make sure your computer has not been compromised, and b) to ensure you are fully protected against any future attacks, just call or email me to fix a convenient time.

Automatically Back Up Your Computer.

In my experience, the vast majority of my customers only back up their computer occasionally, and that’s usually when I bully them to do it!

It is SO important to do. I must get at least one customer per month who, for whatever reason, loses everything on their computer, due to hardware failure or burglary.

I make no apologies for nagging everyone to take regular backups, either onto CD or DVD, memory stick or external hard drive.

However, as this does require a degree of effort, 99% of people simply can’t be bothered.

Well, you’ll be pleased to learn that there now an easy solution.

I have just started using a new AUTOMATIC BACKUP ONLINE SOLUTION called MOZY (www.mozy.co.uk).  I found it from it being recommended by The Sunday Times as the top Online Storage provider. It will automatically back up everything on your computer that you ask it to, including Documents, Pictures, Music emails etc.

You can have 2Gb of free storage space, but if you need more space than that, as most people who have lots of pictures, music saved on their computer, then for £3 per month, you can get unlimited storage space, which will update itself automatically, every single day. It is fully secure and gives you complete peace of mind that should disaster strike at any time, all your valuable data is up to date and safe, and can be easily restored. It’s simple to set up an account, so you could try it today and start getting some or all of your files backed up.

Of course if you need help doing this, I’d be happy to come over and set it all up for you.

Corporate Training and Technical Support.

Since I started my business over 12 years ago (blimey, has it really been that long!), the vast majority of my work has been to home users, with the occasional small business customer asking for training or support.

Now, in 2011, I am working closely with a number of companies who specialise in providing IT services to businesses of any size, ranging from small home or office based companies, to large businesses and organisations.

I can now offer corporate training for all topics, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe & Sage products, databases etc etc.

I can also offer full technical and backup support including System upgrades, remote and on site technical support and disaster recovery.

So if you, or someone you know, run a company of any size, let me know and I would be happy to come and do an initial consultation, without obligation.

And finally…

No 3D Stereogram this time. Instead, something which I think you will really enjoy. As the snows were falling a week before Christmas, this is what happened out of the blue, one Saturday a few weeks ago, at the Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

Click on the link below and turn up the volume, you’ll love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR8z6NYmdXI

That’s it for this month

Speak soon

Henry Moss