All posts by Affordable Computer Repairs

Cloud Computing

Personal Use of Cloud Computing

Personal Cloud Computing

For personal/home use the benefits of cloud computing are mostly related to cloud storage. This means backing up your files to an online storage server, which allows you to share them with others and also means gaining anywhere, anytime access via any internet-ready device.

What does this mean for you?

  1. Your files are backed up on the internet and are accessible via a number of internet-ready devices. These include desktops, laptops, mobile phones and tablets.
  2. There is no need to use flash drives or other external, transportable storage devices.
  3. You can invite contacts to access your cloud by email, Twitter or Facebook.
  4. Sharing files through the net which means you no longer have to upload and email individual files to your contact.
  5. You can sync devices allowing you to have constant access to the most recent versions of your files where ever you are.
  6. With an internet connection, you will have constant access to the most recent version of your files. Therefore a document that you started at work you can finish at home, or on the bus/plane etc.
  7. You can purchase digital versions of your favourite magazines. These are then available at any time as long as you have an internet connection.
  8. You can also backup your ebooks on the cloud. Thus you won’t lose your books if you lose your kindle or eBook reader – or if it fails.
  9. Movies too can be stored on the cloud. This means those long boring car journeys more bearable for both parents and children.
  10. One of the best features of cloud storage is that it enables people who are members of the same cloud to share files in real-time. You can take photos on your mobile phone, upload them to cloud, then friends and family can access them where ever they are instant.
  11. Another great benefit of storing your valuable files, photos, music and movies online is to guard against a disaster such as fire, theft, virus or flooding.

This blog was written by Mark Kotorac, Computer Technician and Owner of Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane.

Personal Use of Cloud Computing

iPads and Laptops

iPads vs Laptops

iPads vs Laptops

Pros of iPads over Laptops

Entertainment

iPads are a great entertainment device and if this is all you need from the device is web browsing, watching movies and Facebook then iPads are a better choice than a laptop.

Battery Life

iPads last for around 8 and up to 12 hours of constant use without needing to be charged. Unless you have a new laptop this far exceeds the battery life of the average laptop.

Always on Standby

Laptops require some time to boot while iPads are always on standby and ready for use. When the power button is pressed on an iPad, it goes into standby and yet remains connected to the internet so alerts from email or Facebook can still be heard.

Price

iPads are much cheaper and available for under $600.

Portability and Convenience

With the exception of some of the more expensive laptops, iPads are smaller and lighter than laptops making them more portable and convenient to use. It is also more comfortable to use an iPad as it doesn’t get too warm – there are no fans as well so there is no noise.

Voice Dictation

New iPads come with voice dictation which means that as long as you don’t have a strong accent you won’t have to type much at all. There is no training required like there was with older voice-recognition systems – words and punctuation are simply spoken and text appears – it is usually very accurate.

Touchscreen

For some people, a touchscreen is considered far superior to a mouse and keyboard and it is possible to become very fast in typing and interacting with the iPad using the touchscreen. It is noted that some laptops now come with a touchscreen.

Avid Reader

iPads make a great e-reader and have greater versatility than a standard e-reader such as a Kindle.

Intuitive Interface

In general, the iPad is very easy to use, to attach photos, post on Facebook, email and upload a video to YouTube.

Children

If you have children, iPads are a great learning device for them.

Apps

iPads come with many built-in apps such as YouTube vie, email, photo and video viewer, email, maps, calendar, weather forecasts, notepad and reminders. There are many, many (hundreds of thousands) other apps also available from the App Store.

Whilst you can’t get a Microsoft-office equivalent there is Pages, Numbers and Keynote which perform similar functions.

Pros of Laptops over iPads

Variety

iPads are a subset of laptops in terms of their abilities. With a laptop, you can burn music CDs and DVDs which you can’t with an iPad. It is also difficult to print from an iPad. iPads also do not have Microsoft Office, however, similar applications are available.

Storage

A new laptop’s hard drive has around ten times more storage than an iPad. Also, it is easy to add more storage too, such as external hard disks which are relatively inexpensive.

With the exception of cloud storage, there is no way of adding storage to an iPad. Cloud storage has the disadvantage of sometimes slow loading and sometimes needing to convert files.

Keyboard and Mouse

There are definite advantages to having a keyboard and mouse, although it is acknowledged that iPad users can become very accomplished with the touchscreen.

Compatibility

Laptops with the right software can display or play almost any file whilst the iPad is much more restrictive. With an iPad, it is often necessary to convert files, particularly for videos before they can be played.

Power and Speed

Laptops, as they are bigger than iPads, are quicker and house larger more powerful components.

iPads vs Laptops

Ultimately the choice is yours but we hope that by providing the pros and cons of each device we have helped you in making your decision.

 

iPads vs LaptopsThis article is provided to you by Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

Online Shopping in Australia

Online Shopping Behaviour Australia

Online Shopping Behaviour

Internet Shopping In Australia

The use of the internet for online shopping by Australian households continues to grow. According to the results from the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly two-thirds of 64% of all Australian internet users aged 15 years and over make internet purchases. This has increased from 61% in 2006-07.

According to the ABS domestic, it was estimated that internet retail sales were between $19 and $24 billion.

What Are We Buying Online?

Australians regularly purchase an assortment of goods and services online. According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (2013), the most popular online purchase was, by percentage;

  • Travel goods and services (56%)
  • Entertainment events, concerts and movie tickets (46%)
  • Household goods such as furniture, electronics and computers (37%)

The most common reason for online shopping was convenience (74%). This was followed by lower prices (38%) and wider availability of products and services (16%).

What We Expect When Shopping Online

In general, online shoppers are less satisfied with customer service when shopping online, than they are when shopping in-store. This contemporary need for quick online support is illustrated by the fact that over a third of Australian online shopper’s abandon website if they have difficulty in getting any help online.

Who Is Shopping Online?

Men (74%) were reported to be more likely to make online purchases than women (65%). Online shopping patterns also varied between age groups. Not unsurprisingly, the youngest age groups were those aged 25-34 years (82%) and 35-44 years (79%) dominating online purchases.

Younger shoppers also purchase a large number of goods and services with 15% of those aged 25-34 years having purchased 16 or more goods or services online in the 6-month research period to November 2009, and with 18% of 35-44-year-olds doing the same.

The value of purchases made is also interesting with over half (54%) of Australian internet shoppers spending less than $1,000 online in the 6 months period.

A survey commissioned by LivePerson also provides some interesting insights into online shopping behaviour;

  • A large majority (74%) of Australian shoppers research online before they shop in-store, this compares to 78% at a global level.
  • A significant number (23%) research on their mobile while in-store.
  • Online shopping is quicker with only 32% of shoppers saying that they spend more time online than they do in-store.

What We Expect When Shopping Online

In general, online shoppers are less satisfied (64%) with customer service when shopping online, than they are when shopping in-store (73%).

Australian online shoppers expect quick service with 62% of shoppers expecting to access help within a five-minute time frame. Over half (54%) say they would give up immediately – or only try once if seeking help when making an online purchase.

The results of the survey clearly show that even with the growth in online sales, there is still even more opportunities to increase sales through better-designed websites and greater online customer support.

What Is Showrooming?

Showrooming is the latest trend of using a traditional brick and mortar store as a showroom to test the products before making purchases. People then generally make the purchase online as it is cheaper – sometimes even using their smartphone in-store to make the purchase! This is causing an outcry by traditional retail shops which is a little difficult to understand. This is due to manufacturers taking advantage of globalisation to source the cheapest parts and labour from around the world. However, retailers don’t want shoppers to do the same.

Lower Costs

Online retailers avoid the high costs of rent, taxes and labour so that even with the online transactions fees, international exchange rates and delivery costs, making purchases online is generally more economical than purchasing in a store.

Small items, such as books and clothing, are often cheaper and easier to purchase online as they have easy delivery services.

The boom in internet shopping has meant that traditional stores must provide better service in order to keep business. However, it is common for shop owners to cut staff when faced with declining sales. This immediately lowers the level of service.

Showrooming

Showrooming is growing, and according to analytics firm ForeSee Results, 70% of consumers use a mobile phone in a retail store to research online prices while shopping. This is supported by data from U.K.-based design agency Foolproof. They recently released a report that showed that 24% of British shoppers showroomed during the 2012 holiday season. 40% of that number bought from a competitor after comparing prices.

Retailers with brick-and-mortar locations are struggling with the showroom concept. They now have the need to entice people to make purchases in the store.

Some retailers have looked at innovative ways to cross-channel their marketing strategies to encourage customers into their stores and make purchases. By looking at current services and the opportunities to expand this retail area, businesses are working on encouraging both in-store and online customers.

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 Release

Why Windows 8.1 Release?

Microsoft has announced Windows 8.1 release in response to customer feedback including complaints of Windows 8 and also the drop in sales of Windows-based desktop computers.

The release of Windows 8 released last year was an attempt by Microsoft to catch up with the growth in the market of mobile devices. And also to retain their dominance in the desktop computer market.  However, the design of Windows 8 obtained a great deal of criticism from Windows users.

Research firm, International Data Corp., reported that Windows 8 contributed to a 14 per cent fall in desktop computer sales. This was during the first 3 months of the year.

Sales of smartphones and tablet computers are rising rapidly. This contrasts with the declining sales of desktop machines running with Windows platforms.

Microsoft has stated that it is satisfied with Windows 8’s sales. The firm quoted sales of more than 100 million Windows 8 licenses in May. This compared to only around 60 million licenses in the first month of the year.

However, Microsoft has acknowledged that changes need to be made to make Windows 8. Changes include making it easier to navigate and reduce the need for a very steep learning curve by adopters. The most often made complaint of Windows 8 has that there was no longer a “start” button.

Also, users want the system to have the desktop mode used for running applications the same as for earlier versions of the operating system. The mosaic interactive tiles were highly criticised by many users.

Another factor criticised was that there were insufficient enough devices available for the touch-screen features. This is, however, likely to change as HP and Dell are planning to roll out a wider range of laptops and tablets with responsive displays screens.

Windows 8.1 Release Date

Microsoft has announced the release date for the Windows 8.1 update. It is to be released on October 17 2013. This is just one year since the release of Windows 8. The Windows 8.1 release is planned to be a free update for all Windows 8 users.

Features of the Windows 8.1 Release

The release of Windows 8.1 will introduce many changes to the new Windows 8 operating system including:-

  • Microsoft’s signature Start button which can shut down or reboot the system and disable the hot corners for running apps.
  • The Start screen comes with an installed Help & Tips tile.
  • There will be the option to resize the Metro Snap panes.
  • New lifestyle and productivity applications are to be provided.
  • There will be new app improvements to built-in apps like Mail and Xbox Music.
  • There will also be new applications for food and fitness.
  • The upgrade will include improvements to make for easier navigation using a mouse and keyboard.
  • New editing features of the Photos app will be included.
  • Windows 8.1 will also include a couple of new Charms options.
  • Upgraded Internet Explorer 11 which offers better touch and also quicker page loading.
  • An updated security system is to be provided.
  • Windows Store 2.0 is to be included with a better layout.
  • File manager is to be integrated into the cloud-based SkyDrive application.
  • The snap view feature is to be enhanced allowing users to see multiple applications on the screen at the same time.
  • There will be additional support for printing – Wi-Fi Direct printing, NFC printing and APIs for 3D printing.
  • Finally, there is a promise for better SkyDrive integration allowing files to be saved directly to the cloud.

windows 8.1 release

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service – Information on Windows 8.1 Release

Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing Ins and Outs

What is Cloud Computing?

It’s the latest thing and everyone is talking about it and how it is the future of computing, but what is it?

In simple terms, cloud computing means storing and accessing programs and data over the internet instead of a computer’s hard disk drive. The cloud is just a metaphor for the Internet.

So cloud computing is not about is your hard drive or office network. If you store and run programs from your hard drive or a server, that’s called local storage and computing.

Cloud computing, on the other hand, means you need to access or data or programs over the internet.  With access on the internet and with an online connection cloud computing can be done anywhere at any time.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

  1. You have almost unlimited storage capacity and don’t need to worry about running out of storage space or increasing your available storage space availability. As long as you have an internet connection you can access your files at any time, anyplace. This is great news for the business traveller.
  2. Cloud computing is probably the most cost-efficient method to use, maintain and upgrade your computer programs. You won’t be up for the licensing fees for multiple users as you would for local computing. The cloud provides cheaper rates and lowers IT expenses for a company.
  3. As all your data is stored in the cloud or internet, backing it up and restoring the same is relatively much easier than storing the same on a physical device.
  4. In addition, most cloud service providers also handle recovery of information, again making things easier for businesses.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

  1. The speed and cost of local storage can outstrip using a wide-area network connection.
  2. There are times when this system can have some serious dysfunction – all systems are prone to outages and other technical issues.
  3. You no longer have control over your access, the connection is controlled by a telecommunications company – your ISP.
  4. There is the question about who owns the data you store online, is it you or the company storing it?
  5. There is also the question of security issues, you need to bear in mind that you will be surrendering all your company’s information to a third-party cloud provider.
  6. Nothing on the internet is completely secure and there is always the possibility that your company will be vulnerable to external hacks and threats.
  7. There is no central body governing the use of the cloud for storage and services.
  8. You will need a very good internet connection to be logged onto the server at all times.

In conclusion, it really depends upon your company needs and computer access requirements and you need yourself to balance out the pros and cons of this latest innovation in computing.

Cloud Computing

 

 

Virus Removal

Symptoms of a Virus on your Computer

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is simply a program that spreads malicious code by duplicating itself and infecting your computer.

Most viruses attach themselves to executable files which when opened up by the user allow the virus to be loaded onto their computer.  Usually, a virus is activated when loaded onto a computer’s memory and then often continues to spread its viral code into other files and programs on the machine.  The computer may still function normally but may also spread the codes to other computers on the network or onto other computers that use the same storage devices.

Some malicious computer viruses are programmed to harm your computer by damaging programs, deleting files, or reformatting the hard drive. Others may replicate themselves and flood a network with traffic, making it impossible for the user to perform any internet activity. Less harmful computer viruses can significantly disrupt your system’s performance, sapping computer memory and causing frequent computer crashes.

A few computer viruses will attempt to use your e-mail programs to distribute the malicious code to everyone in your contacts list.  Finally, there is a malicious hacker who will use a virus to get remote access to your computer.

What are the symptoms of a computer virus?

Symptoms can be annoying or even catastrophic.  Your computer may be infected if you recognize any of these symptoms:-

  • Slow computer performance as the malware replicates itself until it fills up all the available space on your hard drive.  Programs may be running slower or won’t even open and you may also notice that your hard drive seems to be running constantly.
  • Erratic computer behaviour.
  • A decrease in download speed.
  • Frequent computer crashes with your computer becoming unstable.
  • Home page redirects, instead of your usual home page the web browser displays a different page.
  • Mid browsing redirects this occurs when after you have visited a number of pages on the net a new page automatically opens up or you get sent back to one of your original pages.
  • Unexplained data loss or corrupt data.
  • Pop-ups keep occurring sometimes even when you aren’t using your web browser.
  • Distortions on your desktop if your dialogue boxes, chat windows or other programs suddenly look different you may have a virus – alternatively you could have a problem with your display or video card.
  • The appearance of new icons.
  • Bizarre error messages show up on the screen.

If you have a particularly vicious virus that you are unable to remove, give us a call on 3397 1215 and will remove it for you – we are open 6 days a week.

what are the symptoms of a computer virus

 

Laptops vs Desktops

Laptop vs Desktop Computer

Laptop or Desktop Computer?

With laptops now outselling desktops, are we likely to see the end of desktop PCs or is there still room for both in the market? In this article, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of both types of machines.

Why are people choosing laptops?

It goes without saying that the absolute key to laptops is their portability. Whether you are on the beach, in an aeroplane or a uni student in lectures – laptops are the answer. They are, however, restricted to battery power when on the move.

Laptop computers take up less room on a desk or table and can be put away when not in use. Laptops can also be moved from room to room with ease.

Laptop computers have a single cord to contend with, rather than the multiple cords associated with desktop computer use.

If you are only needing a machine to check emails, surf the net, write papers and play limited games, laptops are an obvious choice.

Why are people using desktops?

Desktop computers have more power. Desktop computers have more transistors = more heat = faster performance – however, laptops are increasingly becoming more powerful.

Desktops will generally have higher specifications than desktop PCs, although the gap is closing. A typical desktop will have more RAM and a larger hard drive than a similarly priced desktop laptop, and it will also have a more powerful graphics adapter. The CPU, which makes a big difference in computer performance, is often the same between a laptop and a PC.

Desktop computers are generally less expensive for similar specifications and are better overall value for money.

PCs are easier and less expensive to upgrade. There is more space for new PCI cards and IDE disks.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service – Laptop vs Desktop Computer

Desktop computers are more user-friendly by having a large more comfortable keyboard and being easier to use the mouse. It should be noted that an aftermarket large, comfortable mouse and mouse pad are also possible with a laptop. However, then you are also starting to have a number of cables to deal with and losing the portability of the laptop.

Desktop computers have larger monitors and thus more user-friendly.

PCs are generally easier and less expensive to repair – sometimes without even having to open the case.

Desktop computers have a much lower risk of theft, which means less chance of losing your data and photos, and having to pay to replace your laptop.

PCs are more rugged than laptops.

Desktops are the obvious choice for gamers who need the greater speed and larger screen, although there are laptops that you can play games on they do not tend to be as powerful.

Desktop PC also allows you to store more music files.

With more than 6 out of 10 Australians now having a laptop, it is likely that this argument is somewhat redundant with most homes having both PCs and laptops and getting the best of both worlds.

Laptop vs Desktop Computer

Mac vs PC Debate

Mac vs PC Debate

Apple Mac vs PC Debate

The Mac vs PC debate is an ongoing and often highly argumentative debate…Below we have tried to provide an unbiased list of the positives and negatives from both sides of the debate.

This blog was originally written in 2016. Since this time (now in September 2019) we have found this to be an increasingly more common question and a question from Mac users who are starting to question the cost of the new Apple computers compared to non-Apple computers. The reason for this, and this is just our experience as a computer repair business in Brisbane, is that the newer Apple computers do not seem to be as durable, that is, last as long as the older Macs…

[In this blog Macs refer to all Apple Mac desktops, laptops and notebooks, while PCs and Laptops refer to non-Apple machines]

Macs are more expensive

This appears to be largely true in that there are a large number of PCs with an average price of around $1,500, whilst the majority of Apple products retail around $1,700 and as much as $4,000 or more for a Mac Pro. However, the price gap is somewhat closing. Mac users argue that the price difference is valid as they are getting a more superior product. This point has its validity with Macs having higher-end UPs, longer battery power and are often lighter and thinner than Windows laptops. Comparing like for like between the two different products, there is not much in the price debate.

PCs get more viruses

No argument here, malware target PCs because there is a bigger market for their devious programs. However, this could change in the future due to the growing popularity of Macs. Whilst PCs and Laptops are more prone to viruses, there are plenty of solutions in terms of anti-virus and malware apps that you can install and programs you can run to identify and delete viruses. For Macs, you don’t get the problem very often, however, the solution is much harder to come by.

PC repairs are cheaper and easier than Macs

More often than not, Mac repairs are more expensive than PC repairs. It is probably a function of supply and demand, with less computer repair companies such as ours being highly specialised in Mac repairs as well as desktop repairs. Thus, there are fewer Mac repair centres, and a larger fee can be changed.

Macs are easier to use than Windows counterparts

OS X is a more streamlined interface and for first-time computer users, Macs are generally easier to use.  The OS X dock makes programs easy to access, and the installation is far more intuitive than on a PC.

Desktop PCs are easier to upgrade

Generally, this is true as upgrading the hardware parts in Macs are difficult (hard disk drives and RAM excepted). For example, the newer releases of MacBook Pro and Air have soldered parts that you can’t change easily. On the other hand, you can even build Desktop PCs from scratch, using only the parts that you want and need. When it comes to upgrading PCs, there are many different ways that you can do so.

There are fewer games available for Macs

More games are available for PC platforms, however, more and more games are now being released for Macs through streaming.

There is a greater variety of choice in PCs Desktops and Notebooks

PCs have the one up on Macs in terms of choice and variety. PCs offer a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with up to 11 big-name brands wearing the Windows badge. Buyers often see this copious selection as a benefit, giving them a much greater chance of finding a computer to suit their exact needs. On the other hand, for the less technology-minded, the wider choice can just lead to greater confusion regarding their next purchase.

 

If you need some free advice on making your purchase decision, give us a call at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 and we will discuss your needs with you and provide you with some recommendations. Remember too that we can build you a Desktop PC from scratch that is specific to your needs – at an affordable price using quality components.

Mac vs PC Debate

 

 

Computer & Internet Usage

How Many Australian Households have a Computer at Home?

Ever Wondered How Many Australian Households have a Computer at Home?

There is much said about Australian’s use of technology, but few articles provide any actual statistics. It is often quoted that Australians are early adopters of technology. This article firstly answers the question; “How Many Australian Households have a Computer at Home?”. Secondly, it provides information about usage by type of Australian household. Thirdly, this article provides information about Australian’s use of tablets and mobile phones.

Australian Use of Technology – Computers

The information regarding how many Australian households have a computer at home is sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It is based on 2008-09 data so very likely understates current 2013 usage figures.

  • 91% (or nine out of 10) of Australian households have a computer at home (that is households with children). This is higher than for households without children – 73% having a home computer.
  • Of that 91% of families with children, 86% had home internet access.
  • Households without children had lower internet access with 66%, which is still a very high figure.
  • Broadband access predominates with over 80% of all households accessing the internet by this method.
  • Unsurprisingly higher-income families have greater home computer access than lower-income households.
  • Nearly all households (97%) in the highest quintile reported having home internet access. Only 61% of households in the lowest quintile have home internet access.
  • In the 12 months to April 2009, an estimated 2.2 million children (79%) aged under 15 years reported accessing the internet, rates are similar for boys and girls.
  • Usage of the internet increases with age; 60% of 5-8-year-olds used the internet and increasing 96% of 12-14-year-olds use the internet.

For your interest, there is further information on Australian households and internet access from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for 2006 to 2012/13.

Australian Use of Technology – Tablets and Mobile Phones

We have answered the question “How Many Australian Households have a Computer at Home?”. The next question is; “How Many Australian Households have Tablets and Mobile Phones? “. The information answering this second question comes from a variety of sources from surfing the net. These include The Australian 2012, OzTAM, Nielsen and Regional TAM., 2012, The Daily Mail, 2013 and The Sydney Morning Herald, 2014.

  • 31% of homes now have at least one tablet device – and this is expected to increase to 50% next year.
  • 60 per cent of online Australians are multitasking on iPads and other devices while they watch TV.
  • Of these multi-taskers who surf the web and use social networking while watching television, 36 per cent say they do it on a daily basis.
  • More than half of us now own smartphones: a total of 52 per cent up from 46 per cent last year.
  • Analyst firm Telsyte reported that 2.4 million tablets were sold in Australia in 2012, and this annual figure is expected to increase to 7 million by 2017 – in that time tablet penetration is expected to climb from 22 per cent to 70 per cent in Australia.
  • PC sales have gone into free fall with a 14 per cent drop last year (2011) – the biggest slump in history.
  • HP, the world’s largest PC maker, saw the sharpest decline with 24 per cent fewer machines sold in 2012 compared to 2011.
  • Dell also saw an 11 per cent slump and even Apple, which saw a seven per cent fall, was unable to buck the trend.
  • Research firm IDC said it was the biggest decline overall since it began tracking this data in 1994.
  • Analysts said that ‘the days seem to be numbered for the humble PC’ and that in the future we would all be using portable devices.
  • Even the launch of Windows 8 failed to stop the trend with some saying the negative response to the software may have exacerbated the trend.

how many australian households have a computer at home

This blog is provided to you by a Brisbane computer repair business, Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

Virus Removal

What is the Federal Police Virus?

What is the Federal Police Ukash Virus?

We have had several jobs in the last week and many in the last month removing the Federal Police Ukash Virus. And this malicious virus is getting cleverer all the time. 

We can remove this virus from your computer for a fixed fee of $190.  Call us on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 – 6 days a week, 8 am to 6 pm. To date, none of our customers have lost any data, files or photographs when we have removed this virus. We have also had had a 100% success rate in removing this virus.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) Ukash Ransom displays a bogus notification. The notification pretends to be from the Australian police and states that your computer has been blocked. Supposedly, you have been involved with the distribution of pornographic material, SPAM and copyrighted content.  The virus locks your computer and asks you to pay a $100 fine for your “illegal activities”. The warnings state that you will be incarcerated if you don’t pay the fine!

DO NOT PAY THE FINE.

Paying the fine will not unlock your computer. The Federal Police Ukash Virus is a scam used by cybercriminals for money extortion.

The virus also can access your installed webcam. This allows the virus to show what is happening in the room.  And this just makes the virus appear more authentic – which it is not.

If your computer is infected with the Federal Police virus, then your screen looks similar to the image below.

What is the Federal Ukask Virus?

How Did you Get Australian Federal Police Virus Scam?

There are many ways whereby the virus can infect your computer.

  1. Spam email attachments.
  2. Browsing Malicious webpages. This occurs when you browsing webpages that contain various insidious agents. These agents enter the computer and make various changes in the system settings. These include the browser settings and Windows Registry settings.
  3. Peer to peer file sharing over a connected network. Sharing various kinds of files such as freeware, documents, video or audio files can result in the Ukash Virus.
  4. Outdated security programs. You need to regularly update your anti-virus programs.
  5. Downloading freeware or other data from untrusted links. The Australian Police Virus, as well as most of the malware infections, are caused due to downloading various data. Most common being movies, ebooks, documents, music files, etc from the links or webpages which are completely or partially untrusted. Often fee downloads are the problem.

What happens after your computer gets infected with Federal Police Virus?

Once installed, the Australian Federal Police Virus will start automatically when you start Windows.  Once started, the Virus program will perform a scan and list a variety of legitimate or nonexistent files as infections. The Australian Federal Police Virus will try to intimidate you by flooding your machine with pop-ups and fake system notifications. The virus parasite will provide falsified system scan reports. This malicious virus will then execute a “scan” of your computer. This supposed “scan” will result in your computer is heavily infected by malware and spyware. It is critical to remove Australian Federal Police Ukash Virus and all its components.

Australian Federal Police Ukash Virus

The danger of not removing Federal Police Virus infection as early as possible

This infection will change your registry settings and other important windows system files. If the Ukash ransomware is not removed, it can cause a complete computer crash. Some ransomware infections contain trojan and keyloggers. These can be used to steal sensitive data like passwords, credit card, bank account information etc. It is very important to remove the Ukash ransomware as early as possible.

The Australian Federal Police Ukash ransomware may keep adding malicious codes into the infected PC or Laptop. Once added, they can then execute them to make your computer more vulnerable to the virus. These malicious codes may also disable the firewall and antivirus programs.

Australian Federal Police Ukash ransomware is like having a big mine planted in your PC. To avoid other damages to your system and protect your precious data, files and photos, the virus needs to be removed immediately.

Research has shown that Australian Federal Police Virus may also have the ability to make your computer vulnerable to other remote attacks. This could result in:

  1. initially, the loss of money (if you pay the fine),
  2. possibly identity theft, and,
  3. eventually, a painstaking Australian Federal Police Virus removal process.

The bad news, if you have this infection is that it blocks virus removal tools and system utilities, such as Task Manager. Others can even change your desktop wallpaper. If you click on any desktop icon you’ll get a message that the program is infected. The message also says you should buy the Federal Police Virus program to get rid of those infections. Please don’t trust or buy the Australian Federal Police Virus program. It’s just a scam program.

Federal Police Ukash Virus Removal

We at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service have had a 100% success rate removing this virus. To date, as noted above, none of our customers have lost any data, files, treasured photos, etc when we have removed the Federal Police Virus Ukash from their computer.

Please phone us on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707, six days a week (Monday to Saturday) and we will remove this virus and return your computer to you the way it was before it became infected. There is a fixed fee of $190 to remove this virus. Please feel free to check with our competitors to find out that this is a very affordable rate. It takes us several hours to run not one but two virus scans, remove the virus and add protection to your machine.

Furthermore, the Virus Ukash has become increasingly difficult to remove as it has evolved and become increasingly clever. We now have to take the hard drive out of your computer, put it into another machine and then run the scans.

Like any virus, the sooner you remove it the less damage it can do. Urgent expert removal is required as this virus freezes screens.

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