Early next year, Microsoft is launching a free update for Windows 10; a computer update unlike any other. Microsoft is expected to release Windows 10 Creators: an update that will allow for 3-D usage on Windows 10 PCs. The Creators update will implement 3-D features on Word, Excel, & Powerpoint, Paint, Beam game live streaming software, and file sharing with your contacts.
Microsoft is also working on its own virtual reality headset, the HoloLens. Microsoft is partnering with several computer manufacturers, such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo to create budget-friendly VR headsets. However, there is no word yet on when these new virtual reality headsets will be available.
To go along with the brand new software updates, Microsoft obviously had to upgrade their hardware as well. They are introducing a more powerful Surface Book with 16 hours of battery life and twice the graphics as the current model.
Probably the most impressive hardware release, however, is the launching of the Surface Studio.The Surface Studio is an all-in-one PC that resembles a huge 28-inch tablet on a hinged-mount. It has a sharper picture than a 4K TV and delivers more color than 99% of the world’s computer monitors. The hinge allows the screen to swing down to a 20-degree angle to use like a tablet and draw with the Surface Pen. The Studio will have an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and up to 32GB of memory; this all-in-one was clearly designed for graphics professionals who need the best computer performance available.
The final Microsoft release is the noteworthy device accessory: the Surface Dial. It looks like a physical dial, but it connects to your Surface via Bluetooth for a variety of purposes. When linked, you can use the Dial to easily navigate menus; however, it reaches its prime usage when paired with the Surface Studio. When the Dial is placed on the screen of the Studio, it brings up menus or tools specific to the app you’re using.
At Computer Doctor, we are excited to see some of these impressive new devices that Microsoft is releasing. Technology is constantly evolving and we are here to help you understand these new features one step at a time. If you mention this article, you will receive 15% off of a Remote Support Session!
Remember, if you have any questions or concerns with any of the devices in your home, please give us a call at 862-7019 or stop by our shop at 50 Main Road N in Hampden!
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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!
Viruses and malware take advantage of any gaps in security your computer might have. The Computer Doctor of Hampden has years of experience in getting rid of viruses; and although he doesn’t have a prescription pad for your computer’s virus, he does have some tips to prevent it from getting infected.
Keep your Installed Programs Updated
Viruses and malware can slip right past antivirus programs and infect computers via outdated and unsecure programs you already have installed. Java and Adobe Flash and Reader are programs that have been known to lack security features. If you don’t use some of the programs you have installed on your computer, then uninstalling them will minimize the safety threat. However, we are not encouraging you to get rid of the programs you use, we are just advising you to update all your programs frequently.
To make sure your programs are always updated, Secunia Personal Software Inspector will automatically update unsecure programs to maintain protection for free, as well as limit the countless pop-ups and notifications of the new updates.
Be Careful with the Programs you Install
Viruses disguise behind programs and applications you think are safe so you install or run them. These are the most common ways to contract viruses, but can be easily prevented by being especially careful and using common sense.
These are the easiest ways to avoid unknowingly installing viruses:
Never open emails from unknown senders, especially messages with intriguing subjects!
Avoid visiting unsafe websites. Websites that begin with https:// and the lock icon are secure. Otherwise, get off of that site quickly!
Use strong passwords and have a few different passwords for different websites.
NEVER provide sensitive information by email, even if you think you know the recipient. If your bank is asking for your account or personal details via email, give them a ring just to make sure it’s actually them.
Keep your Operating System Updated
Just like viruses and malware use outdated and unsecure programs to infect your computer, they can use your operating system security vulnerabilities. Make sure you have the latest security patches and Service Packs installed to prevent viruses from getting into your system.
Use and Update your Antivirus Software
At the Computer Doctor, we highly recommend Avast Pro Antivirus. If you have brought your computer in with a virus, it is very likely we have already installed Avast on your computer! Avast has automatic software updates similar to Secunia, and scans your network for security threats to help prevent attacks to your router and network, and therefore, your computer. It has maximum financial security for banking and paying bills as well, and we have found it to be the most effective protection for your computer.
If your computer has a virus, we will gladly take in any infected computers or laptops and try our best to make it healthy again. He is the Computer Doctor for a reason!
If you bring in your device to the Computer Doctor before November 16 and mention this article, you will receive $5 off any service or 10% off a virus removal with tune up!
We’re 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 call us anytime at (207) 862-7019.
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To go along with the brand new software updates, Microsoft obviously had to upgrade their hardware as well. They are introducing a more powerful 
variety of purposes. When linked, you can use the Dial to easily navigate menus; however, it reaches its prime usage when paired with the Surface Studio. When the Dial is placed on the screen of the Studio, it brings up menus or tools specific to the app you’re using.
Viruses and malware can slip right past antivirus programs and infect computers via outdated and unsecure programs you already have installed. Java and Adobe Flash and Reader are programs that have been known to lack security features. If you don’t use some of the programs you have installed on your computer, then uninstalling them will minimize the safety threat. However, we are not encouraging you to get rid of the programs you use, we are just advising you to update all your programs frequently.
computer in with a virus, it is very likely we have already installed Avast on your computer! Avast has automatic software updates similar to Secunia, and scans your network for security threats to help prevent attacks to your router and network, and therefore, your computer. It has maximum financial security for banking and paying bills as well, and we have found it to be the most effective protection for your computer.