Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Understanding What A Computer Virus Can Do

No matter how careful you are with your computer, it more than likely will face some issue over time. This typically includes slow speeds, error messages, file corruptions, and reboot issues. There are times these issues are due to the computer's age or simple hardware issues. These can be rectified by replacing the part that has been causing the problem. In other cases, it may be due to a software problem.
However, in today's day of high-speed downloads, the issue is usually due to a virus or spyware. Computer viruses are software programs that spread within the operating system by multiplying and corrupting essential files, eventually making the computer unusable. Whereas spyware is a piece of code that has been designed to obtain your personal information and send it out to third parties.
Spyware and viruses have the ability to enter your computer through a variety of means. Email attachments, software installs, online games, and untrusted downloads all have the ability to infect your computer with a dangerous virus or spyware. Both the spyware and virus have the ability to slow down your processor speed, change the homepage, alter registry settings, damage your files, and display a wide range of content and pop-ups.
One of the best methods for keeping your computer clean is to avoid putting your computer in such dangerous positions. Before you download anything from a website be sure to read the agreement. Your internet security settings should be set to medium or higher. Even taking the above steps is not enough to keep your computer safe from infections. When your computer is connected to a network, the threat level is magnified.
It is essential that anti-spyware and anti-virus software has been properly installed on your computer. There are a number of software suites available on the market that will cater to your individual budget and needs. However, like all things in life, not everything is what it would seem. There are some anti-spyware programs available online that are spyware programs themselves! It is quite important to download from only trusted sites and once again, read all of the fine print. Once the proper software has been installed on your computer, it is generally just a matter of hitting start to remove the unwanted programs from your computer.
If you feel you know where the culprit is hiding, you can start in that folder. However, it is typically best to scan the entire system, this is done by selecting all drives and folders. This type of scan will take several hours but it will find all viruses and spyware on the computer and remove them. In addition, there are many products available that will offer real-time protection for your computer. These products will prevent any form of malicious code from entering into the computer. They will continually scan the computer looking for anything that may be a virus of spyware and block it. In fact, these products have the ability to warn you of any suspicious sites before you even visit them.
These products are an excellent addition to your arsenal in keeping your files and computer safe. However, there are times when a computer is going to be too infected for one of these products to clean the system. In this case, you will have two options. One is to reformat the hard drive and reinstall all programs. Or bring it to a computer repair shop and hope that the system can be salvaged. They will back up your essential files and important documents and restore the computer to its factory settings.
The most important thing to remember is to think before you click when online. And if the situation becomes too bad, it is best to talk to a professional as soon as possible.
Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

How To Choose The Right Commercial IT Specialists And Avoid Danger

As a small business grows it is essential that the amount of data that you store stays safe. This can include sensitive employee files or customer credit card information, regardless it is time to look into the hiring of dedicated commercial IT specialists. However, if you have little knowledge of the IT field, how can you be sure you are choosing the right company? Below are a few tips that will ensure that you hire the right professionals to keep your data safe and move your company in the right direction.
Understand Your Particular Needs
It is essential that you understand what you want and what you are looking to achieve. What role will the commercial IT specialist perform and what requirements will be needed of them? Many businesses will go with the least expensive option a newly graduated student for example. However, while they have the essential knowledge they will lack the formal experience.
A Team Effort
While an individual may be a more cost-effective solution, it may be inefficient. Many times IT is simply not a one-person job, this is especially true for larger businesses.
In addition, there is not one person who is going to be capable to contain all the knowledge that is necessary to perform the job to their fullest ability.
The Difference Between Skill And Talent
A professional IT specialist does not have the luxury to be technical, they must be able to understand it all. Businesses are used to hiring individuals who are skilled in one particular area, however, they may not always understand the process or procedure. It is essential that the commercial IT specialists that you hire are skilled at understanding why security breaches happen as well as how they can be prevented in the future. It is not always necessary to hire someone who is skilled with your particular system. As long as they possess the knowledge of "why", they will have the ability to adapt and learn your system.
Experience vs. Certifications
While a certification will clearly show a certain level of knowledge, it is not a replacement for daily experience. A job should be posted looking for individuals not only with certifications but a certain level of experience.
The Value Of A Background Check
The individual or company who fills this position is going to have access to some of your companies most sensitive data. It goes without saying that there must be a certain level of trust.
Asking The Right Questions
If you are not familiar with the technology sector it might be well worth it to have an outsider help conduct interviews. It is important to be able to understand the potential candidates ability for troubleshooting on the fly, gauging risks, and prioritizing daily tasks.

A Recap Of Simple Tips For Hiring The Right Commercial IT Specialists

  • Be sure you know what you need and what you are looking for.
  • Never assume that one person is going to be capable of performing the job.
  • Understand the difference between skill and talent.
  • Do not rely solely on certifications, experience can be much more important.
  • Ask the right questions of the candidate.
  • Always run a background check.

Regardless of where you stand with technology, these simple tips will allow your companies data to remain safe while streamlining daily IT activities.
Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.