How do I protect my computer from viruses and hackers?

There are many potential dangers with using your computer on the internet. Files and websites can contain malicious code, like viruses, trojans, malware, spyware, or adware. It is important to have programs and good practices in place to protect yourself and avoid these problems. You don't want to unnecessarily have to call BugByte, and worse, lose your precious data and files. First thing to do, get a good antivirus program. Some you can pay for, and there are some that are FREE. Symantec and McAfee are the leaders for the commercial antivirus programs, and offer all-in-one protection, such as spyware and network threat. AVG is one of the better free antivirus programs and can be downloaded from http://free.avg.com. This isn't the only protection you want or need. Spyware and malware are significant threats to your computer, and huge source of PC repair calls. The commercial applications will have some protection from this, but either adding another layer or having some protection (if you use the AVG Free) is a good choice. Spybot Search & Destroy is one of the better programs to protect you from Spyware, Malware, and most other code that wants to attack your Windows operating system, and can be downloaded from here: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download. To avoid other dangers, use common sense and good advice. If an email is from someone you don't know, don't open it. Peer-to-peer programs like Limewire and bit-torrents are at more risk to contain viruses, so be careful and scan the file)s) immediately with an antivirus program after downloading. If you download a file that is an Executable (has a ".exe" extension like setup.exe), and you double-click it, it's code can run on your computer with your permissions and rights, and if it bad, then you just put a virus on your computer. Just know the source of your download is reliable or not. Ensure your Windows computer is updated by using Internet Explorer and going to the Microsoft Windows Update Page. Enable the Windows Firewall as well. Here are the Microsoft resources to make sure you are protected: XP and Vista. I will detail best practices and safety in another article.

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Why is my computer so slow now?

There are a number of causes for this. Your computer is never as fast as the day you brought it home from the store. Once you start to install programs and data, surf the internet, and change settings, it starts to crawl slower and slower. One thing worth noting...Windows isn't always efficient in organizing data and executing programs, but there are tools to help get you close to Day 1. First, every 2 - 4 weeks, it is a good idea to Defragment your computer's hard drive. What I mean by this is, as you install programs and add files (videos, music, pictures, Office files, temporary internet files, etc.), sometimes the data is not put on contiguously, especially when dealing with large files from programs or video files. The data files for a program you install are not placed in the same location on the hard drive, so that when you run the program it has to go to multiple locations on your hard drive to get all the data. This makes running, or starting up atleast, slower. Defragmenting your computer will move the data on your hard drive so it is located in the same place, loading your programs faster, as well as Windows itself sometimes. To do this, go to the following Microsoft Knowledge base article: How to Defragment Your Computer.

Another reason why your computer can run slow, or startup and boot slowly, is too many programs starting when Windows starts. Even though you may have done little to directly contribute to this, other programs you install like to include other programs or start themselves when your computer boots up. Most of the time, this is unecessary and should be stopped. One utility you can use (built-in to Windows) is MSCONFIG. To start the utility, hit the {Windows Key} + {R key} simultaneously to bring up the Run box. type in "msconfig" and click the OK button. A new dialogue box will popup. Click the Startup tab on top. You will see a list of what is programs that start when your computer starts. You can uncheck one of the boxes to make it NOT start next time you boot your computer. When done, click the Apply and OK buttons on the bottom of the window. Important Note: Be careful what boxes you uncheck, as some of the programs are necessary. When in doubt, go to www.google.com and search for information on that program name to see if you need it or not. Remember, when your computer reboots and Windows loads up next time, you will see a box (Windows XP) that says something changed. Make sure you check the box in that window before hitting OK or you will see this window everytime you start Windows.

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What type of service that BugByte Computer Support offers is best for me?

BugByte Computer Support offers four basic services: Onsite, Remote, "Ask-an-Expert" Email Support, and Monthly Subscription Support (includes Member Access). Details and pricing can be found on the Service page. "Ask-an-Expert" Email Support is a convenient service for when you don't really need a technician at your house/business or to remote in, and want some general help or advice. Questions like: What is the best computer for my daughter? What is the best digital camera for the money? I have a strange popup message on my computer, should I worry about it? Or anything you want to ask someone who is knowledgable on technology. BugByte reserves the right to deem a question beyond the scope of an "Ask-an-Expert" Email Support call, and refer to either Onsite or Remote support to resolve the issue.

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What is this remote support service and is it safe?

The Remote service is a way that BugByte Computer Support can access your computer while you are in front of it and no technician is there physically. It is done over the internet securely through what is called a proxy from a third-party company. You will be provided a link usually through email, that you click on (Windows may ask if it is alright to give access). This will show your computer on a list to me. I then select your computer from my list and gain control of it. You can watch on your computer screen everything that is being done, even while talking on the phone with a technician if you wish. This can also be used for educational and instruction purposes, as that is a service we provide.

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Do you teach people about computers and technology?

Yes, BugByte Computer Support does provide lessons and instruction on a variety of technology topics. Some examples can include:

1. Basic computer operation and fundamentals (from logins to creating and saving files, and everything inside your computer)
2. Internet usage, including email and web surfing
3. Advanced topics, such as networking with wireless and wired technologies, Windows advanced practives, installation and configuration of Windows, etc.
4. Helping obtain A+ certifications, the standard certification to obtain entry-level IT jobs.
5. Setup and operation of other technologies, such as digital cameras, GPS, cell phones, smart phones, and PDA's

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What type of things are offered in the Member's Area?

The member's area will be offered to those that have monthly subscriptions (Silver, Gold, or Platinum service). The Member's Area will feature forums for user's to discuss issues or BugByte Computer Support to post alerts and new info in the technology world, articles on computer topics, special alerts, reviews on latest technology and software, and other great resources, like How-To articles and best practices. Those who are BugByte Forum members will also receive bi-monthly newsletters with latest information, news, articles, alerts, and products. Frequent emails may go out with emergency or urgent news on virus and malware alerts, to inform members of immediate threats on the internet, and how to avoid them.

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