It's Not a Matter of Life & Death...

It's a phrase often used to make emphasis that something isn't 'A matter of life & death...it's more important than that.'  A pretty effective visual.  And it could well apply to software updates; in particular, those Windows and browser updates.

Most of us don't even know that every week...EVERY single week... Microsoft releases patches and security fixes.  These fixes protect (or try to, anyway) the computers it's products are used on from bugs and malicious attacks sent by unscrupulous people who's greatest thrill is to read in the paper that they brought a million computer users to their knees.  It's an on-going issue; won't go away... it's as certain as the sun rising every morning.  The attacks WILL come.  What are YOU doing about it?

Most of us don't even notice that little windows icon in the lower right hand of our screens letting us know "Windows has downloaded updates ... and are ready to install..".  We ignore it if we see it at all.

You MUST run and install those updates. If you don't you may as well not use virus protection or if you DO then not update those files either.  You leave a welcome mat out for the bad guys.  And it's not like the booggie man in the closet.... These guys are REALLY there...and they WILL do you hard.

So is all this scare tactic making you freak out?  Don't freak.  Watch this small film on windows updates and see how you go about protecting yourself.  Turn your speakers up...  Oh, and I know, I know... be careful about links on the internet.  Hey, trust me... I'm a (computer) Doctor.

Happy computing...    ;-)


Neighborhood Computer Services Website
Markd@neighborhoodcomputerservices.net


Call : 503-530-6623

Nasty Little Virus Vermin!

I write here so often about the virus boogie men who pester us all with their 'craft'.  They just don't go away, they don't sleep. They STEAL control of our computers so that we can't use them for anything but a door stop (PC) or a paper weight (Laptop).   Grrrrr how we HATE those guys!

Actually it's not impossible to restore an infected computer .... IF you pull the infected, possessed hard drive, hook it up with a cable to another PC and run various scans for hours on end, then reinsert in in the 'infected' computer and run a few MORE hours of scans to get any 'baddies' that got missed before.

See?  Simple, huh?  Or just call your friendly Computer Repair Guy and ask for help.  But don't begrudge him his fee.  I can assure you it costs ALL of that to undo the harm done and get you enjoying your computing experience again.


Neighborhood Computer Services Website
Markd@neighborhoodcomputerservices.net


Call : 503-530-6623

Hello? Santa? All I want for NEW YEARS is a VERIZON LTE IPhone

 Oh how the rumors do fly!  But this one?  This one may have some weight to it.

The rumor mills says Apple has shipped Verizon IPhones to dealers  (JUST VERIZON Stores) for sale right AFTER Christmas, as part of a deal to let AT&T keep Christmas sales.

How great is this, then?  These phones, which we've all been waiting for now for like 3 years are reported to be LTE meaning True 4th Generation wireless network.  That'd mean faster...  But we can't really say how many balls were dropped with the new Verizon IPhone and how many NEW balls are in play, because if we DID we'd have ta KILL ya.

Secrecy is everything; unless someone leaves one in a bar between now and Christmas!

So the cat's outta the bag, the genie is outta the bottle and the ...ok, I ran out of little sayings already.  Just wait and watch like the rest of us.

Neighborhood Computer Services Website
Markd@neighborhoodcomputerservices.net


Call : 503-530-6623

"Hey, I was born at night, but it wasn't LAST night!"

Well, the ever inventive virus community is at it again.  And the creativity out of this groups is amazing...never ONCE taking the e-mail community for anything but FOOLS!

What you'll be seeing soon if you haven't already is an e-mail addressed to YOU from someone you may or may not know, saying something like: "Honey, here are the childrens birth certificates..." and there will be a zip file attached.   You'd have to be certifiably NUTZ to click on that zip file...but undoubtedly many many many will.

But YOU won't, constant reader...because you're too smart; or because you read my blog!

Neighborhood Computer Services Website
Markd@neighborhoodcomputerservices.net


Call : 503-530-6623

Can you hear me NOW? Jabra Extereme Ear Bud

Almost all states are moving to a law that requires car & truck drivers have hands free devices to handle calls while driving, or just leave the darn thing OFF till you get to your destination.While the 'in-the-ear' devices may make one look nerdy they sure do a good job.

We especially like the Jabra line and at $80- retail the Jabra Extreme is a nice choice.  Your phone has to be Blue-tooth capable for this choices to work, but if it is then this one is slick.  It's small, and has a loop around the ear which helps ensure it won't fall out mid-call and have you looking in your lap instead of the road.  The noise blackout features help quiet background noise for whomever your speaking with.  AND, this unit will allow streaming audio, which many other devices will NOT do.  This is a nice feature if you have pop casts or the like to listen too while driving or walking.  Talking time on a full charge is like 5.5 hours (or a little less) and 10.5 DAYS in standby mode.

We recommend it.

Neighborhood Computer Services Website
Markd@neighborhoodcomputerservices.net


Call : 503-530-6623

Printing with the IPad

Yes, Virginia, you CAN print from the IPad.  But you'll need an APP to do it till Apple comes up with a native solution.  If you E-Mail me maybe I can hook you up with a solution.  Oh, btw, works with IPhone, too!

Neighborhood Computer Services Website
Markd@neighborhoodcomputerservices.net


Call : 503-530-6623

The IPhone 4...

The IPhone 4, going out June 24th, 2010 is the next 'insanely great' enhancement by Apple Computer.  You can read about it everywhere and although it's press won't eclipse the IPad in the sexy category, it comes close.

So what will you get if you run out and buy the new IPhone, besides a new 2 year contract with AT&T and mediocre coverage?  Well, the absolute best graphics presentation available on a phone.  Two years ago who knew THAT would matter?  Additionally, you'll be able to shoot pictures AND Movie clips on either side of the camera, which allows for the first time a video conference option with a cell phone.  That is, if AT&T (or anyone else) can handle the band with that video conferencing will eat up.  That makes it up in the air for now.

Beyond that the look and feel is 'cooler' now...thinner, lighter.

Apple has done it again...and this one will stave off the bite that the 'Droid phones are taking out of Apple...for a while, anyway.

Neighborhood Computer Services Website
Markd@neighborhoodcomputerservices.net


Call : 503-530-6623

S-MAC Me.... A good one!

 Ok, I admit to going a little Mac crazy since we added THREE to the household.  There will always probably be things I can only get done in a PC world, so it's not like I've abandoned ship or nothing....  But they are just plain fun!

My new Mac Book Pro has great battery life, great graphics and...well...it's just plain GREAT.  Some things defy description.

So are they easier to use?  I don't see that as a compelling reason to get a MAC.  

Do they have less problems?  Ok maybe they get a slight nod over windows machines for less problems, but hey...again..probably NOT a decision making reason.

So why get a MAC?  Hey, if you don't know maybe I can't tell you.  Ask another MAC user for their reasons.  For me?  Well for me, it's personal.


Neighborhood Computer Services Website
Markd@neighborhoodcomputerservices.net


Call : 503-530-6623