June Deal of the Month
During the month of June, Computer Repair in Tyler is offering 10% off of any virus removal. Whether you have an infected desktop, laptop, a Windows PC or an Apple, we can remove the virus that is plaguing you and your machine.
Having a computer virus can be a nightmare. Sometimes you know that your computer has been attacked by a virus, and other times the signs can be a lot less obvious. Viruses can simply make your machine not work as well as it used to, but they can also do far greater damage - for instance, skimming through your personal information for sensitive passwords and files. At Computer Repair in Tyler, we are experts in identifying and locating a virus, performing a comprehensive virus removal, and showing you what you can do to prevent future computer virus attacks.
If you are not sure that you have a virus, visit our virus removal page to see a checklist of the common issues a computer may experience if in fact a virus has installed itself on your machine. If this doesn't help, just bring it to us - Computer Repair in Tyler is one of the only full-service computer repair companies in Tyler that offers a free diagnostic to tell you what's wrong with your computer before any work is done. Our customers love our free diagnostic service; it's just one of the many things we do to show our appreciation for our loyal customers.
LinkedIn Password Leak
The LinkedIn password leak is rearing it's ugly head again - that's right, again. LinkedIn was hacked back in 2012, where hackers released 6.4 million cracked passwords to the internet. In the past couple of days, the second wave of cracked passwords has hit and the number has grown astronomically to 164.6 million vulnerable, unique passwords. This LinkedIn breach is the largest and most relevant publicly acknowledged password breach in the history of the internet. If you have not changed your LinkedIn password already, it would be a good idea to do so now. Typically, leaked passwords from online accounts are sold on the dark web. You might not care about your LinkedIn password being stolen, but if you are someone who uses similar variations of the same password, or the same password for everything (you shouldn't do this), hackers have developed complex algorithms that figure out other passwords you may have - this includes bank accounts, which is certainly something that would be concerning to almost anyone. Click here if you'd like to read more about the latest LinkedIn password leak.
The average person typically has around 26 online accounts, and companies such as ourselves usually manage hundreds of online accounts. The best method of security is to find a good password management service or application that you like - let your password manager generate new, random passwords for each of your accounts. If you do notice suspicious activity, change your password immediately, even if you haven't received a notification or email from that particular service - it's better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, you can set multi-factor authentication or a two-step verification process to create an extra hurdle for hackers to get through on your most critical online accounts. If you do not want a password management application, or don't think you need one, our advice is to routinely change passwords to your sensitive social media, email, bank accounts or other online accounts that you may have sensitive, personal information on. This should be done about every 2-3 months to ensure maximum security of your information on the web.
The LinkedIn password leak is just the latest issue in what has seemingly become an industry - the selling and trading of your personal information. Of course, the most powerful, profitable corporations and businesses employ sharing and trading tactics of some personal information to maximize the effectiveness of their reach when spending their advertising dollars - they simply want to know where and who to market to. Password sharing is completely different because it is malicious, and typically these hackers operate overseas so there is little to no oversight done by our own governmental agencies.
Computer Repair in Tyler can help you secure your most sensitive data and give you ideas on how to combat this growing problem. If you think you'd like multi-factor authentication or two-step verification processes set up on your sensitive accounts, we can help you depending on the service - some services allow this and some do not. We can also set up a password management system for you and show you how to use it. If this information is alarming to you and you'd like to take preventative steps, don't hesitate to call us or stop by today!
Samsung: Do Not Install Windows 10
Samsung has a simple message for its users; do not install Windows 10. Yes, you read that correctly - Samsung is advising owners of their PCs not to proceed with the installation of Windows 10. After nearly a year since the release of Windows 10, Samsung admits that the drivers for its PCs still do not work with Microsoft's newest operating system. Samsung customers have complained repeatedly that their machines either have not been able to update to Windows 10 or that if the update actually took, that the operating system was not working correctly with their components. Samsung is publicly saying that they do not recommend the installation of Windows 10 to any Samsung laptop or PC, but that they are coordinating with Microsoft regarding this matter. Samsung has released the following statement: "The drivers that we have on our website are not yet compatible to the latest version of Windows. What we usually recommend is to keep the current Windows version and we'll update you once Windows 10 has no more issues on any Samsung laptops and computers or even monitors." Microsoft released their own statement saying that, "Microsoft and Samsung are committed to Windows 10, and are working closely together to provide the best possible Windows 10 upgrade experience." Microsoft is also encouraging Samsung users to visit the company's website to "ensure upgrade is supported by their PC".
So, until further information becomes available, do not install Windows 10 on your Samsung devices. If you own a Samsung PC or laptop that has already been upgraded to Windows 10 and is experiencing issues, we can help you. Due to the recent influx in Windows 10 complaints from many of our customers, Computer Repair in Tyler is currently offering a $39.95 remote downgrade special - that's right, we can remotely log in to your computer at your home or office and safely perform a downgrade back to Windows 7 or Windows 8 for you.
Being Mobile Friendly Now Even More Important
Twenty years ago, computers were just beginning to find their way into our homes. Ten years ago, laptops were becoming the big battleground for the latest and greatest technology. Today, the smartphone is the hotbed of technology innovation. And everyone is noticing. Last year, Google officially announced that having a mobile friendly website would help boost your mobile search rankings. If people searched for your type of business on their phone you would rank higher if your site was mobile friendly than if it wasn’t.
Starting this month, Google has taken another step toward mobile by telling us that it is increasing the effect of its mobile friendly boost. What this means, if you’re looking to rank on the first page of Google’s search results, you’re going to want a page that rates as Mobile Friendly on Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
At ETV Software, we specialize in designing and redesigning websites for companies looking for a beautiful, state of the art presence on the web. Our sites are Responsive, meaning that they will reflow to perfectly fit the largest computer screen as well as the handheld screen on your smartphone. If you’re looking for a new website, online or print graphic design, or internet marketing support, give us a call today!
Special Offer Windows 10 Downgrade
We have a great offer this week for businesses and home users alike. Microsoft is getting extra pushy when it comes to Windows 10, even to the point that clicking the red close button actually starts the automatic upgrade! Windows 10 does bring some new features, but it can also be confusing when you wake up the next morning and find your computer screen looks completely different. It can also, in some cases, interfere with some software programs you may already have installed.
Fortunately, it is possible to perform a Windows 10 downgrade and roll back to Windows 7 or Windows 8. Right now, Computer Repair in Tyler is offering a special rollback price of just $39.95 to remotely downgrade computers from Windows 10. This means, you can call us from your home or business and we can remotely log in to your computer and help you start the downgrade process.
You don’t have to struggle to use or support a computer that was automatically upgraded to Windows 10 without your permission. Call Computer Repair in Tyler instead.
Windows 10 Installed Automatically
This week we have received about 10 calls from customers saying that Windows 10 installed automatically on their computer without permission. The reason for this is because Microsoft has launched one last aggressive push to get as many devices running Windows 10 as they possibly can before the expiration of the free upgrade offer. What makes this push particularly sneaky is that when users click the "X" in the upper right-hand corner of the upgrade window, this click is now interpreted as the authorization to download Windows 10. That's right, if you click the "X" button Windows 10 will begin the installation process. While upgrading to Windows 10 is recommended, this tactic is unfair as many users of Windows 7 and Windows 8 do not wish to upgrade. The only way to reject the download is to click the link that says "Click here to change the upgrade schedule or cancel schedule upgrade", then change your upgrade settings so that nothing is automatically installed.
If Windows 10 installed automatically on your device, Computer Repair in Tyler can downgrade your computer and revert back to the previous version of Windows that you were running. We can also show you how to use Windows 10 if you'd like to keep the upgrade, but aren't quite sure of how to use the new operating system.
Petya Ransomware
The Petya ransomware just became a whole lot worse. The unusual ransomware that first popped up on security researchers' radar in March now bundles a second file-encrypting program for instances in which it cannot replace a computer's master boot record to encrypt its file table. Instead of encrypting files directly, it encrypts the master file table and replaces the computer's master boot record code with its own malicious code that displays the ransom note and leaves the computer unable to boot. Typically, in order to rewrite the master boot record the malware needs to gain administrator privileges by asking users for access via the User Account Control application in Windows. Previously, if Petya failed to gain admin privileges, the infection routine would stop. However, the latest variant installs another ransomware program called Mischa that begins to encrypt files directly - an operation which does not require admin privileges. The ransom that Mischa currently demands is about $875 to get access back to your files. The installer for Petya and Mischa is distributed via emails that pose as job applications. These emails contain a link to an online file storage service that hosts a picture of the alleged applicant and a malicious executable file that masquerades as a PDF document. If downloaded and executed, the fake PDF file tries to install Petya ransomware and if that fails, installs Mischa.
If you think your computer has already been infected, bring it to our South Beckham location and we can diagnose it for free. Computer Repair in Tyler offers removal of spyware, malware and ransomware. However, we strongly recommend that you routinely back up your important files and data because with ransomware there is currently no way around the ransom payment. Even when you pay the ransoms, which are usually hundreds of dollars, there is no guarantee your files will be restored. When you routinely backup your data, we are able to restore from your backups and get rid of the ransomware. Read more about Computer Repair in Tyler's virus removal here.
Windows 10 For Xbox?
Microsoft has announced that the next big update for Windows 10, which will be the Anniversary update, will bring Windows 10 for Xbox to the table. That's right, Xbox users will be able to install Windows 10 on their gaming platform within the next coming days. The update is also said to include a merger of the Xbox Store and the Windows Store. The new version of the "Shop" application will be able to show users their purchased games and applications all under one library. This move is part of a wider philosophy on behalf of Microsoft to develop and enhance sharing applications across devices and platforms. Exactly how it is going to operate still remains unclear, and whether the update will come with a Dashboard restructuring is not yet known. Xbox boss Phil Spencer confirms that the gaming platform will not be compromised by enterprise-centric and desktop-focused applications. Spencer clarified this sentiment by saying, "We won't see people using Excel on the Xbox, but Microsoft is making it easier to port experiences from PC over to Xbox where they make sense. We'll treat gaming on Windows 10 with the same passion as we've put into the Xbox console." Xbox games can already be streamed to Windows 10 PCs, an ability that was added earlier in the year. If you'd like to know how to do stream your Xbox games to a Windows 10 PC, visit the official Windows 10 for Xbox page here. Some games, such as Fable Legends for instance, are already being made and released for both PC and Xbox platforms. These games feature cross-platform functionality. For now, stay tuned and fire up your consoles every couple of days as the update is reportedly coming down the pipe within days. I know I'm excited and can't wait to get Windows 10 on my Xbox One at home!
Free Windows 10 Upgrade Offer "To End Soon"
Microsoft is letting customers know that the opportunity to upgrade to Windows 10 for free is closing. After July 29th, users will have to pay to upgrade. If you are currently running Windows 7 or later on your PC, you may have noticed the offers to upgrade for free over the last few months. Don't let it pass you by - there is no reason to put it off any longer after this announcement. Not to mention, Microsoft is no longer supporting any version of Windows that isn't Windows 10. When technical support is ended on an operating system, that operating system is open to more security vulnerabilities, viruses, and other malicious adware and malware.
Let Computer Repair in Tyler handle the upgrade for you. Sure, you can do it for free in the comfort of your home - but can you guarantee that all of your important files and data will still be there after the upgrade? In case of data loss, our experienced technicians can do a full, comprehensive backup of your files from your hard drive before beginning the upgrade process. After completion of the upgrade, we will make sure your files transferred over properly and will verify that your computer's drivers and applications are compatible with your new operating system.
We serve not only Tyler, but the entire East Texas area. We offer our services at our store-front location and we will come to you at your home or office upon request.
May Deal of the Month
With Spring in full swing, it’s time to announce our May Deal of the Month. For the merry merry month of May, ETV Software is offering 10% off the labor cost of our custom built PC service. Whether you need a new, cost effective general purpose desktop, a top performance / top of the line gaming rig, or a powerful, reliable server for your business, ETV Software can advise you on the latest parts.