Viruses are known to plague millions of computers each year. They can cause a lot of frustration and annoyance because your computer is not acting the way it should be; it is the difference that you notice that can prevent any further damage done to your computer. It is important to keep a look out for any indication that your computer is infected, so here are 10 simple signs to help you notice a computer virus:
Your computer is really slow. Like really, really, REALLY slow.
Nothing responds when you click on an icon and/or your software applications do not work correctly anymore.
The system reboots, freezes up, or crashes for no reason.
Your antivirus security program and/or firewall is suddenly disabled.
You can’t access your disk drives or hard drive.
You are suddenly unable to print
You start seeing strange pop-up windows stating that you have a virus or that your computer is infected. (Usually the name of the virus program/scanner is something you have never heard of and you can’t seem to close the annoying window).
You start seeing pop-up advertisement windows at unexpected (random) times.
You have major problems trying to install or download software, especially an antivirus software.
You seem to have suddenly lost the icons on the desktop and/or all other program files in our folders.
If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms on your computer, the best solution is to bring it in to Computer Doctor. We have seen the nastiest of viruses out there, and we are confident that we can nurse your computer back to health. If you have any concerns about your computer at all, please give us a call at 862-7019, we would love to take care of any computer issues you may have! You can take 15% off a Virus Removal and Tune Up service by mentioning this article before November 18, 2016!
Is your personal information and data worth the best protection and security services available? Of course it is! Computer Doctor is proud to now offer remote support, asset reporting, and system monitoring for residences in the Greater Bangor area. These services encompass more than just anti-virus— it is full system protection!
Computer Doctor’s managed security services program is comprised of intrusion prevention, proactive detection, and behavioral analysis. Deployment and updating of software is centralized to ensure coverage and consistency. Additionally we can offer web filtering and both onsite and cloud based fully managed backup. A wide range of detailed reports can be provided so you can feel confident in our efforts to support you.
But, what is the real difference between stand-alone anti-virus software and Computer Doctor’s residential managed services?
Stand-alone anti-virus software simply focuses on anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware; all of which are important to your PC’s security but your computer actually needs more security than what is traditionally offered. Computer Doctor’s Managed Anti-Virus Services has everything your PC needs; it includes what standard anti-virus software offers, plus much more! You can receive a monthly status and threat report based off the issues our network operations center has detected. Your computer also will run scheduled virus scans, and we offer both Windows and third party software patch management. We take the guesswork out of what to click and get rid of the nagging reminders for constant updates.
A major advantage to Computer Doctor’s Managed Services is the extra support you would receive by enrolling in this program. You have the option of unlimited remote support sessions for any unlikely issues your computer might encounter— from the comfort of your own home! Many computer issues can be repaired quickly and easily through a remote support session with the Computer Doctor.
What is the cherry on top of Computer Doctor’s Managed Services? Device health monitoring. The health of your computer is monitored and reported for any potential issues and if there is a problem, both you and the Computer Doctor are alerted. Problems like hard drive failure, viruses, and anti-virus expiration, printing, windows services, and blue screen issues can all be addressed quickly and efficiently. Your computer repair will be our top priority with a fast turn-around time.
Computer Doctor’s Managed Services provides you with complete PC peace of mind. Security, software, and hardware issues will be monitored and reported to both you and to the Computer Doctor. With that knowledge, you can bring your computer in to the shop to receive a quick and cost effective repair. We offer a plan that includes unlimited support and repair; if your situation qualifies for this beneficial program, Computer Doctor becomes your personal IT department! Monitoring occurs 24/7, and you can have peace of mind knowing that our systems are on the job.
This is a brand new service that only Computer Doctor can provide in the Bangor area. You will not find this convenience at any other shop around, and we are proud to offer it to residential users. Do you know of a small or home based office that could benefit from these services? As part of our initial launch of these comprehensive services we are offering 25 discounted custom packages. We can design the perfect amount of support for your family or small business in a very cost effective package. If you have any questions or would like to enroll in this innovative program, please give us a call at 862-7019 or stop in the shop at 50 Main Road North in Hampden!
What if while purchasing a new car, appliance, or piece of office equipment you were told that the item you’re about to purchase comes with on-going maintenance and improvements at no additional charge? The sales person tells you that his company will let you know when there are any improvements or when you need maintenance, and you won’t be required to visit a repair shop or have a repair person visit your office or home. Would you elect to take advantage of that offer? Maintenance plus improvements without the headaches of a service visit and zero expense on your part. Who wouldn’t say yes to an offer like that?
Unfortunately in most cases that is just a fantasy; however it is reality when it comes to your Windows operating system. Microsoft continues to make improvements and repairs to their operating systems available for several years after purchase, yet many people do not take advantage of this benefit. Well if something so sensible isn’t motivation enough, here are some more reasons why updating your desktop and server operating systems is not only prudent, it is critical.
Stories about hackers and threats to computers and networks are in the news almost every day, and many of these stories include tips on how to prevent or minimize this from happening to you. Across the board, consistently, one of the recommended tips is to keep your operating system updated! The reason is because a majority of the updates Microsoft releases are security updates. Never seen before threats are developed by crafty hackers all the time and Microsoft is constantly refining its operating systems to counter these new threats; but in order to take advantage of these improvements, and protect your devices and network, you need to keep your operating systems up-to-date.
Operating systems are also updated to address bugs and shortcomings. Prior to making software available to the public Microsoft will release a beta version of the product for people, primarily IT geeks, to try, experiment, and play with. Then, Microsoft takes the feedback and improves the product, eventually releasing it to the public. However, now that it is in the hands of the public you have dramatically increased the number of people using it and the ways it is being used. Not surprisingly, more issues come to light and, one way or another, come to the attention of Microsoft. Microsoft then uses this feedback to make improvements to the software, also known as patches, and eventually makes these new improvements available. The end result is an operating system that is not good as new, it is better!
Patching desktops and laptops is fairly easy because you can set updates to automatically download and install.
For Windows 7 users, type and click “Windows Updates” in the search box. In the left pane, click “Change Settings,” then under Recommended Updates, select either the “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates” or “Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates” check box and click OK.
For Windows 8 and 10 users, choose “Change PC Settings” in your Settings, then click “Update and recovery.” Click on “Choose how updates get installed,” and under recommended updates, select the “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates” checkbox and apply those settings.
If you follow those steps, all of the Windows Updates that are offered will be automatically installed without you being bothered and annoyed by the frequent notifications.
Because operating system updates help your computer to be more secure and perform better, we suggest installing these updates as often as possible. However, occasionally there may be problems caused by the updates. Sometimes the updates aren’t configured properly or the installation doesn’t complete and can cause your computer to revert the updates automatically (if you’re lucky), or even create some serious system issues. That is why we recommend backing up your important files, such as documents and pictures, onto an external hard drive in the event of a disaster.
Fortunately, at the Computer Doctor, we deal with all sorts of software configuration issues— including those caused by Windows updates. If you are concerned with updating your computer on your own, we are happy to install the updates here at the shop in Hampden while simultaneously tuning up your computer; we can guarantee it will be running much faster and better than it was before! Better yet, ask about our new service package that we will now be offering to our residential and home based business customers. Our business clients experience the full benefits of our managed services program. We take care of their Windows updates on a planned schedule to avoid Microsofts patch problems, we also have an automated service program that manages third party updates, continually monitors your computer hardware for potential failures and performance issues and includes a fully managed antivirus suite of monitoring and mitigation programs and so much more! We have packages to meet every need and budget.
If you are interested in a complete system tune up, or any of our other computer services, please give us a call at 862-7019 or stop by to see us at 50 Main Road North in Hampden! And if you mention this article, you will receive 10% off a tune up!
You’re scrolling your Facebook feed and checking your email when you remember you left those cookies in the oven! You set your laptop down on the couch and run to the kitchen. Your trusty golden retriever follows you everywhere, so when you run off the couch, he follows! But his excitement moves your laptop just enough to slide off of the couch and land sideways on your hardwood floor.
Ouch!
It isn’t until you go back into the living room to gingerly inspect your laptop for damage. You open it up and see the devastation that has occurred– the display has lines everywhere in all different colors and keeps flickering, not to mention the crack that is spreading across the screen.
Does this sound similar to a situation you’ve been in? We understand how hard it is to look at your beloved laptop and see a shattered screen or a rainbow of colors that shouldn’t be there.
The Computer Doctor can help you! There are two highly skilled technicians in the shop that will remove the broken screenn right now and install a brand new one for you. The parts we use are the highest quality; this means your new screen won’t be flimsy and easy to break. It will be the same quality as the screen you received with your laptop originally or higher!
We often find ourselves fixing the mistakes of others. Many repair shops don’t have technicians that have the experience and training we have, so they are fixing devices without the skills required to do a competent repair. What ends up happening is that those devices develop problems after the repair, and often the screens they install can be of inferior quality and can easily crack. I don’t think there is anyone that would want that to happen after just getting their laptop repaired.
At the Computer Doctor, we specialize in all types of computer repairs. Computer Doctor is a full service repair center; we repair hardware and software ailments on all brands of PC’s as well as the full range of Apple products, from iMac’s to iPod’s. We have you covered!
We are located at 50 Main Road North in Hampden, Maine; across the street from the Circle K in the same building as Rivertown Family Eye Care. You can also call us anytime at (207) 862-7019.
Mention this article and receive an additional 5% off your screen replacement for any device until December 9, 2015!
As a technology tech, I receive many inquires about every conceivable gadget from folks with all levels of technical expertise. I am an iPad owner and a Mac user,...
