With hundreds of choices for antivirus programs (for PCs and for Macs), how do you know which one to use? This article weighs in on a few choices- and how you can tell if you’re getting the protection you need.
For many years, some names were synonymous with antivirus- Norton, McAfee, etc. Those corporations took advantage of their fame and sold their namesake to other companies- leaving their reliability behind. Nowadays, Norton antivirus (or what’s left of it) is usually only used when it’s bundled with the cheap laptops from Walmart, Sam’s Club, and similar stores. Another large antivirus company- Kaspersky Labs, is now going by the wayside also. On March 28th, 2022 the U.S. Government blacklisted Kaspersky as a national security threat. The Russian parent company of Kaspersky antivirus is deemed a threat to U.S. users due to the large amount of personal data that is sent to the Russian company. With the big, previously dependable companies gone now, users who seek the best protection must turn to the little guys.
How does antivirus work? That’s the biggest question when looking at what program works best. In the simplest terms, most antivirus software maintains a list of file names, file types, or behaviors that are associated with viruses. They scan your computers files at the most optimal times and compare any new files or actions to their list of known threats. Not all antivirus providers are created equally, however. In fact, there are some companies whose main goal isn’t even to provide antivirus- it’s a clever selling point to get access to your personal info, though!
What you need :
Antivirus- This is the scanner that checks for viruses and suspicious actions.
PUP protection: PUP stands for “Potentially Unwanted Programs”. This keeps the unintentional junk off of your PC or Mac.
What you don’t need:
VPN: VPN is one of the greatest computer “snake oils”. It seems like every company wants you to have their VPN. The question is- what does it even do? The only thing that a VPN does is change the location that your web traffic comes from. This won’t keep you safe from viruses or anything else for that matter. In can also be a large inconvenience because it will mess with your vital location data. This means that a search for “Restaurants near me” might send you on a MapQuest to San Francisco rather than to the coffee shop up the street.
Tune-ups, check-ups: Please, just don’t do it (unless you’re in the market for a doorstop/paperweight that says “Dell” on it).
Is there truly such a thing as “free” antivirus?
Yes and no. Yes, there are many antivirus programs that are free. Some of them even work fairly well. The problem lies within the business model of those companies. Why would anyone spend time and money distributing a free antivirus program to millions of people- definitely not out of the goodness of their heart. Today, one of the most valuable commodities is personal information. Most free antivirus programs will either sell your personal information, relentlessly hound you for more money- or even both! One thing to remember when shopping for an antivirus program- there is no free lunch on the internet!
We highly suggest against using the “name-only” programs such as Norton, McAfee, AVG, Avast, Avira, and especially Kaspersky antivirus. If you haven’t had a problem yet- you will! Even if you have time left on your subscription it may be best to switch providers- you’ll probably save money by not needing a virus removal later.
Stop by or call today to get your antivirus taken care of- starting at $40
MacOS 12, known officially as MacOS Monterey, will be available this fall. This update cycle brings many welcome changes both large and small. Read on to find out what’s new and how it will affect your Mac.
Small Changes
Following the largest MacOS Update since 2001 as well as the pandemic, Apple opted for a small update this year. There are no visual overhauls and a limited amount of new features. Instead, the Cupertino tech giant went for a more subtle update that intends to fix longstanding bugs and make your workflow easier.
To start, MacOS Monterey brings a redesigned Safari tab bar. While the previous bar was often too large, the new tab bar shifts up to the address bar and allows more space for the web content on your display. The new Safari also brings “Tab Groups” to the Mac. Using Tab Groups, you can build different workflows for different environments. You could create a “work” tab group that opens email, google calendar, and google docs, for example. You could also create a “home” group that opens FaceBook, NBC and Pogo for the things you only do at home. This new feature allows you to clean up your startup tabs to narrow them down to just the ones you need- all with one click!
Airplay Options
For years, Mac users have been able to broadcast their screen using Airplay. Now the popular mirroring feature allows you to mirror or project the content from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac. This works great for presentations, but can also be used for music and other audio that you want to hear on a larger set of speakers.
Live Text
Macs will soon include AI recognition of text. When you take a photo of a takeout menu, for example, the Mac knows it is for a restaurant and will turn the title into a clickable link to their website. This also works great for phone numbers, calendars, and much more. Another aspect of this feature is the ability to search for photos by word. For example, searching for the word “Maine” could bring up a photo of the “welcome to Maine” sign from your library.
Big Changes
There are two very big features being added this year. The most notable is universal control. This feature seamlessly integrates your iPad with your Mac. If you want to move files between them or use them simultaneously, all you need to do is place them together. Placing your iPad next to your Mac allows you to use the Mac’s mouse or trackpad to control the iPad and have one continuous workspace.
Privacy
Apple is known for their firm stance on privacy. If you are looking for the most secure and private experience online- the Mac is undoubtedly the best choice. This year, Apple takes it up a notch with iCloud+. If you are a paying subscriber of iCloud storage (which most users are)- your plan will automatically be upgraded to iCloud+ at no additional cost. With iCloud+, you gain access to a lot of neat privacy features that prevent tracking on the internet. You can now get free email masking and IP redirects to prevent trackers from building a profile about your. When no identifying elements are present, internet tracking becomes next to impossible as every search appears almost as if it is from a unique computer in a unique location. Before these features, your IP and email could easily serve as an identifying characteristic for targeted ads or other tracking.
Honorable Mentions
As usual, MacOS Monterey includes dozens of very small changes to the OS. On top of this, Apple is widely known for including hundreds of small tweaks that may never be specifically mentioned. You can read more about Montereyhere, and you can try it out for yourself this fall.
For Mac sales and service, as well as this fall’s big update, head to:
Last week on the Computer Doctor blog, we did our best to answer the question of “should I get Windows 11?” by breaking down the pros and cons of the new update. Today we are answering an equally important question- can I get Windows 11? We’ll talk system requirements, hardware type, and why this round of upgrades won’t be a DIY project at home.
TL,DR (too long, didn’t read): Your PC should be all set if it is only a few years old, but will need upgrades to hardware in most other cases. Read below to see these upgrades.
What are system requirements?
System Requirements are the base specifications a PC must have in order to perform a task. Processor type, processor speed, available space, memory, and even software versions all matter. Microsoft is getting picky with the base specs this year, which means major upgrades for some folks. Most PCs with Windows 10 will be able to upgrade to Windows 11, since manufacturers usually build computers far above the minimum specs. Some older models may be far enough behind in upgrades that hardware will need to be replaced. Windows 11 will require:
1 GHz processor with at least two cores (64 Bit)
4GB of RAM
>64GB of Storage (with enough free space to install Windows- about 20GB)
TPM Module installed and activated. *
A CPU built during or after 2017. *
*Recommended, but not mandatory in most cases.
As I mentioned earlier, these specs are fairly bare minimum, so unless you have a super old computer (pre 2014 or so) you should already have these specs. There is a catch, though!
TPM Module
A TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a small chip inside of your computer that aids in the storage and generation of encrypted keys. This chip has been included in most PCs since 2015, but in almost all it is disabled. That means it’s there but it just sits dormant. Windows won’t recognize this, however, so a technician will need to dig into the inner workings of the PC in order to get it activated and running so that Windows can use it.
One important thing that Microsoft hasn’t been clear about? Some of these things are optional.
Many PC users were put off by the announcement that PCs would need to be 4 years old or newer to run the new operating system. While 4 years is roughly the life expectancy before replacing parts, many PCs are still fully functioning, even excellent-specced computers at that age. This brings us to the topic of Soft Floor vs. Hard Floor.
Soft Floor vs. Hard Floor
While this may sound like the new Microsoft Vacuum Cleaner setting, it is actually a way to sneak around some of the system requirements and keep your old PC running. In the world of computers, a hard floor is the level your computer must meet to physically be able to run with a piece of software- in this case, Windows 11. Without these specs, the computer will simply lock up and shut down. A soft floor is a subjective standard of not just running, but running well. While Microsoft may think that a new PC and a TPM chip are a necessity, I am here to tell you otherwise.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting you dig up the beige box of computer sadness in hopes of running Windows 11. That won’t happen. What I am suggesting is that an i5 processor made in 2016 is just about as good as one made in 2017. There is a lot of flexibility in these specs, so don’t resort to buying a new computer just yet. Sometimes, a simple hardware upgrade is all you need. These sorts of upgrades can keep you going for years to come. For upgrades, call us first!
The Bottom Line
If you have a computer that runs well now, it should take Windows 11 without a hiccup. If you have a computer that causes stress, sadness, and overall lack of joy, you should consider upgrading before updating. We always recommend an i5 or greater, an SSD, and 8GB of RAM for any computer. These specs are above the bare minimum to a level where the workflow of your computer runs smoothly. No excessive wait times, and no freezing.
If you’re considering upgrades for your computer, call us today or visit us online!
Windows 11 has officially been announced. Tech giant Microsoft held a virtual event to introduce Windows 11 on June 24th. After watching the event (and testing out a pre release build myself), here are the things I think will matter the most with this big update. Of course, there are hundreds of small changes coming, but for this article I decided to stick with just the ones that would matter to the average user. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of these new changes. Read on to learn all about the next big update from Microsoft.
UI Redesign
Microsoft left nothing untouched in this new redesign. The old look of Windows has been refreshed to appear more modern. Even some of the UI interfaces are being refreshed. The last time any refresh was done to text boxes or check boxes was way back in 2001. This fresh redesign is definitely long overdue, and is a welcome change for most users. Many have described the rounded corners and translucent glass look as very Mac-esque, but I personally see it as more of a Linux appearance. Either way- it’s a nice refresh to such an old design scheme. One good thing is that all of the locations for controls are staying the same. The only thing new is their appearance.
Start Menu Redesign
Yes, again. This time, it may not be a bad thing, though. With Windows 10 a few years ago, users balked at the new start menu and demands for a “classic” start menu replacement rose. Rightfully so, because let’s be honest- the Windows 10 start menu was atrocious. The start menu expanded to almost half the screen, and was full of ads and irrelevant tiles. This year, it looks like Microsoft will do a full reversal on that. The new start menu is in a grid layout, with only the most crucial icons enabled by default. You can still pin apps (formerly known as programs) to the menu, and overall, I give the usability of the new Start an 11 out of 11 (since-you know- Windows 11).
This simplification spreads across the entire OS. Many of us were expecting the long expired leftovers of Windows 7 to be purged from 11 completely. This appears to not be the case. Microsoft now seems to be embracing some of the older utilities such as Control Panel with a new design and the removal of a lot of irrelevant tweaks that don’t apply to modern systems. One more exciting update- updates! The disastrous Windows 10 update cycle that has killed a good many PCs will be improved. No specific details were announced, but Microsoft is saying that the updates will run in the background and be about half the size as in the past.
New Features
There are a few parts of Windows 11 will be completely new for PC users. A few notable things that are coming are voice typing (dictation), and a widget group to quickly check your calendar, weather, and other quick metrics without leaving your workflow. Speaking of workflow, Windows 11 now lets you group apps together for productivity if you use them together. You can define these groups and launch all of your tools or apps at once with just one click.
The final new thing Microsoft showcased was a new Windows store. If you’re wondering what the Windows store is, you’re not alone. The Windows store was hidden in the background of Windows 10, but now it is front and center. According to Microsoft, the Windows store is now open to many more apps and has been merged with the Amazon App Store for Android apps. That means the dedicated apps you use on mobile android devices are now available on a PC. That should make downloading games, streaming media, or checking social media a lot easier to access, but it also opens the door to extensive new Malware threats.
If you haven’t yet upgraded to an iPhone, you probably know that android phones are prone to a lot of what we call “junkware”. The endless spam apps and online scams from Android phones could potentially affect Windows now. Although it’s possible, it’s unlikely. Microsoft will certainly be taking many steps to limit this, hence why Amazon is their store partner and not Google. Either way, basic computer knowledge and a good antivirus program will keep you out of the worst of the trouble.
And now, a moment of silence for our friend Cortana.
One thing that’s glaringly absent from the preview build of Windows 11 is Cortana. Microsoft’s controversial voice assistant will get the boot in the newest update. It’s unclear if Cortana can be re-enabled and if so, in what capacity, but at least for now, you can rest easy knowing Cortana will not be around to offer you cat videos and Bing facts with every wrong keystroke.
Release Date
No exact date is given, but Microsoft says that Windows 11 will come with all new devices for the Holiday Season. That puts a projected release date in December at the absolute latest.
Recap
So with all that we have seen with Windows 11, it looks to be a promising update. I do recommend scheduling an update when it becomes available, but if you would rather wait, there will eventually come a day where you must update. Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will lose support in the first half of 2025, so expect to move to Windows 11 long before then, as by that time, Windows 10 will have already been largely abandoned.
To schedule your Windows 11 update for this December, call us at 207 862 7019! You can also contact us online at www.computerdoctor.me
Computers, or electronics of any kind, are generally a large investment. You’d want to protect that investment- wouldn’t you?
One of the most common problems we see here at Computer Doctor are computers that come to a grinding stop. Most of the time, the device is running just fine until it seems to be a little slower than usual. The next day, still slower. This continues until one day, the computer won’t start up at all. Many of our customers are confused when this happens. How can a computer that’s only a year old be dead already? Well, it all comes down to the lifespan of individual components.
The hard drive is the heart of your computer, and it’s also the first thing to go. Most of the time, hard drive lifespans fall somewhere in the range of 3 years. This estimate comes from 3 years of normal use, however, which means only powering on the computer when you are using it. If you leave your computer turned on 24 hours a day, it will fail prematurely.
A full shutdown is important for not only the health of your computer, but for the performance of it as well. Just because your screen is off doesn’t mean the computer is off too. When a computer is sleeping, the hard drive is still turned on and spinning inside. The only way to ensure your computer is really shut down completely is to use the Start Menu or the Apple Menu and selecting “Shut Down”.
Looking to avoid this problem? Look no further! Though all hard drives have short lifespans and are prone to failure, new solid state drives are fast, efficient, and almost fail proof. If you need to leave your computer on to run tasks overnight, or if you come and go from the computer throughout the day, a solid state drive is the best option for you. With a solid state drive, the need to shut down the computer becomes less of a lifesaving measure and more of a power nap for your computer. By rebooting, you can clear out a lot of rogue background processes and start fresh. Looking to upgrade to a solid state drive to speed up your computer and triple its lifespan? Call us today!
This week at Computer Doctor, we’ve noticed yet another uptick in scams to our customers. As usual, these scams are very deceptive and it’s difficult to determine whether it’s real or a scam until it’s far too late. Despite the hundreds of times we’ve resolved these kinds of infections, we continue to see new variations every time. The new go-to tactic for scammers seems to be fraud (ironically). Several folks last week had received calls or emails that there was an unauthorized transaction on their credit card or Amazon account and before long, they’re remotely connected to Timbuktu watching their passwords, banking info and personal info dart around the screen. The scariest detail yet is that hackers are now able to modify the HTML content of your online banking and change the names of transactions. This means that an innocent $20 withdrawal you’ve long since forgotten about now appears to be a $750 purchase from Amazon that gets your attention fast.
While this all sounds scary- there are a few very methods of protection you can incorporate today.
Antivirus
All of our antivirus options include HIPS (Host intrusion prevention systems) that detect suspicious and unusual activity- even from humans- and notify you immediately. Of course no anti virus is perfect, but these are the best in the industry.
Secure Your Accounts
After a hack, your accounts are practically wide open. Your computer stores dozens, even hundreds of online account passwords. After a hack, those passwords are most likely stolen and floating around the web. The chances of an individual hacker wanting your account passwords are slim, but they will sell them to the highest bidder in no time. Before long, your password can appear in data leaks universally. After thoroughly cleaning your computer, Computer Doctor will provide you with a paper copy of all of the passwords involved in the hack, so you can change them to new and secure passwords at home.
Be Safe Online
This last one goes beyond the cold call scams and is a tip to protect you from background hacking you may not even know has occurred. One of the most overlooked points of a data leak is the data you put out yourself. How often have you seen the seemingly innocent posts that say things like “who still remembers their first car?”, “Who remembers the street they grew up on?” “Who still remembers the name of their childhood best friend?”. Though these seem innocent, some readers may now have noticed that these are the answers to some of the most common security questions. With these answers, hackers can reset your password and access anything in your online accounts. Steer clear of these posts to be safe online.
If you have been the victim of a scam recently, or even in the past- threats may still be lingering. Call us today to set up a thorough cleaning and virus protection installation.
The year is 1991. The Gulf War rages on, Mike Tyson is arrested, and the world is dealing with the AIDS epidemic. For you, though, things are ok. Your PC is safe and sound thanks to Peter Norton and Norton antivirus. That protection isn’t what it used to be. In 2001, the founder of Norton sold the company and left the operations of it entirely. For many, the name is still synonymous with the premier level protection once offered.
A lot has changed with virus protection over the last 30 years. Companies have changed hands and now, many of them get their sales just by the brand name.
McAfee, Norton, and Kaspersky are all brands that we see bundled with PCs for free. WebRoot, while less popular, also falls into this category. Rather than wowing you with the security you deserve, these programs hedge their bets on you just clicking the “renew now” button after 30 days. You compromise the security of your computer. This includes highly sensitive info such as banking and credit cards for many folks.
One of the most common questions I get from customers is “Do I need antivirus?”. The answer to this is overwhelmingly YES! The followup to this is usually “which one?”. There are countless programs out there that claim to provide the best protection- but how do you know that you actually get what you pay for?
At Computer Doctor of Maine, we know that not all antivirus programs are created equal. We’ve thoroughly vetted the programs we sell here, and we trust them to provide the highest level of security. Though the cost of antivirus can sometimes seem unnecessary, we like to tell people to think of it like an insurance policy. Would you rather spend a few dollars now or lose $1500 to “Bob” from “Chicago” when your information is compromised.
If you need to make the switch to a better Antivirus, or purchase a new plan or renewal, give us a call today!
Are you decreasing the life of your computer and putting your data at risk?
We’ve all heard of the common threats facing our devices. Whether it’s a virus, a power surge, or even a spill from your morning coffee, many people think they take all the necessary precautions to protect their data. But did you know that one of the biggest threats to your data is… your data?
That’s right- the data on your hard drive could be it’s own kryptonite. Hard drives and even new Solid State drives are designed to operate with some free space. This free space is used for moving files and for writing files for temporary use. When a hard drive is filled beyond 80% of its capacity, the drives life is greatly reduced. This is especially true for solid state drives despite their increased average lifespan.
As computers of all kinds move towards smaller sized SSDs, it’s becoming increasingly important to keep a close eye on the amount of space you’re using. When your computer gets “jammed up” from the lack of storage space, saving your data can sometimes become a difficult endeavor. At Computer Doctor of Maine, we always recommend keeping at least 1, preferably 2 backups of your computer. Given that drives can fail without warning, a backup could save you hundreds in data recovery fees.
Not sure where the clutter comes from? We can help! Every tuneup includes an analysis and cleaning of all the hidden junk files that take up space. If you’re experiencing a slow computer, low disk space, or unexplained popups and messages- it’s time for a tuneup!
If you have questions about disk space, tuneups, backup solutions or anything else, call the Computer Doctor. We’re happy to answer your questions and find the best solution that fits your budget.
Computer Doctor- (207) 862 7019 9-5 M, T, W, F 9-12 Sat.
With the world grappling with a health pandemic, scams are shocking. Regrettably, bad actors are everywhere, always looking for opportunities, and they’re seeing one in the coronavirus. This article outlines what you need to watch out for and how to stay cyber safe.
The last thing you want to read right now is that there’s another threat out there – sorry, but it’s true. Cybercriminals take advantage of fear. They take timely concerns and use them to target victims. Using the anxiety and upheaval around coronavirus is their mission.
So far, several coronavirus-related attempts to cyberscam people have been reported. There are examples of:
emails that appear to come from government health departments;
offering a tax refund to get people to click on malicious links;
memos to staff that appear to come from large employers;
COVID-19 test offerings from private companies;
fake websites promising to sell face masks or hand sanitizer;
soliciting donations to help fund a vaccine.
What to Watch Out For
Another concern is the number of bogus websites registered with names relating to COVID-19. The site can look legit but is set up to steal information or infect the victim’s computer with malware.
You may get an email promising the attached information offers coronavirus safety measures, or information shared by the World Health Organization (WHO) if you click on the link, or a similar email pretending to be from a reputable news source, such as the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
In another example, an email impersonating a healthcare company’s IT team asked people to register for a seminar “about this deadly virus.” Anyone who didn’t question why IT was organizing the meeting clicked to register. By filling out the form, they gave their details to hackers.
What to Do
Be cautious. It’s understandable that you’re anxious, but don’t let that stop you from taking cyber precautions. You should still:
be wary of anything that tries to play on your emotions and urges immediate action;
question where emails are coming from – remain vigilant even if the communication appears to come from a reliable source;
hover over links before clicking them to see where they will take you – for example, in the WSJ example, the Web address was for the “worldstreetjournal”;
avoid downloading anything you didn’t ask for;
doubt any deals that sound too good to be true (“a mask that stops the virus 99.7% of the time!”);
ignore any communications requesting your personal information;
don’t be suckered by fraudulent pleas for charity.
Global health organizations generally do not send out emails with advice. Instead, navigate directly to that reputable health institution for real news.
If you’re still not sure about the validity of the communication, check it out. Do so by calling or using another medium to get in touch with the “source” of the received message.
While there is not yet a vaccine for COVID-19, you can put anti-virus protection on your computer. Also, make sure that you’ve applied all available security updates to keep your software safe.
We hope you’ll take care and stay healthy both physically and online in these tough times.
Need help installing security software and keeping your technology safe? Our cybersecurity experts can give your home a tech immunization. Contact us today at 207-862-7019!
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