Maestro Computing Services

10/09/2014

Maestro's Computer Service /Support log.
Received a panic phone call from a neighborhood business.
Something about a repair by Staples where "I will not go back there again"
This is the 3rd known report from customers and others regarding poor computer support from Staples. Wonder what other un reported complaints are out there.
Professional computer support comes from computer professionals who have years of experience, not companies that sell paper and office supplies and decide computer repair is something to add to their product/service line.

10/08/2014

Maestro's Computer Support log:
When was the last time your scanned your system for spyware?
Finding any hidden spys lurking in your system ?
A recent scan at a new customer found some dangerous stuff that needed a real cleaning.
Antivirus software alone DOES NOT protect against spyware or malware!
Get your system fully protected with both Spyware and Virus protection.
It's inexpensive and save you big bucks on a costly repair and cleaning.
We've got solutions to fit most any budget.

10/02/2014

Maestro's presentation speaking schedule-
2014-2015 (partial schedule)
Perfecting Your Computer Backup- The Art of Backup
** coming in 2015*** Email Etiquette and Email Safety

Oct 3 PC Community Computer Club of Hayward CA
Oct 11 Temecula Valley Computer User Group
Oct 15 Westside Professionals Weekly Breakfast Club

Nov 1 APCUG (International Association of Technology and Computer User Groups -Fall 2014 Virtual Technology Conference)

Spring 2015 Big Bear Computer Club

June 12- 14, 2015 22nd Annual Southwest Technology & Computer Conference at Cal Poly Pomona

The Maestro is available to speak to your club or organization on various computer support, maintenance and protection issues.

09/30/2014

Computer Support Log Fall 2014 -Part II.
Existing computer took failing computer to local repair shop since I was out of town for 2 days and customer claims I could not be reached. I cannot be reached if you don't call and at least leave VM.
Comes back with completely rebuilt old computer now with Windows 7 instead of Vista. Not bad but it's a hot copy of Windows 7 along with a hot copy of Office 2010.
Local shop installed MS Security Essentials but no Spyware Protection.
All other files and address book lost from old computer.
Watch out who handles your repairs and provides you with "illegal" copies of software, poor protection and original files gone.
That's what backups are for.
Idrive Universal Backup could have solved this problem

09/30/2014

Computer Support Log- Fall 2014
New customer has laptop returned from Staples repair only to find Sophos Antivirus installed but no Spyware protection. What is with this selection of Sophos which is not even available over the counter at Staples? Took 15 minutes to locate some info on expiration date of the support ?
Installed Superantispyware only to find an immediate infection that Sophos overlooked or ignored.
Thanks again Staples and Sophos for providing great protection.

09/25/2014

Maestro's Computer Service Log:
Customer's spouse called for service on home laptops all of which were badly infected with spyware, popups and slow performance.
They had Best Buy install their usual junk which did not improve the performance. So easy to install a free trial of SuperAntispyware and Malwarebytes to easily clean the offending junk. Paid versions are also low cost. Professionals at Best Buy overlooking the obvious?
Be careful who you use for computer repairs.
Of course I've been reminding the customer to have me review the home computers for years. Never too late but this is a costly cleanup.

09/02/2014

Maestro's Computer Service Log: Labor day edition:
Customer's laptops (2 of them) slow, loaded with popup ads and other undesirable issues.
One computer has Sophos antivirus but no other protection.
The other with outdated version of Webroot with spyware.
Once again, virus protection ALONE will NEVER provide full protection.
Even Webroot with Spyware protection fell short of adequate protection and it did slow down the system.
Always wonder why Staples "we fix computers" overlooks the obvious.
Best Buy/Geek Squad does the same thing.
Neither seems to offer better protection by selling (making $$) on additional software protection.
Who knew ?
Superantispyware and Malwarebytes both cleaned up the mess.

09/01/2014

Idrive Universal backup ! Always working to protect your priceless memories and saved files. New version released TODAY. Existing users can/should download and update to the latest version.
New feature..local backup along with their regular, reliable cloud backup.
The developers are not taking Labor Day off.
Thanks Idrive.
Still on super sale... 99 cents/first year for 300 GB/new subscribers.
Can't find that bargain at 99 Cents Only Stores.
http://www.idrive.com/p=maestro_computing_services

08/12/2014

Maestro's Computer Service log:
emergency call (aren't they all?) from a court reporter I spoke to a few years back.
Some files, programs and pictures are "missing" or lost.
Still waiting to hear the answer to the "b" question.
Yep, Backup.
Idrive backup still on sale for 99 cents for the first year.

IDrive is the solution for universal online data and computer backup. Backup your most important files securely to the IDrive cloud for less than $5/month!

04/28/2014

Internet Explorer has security flaw (again)
Avoid using any version of Internet Explorer and switch to Firefox or Chrome.
Microsoft is preparing a patch but this patch will not be available to Windows XP users since XP was retired earlier this month.
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/new-security-flaw-affects-all-versions-of-internet-84085229159.html

Microsoft Corp is rushing to fix a bug in its widely used Internet Explorer web browser after a computer security firm disclosed a flaw over the weekend, saying hackers have already exploited it in attacks on some U.S. companies. PCs running Windows XP will not receive any updates fixing that bug wh…

04/24/2014

Maestro's computer support log: THANKS ESET Antivirus
New customer computer with weird symptoms.
Unable to browse or display files /folders in many programs (Word/Wordperfect/Excel/Paperport/Outlook, etc.)
Some spyware programs detected /removed threats but MS Security Essentials, Spybot and Lavasoft overlooked the real infection.
ESET antivirus found and removed the offending infection and all appears to be normal, all the others missed it.
www.eset.com Maestro's preferred antivirus solution for over 15 years.

ESET software provides advanced proactive antivirus protection. Download the award-winning ESET NOD32 Antivirus or ESET Smart Security now!

04/07/2014

Setting up windows 8 on client computers..
Found classicshell which returns the Windows XP/Windows 7 style Start menu.
It works, it's free
http://www.classicshell.net/