Computer Privacy In The Surveillance Age

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Computer Privacy is at the forefronts of everyone’s mind in the electronic age we live in.

 

 Computer Privacy in the Surveillance Age

Information security is all over the news these days. We normal computer-using mortals are probably not being surveilled by the government or organized criminals any more than we ever have been, but there is a much greater awareness of the vulnerabilities after recent disclosures by people like Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning. Most computer users now realize how very vulnerable they really are to surveillance. The fact is, if you are engaged in crimes or espionage – or if you are a high net-worth individual – then the kind of people who will be coming after you are the well-funded types with plenty of expertise. In those cases, it is probably just a matter of time and effort required to crack whatever security measures you employ. But if you are just a “regular Joe or Jane,” hoping to surf the Internet and look at funny cat GIFs in relative privacy, then there are a couple of basic things you can do to protect yourself.

 

Be Careful What you Disclose

At its most basic, privacy simply requires a little foresight and discipline on your part. Sharing information about your life on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter has become so widespread that people barely think before they post some pretty intimate information. Remember – once you post something online, you never really know where it could end up. The other thing to keep in mind is that with ever-dropping data storage costs, anything you post online is likely now to stay online practically forever. Do not post your home address, information about your finances and accounts, or naughty pictures of you and your friends up to no good. Think twice about posting controversial opinions, political or otherwise. Avoid heated arguments online. If you use basic common sense and avoid posting when angry, intoxicated or otherwise not thinking clearly, then you will eliminate 90% of your online privacy exposure right off the bat.

 

Be Careful About the Files you Open

The Internet today is teeming with Trojan horses that carry malware and viruses. Many times an email from your best friend is not what it seems! A Trojan horse is a file that conceals a harmful bit of software that can allows others to spy on you. If your friend or family member carelessly clicks on an executable email attachment, they can unwittingly download a virus or some malware that propagates itself by sending emails (for example, to you) that also include the Trojan horse. The malevolent software you might be downloading when you click on an executable file could be a keystroke logger that records everything you type on your keyboard and sends it to online scammers. In this way, they can get your passwords and account numbers. Be cautious and do not click on email attachments unless you know they are what they purport to be. The emails with these sorts of malevolent attachments are usually badly written and very brief. Read carefully and slow down!

 

Want to learn more about computer security or even have a security audit of your computer to make sure everything is safe?  Contact us!

 

 

CJ’s Free Computer Tips and Tricks

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CJ’s Free Computer Tips and Tricks-

 

When you start to notice performance issues with your computer, you may want to consider using free software for a quick tune-up of your PC. There are many tools that can be used to run diagnostics, virus removal, cleanup and computer performance enhancements. These tools are free to use and accomplish many of the things that software companies often charge for. Rather than spending money on advanced tools, save your money for computer repairs such as hardware replacements and upgrades. This will benefit your PC far more significantly.

CCleaner for Cleaning your PC

CCleaner has been the best cleaning tool for PC optimization since it was launched. It is a powerful tool that can make your computer considerably faster by removed unused files and settings that are taking up hard drive space. These files and settings can make it harder for your hard drive to locate things, thus making the computer slower. Additionally, the software even deletes browser cookies and history resulting in safer internet usage. By using CCleaner, you will experienced fewer crashes and errors and quicker startup. The tool even fixes registry errors and allows you to adjust which programs are set to run during startup. Turning off programs that are slowing down your computer will improve performance.

Defraggler

Piriform is a god of a company and after CCleaner they released a second free tool known as Defraggler. It is designed to work with HDD and SSD hard drives and supports common file types like NTFS and FAT32. The software defragments your hard drive, realigning data and files so that the hard drive read/write head can locate your files quicker. This results in a faster computer and better performance. The software assembles fragmented files and organizes them, clearing up free space and optimizing your computer.

Speccy

This is a unique tool developed by the same company, designed to evaluate your computer’s hardware. It allows you to see exactly what is inside your PC and take a look at the OS, CPU, RAM, motherboard, graphics card, storage and various other components. It also provides temperatures for each individual component, which makes it great for inspecting potential issues caused by overheating.

AVG Anti-Virus

AVG developed the most popular free anti-virus program. For simple virus scans and automated detection of potential incoming viruses, it is the best tool available. AVG anti-virus has all the features you need including computer, web, identity and email protection.

The free software you will find here outdoes most computer tips and tricks and will help your PC run at an optimal level. Computer repair is available in Raleigh, Wake Forest and Durham if needed. If you have questions on PC repair in North Carolina, please contact us.

Computer Hacking: Signs to Watch Out For and Tips to Protect Your System.

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Computer Hacking: Signs to Watch Out For and Tips to Protect Your System

When it comes to the security and performance of one’s computer there is at least one item that everyone wants protected from malicious outside influences. Their personal information. In today’s society, hackers are more clever in their computer hacking techniques. What should you watch out for? What can you do to keep your personal information protected? Today, we have detailed a few of the common signs your system may be compromised as well as solutions, fixes and some ways to prevent your system from being hacked while protecting your personal vital information.

There are several signs that can signify your computer’s security system is compromised along with several techniques, tips and tricks you can use to fix your system if it has been compromised and to protect and prevent your system from getting hacked.

  1. False/Fake Anti Virus Warnings and Scans: A common technique used by hackers to get into a computer system is using that system’s own antivirus program against it by flashing a false message to trick you into initiating a system scan that is truly a false scan which in turn “discovers” a ridiculous amount of viruses on your system. They provide a link “offering” help, tricking you into a scam while accumulating your personal information. When it comes to this technique there are two points to hit on here. The first is “know” your antivirus software. If you know it, you’ll notice the difference in the software’s usual warnings versus the false warning and that should send the alarm bells ringing. The second is that it is always best to hit the power button and turn your computer completely off. Give it a reboot via Safe Mode that way you can then make good use of your true up-to-date antivirus software to destroy the malware.
  2.  Random and Fake Toolbars: Another common technique that hackers use to steal your personal information is an unwanted and bogus toolbar on your internet browser with a tidy little message telling you why you need another extra toolbar. This toolbar only makes it easier for the hacker or hackers to redirect your web browsing as well as cause those seemingly random pop-ups to appear. With this technique, simply run your antivirus software to scan and destroy the malware while removing the toolbar. Also, take the time to change all of your passwords.
  3. Strange Email Activity: The next common sign that your system may be compromised is your email contacts quite suddenly start receiving fake junk emails from your address. Once again, your antivirus program will be your best friend here, run it then take the time to check for any fake unwanted toolbars as this technique and the two listed above are sometimes implemented in tandem.
  4. Passwords Become Unsecured: The final sign we will address in this post has to do with your passwords. There are several different scams that can trick you via emails or email links and the next thing you know, your passwords are all different but you didn’t change them. Be highly vigilant in this regard. Unless you are specifically “resetting” your password for a site, you will likely not be receiving an email requesting you to change your password. If by some set of strange circumstances your password and the corresponding account does become compromised, change the passwords, alert your contacts. There are services that will allow one of your email contacts to help you get your account back under your control.

These are just a few of the common techniques hackers use to compromise computer systems but the best way to keep your systems safe is by remaining vigilant while on the world-wide web. If your computer or laptop ends up seriously compromised and the above list doesn’t help you much, then contact us or, if you’re in the North Carolina area then bring your device in to one of our three sites: Computer Repair Wake Forest, Computer Repair Durham or Computer Repair Raleigh.

How To Keep Your Child Safe On The Internet

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How To Keep Your Child Safe On The Internet

We can’t tell you how many times we get a phone call from a customer that start with ” My child was surfing the web on my laptop last night and now its ……”  You can easily complete the rest of this sentence. The internet is already filled with perils and threats for adults so when it comes to our children we have to be super careful as to what sites they access. At CJ Computer Services we care about you and the safety of your children and we are here to help and be a constant source of knowledge for you.

Threats on the Net-

We already know about spyware, malware and viruses that wreak havoc on our primarily windows based computer each and every day. It is a constant struggle to keep our computers free from these malicious programs. When our children surf the web they are attracted to the online gaming sites which are notorious for bloating our computers with extra software and most of the time malware. We recommend dedicating a specific computer for your child’s web surfing so it does not interfere with your daily computing activities. We tell our customers to educate their children and keep a watchful eye out for what they are downloading and the types of sites they are visiting.  There are many programs either free or pay versions that will restrict the types of sites your children will go to and will therefore reduce the risk of infection.

What Can I Do As Their Parent?

Plenty! Being observant and involved in their computing experience is #1. Do not put the computer in their rooms if possible. Put it in a public place and let them know they are being monitored. Now if you have access to your wireless router you can easily enable parental filtering that will block certain websites from each and every device they use in your home. The main thing to keep in mind, disable their cell connection in the home to force them to go through the wi-fi and the filtering. Kids are smart and very adaptable so we have to stay on our toes. There are a host of free and paid software titles that can be installed on your child’s computer to keep them surfing down the “safe Path” on the web. Some of the notables are Net-Nanny and a great free option is K-9 Web Protection. It will even bark nice and loud when your child goes somewhere they should not go to alert you. The key point here is it blocks your child from reaching a harmful site.

We are here for you to help you with any and all of your computer and technology related needs. If you have any questions on how to keep your child safe on the internet do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. We are proudly serving Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and Durham NC.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks – Make Your Computer Run Faster

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Computer Repair Tips and Tricks- How To Maintain your PC

 

At some point, nearly everyone complains about a slow running computer. There are many reasons for this, but before you call a computer repairs expert in Wake Forest, try a few of the below computer tips and tricks to get your computer running faster.

1. Clear Temporary Files, Browsing History and Cookies

One of the first things to do is also the easiest. Every task you perform on your computer creates a file that clutters up your hard drive. Cleaning out your temporary files, browsing history, and cookies clears up a lot of space so your computer runs faster.

2. Scan Computer for Viruses and Malware

Viruses, malware, and spyware can overtake your computer and cause it to run slower. Anti-malware software is essential for the protection of all computers and laptops. Although real-time protection is important, you can also do periodic full system scans to find and remove any malware.

3. Use Disk Cleanup

Windows provides a built-in tool to help you declutter your hard drive. It’s a program listed under system tools that you can easily use to clean up program installers, caches, and other files you no longer need.

4. Uninstall Unwanted Programs

Every computer has several programs pre-installed on the system that you probably aren’t aware of. In most cases you don’t need or rarely use these applications, but some are still running in the background. Find the list of programs installed on your computer and remove those that you don’t need or want.

5. Defrag Computer

Another way to get faster speed is by reconfiguring your hard drive so that it stores information more efficiently. This sounds complicated, but you can use the tool listed under “My Computer” to defragment your system.

If you don’t get noticeable improvement after performing some or all of these tips, then you might need to have your computer repaired. For more information on ways to get your computer to run faster, talk to a computer expert. Contact today for mobile computer repair in Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Durham.

 

The impossibility of avoiding malware reactively

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What if every day a new threat was on the horizon?  It would be seemingly overwhelming!  But what if every day tens of thousands of new threats were appearing, and the majority have yet to be identified?  Scary as that may seem we must face reality and realize that is the world we live in. […]

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