SofTech Computers discusses malware removal in Prescott

As a computer owner, it is important to understand some of the things that might affect your computer. SofTech Computers, local Prescott professional for malware removal, would like to give you a little more information since it affects many computers every day.

Most computer users have heard about “viruses” that can attack your computer. A virus is a specific type of malware and the term is more familiar to the public. Malware is malicious software that is written to harm and infect a computer. Here are some types of malware:

Virus: This is a specific type of computer code that is contagious and infects other software on your computer. Once opened and shared, it can also spread to other computers.

Trojans: This is a type of virus that is designed to make the user think they it is a safe program and OK for them to run. They are often programmed to steal personal and financial information and in some cases to take over the resources of the computer’s system files.

Adware: Adware is advertising-supported software. It is designed to examine which Internet sites you visit frequently and then presents ads based on your usage. Not all adware has malicious intent, but it can slow down the performance of your computer.

Spyware: This malware actually spies on you and tracks your activity. This software allows a hacker to gain information about the computer user and is often very hard to detect.

Worms: This type of malware will replicate itself and destroys information and files saved on the computer, including the system operating files.

Ransomware: This is an advanced type of malware that restricts access to your computer system until the user pays a fee. It may show up as a pop-up warning stating that you have been locked out of your computer with a phone number to call to “get help”.

We all depend on our digital devices for online purchases, communication, online banking and more. In order to protect your devices from malware, it is important to have an effective virus/malware solution. The easiest solution is to bring it into one of our technicians at SofTech Computers in Prescott, where we can check your system for malware, and discuss options to help keep your computer safe and secure. Contact us at 928-443-8770 or visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com.

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What makes a good computer a great computer? - SofTech Computers in Prescott

Do you like to play games? Does your job involve image or video editing? How about high-
quality sound recording? If you said yes to any one of these or just want a screaming fast
computer, you might be wondering what exactly makes a computer high quality. Well, SofTech
Computers, Prescott's leading computer repair and service shop, is here to explain the
difference between okay and enthusiast hardware, and what you should choose for your needs.
Each computer has 7 main parts that can make or break a system:

Enthusiast Computers are on fire - not literally though

• The CPU - This is the main “brain” of the computer and can seriously make or break the performance of a computer. The main thing that the average consumer needs to know about processors is that having more cores and more speed means a faster computer. 4 cores is the current standard, with specialized hardware running all the way up to 16 cores.
• The Motherboard - This is where all of the stuff sits, and is one of the most common things to go bad on a computer. While there are a lot of different things that are important to a system builder like SofTech, the gist of it is that higher prices equals better lifetime and better future proofing.
• The RAM - RAM is basically short-term memory -- having too much is unnecessary, and having too little can really slow you down. Depending on the application, RAM can typically range from 4GB to 32GB or more.
• The Graphics Card/Chip - The graphics device determines how fast you can play video games, edit high quality images in things like Photoshop and videos in things like AfterEffects, as well as speeds up the entire computer a little bit. If you are doing anything besides sound recording and light web browsing, a graphics card could be right for you. These range in price from $30 to $800 depending on the application and quality desired.
• The Sound Card - A sound card can be very important for people dealing with video or audio production, as it can allow for hookups to things like high quality microphones, guitars, and pianos, as well as produce high quality audio output. If you aren’t working with studio quality sound, the built-in sound card that every computer has should be enough.
• The Storage - What type of storage device you use in your computer is the main thing that makes the difference between low end and high end. There are two types of storage: hard drives and solid state drives (SSDs). Standard hard drives are usually for lower end devices and solid state drives are generally used in high end devices... An SSD is a great addition to any computer to increase its speed and longevity. Another consideration when talking about storage is the amount. You might want to consider getting fast storage in a small quantity and slow storage in a large quantity if you edit videos or pictures, or play lots of video games. Ask SofTech Computers about how you can replace your traditional drive with a SSD today!
• The Case - Finally, the case is the thing you see on the outside. It holds your CD drive, your USB ports, and all of your other inputs and outputs. A higher quality case will also contain fans and other cooling devices that can help keep higher end or enthusiast parts cool under a large workload.

So, now you know what all of the parts do, what do you need? Do you need a good CPU and
graphics card, but not a good sound card? Maybe you need a soundcard and a good case with
lots of inputs to hook up all of your instruments and microphones. Or maybe you want to play
video games at the highest speeds. The higher quality parts of each type equate to an overall
higher quality computer.

Whatever your needs are, SofTech Computers in Prescott – Your Local Hometown Computer
Heroes, can help you make the best decision for your money. You just tell us what you need to
do, and we can help you do that, while sticking within almost any budget. If you are looking into
getting an enthusiast computer or upgrading your own, give us a call at 928-443- 8770 or visit
our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com for more information or to get a quote on how
we can help you meet your computing needs.

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Proper precautions for keeping your laptop safe when traveling - SofTech Computers in Prescott

Most people travel light - some clothes, a couple things to do on the plane or in the car, your cell phone, and a laptop. Little do they know that bringing a laptop with you can present a lot more hazards than you might expect. From extra trouble with the TSA to hassles with Wi-Fi, it can be a real burden to bring your laptop places. Fortunately, SofTech Computers, Prescott’s hometown computer heroes, can help you make your travel experience less stressful and more what travel should be - FUN!

Airplanes - If you plan on traveling by air, you might want to consider carrying your laptop in an easy to access bag and or in the front pouch of your carry on bag. All airports in the United States now require that you put your laptop and all other large electronics in a separate container for x-ray scanning. You can save yourself a lot of hassle if you are prepared for that. Also, if you are carrying sensitive media like internal or external hard drives, solid state drives not enclosed in a metal housing, or tape drives (not cassette tapes), you should ask the TSA for an alternate screening of those items, as they are what is considered “x-ray and magnetic sensitive media”.

Cars - If you’re bringing your laptop on a trip that is particularly bumpy, like an off-roading trip or a trip where you know you’ll be going down a very bumpy road, we would like to advise you that you should not use your laptop during that time, and even go as far as consider investing in a foam case or pad of some kind that can help absorb the shock from the small bumps. These bumps can really wear on a computer and potentially cause it to die faster than expected.

Wi-Fi - Next, we would like to advise you about security when using Wi-Fi on your laptop. Only trust your friends’ and family’s Wi-Fi connection as secure. Any Wi-Fi that isn’t secure, or that doesn’t need a password to connect to is ill-advisable for anything containing personal information -- passwords, online banking, etc. You should refrain from using your laptop or any device connected to the Wi-Fi if you need to do these things. A great alternative would be using your smartphone as a hotspot, or using a Mi-Fi hotspot because, while they can be expensive, they are the most secure way to bank on the go. Or, purchase a VPN and avoid all the hassle to begin with. If you’d like to know more about VPNs and how they can help you, call SofTech Computers.

Desktops - These tips were relating to Laptops and travel, but what if you are going to somewhere for an extended trip or need to use all of the computing power of your desktop? Always keep your computer on its side, not standing up. Plus, you might want to consider bringing your computer to SofTech to travel-proof it. This constitutes making sure that everything is in place and that there is little to no movement among the parts of the computer. Overall, it is not advisable to move desktops over long distances frequently, and can seriously hurt the life of the machine.

Have more questions about travel safety when it comes to your laptop and personal information? Give SofTech Computers, your local Prescott computer repair shop, a call. We’re always available to help you and would be happy to make sure that you are travel ready. We can be reached at 928-443-8770 or you can visit our website as http://www.softechcomputers.com

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With Winter incoming, SofTech Computers in Prescott explains why your machine could be slowing down

As the weather is getting colder, you might begin to be outside less and less. With all of this newfound indoor time, you might realize you’re using your computer a significantly more. Having a slow computer this Fall/Winter could really cut down on productivity, performance, and increase aggravation. SofTech Computers, Prescott's hometown computer repair shop, is here inform you of the plethora of benefits you can experience from getting a computer tune up this Fall.

What can cause computer problems?

Your computer could be filled with junk and adware - If you’ve ever opened your web browser and seen a search engine that isn't Google or Bing, you’ve probably been the victim of adware. Often companies will try to get you to install junk programs that can ruin your computing experience and lead to some serious frustration.

Your computer could contain excess programs - If you’re like us, you probably have lots of programs that you rarely use on your computer. Well, you can’t get rid of them, can you? What if you need them again? Fear not, because we at SofTech can disable your programs for starting automatically, dramatically increasing speed and startup time, while keeping your programs on your computer for later use.

Your computer could be running out of space - Computers will store hundreds of thousands of files for quick access, but many of these files have only been used once or twice. And, to top it all off, the speed of modern computers makes it nearly pointless, as there isn’t usually a noticeable speed increase. A quick computer tune-up can free up much needed space, and even increase system performance.

Your computer could be overheating - Getting a tune-up doesn’t always mean cleaning up software, does it? Your computer can become filled with dust, and, if left long enough, can potentially cause overheating issues. Computers will slow themselves down to generate less heat and prevent damage. So if you have a dusty home (we won’t tell), you might want to consider bringing in your computer and getting it cleaned out.

Your computer could need updates - Updates can often fix annoying bugs and speed things up. But not always do they go smoothly: if an update gets stuck, your computer can be perpetually slowed down until the update goes though. By bringing in your computer for a tune-up, we can make sure that you are both current and have no stuck updates, making you more secure and speeding up your system.

Computer maintenance is the key!

As you can see, it’s definitely a good idea to bring in your computer and getting it tuned up. And, with the SofTech OnePlan, all of this cleaning, plus virus removals and all service charges on 3 computers are included for the whole year, all at one low price. That’s right, bring it to us each time you have an issue and we will fix it. What a deal! Call SofTech Computers today to find out how we can help you be more productive and have more fun on your computer. Questions? You can reach us at 928-443-8770 or visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com.

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Fake Computer Virus Warnings from SofTech Computers in Prescott

Stop! Read this. Chances are, your computer doesn’t have a virus.  If a virus warning suddenly popped up on your computer, don’t believe it, don’t call the number.
Don’t get trapped with an alert is flashy, full of technical sounding words convincing you that you have computer damage, data corruption, a virus, or infection. We ask that you please don’t click or call! It will only lead you to a more intimidating situation.
   
Microsoft or Apple will not contact you directly, or ask you by other means to directly contact them. Apple and Microsoft are in the business to sell and promote new computers, not convince you to fix the one you already own. At SofTech computers we would like to tell you, don’t believe everything you see. Get in touch with a local specialist instead.

Here are more examples of what happens when you get caught in their trap:

•    Convince you that you have a computer problem, when you don’t
•    If you ask who they are or where they work, they will tell you Google, Microsoft, or Apple, or anything to convince you to move along with the scam.
•    If you tell them too much, it will be used against you to further their agenda
•    Here’s where it gets really scary. The next thing they will recommend is a download of some software into your computer. Would you give this to a stranger? This allows a remote connection, giving them live control of your computer.
•    Next, they will run fake scans – proof that there is a “problem.”
•    Now these infections have supposedly been detected. They will ask for a fee to remove them.
•    Here is where it gets worse: You agree to pay them with a credit card while they “fix” your problem. By now, they’re installing software that could monitor your computer and steal your money, identity and passwords. So, while you paid them to correct the issue, they now have access to more than you’d give your next door neighbor.
•    At this point, you could refuse, but you will get locked out of your computer

To some of us, using a computer can be a daunting task. If you’re new to the computer world, this is especially true. SofTech Computers in Prescott would like to remind you that whenever you’re using your computer, keep your common sense. Don’t panic. Don’t believe everything you read. Don’t give a stranger access to your computer. Above all, call a technician you can trust at 928-928-443-8770 or visit us at http://softechcomputers.com/

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How to Avoid Online Computer Scams - Brought to You by SofTech Computers

The internet has given us more information and unique ways to conduct business than we could possibly dreamed of in years past. The wonderful world of the internet comes with a word of caution: Watch out for online scams. These are schemes to con you out of your money using your computer and the internet, either through fake websites or emails. You could be scammed through your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

SofTech Computers in Prescott has some tips to protect yourself. You can cut down the chance of scammers stealing your identity and cash:

•    Create passwords which are long, with random numbers. Do not use numbers associated with your birthday or social security number. Use upper and lower case numbers in addition. The longer the password the harder it is to guess. Ten digits are better than eight. Change your passwords often, and don't share them with anyone.
•    Install antivirus software and keep it up to date. This will check for malicious computer programs and monitor files before they are opened. Purchase the latest software for the best protection against viruses. If you purchase software online make sure it is from a trusted supplier.
•    Understand which software you are installing on your computer or phone and make sure you are using a secure site when you buy software, a tablet or a smart phone.  A secure site will have a web address beginning with https not http
•    Make sure that your firewall is turned on. A firewall is a security shield that stops scammers getting into your computer. Operating systems such as Windows come with built in firewall settings. They can monitor and warn you of unexpected access to your computer
Install updates to your operating system on a regular basis. Windows is an example of an operating system
•    Install the latest version of your web browser, for example Internet Explorer, which will have the latest security features.
•    Don’t open emails, email attachments, texts, or pop up messages from someone you don't know. These emails will have awkward or broken English.
•    No genuine online company will contact you to ask for your log-in details, such as your password or user ID. Only provide this information when you are logging onto a service that you are familiar with and trust, such as online banking.
•    Before entering payment card details on a website, make sure the link is secure.

 Make sure you have a secure link. Here’s how:

•    Make sure there's a padlock symbol in the browser window frame. This appears when you attempt to log in or register. Be sure the padlock is not on the page itself – if it is this could indicate it's a fraudulent site
•    Make sure that the web address begins with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’
If you have opened a scam email:
•    Don’t reply to the email
•    Don’t click on any links in the email or open any attachments
•    If you have already clicked on a link and opened a website, don’t provide personal information.

If you believe that your computer has a virus, see our experts at SoftTech Computers in Prescott. We specialize in computer repair, computer maintenance, and virus and malware removal. If you are not sure which updated operating system, or browser to install, SofTech Computers can help with that too. We specialize in computer repair in Prescott. Visit us online at  http://www.softechcomputers.com/ or call 928-443-8770

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Should You Repair, or Replace Your Computer? - Softech Computers in Prescott

To repair or do you replace? SofTech Computers in Prescott Arizona gives some helpful insight to the process in the hopes of helping consumers come to a conclusion.

Over a period of time, for most it’s several years, your computer has collected an arrangement of music, documents, photos and movies. These items are precious, and finding a way to safeguard your files is as important to us as it is to you. You cannot put a price on memories and your files are just that, memories stored in a little tiny box.

In the spirit of analogies let us compare your computer to a tree. As a tree grows the roots spread deeper into the ground and branch out into many different places. Sometimes you can up root a tree with little effort and others it becomes complicated due to the nature of those roots. The same is to be said about computers. Depending on the system you are thinking of replacing or possibly repairing, there are some factors you need to look into:

Some factors to consider when you want to repair or replace your computer:

The programs – Not all computer programs will work on just any machine, even if you were to modify those programs to run in a compatibility they may just not work on the newer operating systems. For specialty programs that you have already invested time and money into this may not be something you wish to give up. Yes, programs have evolved and in many instances, there are really good upgrades that are worth the change to upgrade rather than repair but this option is not always available due to possible cost factors. Remember you can’t transfer programs from one computer to another, you have to install those programs in those new systems, if you no longer have the media to do so, and cannot go without said software, this makes the option to repair a better choice.

External (peripheral) devices – From the home user to the small business owner, external devices should always be considered prior to investing into a newer machine. Reason? Cost! Mice, keyboards, audio devices, and printers; Laser, ink-jet, receipt or even impact printers, are all specialty devices that do not always allow you to just connect to a newer device. The cables, ports, and drivers to those devices are not always compatible and this leads to increased costs when considering the repair or replace options.

In an example of this could be impact printers (for some these are still used even today) for specialty forms that you currently have and use. Most programs that rely on impact printers for those forms cannot simply be attached to a new computer and work. This would require a newer printer, form, and possibly even newer business software to use those printers. Those costs need to be weighed into the possible reasons to either repair or replace your computing unit.

Possible improvements – Technology is an ever-changing creature. Vast improvements in sometimes as little as a few months, weeks, days or even hours. Computers created in the days of windows 98, xp, vista, 7, and 8 have increased one after the other in storage space, speed, power and abilities. Sometimes those changes are amazingly wonderful, other times they are extremely painful. In an example the vista operating system, for many users this “upgrade” was a reminder that not everything new is good and wonderful. Now that does not mean avoid upgrading to a newer computer system or even just the operating system, but understanding that the latest is not always the greatest is some of the best advice we can give.

There are many different kinds of computers and everyone is going to have different situations, so being able to give advice that suits everyone is not always possible. We do hope that this gives you a bit to think about and if you have any questions feel free to stop in our shop, visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com or give us a call at 928-443-8770 and schedule some time to chat with one of our techs and come up with a solution that works best for you.

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Some things every computer user should know in Prescott - Softech Computers

Whether you are a pro or are just getting your first computer, there are certain things every one of us has to do when using a computer.  Our goal is to teach you ways to be more efficient while keeping your computer safe from harm.  Softech Computer Repair in Prescott shares some tips on how to do just that:

1.    Keep your personal information safe and secure. 

2.    Have regular maintenance performed to keep your computer running smooth.

3.    Don’t download unnecessary programs or add-ons.

4.    Make sure your network is setup correctly.

5.    Protect your computer from viruses.

6.    Learn how to use keyboard shortcuts to save time.

7.    Regularly backup your hard drive.

8.    Don’t keep your laptop plugged in.

9.    Use Bluetooth technology to free up some USB ports.

10.    Keep the computer well ventilated so it doesn’t over heat.

We hope you found these tips helpful.  SofTech Computer Repair in Prescott is here to help!  Do you have persistent computer issues? Contact us today about our computer maintenance plan. Call us today, 928-443-8770 or learn more at http://www.softechcomputers.com/?p=15633795825629a4e400e05 .

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Ransomware, what is it? Tips to prevent this computer attack from Softech Computer Repair in Prescott

Ransomware is a type of malicious software, once installed on your computer, it blocks access to your files until a "ransom" is paid allowing you to regain access to your files. No one wants to find a message on their computer screen informing them that someone has control over their files and is requesting payment to unlock it. Unfortunately, simple ransomware may lock the system in a way which is not difficult for a knowledgeable person to reverse. More advanced malware encrypts the victim's files, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom payment to decrypt them. Softech Computer Repair in Prescott brings you these tips to prevent a ransomware attack.

How should you protect yourself from Ransomware? We suggest:

• Installing an antivirus program and keep the updates current.
• Making sure your operating system software is automatically updated.
• You should not open attachments or emails from people you don't know or companies you have not done business with.
• Avoid clicking links in emails you receive. Open a browser and go to the website directly and login to see messages.
• Be sure your browser is secure by enabling smart screen (in Internet Explorer), and keep your web browser's pop-up blocker running.
• Backup your important files.

If you have been victim of Ransomware, now what?

There is no one-size-fits-all response if you have been victimized by ransomware. There is no guarantee that paying the ransom will give you access to your files again. Giving into demands could also make you a target for more malware.

You should seek the advice of a professional to limit data loss.

Also, once you have removed the ransomware infection from your computer, you can restore previous, unencrypted versions of your files using "version history".

For more tips on preventing malware, including ransomware infections, you should contact SofTech Computer Repair in Prescott! We would be happy to help you deal with all your computer issues, call 928-443-8770 or visit our website at http://www.softechcomputers.com.

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