HCS Computers

02/27/2015

HCS Computers is proud to announce that we are now accredited by the Better Business Bureau! This means that we meet all requirements for accreditation and that we agree to uphold all of the BBB's standards. If you want to read more about what it means to be accredited by the BBB, you can visit this site:

Our Code represents sound advertising, selling and customer service practices that enhance customer trust and confidence in business. It is built on the BBB Standards for Trust, eight principles that summarize important elements of creating and maintaining trust in business.This Code also represent…

01/05/2015

Tomorrow will start "Season 2" for my free daily tech tips. Topics for this week include how to tell what is slowing your computer, recovering files that you thought were lost, how to choose the fastest internet connection, and the most commonly forgotten setting in your antivirus program. Plus, those who subscribe will be the first to know a big announcement coming in February or March. If you don't get my tips and would like to sign up, go to tips.hcscomputers.com. (Be sure to check your email for a link to confirm your address!)

07/24/2014

The latest Firefox update corrects three critical security flaws, including one that allows others to execute code on your computer automatically. If you are using Firefox, make sure it is the latest version.

06/24/2014

A funny video showing kids trying to use an old computer. How many remember when computers were like this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF7EpEnglgk

Thanks to our friends at "Halt and Catch Fire"! Check it out! http://www.amctv.com/shows/halt-and-catch-fire Premieres June 1st, Sundays 10/9c on AMC Old Com...

06/04/2014

If you are interested in receiving a daily computer tip from HCS in your email, you can sign up at this address: http://jimstechtips.blogspot.com/p/daily-email.html

05/01/2014

Microsoft has repaired the security flaw in Internet Explorer that I mentioned earlier this week.

05/01/2014

Microsoft has now issued a patch for the Internet Explorer bug that I mentioned on Monday. They did include a patch for those still using XP. If you have automatic updates enabled, it is likely that your computer has already downloaded and installed the patch. If you do not have them enabled (and do not want to have them enabled), you need to go to the Windows Update window and download/install the patch. The patch will be listed as "Security Update for Internet Explorer (2965111)".

04/28/2014

A new flaw affecting Internet Explorer has been discovered that will allow hackers to take control of your computer using a website with malicious code on a website. Here are a few suggestions to avoid problems:

1) If you are currently using Internet Explorer, consider switching to a different browser--like Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome--until a patch is issued.

2) If you do not want to switch, consider using a standard account instead of an administrator account. Using a standard account will limit what someone can do with your computer if it becomes infected. To create a user account, go to the control panel and look under the "User Accounts and Family Safety" option.

3) Security software will be ineffective against this threat, but it will be help clean up problems that may arise because of it. Keeping your security software up-to-date will help you recognize if your computer has been compromised.

4) If you are still using XP, Microsoft will most likely NOT be issuing a patch for this flaw now that XP support has ended. This is the first of many XP flaws that will be discovered, and they will not be patched by Microsoft. If you are still using XP, you need to switch to a different browser, and it is time to consider upgrading your operating system or computer.

04/15/2014

If you have an Android phone, it may be vulnerable to the Heartbleed bug. Lookout Mobile Security has developed an app that will tell you if your device is affected and if software using the bug is enabled. Unfortunately, there is not much that you can do if you are vulnerable except to be very careful about what you have on your phone. Google has already released a heartbleed patch, but it is up to manufacturers to develop it for their phones and send it to your device. You can access the app here: http://goo.gl/reJ8yk or by searching for Heartbleed Detector in Google Play.

04/12/2014

I have refrained from saying much about the Heartbleed bug due to uncertainty in exactly what was affected and how much. However, I have a few comments to make:

1) Changing your passwords immediately, as suggested by some news outlets, was NOT the way to protect yourself. If the site had not been secured and someone was exploiting this vulnerability, your new password could also become compromised.

2) Now that an OpenSSL patch has been issued for over 48 hours, all vulnerable websites should have patched their servers. You can visit this link - http://goo.gl/tunNrV - to see if a website you use has been affected. If it is, NOW is the time to change your password. If you changed it without knowing for sure that the site was secure, I would recommend changing it again.

3) The damage is not over! Cisco and Juniper have admitted that Heartbleed bug may be present in their routers, switches, and firewalls. It is likely that other companies will have this vulnerability in their equipment, as well. It is likely that many people will need to update their router firmware in order to keep their internet connection safe. It is also possible that sites using compromised equipment may still be unsafe.

4) The most important thing to stress: be vigilant. Don't open emails or links that look strange without verifying them with the sender. If you notice a strange post from someone, let them know right away so they can change their password.

12/27/2013

Have you ever installed a program only to find that it also installed other software (toolbars, desktop icons, etc.) that you don't want? Now, there's a program that will keep those unwanted items off of your computer: Unchecky. Unchecky will automatically uncheck all those boxes and alert you if you are about to install a program you don't want. (Note: It is not perfect, so you should still read what you are installing before continuing!) To download it, simply go to unchecky.com, and click on the big, orange download button.

11/06/2013

Two security alerts for you today:

First, some of you may have heard of the CryptoLocker ransomware. This will encrypt all your filed and demand that you pay to get them back. While anti virus programs may be able to get rid of the bad code, they cannot decrypt your files. Now is a good time to make sure you have an up to date backup your important files or to look at investing in an online backup service.

Next, there is a flaw in the graphics processing systems of Windows and Office that will allow the download of malicious code through a TIFF image. The image could be sent as an attachment or placed on a website. Microsoft Fix It has a workaround that will disable TIFF images until a security patch is released. You can complete it by going here: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2896666 and clicking on the Enable This Fix It button. Since TIFF images are not used much anymore, you will likely be unaffected by disabling them.