Computer Tune UP Results

One of the services we provide our customers is a computer tune up. The purpose is to get their systems operating at peak performance.

Here is the results of a couple of recent tune ups

Computer 1

Test	Before Tune-up		After Tune-up
Start Up Time	156 seconds		50 seconds
Shut Down	50 seconds		30 seconds
Open MS Word	22.5 seconds		5 seconds
PassMark Computer Performance Score	272.3		286.2

Computer 2

Test	Original		Final	Improvement
Start up	125 seconds		90 seconds	1/3 faster
Shut down	62 seconds		30 seconds	2 times faster
Open My Computer	26 seconds		4 seconds	6.5 times faster
Open MS Word	43 seconds		21 seconds	2 times faster

Downloading and Installing Internet Explorer 8

Here is a Video on downloading and installing Internet Explorer 8. Nothing fancy but it should prove useful.

Click Here to see the video

Phony Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express Email

A new email received today claimed to be from Microsoft regarding an update for Outlook and Outlook Express.

Delete the email. It is a fraud
Following the email's instructions will cause a Spyware Infection

The emails was well done and appears to be valid, but it is not. If you were to follow the instructions in the email you would have become the victim of a bit of Spyware designed to steal sensitive data from your computer, particularly banking details.

Email Refers To
Microsoft Security Alert - KB910721

Microsoft does not send emails regarding updates. They are either downloaded by your computer (if you are set to receive them) or can be picked up by going to the official Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) and following the links for updates.

We further suggest not following links to Microsoft. It is better to go to your browsers address bar and type in the address.

Conficker Virus

There has been heaps said about the April 1 date and the Conficker Virus.

Reading all the expert opinions may be a bit confusing.

We are not security experts, but would like to offer the following tips

• Install, update and use a quality Security product (We like and use Eset Anti-Virus, or Eset Smart Security (Eset is also known as NOD32). We do not recommend any of the free security programs, although they are better than nothing
• Download and install Window's updates
• Avoid peer to peer (file sharing sites)
• Be careful about the emails you open
• Be very careful with email attachments
• If you use a computer for business or banking be extra careful.
• If you suspect a security problem, disconnect from your internet connection and don't connect until your problem is fixed

Hope this helps

Big Pond. They have done it again. Be careful

In the past 2 weeks I have received some calls from customers. The rang Telstra regarding questions with their mobile phone accounts.

While on the line the customer service rep mentioned that they don't seem to be using their broadband much and might consider changing to a less expensive plan.

Some how by the time the call ended they had signed up for Big Pond wireless.
Yes the initial monthly charge may be less, but the plan they signed up for was had a 200 MB limit. Anything over the 200 MB carries a high surcharge.

In one case the person thought they were requesting information on the plan, but, son of a gun, a few days latter the wireless modem appears at their door step. Next comes an email telling them about their new, wonderful 3 year contract.

There is a place for wireless broadband but normally it is best suited to a laptop that does some travelling, not a desktop with an existing ADSL connection.

Also if you want wireless Big Pond offers a great service, although an expensive one

But it seems the customer service reps are a bit over-enexcited in promoting their product.

Sidenote: a recent Widow's update was 248 MB. This one update would put you over your 200 MB plan

If you have recently been taken on the wireless journey ring Big Pond Accounts and see about cancelling and have all charges reversed or stopped.

Golden Mango Award --Good Guys Capalaba

Time is short, and does not allow the full story.

Last month one of my customers purchased a netbook type computer from the Good Guys in Capalaba (Queensland). The product was faulty, and The Good Guys did the right thing.

As soon as time allows I will provide more information, but for now I just want to say "well done Good Guys, Capalaba".

Phishing Email Re: Bigpond Account

From The Bigpond Website

Warning: Hoax email attempting to capture customer username and password and billing information. This most recent hoax email is known to have the subject line: BigPond Notification: Account Update Needed The email advises Members that we were unable to process their most recent payment for their bill. It asks members to confirm and update billing information to prevent their service being interrupted. The email directs you to a false BigPond page to login. This email is designed to trick Members into providing their details which can then be used to gain unauthorised access to your service. If you receive this email, delete it. The information above is a warning posted on the Bigpond Website. Important: This email has nothing to do with Bigpond. There is nothing that Bigpond could have done to prevent the email. It is simply the bad-guys trying to trick you into giving personal information A safe practice would be to never follow a link from an unsolicited email. If you are unsure of the validity of any email from a company you deal with; contact the company direct, and ask