Malware Advice for Apple Mac Users

Do Macs Get Malware?

 Yes, Apple computers do get malware and unfortunately, it is becoming more common. Unfortunately, Apple does not respond quickly to malware threats as Mac users might hope for. Therefore, it is a smart idea to have some protection on the Internet for your computer. Make sure to do research first on both free and paid software protection before choosing which ones to install on your machine.

Many people still believe it is safe to use their Apple Mac without needing an anti-virus/malware program. However, more people are installing third-party programs such as Norton Internet Security, Sophos or Avast.

Are Macs More Secure Than Windows Computers?

As there are more Windows-based computers than Apple Mac computers, they have become a viable target for cybercriminals. They are also more vulnerable and easier to hack. This makes them a more attractive target.

However, with the recent increase in market share of Apple computers, the focus for criminals widens. This is as the market for cyber activity becomes more attractive and accessible.

The Mac OS is not immune to hacking, but it is arguable more secure than Windows 7, 8/8.1 or 10. This is due to being a Unix-based operating system. It uses App Sandbox to prevent the application from accessing parts of the operating system it doesn’t need. This limits damage in the event of an exploit or security compromise.

How To Check For Viruses And Malware On Your Mac

Have you noticed changes in your Mac performance, such as recent slowing, Safari malfunctions or weird behaviour on the search engine? It is worth checking that you aren’t a victim of malicious software or computer hacking.

In April 2018, macworldco.uk published their guide and recommendations for the best Mac anti-virus programs available for purchase.

Some products also offer free versions of their software. This includes access to their full version for a limited period without subscription fees. Chief among these are “real-time protection” and “anti-ransomware/crypto-locker defence”.

We regard Malwarebytes for Mac as a highly effective and useful software tool, however surprising it was not included in the aforementioned article. After looking at this article, we encourage you to install one of these programs, update to the latest virus/malware definitions and run a scan of your system.

How To Protect Your Mac From Virus And Malware

The MacOS has built-in programs including Gatekeeper, Malware Removal Tool and Xprotect that run in the background. These prevent malware threats and suspicious software and are updated along with general MacOS updates. However, these programs have shown various degrees of effectiveness in protecting your computer against virus and malware. In addition to implementing third-party security software, we suggest you also do the following;

• Always be careful of your activity when online
• Be careful of unknown emails and files, and never provide personal information to unknown sources
• Ensure that your Mac and all accounts are protected with strong passwords. These passwords should be made up of at least eight characters including numbers, letters and special characters
• Ensure that your Mac’s built-in firewall is enabled: System Preference > Security > Firewall
• Make sure that “Open safe files after downloading” is unchecked: Safari > Preferences > General
• Disable Java in your browser: uncheck “Enable Java” in Safari > Preference > Security
• Check that your Mac and applications are always up to date and that the updates are through Apple and not from internet popups.
• Only install software from reputable and verified sites
• Never install pirated software

Xprotect

Apple has a malware scanning tool called Xprotect which works with any OSX from 2009 with Snow Leopard (10.6) onwards.  This is a feature built into “File Quarantine”.  When you open an application downloaded from the Internet using a “File Quarantine aware” program such as Safari, Chrome, Mail or iChat, you will see a warning message. This message is informing you that the application was downloaded from the web along with specific website information.

If Xprotect does detect malware, you will see a warning message that says running this file will damage your computer and informing you which malware definition it matches. Make sure the default in the App store is checked “Install system data files and security updates”. This allows this program to function best to keep malware off Macs.

Safari Anti-Phishing Technology

There is also anti-phishing technology in Safari that will detect fraudulent websites. It will disable the page and display an alert warning you have visited a suspect website. Plug-ins to Safari won’t run if they aren’t updated to the latest version (Adobe Flash, Silverlight, QuickTime, Java etc). This is another way of keeping you safe.

How To Remove Virus And Malware On Your Mac

Hopefully, your computer will already be installed with an AV program that has detected the virus, trojan, keylogger or malware on your system. Ensure that your AV program removes these items from your system. In some cases, you may need to instruct your AV program to remove or quarantine these items to complete the process.

Check the settings of your search engines to ensure they have been reset to their default settings. Otherwise, you may need to repeat the whole process again as the malware was not completely removed.

Recent Apple Mac Malware Attacks 2017

1. OSX/Dok which is a Trojan horse could hijack all traffic entering and leaving a Mac without the user’s knowledge. It even had a legitimate and valid developers’ certificate. This Trojan worked via an email phishing campaign. Be aware of emails from people you don’t know and with attachments.
2. Xagent can steal passwords, taking screenshots and get iPhone backups stored on your Mac.
3. OSX/Pirrit was hidden in cracked versions of Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop found online. Once installed, it gained root privileges and created a new account in order to install yet more software.
4. MacDownloader was found in a fake Adobe Flash update. When it was installed, an alert claimed that “There is adware on your Mac”. It then wanted a password to remove said adware. The virus then transmitted data including the user’s Keychain to a remote server. Keychain contains such items as usernames, passwords, pin numbers, credit card details etc.
5. The Word macro virus (Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc) when run automatically created issues for Mac users. With the release of the 2011 Microsoft Office, Apple enabled macro support, but this has become an issue. The file must be opened with macros enabled (which doesn’t happen by default). It will then run a python code which runs keyloggers (logging keystrokes) and takes screenshots.
6. FruitFly was first reported in January 2017 and it conducts surveillance taking screenshots and webcam images as well as looking for other devices on the network to exploit. According to Malwarebytes, this attack has been going on since Yosemite released in 2014.

More Mac Malware Attacks

There have been even more recorded Mac malware attacks such as;

• KeRanger (Ransomeware)
• Safari-Get (Mail is hijacked, and the system is overloaded. The computer shuts down then forces you to get help from a bogus Apple support number with a fee charged)
• Touch Bar hacks (Touch Bar display hijacked through a flaw in Safari, which can let an intruder gain root control of MacOS)

At Affordable Computer Repairs and Service, we offer a Mac Virus Removal service in our Coorparoo workshop. Contact us today on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 to speak to our technicians about virus removal or any other Apple Mac related inquires.

Laptop Battery Replacement – The In’s and Out’s

This article answers many questions you may have regarding laptop battery replacement; how to remove a laptop battery; how much does a laptop battery cost; how to make a laptop battery last longer; how to replace a laptop battery; where to buy laptop batteries and can you replace your laptop battery yourself?

Need for a Laptop Battery Replacement or Other Problems?

Whether it’s a Windows-based device or Google Chromebook (one manufactured by Lenovo, HP, Dell, ASUS, Acer, etc) or an Apple MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, an integral part of this kind of computer is the use of battery to allow you the flexibility and mobility that this offers – not being dependant on using a power socket in your home, office, whilst you’re travelling, etc, to power your computer.

A failure to charge or recharge may be the sign of a faulty or failing battery and a laptop battery replacement may be in order. However, it could also be an indication of problems associated with your computer’s motherboard (“logicboard” on a Mac) or AC socket (MagSafe DC-In board on an Apple MacBook) or charger.

Types of Laptop Batteries

There are two main types of laptop battery commonly in use today: lithium-ion and lithium-polymer. Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride laptop batteries have all-but been phased out by now, replaced by their more reliable and efficient lithium cell counterparts. Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer function in very similar ways, despite employing technological differences. Like most things, they both have their various strengths and weaknesses.

Internal or External Laptop Battery?

Laptop battery replacement cost depends upon whether you have a system with a battery that can be easily removed and replaced (ie. one that is externally mounted) or one that is installed inside your computer (requiring a degree of disassembly to remove and replace the battery).

If you use an Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro (Unibody or Retina) or MacBook Air, or; a compact, light-weight Windows notebook, like one of the many varieties of Ultrabook or 2 in 1/ convertible designs, your system will have a system with an internal battery, making laptop battery replacement a little more involved and complicated.

How to Remove and Replace a Laptop Battery?

If you are lucky to have a laptop with an external battery, you will usually find two latches (one used to lock the battery in place) on the underside of the computer. Slide the latch to the opposite side and hold it in that position to release the battery. Sometimes, manufacturers resort to using screws (usually 2). If your battery is internal, then the number of screws you will need to remove will be considerably more, in addition to disassembling the computer case or housing – without destroying cables and connectors, etc.

How Much Does a Replacement Laptop Battery Cost?

The cost of a replacement laptop battery depends very much on the age, make and model of your laptop, along with the location of the supplier. Some types of replacement batteries support a range of different models and occasionally across brands. OEM or “genuine” replacement parts will often be more expensive than something marketed as “clone”, but will usually be of better quality, have a longer service life and more reliable.

To get an idea about the cost of a replacement battery for your Apple MacBook, try MaxFixit or for your Windows laptop from one of several different suppliers like AU Batteries. There is always eBay as well that you can use to compare prices, but be sure you compare apples with apples, not apples with pears.

How To Make a Laptop Battery Last Longer

Consult the relevant manufacturer’s information that came with your computer or go to the support section of their website to find the relevant service information relating to the care and maintenance of your computer. A common question that keeps being asked: Does running your laptop on AC power damage the battery? Should I remove the battery to increase its serviceable life?

There are ways to make your laptop battery last longer through care and practical every-day maintenance. Although opinions differ, some of the more credible advice includes:

1. Never (intentionally) allow your battery to completely discharge;
2. Always partially discharge, then recharge
3. Only use partial discharge cycles — 20% to 80 or 85% is an optimal range
4. Avoid extensive exposure to high temperatures (avoid using your laptop on surfaces with poor heat dissipation);
5. Remove the battery (if this is possible) during prolonged AC power connections, and
6. If storing for long periods, charge to around 40%, and then periodically recharge the battery when possible.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Laptop Battery?

If your situation is one where the original battery can be easily removed, it will be easy and the laptop battery replacement cost is limited to the replacement battery. If however it can’t be easily removed (involving a degree of disassembly of your laptop, and you’re not confident of doing it yourself, (and you live in Brisbane) contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service to get a quote.

Can I Replace a Laptop Battery Myself?

Yes, you can replace a laptop battery yourself. Be sure that you are ordering the correct battery for your particular brand and model. Confirm that the battery replacement has the same specifications as your existing computer (ie. voltage, watts, amps). Your existing battery should list this information somewhere on the batteries casing. If you’re not confident to do this work yourself, contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service. Be advised that if your laptop is a MacBook Pro, late-2012 Retina (13 or 15 inches) or later, you will find that the battery is glued to the inside of the upper case assembly. This makes battery replacement for these devices more complex, time-consuming and more expensive than it needs to be.

Where to Buy Laptop Batteries?

To find a replacement battery for your Apple MacBook, you can go to Macfixit or for your Windows laptop from one of several different suppliers like AU Batteries. There is always eBay as well, but choose your supplier wisely as ordering from the “wrong” supplier

Can I use my Laptop Without a Battery?

Many current designs allow you to use a laptop without a battery fitted or at the very least, a “dead” or unserviceable battery. Given that many people use their laptops more like a compact desktop computer – with portability only a secondary or occasional concern – that may not be an issue.

What are the Signs that my Laptop Battery is Failing?

The best way to assess whether or not your laptop battery is beginning to fail is to measure the amount of time you can run your computer before you need to recharge. Compare these time to what you are getting when you first got your laptop, or consult the manufacturer’s specifications if these are still available.

Of course, if you are running on DC or battery power, and your computer shuts down after 15, 30 or even 60 mins after initially indicating a fully charged battery, you can be safe to assume that your battery is failing.

Laptop Battery Replacement Summary

If you still have questions regarding laptop battery replacement, even after reading all of the above, you can call Mark, a Brisbane computer technician on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

When to Replace or Update a Mac

Are you running an old MacBook Pro, a slow iMac or just an Apple Mac that feels like it’s past its use-by-date? Take some time to consider your options as to whether you should replace or update your Mac, and if necessary, get some objective advice, rather than just the sales hype.

In a previous article, we have discussed how long you can expect your iMac, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air to last, but there are other equally import things you need to take into account before you buy your new Mac computer, or spend money to update your existing machine.  So, if you are questioning if you should replace or update your Mac, let’s begin with an often overlooked or least considered factor – the MacOS.

Mac OS Updates

With the launch of Apple’s next MacOS (Mojave 10.14) only weeks away, it may be a good time to assess how the imminent arrival of Apple’s latest operating system may impact on you and whether you should replace or update your Mac. Let’s start with the good news first. According to information currently available, if you have one of the following devices (listed below), you should be able to successfully update your Mac and install and run MacOS Mojave.  They are:

• MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
• Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
• iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013, plus mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with recommended Metal-capable GPU)

Is Mac Update Possible?

However, according to the same sources, if your Apple Mac computer is one of the older 2010 and 2011 machines (or Late 2009 in the case of the iMac and MacBook) that were able to run MacOS High Sierra (10.13), it will not be upgradeable and thus cannot be updated to MacOS Mojave.

If you are in this situation and already running MacOS 10.13, the news really isn’t that tragic. So long as your system is performing well, is stable and is regularly backed up (preferably using Time Machine), you should be able to keep your Mac running for at least the next 18 months to 2 years through regular updates from Apple (including security updates & patches) and from third-party vendors like Google (Chrome browser); Microsoft (for Office 2016 & 365 products) and Adobe (for their Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop) to name but a few. Of course, extending the life of your Mac depends a lot on the serviceability of the hardware. Things like the GPU (video/ graphics), the logic board (motherboard), RAM (memory) and PSU (power supply) in particular.

Update to MacOS High Sierra

If you are running a Mac with a version of the MacOS older than 10.13 High Sierra, and have a need to run current/up-to-date versions of productivity software like those mentioned above – and want to extend the useful life of your Apple computer (hardware permitting) – then you should consider updating to MacOS High Sierra in the next few weeks, before the official release of MacOS Mojave.

By doing so now, you are getting a more stable and reliable version of High Sierra (10.13.6), compared to the version that was released nearly 12 months ago. But be sure to back up your system first using Time Machine, and be you have all the necessary product installation codes/ keys, passwords, etc, in case something goes wrong.

Of course, you may be happy using MacOS Snow Leopard (10.6.8), Lion (10.7.5), Yosemite (10.10.5), etc, and not feel the need to change. At the other end of the scale, you may be a person who regularly updates their computer with each new MacOS as they are released, hence being at the cutting edge so to speak.

Mac Update Issues

Neither of these strategies is an ideal solution when considering whether to replace or update your Mac as they both impact on software compatibility, system stability and security. At one end of the scale, your system will become more un-useable and less secure over time, whilst at the other end of the scale, your system may suffer compatibility and stability issues over the short-term (until these problems get addressed).

Mac OS Update and Product Cycle

Apple’s current product development cycle means that a new version of its Mac operating system is released annually, and this will impact on your decision whether to replace or update your Mac, with significant product improvements over the following 12 months, before the cycle is repeated again in approximately 12 months’ time. With each new MacOS release comes the end of product support for an earlier version – not only from Apple, but third-party vendors like Google and Microsoft – and this may impact on your computer system’s hardware.

This product cycle is more to the advantage of Apple and its third-party partners by pushing sales of both software and hardware, and not necessarily to the advantage of the average consumer.

Replace or Update Mac?

Nevertheless, based on the information above, it may be reasonable to assume that various models of Mac computers 6 years old or less will be (or should be) able to run the latest MacOS release and that systems 8 to 9 years old should be able to run earlier (but still officially-supported) versions of the MacOS to assist in your decision whether to replace or update your Mac. If that is the case, does the cost of upgrading hardware make sense and can you justify spending money updating your Mac? The short answer is more than likely, but it all depends on your particular needs and circumstances.

Keep Buying New

If you can afford (or simply prefer) to buy a new Apple Mac computer every 5 to 6 years, then this may be the optimal solution for you. With current prices for default configurations of the most popular Mac models ranging from the MacBook Air ($1,500 to $1,900), the 13 and 15-inch models of the MacBookPro ($1,900 to $4,100) and, the 21.5 and 27 inch iMac ($1,600 to $3,500), a purchase like this may be reasonable for something that will last you around 5 to 6 years, and probably more.

Of course, these prices are for off-the-shelf configurations. If, for example, you need 512 Gb or 1 Tb of storage and 16 Gb of RAM/ memory on your new MacBook Pro, it will cost you a lot more.  You may be thinking that, as in the past, these upgrades can be deferred down the track. Unfortunately, since the release of the late 2012 models in both the MacBook Pro and iMac ranges, many of these component upgrades can be difficult, expensive and in some cases, no longer possible. Looking at it from this angle may make it a little harder in deciding whether or not to replace or update a Mac.

For more information on whether you should replace or update your Mac, contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

Should I Buy a New Computer?

At Affordable Computer Repairs and Service, we try to get your broken or faulty computer up and running again but sometimes, despite our best efforts, the repair is no longer possible or economically viable. In these cases, we often get asked which is the best computer to buy and in particular the following questions:

• What do you recommend I get now? I just don’t like Windows 10!!
• Which brand do you recommend I buy?
• Should I switch to Apple and get a MacBook Pro or iMac?
• What do you think of an all-in-one desktop?
• Do you think I would be better off with a laptop?
• Should I get a custom-built computer or buy “off-the-shelf”?

To address some of these commonly asked questions and help you decide which is the best computer to buy, we suggest you consider what type of computer will meet your needs, expectations, and budget. There is no point spending thousands of dollars if all you intend doing is surfing the internet or accessing your email.

The decision-making process may seem simple enough until you undertake the process

Perhaps the first thing to decide is what type of computer do you need? A desktop or a laptop/ notebook? A laptop will give you flexibility as it’s portable and space-efficient, but at the expense of screen size, processing power, a relatively insufficient number of USB ports, and now more often than not, the lack of a DVD or optical drive.

Do You Need a Computer?

Only you can answer this question. Let’s suppose your current desktop or laptop fails to start the next time you power it on. What would you do? Could you survive by just using your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet? Could you get by for a day, a week, a month, or not at all? Maybe you are in the fortunate position of no longer using or needing to use an old-style desktop or laptop/notebook computer, as you don’t need to compose, edit or print documents, spreadsheets or presentations, prepare your end-of-month accounts, undertake photo or video editing, or play higher-end video/ computer games.

But if you aren’t in that fortunate position, you may want to pause for a moment and consider the flexibility that a computer – whether it’s a desktop or laptop – offers in the productivity or gaming stakes.

Apple Mac or Microsoft Windows (…. or open-source Linux)?

So which one is better, faster, more reliable, more stable – a Windows computer or an Apple Mac?  These are not unreasonable questions to ask, but perhaps not the most relevant things to focus on when deciding which is the best computer to buy. You should first consider whether you are a current Mac or Windows user, and if you decide to make the switch, how will you navigate the different menus, layouts and settings between the two. Also, a MacOS will read the files you import from a FAT32, ExFAT or NTFS partition, but your Windows operating system won’t be able to read a Mac HSF+ partition and you will need to copy those files to hard drive formatted in FAT32 or ExFAT.

The problems of stability and reliability of the MS Windows operating system, especially Windows 10 in recent times, has prompted many users when considering which is the best computer to buy to make the switch to Apple. Conversely, the replacement cost of an Apple MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or iMac – and the proprietary nature of both the system design and individual components (making it either very expensive or near-impossible to repair, especially on most post-2012 models) – has seen many users abandon the Apple brand and switch to a computer running Windows.

So does paying a premium purchase price for an Apple Mac guarantee a quality product and an above-average service life? It can and often does, but there’s no guarantee. On the flip side, a less expensive Windows computer may not have the same level of quality found on the Mac, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t last as long.

You do have a third option, and that’s to choose to go and install one of the many varieties of the open-source Linux operating system and replace the existing Windows operating system currently running on your computer. Whether you choose Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Red Hat, or another of the many other distributions available, Linux is very much one for the enthusiast – for the time being at least.

Which is the Best Computer to Buy – A Desktop or Laptop?

If you have the available space in your home or office, and you don’t need the flexibility or mobility that a laptop/notebook offers, then a desktop is an ideal choice. All-in-One designs like the Apple iMac have continued to be popular and there is an increasing number of similar designs for Windows-based computers from manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, and ASUS. The advantages are a neat package with an integrated screen design (currently ranging from around 21 inches to 27 inches), many with full high definition (FHD) IPS quality displays.  Of course, these have their downsides as well, with the cost and availability of replacement parts being a major factor.

Traditional desktop computer designs consisting of a tower case, a separate monitor, speakers, etc, are still popular, especially amongst gamers or those people who need powerful audio and video editing suites. Custom-built computers offer a wide range of options and configurations but can be pricey when compared to some of the established brands.

Laptops or notebooks are other viable options, but they can present you with some serious short-comings if all you want is a compact desktop replacement.

How Much Should you Spend and What Should You Look For?

Our rule of thumb when deciding which is the best computer to buy is to only spend what you are prepared to spend again in 3 to 4 years on a typical Windows computer, or 5 to 6 years for a comparable Apple Mac. If you can get a longer trouble-free service life than that, then that’s great. Be aware, however, that it isn’t always hardware failure that will drive your next computer purchase, but hardware obsolescence. Both Microsoft and Apple are pushing newer versions of their respective systems which make ever-greater demands on hardware. The typical life-cycle of an operating system – be it Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS – is shrinking, whilst the official support for older operating systems is gradually being wound back.

When buying a new Mac, your choices are a little more straight-forward (some might say a little more limited). Nevertheless, your new stock-standard Mac is well configured to run the MacOS. The only thing you need to ensure is that it is configured the way you need it before you place an order and pay your money. Upgrading the hard drive/ storage, RAM, etc may get very expensive if you decide to do it down the track. For example, if buying a new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, ensure that a 128 or 256 GB SSD/flash drive is sufficient to meet your needs.

To run Windows 10 successfully, we recommend that choose to buy a computer with the 64-bit Professional version of the operating system, a minimum 8 GB of RAM, a minimum 500 GB (for laptops) or 1 TB (for desktops) of hard drive space, and an Intel Core i5 processor (or equivalent AMD CPU). Make sure it comes with enough USB ports for your particular needs and don’t assume that it comes with a DVD or optical drive – many new laptops have a woeful number of USB ports and don’t include the option of a DVD drive.

For further information and helpful advice on which computer to buy, contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

Three Years On with Windows 10

Be aware that you may experience Windows 10 Update Problems

(… and be sure to take a few simple steps to minimise the risk of downtime and data loss as a result of Windows 10 update problems)

Almost three years after its launch and some users of Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system appear to remain affected by update problems at various times. In our experience, Windows 10 update problems have for some consumers resulted in inconvenience and lost productivity, and not necessarily the kinds of problems that can be easily resolved. Unlike earlier versions of the Windows operating system – where you were able to turn off, postpone or had the discretion which updates or “patches” to install or not – this no longer the case with Windows 10, although the Professional version allows you a degree of flexibility and user control compared to the more common and less expensive Home version.

Launch of Windows 10

Microsoft’s public launch of Windows 10 (Version 1507, the first release is known also as Threshold 1) occurred on 01 August 2015 with the promise of the best Windows ever. Unfortunately (in our experience) we can’t remember when an “update” for the “best Windows ever” hasn’t resulted in numerous phone calls to us from desperate and frustrated computer users seeking help after their computer has failed start correctly or Windows has failed to boot. Of course, previous versions of Windows have had their share of problems as well, but given the hype, the spin and all the positive reviews for this product (Windows 10) in the last few years, we all expected better.

You may have acquired your copy of Windows 10 by opting to accept Microsoft’s offer of a free upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, or through the purchase of a new computer.

Windows 10 Update Problems

Since that momentous day in August 2015, we have had to navigate a range of major Windows 10 updates (and correspondingly Windows 10 update problems) in the form of Versions 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709 and 1803 with names like November Update, Anniversary Update, Creators Update, Fall Creators Update, April 2018 Update respectively and it seems that never a day goes by when someone hasn’t been denied use if their computer by Microsoft and their seemingly perplexing “update policy”. We don’t remember Windows XP, Windows Vista (which was widely derided at the time and in hindsight, unfairly so), Windows 7 (the pinnacle), Windows 8 and 8.1 (with a less than successful interface, but otherwise a decent system) having these same issues. Yes, of course, there were minor glitches in all of them and they all had their idiosyncrasies which weren’t resolved until the release of the first Service Pack, etc, but nothing seems to match Windows 10 and the problems associated with it and it’s updates up to now.

Even the numerous pro-Microsoft reviewers who gave it the thumbs-up (and continue to promote it in glowing terms) must by now be finding it difficult to keep extolling the virtues of Windows 10 against all the problems caused by the many Windows 10 update problems and remain positive.

Our Advice Regarding Windows 10

The message here is not to be in too much of a hurry to retire or replace that “old” Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 system unless you have to. Microsoft’s Extended Support for both of these products ends in early-January 2020 and 2023 respectively. It’s a fair bet that you will be able to keep your computer running quite happily for a time after those dates, but it’s equally likely that those systems will experience serious hardware failure – due to age – and will need to be replaced by then anyway.

From now on, any computer you buy – even a custom-built desktop, like a gaming computer – will come pre-loaded with Windows 10, unless of course, you decide to make the switch to MacOS or one of the many different open-source versions or “distros” of the Linux OS.

For your next purchase, seriously consider buying a system with Windows 10 Professional (or upgrading from the Home version). That way you get back a little bit of control as to when you choose to update the system. In case it all goes wrong, you won’t get caught out when working on that important document.  This doesn’t, however, mean that you are safe from Windows 10 update problems.

Backup and System Restore Points

Lastly, remember to back up your files and personal data (documents, photos, etc) regularly, and ensure you create some system restore points regularly. If you’re not sure how to do this or have questions about other Windows 10 related issues, contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

FYI We provide a Managed IT Service for Brisbane businesses, this service provides security, reliability and reduces downtime – as part of our Managed IT Service. If you wanted to roll out Windows 10, we would assist this process and explain the advantages and disadvantages to ensure that your business runs as smooth with Windows 10 as other versions of this software.

PC Setup

After taking delivery of a new desktop PC – whether you bought a branded (ie HP Acer, ASUS, etc) desktop or not – you need to spend some time to perform an initial or first-time PC setup in order to get it running. This includes plugging in all necessary cables, a monitor (if applicable), mouse and keyboard (wired or cordless), speakers, a printer/scanner, in addition to setting up the Windows operating system and productivity software like MS Office.

Before you start setting up your PC, make sure you have all the necessary items:

• PC tower or case: this houses the core components of any computer system and is critical in setting up your PC;
• Monitor: If upgrading you may already have a monitor and it should work on your new PC, but ensure that it supports the input connection types compatible with your new system. Your new computer may be an all-in-one system, where the monitor/ display and speakers are combined as a single integrated device;
• Mouse and Keyboard: A mouse and keyboard that is connected via USB to control the computer. These can be wired or corded, wireless (including Bluetooth);
• Other peripheral devices such as speakers and webcam;
• All essential cables such as power for monitor and PC and video connector for a monitor.

Connecting Cables

Connecting the various cables for a PC is an easy part of a PC setup. Included in the box that your new PC came in should be a power cable. This cable plugs into a wall socket or power board and into the power supply on your desktop which is usually located at the rear of the case – usually at the bottom, but sometimes at the top. It is fairly easy to spot. Sometimes, there is also an on and off switch next to the plug, which you will need to ensure is in the ON position once fully plugged in.

Monitor Setup

Next step in the PC setup, is the monitor setup. Depending on what sort of monitor you get there are multiple different cables that go from the PC to the monitor. This includes Display Port, HDMI, DVI and VGA.

Each connection has its advantages and disadvantages; HDMI is restricted to 60 Hz and is generally used for TV’s but works perfectly fine for the usual 60 Hz monitor. Display Port is used for 144 Hz displays, and DVI is an older connection that works fine with 1080p monitors, but usually limited to monitors up to and including 24 inches with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1600. Keep in mind that all of these cables are digital so they all have the same quality it is just some extra features that make the difference, but the common user sees one.

Using cables featuring any of these connection types is straight forward. One side of the plug goes into the monitor and the other into the back of the PC, it is generally pretty easy to tell which plug goes whereas they all have rather distinct features. Once plugged in, make sure the monitor is plugged in and working.

Connect Peripherals

After this you must plug in your mouse and keyboard, this is again fairly easy as they will both be USB and plugged into the back of the PC. Universal Serial Bus or USB has been around for a number of years and is one of the best and most reliable connections and is the only one you available for wired and wireless mice and keyboard. Some computers, especially custom-built systems, may still include 1 or 2 older style PS2 connectors (coloured green and purple and circular in shape) for older style mice and keyboards.

Lastly, don’t forget to connect your speakers if you have these as well. Usually, there is a small round socket at the rear of case – often coloured light-green – for you to connect your speaker cable.

Boot Up

After you have done all of this, boot up the computer and make sure that the monitor is working. If something is not working check that all the cables at the back of the PC have been correctly and fully plugged into the right socket and restart the computer. If a problem still persists contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service.

Windows Operating System Setup

You then need to follow the on-screen dialogue which will guide you through the Windows operating system setup. The Windows OS setup can be fairly easy as there are simple questions such as what language and keyboard setup you want. After a few minutes, Windows will complete the setup/ installation on your new PC, and you will be successfully up and running.

Connect to the Internet

At this stage of the PC setup, you will need to connect to the internet. To do this you have two options, wireless or Ethernet. If your PC has Ethernet only then you must run a cable from your router to your PC and plug it in. If you have wireless capabilities, simply find your WI-FI router under the list and input the password. Once connected, make sure that your PC is completely up to date as there may be some vital updates that could cause your PC to not work as expected.

Our recommendation is that you opt for a customised setup. That way, you can decide whether to set up your new PC using a Microsoft account, a user password, etc. We strongly recommend that you update the Windows operating system first before installing your other applications and copying across your data.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

This advice was provided by a Brisbane computer repair business, Affordable Computer Repairs and Service.

Three Ways to Connect a Printer to a Computer

There are generally 3 ways to connect a printer to a computer or iPad:

1. USB connection directly from the computer to the printer. This applies to a Windows computer or an Apple computer, but not an iPad.
2. Ethernet cable from the printer to router or switch, therefore the printer is on the local network. Again, Windows and Apple computers, but not iPad.
3. Wi-Fi connection from printer to the router, again the printer is on the local network and all 3 devices can connect. The iPad will only print to that printer if that printer supports AirPrint which an Apple supported facility within iOS.

Which of these connections is best for you or is applicable to your particular needs depends on your local setup as well as what router you may have.

Types of Printer Connections

Another key factor is knowing what types of available printer connections are built into the device. These connection types determine how to connect the printer to the computer. Over 20 years ago, printers used to have serial or parallel connections. This started to change when USB became available in the late 1990s. Serial and parallel connections became redundant as USB took over.

With the advent of Ethernet connections in the late 1980s, printer manufacturers were slow to use these connections and it was only really in the late 2000s that these became available. This was strange as PCs and laptops had these from the mid-1990s.

The latest connection medium is Wi-Fi and it is this which has become prevalent in connecting a printer to a computer or iPad. In fact it is sometimes the only connection medium available on some of the cheaper printers.

Using Wi-Fi To Connect a Printer to a Computer

Whichever connection interface  you may choose to use to connect a printer to a computer, there are several things that need to be considered. If a printer is shown to be on “the network” then most if not all devices can connect to it without relying on any other computer being turned on. So whether you use Wi-Fi or Ethernet depends on where the router is stationed and where you may want to position the printer. If the printer and router are in the same room then using an Ethernet cable can be better than using Wi-Fi. This is because it tends to be faster and more reliable.

Depending on where your router is situated, Wi-Fi has a tendency to disconnect or have a poor signal, meaning your documents may never reach the printer. As well as reducing the amount of Wi-Fi data flying around the environment. However,  if you want to reduce the number of cables running throughout your household, Wi-Fi-connected printers can make it easy for multiple people to connect and print their assorted documents.

Printer Apps

Some printer manufacturers will have their own app that you have to download in order to print anything from a tablet or phone, although some of these apps aren’t very well designed and can be tricky to navigate.

Using USB Connections to Connect a Printer to a Computer

USB connections are slowly dying out, but many printers still utilise them. USB is fine if the printer and computer are always close together, a USB cable can only be 3 meters in length according to the specifications on USB. Anything longer than 3 meters can cause problems.

USB suits desktop PCs and servers but not so much for laptops and of course iPads which do not have a USB port. If you want to print from a phone or a tablet, the easiest choice is to go for a Wi-Fi or Ethernet enabled printer. This means that most devices in the house can connect and print. But if you have a desktop setup and that is all you want to use to print, USB is easy and generally worry-free. Most printers currently available are able to plug in via USB and install any needed drivers and work within minutes, whereas a WI-FI or Ethernet printer will need around about 5 minutes or more of setup in order to connect to the internet.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

Whichever way you want to connect a printer to a tablet, computer or home/SOHO network, it all comes down to personal choice as well as what connections the printer and device have. If you live in Brisbane and aren’t sure what to do or need assistance, we can send a computer technician to assist you in setting up your printer correctly. Just contact us by calling 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

To Facebook or not to Facebook – that is the question.

After the current fiasco with Facebook giving away the data of 87 million of their users to Cambridge Analytica, many people are asking this question and frankly so they should.  And even if they are not asking whether or not to keep their Facebook Page, they are certainly now more aware of the need for security for their Facebook Page.

We here at Affordable Computer Repairs are often asked about Facebook and what we think about Facebook security etc.

It is all a matter of opinion and it depends on what you use Facebook for. Some use it to keep in touch with friends and family and others use it as a marketing tool for their business. Whatever you use Facebook for, you should know the basic rules that will keep you safe when using Facebook. There are also many other different social media outlets that can be used for free that you may deem safer to use.

Security Rules for Facebook

Below are some general rules for using Facebook to keep you safe:

1. Learn how to use Facebook correctly which usually means getting the settings correct for yourself and then assisting others. The settings I am referring to are who sees your details and when you post something. This can be seen in the settings in the top-right drop-down of the page.
2. Learn about what is sensitive content and appropriate behaviour.
3. Never share a password and most definitely use a completely different password for your Facebook account than you use for anything else.
4. Think before you post something. Once posted it could be there forever.
5. Adjust your privacy settings and review them regularly. Facebook changes things so regularly that your settings could get changed by them as a matter of course.
6. Only accept friend requests from people you do actually know personally.
7. Report suspicious posts and behaviour.
8. Do not put in your profile on online anything that you would be embarrassed about or is damaging to yourself or family. Many employers check Facebook accounts of job seekers. In fact, I would go further than that and I tell people “do not put anything which is factual” in your Facebook profile or a post online. Do you really want to inform all and sundry that you will be away on this date and your house will be empty? Nearly as good as taking out a full-page advert in the local paper. The type of information that you should not include on your Facebook Page includes the date of birth and location and things like location services which can tell people exactly where you were when you posted something and can be quite troubling.
9. Block or restricting people is a good way of keeping out the trolls.
10. Make sure the correct privacy settings are on your Facebook account as well as on whatever device you use to interact with Facebook, be it a computer, iPad or mobile phone and check them regularly as stated above.
11. Be street smart and savvy.

How to Deactivate your Facebook Account

A large number of people have also started deactivating their Facebook account because of these privacy issues. Here is a quick guide on how to deactivate your account;

1. At the top right of your Facebook Page is a little arrow, after clicking this go to settings on the dropdown.
2. Click on general on the left column of the settings page.
3. Click manage your account and scroll down to deactivate your account.

Some things to note before deactivating your account, you can still keep your messenger account active if you wish so you can still chat with friends. No one will be able to see your account or any information. Your friends, however, will still see your name in their friends list and group admins will still see any post you have made in that group.

This article from the Huffington Post written in 2014 before all this current fiasco started, it is well worth the time to read.

Ten Steps on How to Connect a Wireless Printer

So you’ve bought a new printer which has Wifi connection capabilities and now you need to connect it to your computer…let’s start.

Step One – Setup Your Wireless Printer

The first step is to set up your printer and install the ink cartridges/toner cartridges, paper etc.

Then, on the control panel set up the printer, you will need to answer the questions it asks such as language, country, time, date etc. Your wireless printer should have a “Get started” sheet of paper which came with it.

Once this has been done then the next step is to connect the printer to your Wifi router. Again the “get started” sheet that came with your particular make and model of printer will help you with this. If it does not, then it is best to go online and in Google search “how to connect wireless printer and make and model” (obviously exchanging the make and model for yours).

Step Two – Using Control Panel

If after Step One above you are still having issues in trying to connect your wireless printer, the setup is generally under “Maintenance” or “Network” sections on the control panel. Sometimes it is a cog wheel. Look for Network, then Wifi Setup. Under that setting, you should see “Easy Setup” (or words to that effect) and choose WPS Setup.

Step Three – WPS Setup

WPS Setup is an automatic setup system that allows both your router and printer to “talk” to each other and thereby swop information. This includes what the printer needs are; the SSID (name of the router); and the wireless password. Both of these should be on a label on your router and you also may have a credit card with this information. It is the same basic information you would use to connect the smartphone, computer or iPad etc to your router.

Step Four – Router

Step four on how to connect a wireless printer is to start the WPS Setup on your printer and then go to your router and press the button that states WPS. Most routers have a button to do this. If your model of the router does not then you would need to log into the router to activate WPS. This may be a more complicated way of doing it and would take too long to cover that in this article.

Step Five – Start the WPS

You need to start the WPS “talk” between router and printer within a certain time frame, usually 2 minutes but the quicker you can hit the button on the router (after starting it on the printer) the better. This system generally works 9 times out of 10 but some printers and routers won’t “connect” with each other by this method.

Step Six – Manually Connect a Wireless Printer

If the WPS option does not work then on the printer you would need to “manually” set up the wireless printer by choosing the SSID name and typing in the password. This can be more time consuming and difficult to do.

Step Seven – Download Software

Once the printer is on your network and connected, you need to download the relevant software or use the CD which came with the unit and install the software and drivers for the printer to work correctly. If you just install the drivers and not the software then scanning, faxing and some printing may not work.

Step Eight – Apple Operating System

The above information applies to both Microsoft and Apple computers or iPads etc. With Apple computers, there generally is no need for Step Seven (to download and install software) unless you particularly need to. Apple through their operating system will do this for you when you “Add a printer”. Apple users will know what I mean here.

Step Nine – General Information on How to Connect a Wireless Printer

This is, of course, a general guide to “How to Connect a Wireless Printer” as each printer is different and so to try and explain each one would be a mammoth task.

Step Ten – Contact Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

If you still have issues in trying to connect a wireless printer, then please call us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service (we are a Brisbane computer repair business) on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 and we can assist you further.

Computer Running Slow?

Computers are no different from any other electrical/electronic device. They have been made with built-in obsolescence and hence performance declines and a computer slows. We here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service get asked this question frequently. In fact, we get asked why a clients computer is slow on just about a daily rate. Well, consider a light bulb, when it is new it gives out the maximum light.  However over time, little by little the light bulb gets dimmer and then one day, click and nothing, it’s died.

When light bulbs (practical incandescent light) were first commercially “invented” by Thomas Edison in 1879, it was discovered shortly afterwards that if they made them too well then the market would shrivel up and die as everyone would buy one, two, three etc and then never buy any more ever again. Welcome to built-in obsolescence!

Built-in Obsolescence = Computer Slow Down

Electrical components after they are manufactured are then graded by that manufacturer. Basically there are several grades. Military being the highest and Grade 1, Grade 2 and so on. The costs of the Military units would be far higher than the lower grade units sometimes by a couple of zeros. Unfortunately, purchasing Military spec units is not possible generally for commercial manufacturers.

The components as above are then tested for durability, endurance and performance. The top units are then selected for Military, then not quite so good for Grade 1 and so on down to the units which don’t work at all and are recycled.

Commercial electrical/electronic manufacturers then purchase the units for their various products all based on cost factors. So, theoretically, a more expensive computer/car/fridge/aircon unit should have a longer life expectancy than a cheaper unit. If only this was so.

Durability and Performance

It is not only the life expectancy which needs to be looked at but the durability, the endurance and the performance of that article.

How much will the component degrade over time?

How well was the manufacturing process controlled and what of all the other components?

What was the Quality Control process like?

Who is the company who made the unit?

What ethics do the owners and shareholders have?

How much value does the company put on their name/brand?

There are many many factors governing the electronics industry as in any other industry and hence the products they produce, but in the end, it is all about costs and profits.

Components Age = Computer Slow Down

The Hard Disk Drive (HDD) can start going slower and slower over time (and use) so the computer slows down until 5 seconds seems like 5 minutes. This is because it is trying to retrieve data and because it is slowing down this process can therefore take longer and longer.

Electronic components slow down as the Integrated Circuits (ICs) are slower passing an electrical current through their gates (on/off switches). So switching from on to off can take longer and hence the “process” of whatever it is doing takes longer.

Capacitors become more and more inefficient and eventually burst their tops.

Heat can cause ICs to get too hot and in some case fry their components, therefore making them run slower and hence hotter, which is a vicious circle.

Poor power from the mains can put higher than normal bursts of volts into the electronic/electrical circuits of a computer. This can cause damage to the computer and again it slows down as it tries to cope.

Some of the newest CPUs (Central Processing Units) have over 7 billion transistors built into them. All that in a bit of silicon which is about 2 mm in thickness and 35mm square and people wonder why electronic components don’t last “forever?”

The above are some of the reasons for a computer slow down due primarily to age. The next article on ‘Why is my computer slow?‘ will be on the software reasons. Stay tuned and if you need help, give us here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service a call on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.