I know for some of my readers they would be scared, but for a computer repair tech, it was pretty neat to see it happen. I’ve been waiting for this day, where my computer gets infected without me doing anything or clicking on anything. (Yes, I do have protection, but I keep it limited so I can get what you folks get so I can witness it).
Here’s what happened….
I left my computer on all night doing a back up, then I went to check my hotmail email and once I clicked on an email that should have been safe to open, I saw a window pop up at the top of the hotmail window, asking for permission to download. But right after, I saw the “download installer” start moving. I didn’t give it permission or press the install button. I watched for a bit to see if it would show me what I was installing, it never came, so I cancelled the installation.
Too late. Next thing I saw pop up on my screen was “Your computer may be infected, please check your antivirus software” and I knew I got infected right then and there.
Next thing that happened was a big green shield showed up in my system tray and then POOF, a huge window popped up and starting running an antivirus check. The virus I got was “Anti spyware Soft” (I believe). I have seen this before on client’s machines, so I was familiar with it. I could not believe what had just happened though, it was crazy to see it all happen. It was crazy to actually witness what happens to my clients!
I then fixed my own virus (just like how I fix your viruses) and went on with my morning. As a repair tech, we fix our own problems. We rarely if ever have to call a “helpdesk” or “repair company” but for you folks, you probably do need help to remove these.
We fix these problems and quickly. Your best bet is to write down our phone number in case your virus takes away your internet access. Mine didn’t work after the infection.
612-865-4475
Happy Saturday, it’s really just too cold here in Minnesota today!
Are you having problems with your Internet Explorer being glitchy and not working right? Maybe it’s stalling when you try to open it, or just not playing nice. We have created a video for you to watch to reset and configure IE 8 on your own. It’s a short 4+ minute video with no sound to watch and then you can do it on your own.
Remember to close your Internet Explorer 8 window at the end and open it again. You should find that it works much better and faster. Click on the button below and you will be redirected to our YouTube channel.
Are you wanting to get a bit more technical and learn to do a few things, but just don’t know how to do it? Call That Girl’s core business is repair, but we sometimes we will show you how to do a few things to not get that glitch back or make your business run smoother. If you are wanting to learn a few technical issues at your own pace, you should check out Modern Inconveniences, “Tech Guide”. It’s a really neat little book! The book has insert cards (kinda like the old school cookbooks) and every quarter, they will send you new cards to insert in, so you have easy reference very handy.
Tech Cards: Members receive six new Tech Cards per quarter by mail – a total of 24 cards over 2010! Tech Cards illustrate technology tools and how they can be used for small business owners, applications, helpful hints and step-by-step instructions. Collect them all to build your own technology resource library!
Notes: Each Tech Guide features a section to capture your questions and answers, jot down resources and suggestions.
Resource Directory: Need a quick referral for your business? The Tech Guide contains a Resource Directory for easy-to-search, categorized listings of helpful businesses that have the tools to make your job easier! Flip to the Resource Directory tab in your Guide, or visit the Guide online at: www.modernincon.com/resources.html. Over $750 in discounts!
To purchase a book, see the little book over to your right on my website, click on it and it will take you to the purchase site. Or click on this link! Cost is $54.99.
Facebook tips and tricks from Call That Girl!
The “Koobface” virus (Facebook’s big virus) is at it again and this time, hitting the Twitter folks too.
If you want to get your computer protected before something bad happens to your computer, call us today to get some good tools installed. Remember…Norton Symantec, McAfee and most of the big box antivirus software do not catch these viruses!
If you think your computer already has a virus or feel there is something strange going on, we can remove these viruses and give you real time protection before you get infected again. It’s also a good idea to have this protection for just general web surfing anyway. Websites are getting hit too, not just Facebook.
Short list of things to watch out for:
….Ponders many of my clients when a repair may be costly. Here is what we think at Call That Girl!
If you are a heavy user on your laptop, expect a 3-5 year life on the computer. My system lasted 2.5 years without a serious crash. My system is in the process of getting fixed by another company because I cannot fix what is wrong. If it’s going to be under $150, I will probably fix it. If over, I will opt for a new one. (edited to add: what is wrong with it that I cannot fix it? The motherboard is fried, and no…Call That Girl does not work on laptop motherboard issues).
I always recommend to clients this bit of advice:
New laptops are around $500 (basic laptop)
New desktops are around $400 (Dell has many that are cheaper)
If you have a desktop that is 5-7 years old, I would not put in anymore than $150 – $200 into it.
If you have a laptop that is 3-5 years old, I would not put in anymore than $150-$200 into it.
Many folks think just buying a new one is the best answer for even cheap repairs, but you have to remember that buying a new computer can have some costs or new problems that are unexpected.
As you can see, buying a new computer sometimes isn’t worth it….with the extra costs, it may be costly. If you ever have questions, feel free to contact us and we can try to help.
Seriously, why unplug all your cords and drag your computer to a shop when we can more than likely fix your problem with remoting in via your internet? Did you know that 90% of the computer problems are software and not hardware?
If your internet works, we can probably fix it remotely.
If your computer is not working, try us anyway to get a few things attempted to get back on the internet. We are pretty savvy with “loss of internet” issues! (probably virus related anyway). We often troubleshoot computers that won’t power up and get them back on track with a few tricks of the trade. (Many are here in my blog if you look back a few pages).
We offer a quick fix of up to 15 minutes for $25. Can’t beat that now can you? $75 for a full hour.
Keep our phone number handy and next time you have problems, Call That Girl! 612-865-4475
