December 28, 2009

Does a backup copy the infection, too?

Filed under: Backup, Viruses — Tags: computer, computer recovery, computer repair, computer service, computer services, computer stores, computer support, computers, data recovery, data recovery software, disk recovery, easy recovery, file recovery, hard drive recovery, laptop repair, partition recovery, recover files, recover my files, recovery, recovery software, repair computer — admin @ 8:15 am

The simple answer is “It depends upon your backup routine.” Most of today’s malicious code attacks the average computer in one of three main areas: The operating system, software programs or data files.

So, if you execute a typical backup of only the data files, viruses that affect the operating system or software programs (like a browser) will not be included. Moreover, data infectors are in the minority these days because most of the focus for the very sophisticated cyber-gangs is Internet based applications, such as browsers and operating systems that can spread their infection to other computers on the Internet.

If you believe you have a virus or unruly spyware, the real focus in cleaning up your main system should be on your data. Most important, any backup, even an infected one, is better than no backup.  You can always disinfect the backed up files individually or an entire external hard drive.

So, in most cases, here is a basic plan of attack:

Step #1 – Even if you know you have a virus, backup everything that you care about (data, pictures, music, video, favorites, address books, etc.) to an external hard drive or online backup service.

Step #2 – Disconnect the backup unit or internet connection for online backups. Then, go through the disinfection process on your primary hard drive (the steps will vary depending on the type of malicious code).

Step #3 – Once you have verified that your primary drive is clean and that none of your critical data was corrupted as a result of the cleanup, you have two choices: run through the same cleanup procedure on the external drive or wipe it clean and produce a new backup of your clean system (if you are using an online backup service, deleting the infected files from your backup and backing them up again is the most efficient.)

If program or operating system files become corrupted by the disinfection then reinstalling those items from your original disks will put you back in business, HOWEVER, if your data files become corrupted as a result of the disinfection, don’t perform the same cleanup on your backup drive (consult a professional)!

If all of this sounds too complicated, do yourself a favor and keep your security software up-to-date and keep a regular backup going with redundancy and validation.  If that sounds too complicated, consult a professional!

December 23, 2009

FireFox running slow?

Filed under: Internet — Tags: computer, computer recovery, computer repair, computer service, computer stores, computer support, computers, firefox, internet connect, internet connection slow, repair computer, slow firefox, slow internet — admin @ 8:00 am

Is your Firefox browser running slow on your computer?  It may not be your computer or it’s hardware that is slowing it down.   Here is a tip for speeding up your Firefox browser!

1. Type “about:config” into the address bar and hit return. Scroll down and look for the following entries:

network.http.pipelining

network.http.proxy.pipelining

network.http.pipelining.maxrequests

You will see that these are turned off (“false”). Normally the browser will make one request to a web page at a time. If you enable pipelining it will make several at once, which really speeds up page loading.

2. To turn them on, alter the entries as follows:

Set “network.http.pipelining” to “true” by double-clicking on it to toggle to “true.”

Set “network.http.proxy.pipelining” to “true” by double-clicking on it to toggle to “true.”

Set “network.http.pipelining.maxrequests” to some number like 30. This means it will make 30 requests at once. (Double-click and a box will open where you can type 30.)

3. Last, right-click(PC) or control click (Mac) anywhere and select New-> Integer. Name it “nglayout.initialpaint.delay” and set its value to “8243”. This value is the amount of time the browser waits before it acts on information it receives.

Hopefully this helps!

The information is from Cnet Help Forum.

December 21, 2009

Temporary e-mail addresses

Filed under: E-mail — Tags: Data Doctors, data doctors mpls, E-mail, email, junk mail, mailinator, mailinator.com, temporary e-mail, temporary email — admin @ 7:23 am

There are times when you are surfing the Internet that you want to gain access to a resource that requires a valid e-mail address. If you give them your real e-mail address, you take the risk of getting some additional junk mail.

But if you don’t use a real e-mail address, you can’t get the confirmation message that provides access to what you want.  In those cases, a valid temporary e-mail address would be handy so give Mailinator a try (don’t use this for newsletters or anything that you actually want to get over the long term).

Make Mailinator a link at www.mailinator.com

December 11, 2009

Fun holiday tips from Data Doctors

Filed under: Google, Tips, Viruses — Tags: beware of virus', computer, computer recovery, computer repair, computer service, computer services, computer stores, computer support, computers, data recovery, data recovery software, disk recovery, e-commerce, easy recovery, file recovery, Google, hard drive recovery, holiday shopping tips, holiday tips, laptop repair, partition recovery, recover files, recover my files, recovery, recovery software, repair computer, shopping, shopping tips, virus removal — admin @ 7:45 am

As the holidays near, shopping online continues to grow.  Great deals are out there and consumers are more savvy than ever when it comes to online shopping, but there are a few things that you want to watch out for while shopping online.

Sadly the holidays are a big time for virus’ because more people are spending time online, scouring the internet for deals on gifts so hacker’s and virus’ are in full swing as well.  Copycat sites and “cheap deals” are the main sources of virus attacks.

Here are some tips to remember:

Know where you are.

As you shop, try to stick to sites that you are familiar with and are reputable.  Sites like Amazon, Ebay and large retailers, Target, Walmart, etc. have great security on their sites so you are less likely to have to worry.  There are smaller stores who run great deals but be sure you know where your credit card information is going.

Beware of Flogs

The internet is one of the most used resources for finding information and is increasingly becoming a major spot for shopping.  As the e-commerce continues to grow, consumers need to be aware of reviews and what are called flogs.  Flogs are a form of “electronic communication that appears to originate from a credible, non-biased source, but which in fact is created by a company or organization for the purpose of marketing a product, service, or political viewpoint” (Wikipedia).

Flog can appear as consumer reviews and information about great deals, tips of where to shop, etc. but the perception is skewed.  Companies have created these to promote their own products and services, with great reviews no matter what.  The easiest way to decide if a blog is fake or not is to see if the only topic being discussed on the site pertains to only one particular product or service. Most bloggers generate new posts on a regular basis, covering a variety of topics or services.

Check reviews before entering credit card

An easy way is to see what information other consumers have.  Go to Google and type in the name of the store and reviews or the website address and reviews.  If it is a well-known scam site there, other people will be talking about being scammed.

Wifi

Public wifi’s  are a really nice feature when you are out and about, but can cause issues when shopping online.  The fact is that anyone can connect to that same internet that you are using and while not everyone is a hacker there are people out there that have the ability to electronically see what you are doing.  It is not a good idea to enter credit card or other personal information while connected to a public wifi. Another tip is to not have your user ID and passwords saved on web sites as hacker’s will be able to access this information over the public wifi as well.

E-commerce is rapidly growing and a great tool to decrease the amount of time and money spent shopping for the holidays.  Taking care while shopping online will keep that experience positive for you and allow you to continue to utilize the internet.

Safe Shopping!

From Data Doctors in Wayzata, MN

December 9, 2009

Why should you use Google?

Filed under: Google — Tags: calendar, E-mail, email, gmail, Google, igoogle, mail — admin @ 9:54 am

Google is one of the most adaptive sites on the web.  It is easily customizable for each and every person’s tastes and interests as well as so many different plug-ins, widgets and features. As most know, Google has one of the most expansive search capabilities of anywhere on the web and is ranked the #1 search engine.  It is a fully encompassing site that also can lead to mail, calendar and numerous other customizable features.

iGoogle

A do-it-yourself, make-it-your-own search and homepage that is customizable completely to your needs.  With hundreds of gadget options, there are unlimited choices and increasingly more every day. Make it your homepage and add gadgets that let you keep your email, calendar and important documents at your fingertips, keep updated on the latest news and your Facebook and Twitter accounts and even play games with friends.

Mail

Gmail originated as an invite only email client but has become available to the public as it increased in popularity. As the front page tells you it is “built on the idea that email can be more intuitive, efficient, and useful. And maybe even fun. After all, Gmail has: Less Spam… Mobile access… Lots of Space…” It is one of the largest free email clients being used and is increasingly adding to its possibilities.  Integrated with your calendar it keeps you up to date and allows you to receive emails about upcoming events, connect with your phone and access multiple calendars and shared calendars.

Want to know more?  Become a google power user today!