Mike Recommends That You Backup Your Files

Wednesday, November 7th, 2012 9:22pm PDT

Why do so many people never backup their files? Every week I see computers in my shop that have a failed hard drive. Most of the hard drive failures cause total loss of the photos, documents, music, email, etc. After a hard drive failure is not the best time to try to save the files, without a recent backup, the files could already be gone! Sometimes I have to be a grief counselor, LOL.

Here is how I can help you to backup your precious computer files:

Carbonite Online Backup

Mike’s Computer Repair is an Authorized Reseller for Carbonite Online Backup. I will install Carbonite Online Backup and configure it when my customers purchase it from me. Carbonite is completely automatic, and best of all, your files are safely stored off-site in case of fire, theft, or any other causes of loss. Read more about Carbonite in the article below.

Use a free backup program called FBackup

I will install this FBackup program and configure it when my customers purchase a USB flash drive, or USB external Hard Drive from Mike’s Computer Repair.

FBackup from www.fbackup.com is a free backup software for both personal and commercial use. It protects your important data by backing it up automatically to any USB/Firewire device, local or network location. Never backup your files to the same drive! I suggest using a USB flash drive, or USB external Hard Drive to store your backups. Then use FBackup wizard to select a backup job. The backup type I use is a mirror backup and I select the user account for the sources so that all the photos, documents, music, and email will be backed up. At the last step of the wizard, you can make a daily or weekly schedule, or you can skip the schedule section. If you do not want to backup on a timed schedule, you can simply open the program and select “Run Backup” whenever you want. You could even rotate more than one USB flash drive, or USB external Hard Drive, then store the drive off-site in your safety deposit box at the bank.

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Critical Java Update 7u7 Available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux

Friday, August 31st, 2012 8:10am PDT

Java

Over the weekend a new 0-day exploit was discovered that affects anyone running the Java Runtime Environment. This is being used by Black Hat hackers to install Malware on Windows and Mac computers. Mac computers are not immune to getting Viruses, see this article: OSX/Tsunami Variant Found Dropped by Java 0-Day.

A new version of Java software was released yesterday. Java users who run Windows can use the Java Automatic Update feature to get the latest, patched version, which is officially dubbed Java SE 7 Update 7. Users on other platforms can visit the official Java website to download and install it. This release contains fixes for security vulnerabilities, it is advised that you update as soon as possible. Here is a help page: How to update Java Software

Java is free software that helps you view and interact with web content. Many sites require it. Make sure you keep it updated to the latest version. Also make sure to remove older versions of Java.

Mike’s Computer Repair offers a recommended annual In-shop Computer Tune-up. Updating Java is also included in our Computer Tune-up.

Mike is a full time Computer Service Technician. The Washington service area is Long Beach Peninsula, Long Beach, Ocean Park, Ilwaco, Seaview, Chinook, Surfside, Oysterville, Klipsan Beach, Nahcotta, and Naselle. Mike's Seaside Oregon Computer store serves Astoria, Warrenton, Gearhart, Seaside, and Cannon Beach. Contact Mike for an appointment.

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Phone call from “Microsoft” to fix your computer is a scam

Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 1:07pm PDT

Scam

If you receive an unsolicited phone call or email from someone claiming to be from Microsoft or any other company and they need to fix your computer, it is a scam by cybercriminals. I have been receiving reports from some customers that they are receiving these hoax phone calls. The caller will usually say your computer has been hacked. They try to talk you into letting them take control of your computer by a remote support connection so they can fix it or investigate the hackers. After they have logged into your computer they may install some programs and claim to be analyzing the security of your computer. After they try to install software, “fixes”, or service subscriptions they ask you to pay them with your credit card.

Make sure you avoid these dangerous hoaxes.
Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to fix your computer. If you receive an unsolicited email message or phone call that purports to be from Microsoft and requests that you send personal information or click links, delete the message or hang up the phone immediately.

Read more about this topic from Microsoft.. Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently

Mike’s Computer Repair offers a Free In-shop Security Audit. A Security Audit is also included in our Computer Tune-up.

Mike is a full time Computer Service Technician. The Washington service area is Long Beach Peninsula, Long Beach, Ocean Park, Ilwaco, Seaview, Chinook, Surfside, Oysterville, Klipsan Beach, Nahcotta, and Naselle. Mike's Seaside Oregon Computer store serves Astoria, Warrenton, Gearhart, Seaside, and Cannon Beach. Contact Mike for an appointment.

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Windows XP is soon to be obsolete

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012 8:33pm PDT

Windows XP end of support date is April 8, 2014 (less than two years from now!)

End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides monthly windows updates, automatic fixes, or technical assistance.

What does this mean?
Without Microsoft support, you will no longer be able to receive the monthly critical security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information.

What can I do about it?
My advice: nobody should continue using a computer with Windows XP operating system on the Internet after April 8, 2014.

You should either replace all your XP computers now, if you have not already, or plan to replace them before that date. I recommend replacement now, especially for business users. I recommend a new computer with Windows 7.

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Mike’s Computer Repair adds Seaside Oregon Computer Store

Monday, July 23rd, 2012 2:52pm PDT

Seaside Computer Store

Our Seaside Oregon computer store is now open M-F 9-5. Please tell your North Oregon Coast friends the phone number is 503-717-5523

Now we have two locations to serve you:

Mike’s Computer Repair – Seaside, OR
Phone: (503)717-5523
3003 Highway 101 N Suite 2, Seaside, OR 97138
Located right next to Pacific Paint.
See map and get directions

Mike’s Computer Repair – Long Beach, WA
Phone: (360)642-2125
8111 Sandridge Rd., Long Beach, WA 98631
See map and get directions

Mike says: “I am an experienced computer technician with a home office in Long Beach, WA and a retail computer store in Seaside, OR. I have been fixing computers since 1995. I have many satisfied customers. My mission is to provide exceptional service to each customer. All questions will be answered cheerfully. I understand that there is no better advertising than a satisfied customer. Advanced and novice users alike will find value in the services I offer. No, I am not moving to Seaside. I live in Long Beach. The Long Beach location is still open 6 days a week and I have Family helping work each location. I will add more technicians when needed.”

My Washington service area is Long Beach Peninsula, Long Beach, Ocean Park, Ilwaco, Seaview, Chinook, Surfside, Oysterville, Klipsan Beach, Nahcotta, and Naselle.

My Seaside Oregon Computer store serves Astoria, Warrenton, Gearhart, Seaside, and Canon Beach.

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Avast update fails, tray icon has red X on it

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 5:40pm PDT

Avast-Antivirus
Problem: Avast update fails and the Avast tray icon has red X on it. If you see this condition, your antivirus is not working, Mike’s customers should immediately call Mike at 360-642-2125 for service. Do not delay because now you do not have active antivirus protection. Further use in this condition could allow virus infection. If your Avast tray icon does not have the red X on it then your computer does not have this problem, all is fine.

Probable causes are:

  • A virus definition update got stuck and avast needs repair.
  • A virus infected your computer and disabled Avast.
  • Hard drive errors have caused Avast to fail, the hard drive could be failing, immediate attention is required to prevent possible further data loss.

avast-needs-repair

avast-normal-condition

The solution could range from simple to complicated.

One incident that is known to have occurred:
A virus definition update on 01/25/2012 got stuck causing avast to need repair. This did not effect all computers, but I have seen a few of these incidents. If your Avast tray icon does not have the red X on it then your computer does not have this problem, all is fine.

Related:
My favorite antivirus solution
Avast! Free Antivirus – How to Register/Re-register

Mike is a full time Computer Service Technician. The Washington service area is Long Beach Peninsula, Long Beach, Ocean Park, Ilwaco, Seaview, Chinook, Surfside, Oysterville, Klipsan Beach, Nahcotta, and Naselle. Mike's Seaside Oregon Computer store serves Astoria, Warrenton, Gearhart, Seaside, and Cannon Beach. Contact Mike for an appointment.

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New and Used Computers

Monday, January 2nd, 2012 10:03pm PDT

new-computer

Announcement: Mike adds New and Used Computers.
Call Mike at Mike’s Computer Repair at (360)642-2125 for price and availability.

New Computers
Sometimes a new computer replacement is better than repairing an old computer. I have new computers in stock. Call me to discuss your new computer needs.

New Notebooks
When replacing an old computer, consider a new notebook computer. Notebook computers have come down in price in the last few years making them a popular choice. I have new laptop computers in stock. Call me to discuss your new laptop computer needs.

Used Computers
I have used computers in stock. Call me for price and availability.

Used Notebooks
I have used notebook computers in stock. Call me for price and availability.

See more New and Used Computers

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iPhone and iPad repair and tutoring in Long Beach, WA

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 3:10pm PDT

iPhone and iPad Repair and Turoring

iPhone and iPad repair and tutoring in Long Beach, WA. Call Mike at Mike’s Computer Repair at (360)642-2125 for appointments. I can teach you how to use photos, videos, download apps, listen to music, Facebook, email, contacts, messaging, internet, wi-fi, printing. Need to be able to print from your iPad? call me for printer options.

Have you broken your iPhone or iPad glass? I do iPhone and iPad glass digitizer replacement.
Need a wi-fi router to use your new iPhone or iPad at your house?
Call Mike at Mike’s Computer Repair at (360)642-2125 for appointments.

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Avast! Free Antivirus – How to Register/Re-register

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 2:52pm PDT

Avast-Antivirus

Avast! Free Antivirus requires annual registration. Even the free version must be registered because Avast wants to be able to determine how many active users they have. This allows them to maintain enough update servers for all the users they have. There are two scenarios where Avast Free needs to be registered:
1) You have just installed Avast Free.
2) After 1 year you receive a message from Avast Free to re-register.

On-line registration is very simple and it’s the preferred method for all users of avast Free Antivirus 6.x installed on a computer with standard Internet connectivity. To perform on-line registration follow these steps:
Right-click the avast! system tray icon and select ‘Registration information’ from the menu,

avast-register1

…or double-click the avast! Free Antivirus desktop icon to open the avast! user interface, then in the left pane click the ‘MAINTENANCE’ tab and from the unfolded submenu select ‘Registration’.
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Flash Player 10.3.183.10 Security Update

Friday, September 23rd, 2011 8:59am PDT

flash player

Critical vulnerabilities have been identified in Adobe Flash Player 10.3.183.7 and earlier versions for Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Solaris, and Adobe Flash Player 10.3.186.6 and earlier versions for Android. These vulnerabilities could cause a crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.
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