SSD: Make Your Old Computer Your New Computer-Computer Repair San Antonio

by

SSD: Make Your Old Computer Your New Computer

The solid-state drive (SSD) has swiftly become the go-to upgrade to breathe new life into an aging computer, and for good reason too.  An SSD swiftly brings an old laptop or desktop up to date with modern machines in just a single step.
The price of solid-state memory has fallen dramatically in recent years. As costs have dropped, the popularity of the technology has increased exponentially.  At one time an SSD was a rare treat for serious PC enthusiasts, now it’s cheaper and more readily available than ever. No other single solution is as cost-effective, quick to swap, and impressively effective as swapping out an old hard drive in favor of the faster and more modern SSD.

Out with The Old

The hard disk drive (HDD) is a technology that dates back as far as the 1950’s.  They became the default solution all PCs would use for decades to come.  Most old laptop and desktop machines still contain their original, worn hard drives they left the factory with.

The HDD was a mostly mechanical device.  Inside a solid outer casing was a series of spinning disks arranged in a delicate stack known as a platter. Each disk could read and save data using a tiny needle moving across the disk’s surface.

The technology looked and worked much like a miniature record player.  Like a record player, widely in use at the time that hard drives were developed, the hard drive had some serious drawbacks in their use.

The series of tiny disks and needles that made up the HDD were incredibly fragile.  Vulnerable to dust or movement, computers commonly succumbed to hard drive failures that rendered the machine and its stored data unusable. Occasionally, simply moving a laptop while reading or writing data can damage a hard drive’s spinning disk.

In with The New

The primary reason to switch to a more modern SSD, on top of their impressive durability, is the incredible increase in speed.  The SSD has no moving parts at all, working more like a digital camera memory card than a vinyl record player.

An SSD simply makes the process of retrieving and saving data to storage many times faster.  Eliminating the mechanical component, removing the need to move a physical disk, and not needing to physically pick up the data means a much faster and smoother operation.

Computer startup, where the operating system loads all its data from storage, can take as little as one-quarter of the time of a comparable HDD.  Additionally, loading regular applications and data from an SSD takes a fraction of time of an HDD.
An SSD completely breathes new life into an old machine.  Computers with an SSD replacement for the hard drive feel like using an entirely new machine for a fraction of the cost.

Replacing the main mechanical component additionally eliminates wear and tear working to break down your machine.  While a HDD slows over time, degrades, and can eventually suffer mechanical failure; an SSD remains as durable as the day it was purchased.

Ideal Laptop Upgrade

In a laptop setting, the SSD makes complete sense.  They require less power than older hard drives, making the most of your battery charge.

In addition, not needing a large disk platter, mechanical parts, or protective outer case means they are about half the weight of a mechanical drive.  Making an old machine lightweight brings it another step closer to a modern machine.

They run almost silently too.  The familiar click-clack of the hard drive inside a laptop is a thing of the past.  Many users comment on the noise their laptop used to make starting up and loading programs.  Noisy laptops are a tech throwback we’re happy to leave behind.

For many who feel like their old laptop or desktop is showing its age, the prohibitive cost of purchasing a whole new machine keeps them invested in their old one.  A simple, fast SSD upgrade can make your old machine new again at a much smaller price. If swapping long startups, and slow load times sounds right for you, consider upgrading to an SSD.  You won’t look back.

Give us a call at 210-549-6477, and we can give your machine a new lease on life.

Computer Repair San Antonio-More Than A Virus, Common Malware to Watch Out For

by

More Than A Virus, Common Malware to Watch Out For

The term “virus” is often used to describe many different types of infection a computer might have.  Virus, when used as a blanket term, can describe any number of potential computer programs. What these programs have in common are they are typically designed to cause damage, steal data, or spread across the network.
Malware describes software designed to act maliciously on a personal computer.  The name ‘malware’ is a shorthand for ‘malicious software’ and describes exactly what it is. A computer virus is a single type of malware that can cause harm to your PC, but it is only one of many.

Adware

Short for advertising-supported software, adware is a type of malware that delivers advertisements to your computer.  These advertisements are often intrusive, irritating, and often designed to trick you into clicking something you don’t want. A common example of malware is pop-up ads that appear on many websites and mobile applications.

Adware often comes bundled with “free” versions of software that uses this intrusive advertising to make up costs.  Commonly it is installed without the user’s knowledge and made excessively difficult to remove.

Spyware

Spyware is designed to spy on the user’s activity without their knowledge or consent.  Often installed in the background, spyware can collect keyboard input, harvest data from the computer, monitor web activity and more.

Spyware typically requires installation to the computer. This is commonly done by tricking users into installing spyware themselves instead of the software or application that they thought they were getting. Victims of spyware are often be completely unaware of its presence until the data stolen is acted on in the form of fraudulent bank transactions or stolen online accounts.

Virus

In technical terms a computer virus is a form of malware that is installed inadvertently, causing damage to the user.  A typical virus may install a keylogger to capture passwords, logins, and bank information from the keyboard.  It might steal data, interrupt programs, and cause the computer to crash.

Modern virus programs commonly use your computers processing power and internet bandwidth to perform tasks remotely for hackers.  The first sign of this can be when the computer sounds like it is doing a lot of work when no programs should be running. A computer virus is often spread through installing unknown software or downloading attachments that contain more than they seem.

Ransomware

A particularly malicious variety of malware, known as ransomware, prevents the user from accessing their own files until a ransom is paid.  Files within the system are often encrypted with a password that won’t be revealed to the user until the full ransom is paid.

Instead of accessing the computer as normal, the user is presented with a screen which details the contact and payment information required to access their data again.

Ransomware is typically downloaded through malicious file attachments, email, or a vulnerability in the computer system.

Worm

Among the most common type of malware today is the computer worm.  Worms spread across computer networks by exploiting vulnerabilities within the operating system.  Often these programs cause harm to their host networks by consuming large amounts of network bandwidth, overloading computers, and using up all the available resources.

One of the key differences between worms and a regular virus is its ability to make copies of itself and spread independently.  A virus must rely on human activity to run a program or open a malicious attachment; worms can simply spread over the network without human intervention.

If you would like us to make sure your systems stay safe from malware, give us a call at 210-549-6477.

Windows Meltdown-Spectre fix: How to check if your AV is blocking Microsoft patch SAPC Upgrades

by

Windows Meltdown-Spectre fix: How to check if your AV is blocking Microsoft patch

Antivirus firms are gradually adding support for Microsoft’s Windows patch for the Meltdown and Spectre attack methods that affect most modern CPUs.

As Microsoft warned this week, it’s not delivering its January 3 Windows security updates to customers if they’re running third-party antivirus, unless the AV is confirmed to be compatible with it.

Microsoft’s testing found some antivirus products were producing errors by making unsupported calls into Windows kernel memory, resulting in blue screen of death (BSOD) errors.

Third-party Windows antivirus products need to support Microsoft’s security update and set a Windows registry key for customers to receive the update via Windows Update.

To make matters more confusing, only some antivirus vendors are actually doing both, while others require admins to set the registry key themselves, using Microsoft’s instructions. Additionally, some antivirus companies haven’t completed compatibility testing.

Microsoft hasn’t said which antivirus products are compatible beyond its own Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials. However, security researcher Kevin Beaumont has created a public spreadsheet that may help IT admins prepare for installing Microsoft’s mitigations for the attack techniques that affect CPUs from Intel, AMD and Arm, albeit to differing degrees.

windowspatchav.png
Third-party Windows antivirus products need to support Microsoft’s security update and set a Windows registry key for customers to receive the update via Windows Update. Image: Kevin Beaumont

Credit. http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-meltdown-spectre-fix-how-to-check-if-your-av-is-blocking-microsoft-patch/

Call 210-549-6477 with questions

Laptop Repair in San Antonio Texas-SAPC Upgrades

by

If you are looking for the best Laptop Repair in San Antonio Texas and surrounding areas like Live Oak, Converse, Windcrest, Selma and Schertz consider SAPC Upgrades for affordable fair priced Laptop Repair

  • Protecting your DATA is our #1 goal
  • Fair Flat Rate in shop pricing
  • Free Estimates
  • Malwarebytes Authorized Reseller
  • Friendly, honest communication, no “geek-speak”
  • Professional, experienced technician
  • Microsoft Registered Partner
  • Locally owned and operated since 2003
  • We strive to build lasting relationships with our customers

SAPC Upgrades offers many quality computer repair services.

Laptop Repair San Antonio

Laptop Repair

 

  • LCD Repair
  • Laptop Repair
  • Fast Support
  • Honest Estimates
  • Virus Removal
  • Attention To Detail
  • Malware Removal
  • Data Backup
  • Trojan Removal

Computer Repair San Antonio, Texas-SAPC Upgrades

SPECIAL BULLETIN

by

SPECIAL BULLETIN
Malwarebytes www.malwarebytes.com

Dear ,

A massive ransomware attack spread across the globe today, locking up thousands of hospital, telecommunications, and utilities systems in nearly 100 countries. The attack used data stolen from the NSA to exploit vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows and deliver the WanaCrypt0r ransomware. The demand was for $300 per PC.

While the ransomware was first detected wreaking havoc in emergency rooms and doctors’ offices in the UK, the infection quickly spread worldwide, including to the US.

We’re alerting you to reassure you that if you’re currently using the premium version (or the premium trial) of Malwarebytes with real-time protection turned on, you are protected from this threat. Our premium technology blocks the WanaCrypt0r ransomware before it can encrypt your files. (The free version of Malwarebytes, however, does not protect you against WanaCrypt0r. To see which version you have, open up your Malwarebytes software and look for the version name at the top of the window.) Learn more about Malwarebytes

If you’re not currently using the premium version of Malwarebytes, we recommend that you update your Microsoft Windows software immediately. Microsoft released a patch for this vulnerability in March, but many users haven’t updated, leaving their computers open to this attack.

Here at Malwarebytes, we pledge to keep you protected and informed about the latest issues. Your peace of mind is our number one priority.

Sincerely,

The Malwarebytes team
P.S. Learn more about this threat here.

Massive Global Ransomware Attack Underway, Patch Available

by

This is a public service security announcement for all users of computers running any version of Windows.

We have confirmed that a serious virulent ransomware threat known as WannaCrypt0r/WannaCry has affected Windows computers on shared networks in at least 74 countries worldwide, with 57,000 reported individual cases being affected. And according to the analysis team at Kaspersky Lab, that number is growing fast.

Once one computer on a network is affected, the malware infection easily spreads to other Windows computers on the same network, shutting down entire government agencies and national infrastructure companies. Hospitals across the UK were being forced to divert patients and ambulance routes as of Friday afternoon, and several utility companies across Europe reported infection across their computer networks according to BBC News.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a kind of malicious script or software that installs itself on your computer without your knowledge. Once it’s installed and running, it will lock down your system and won’t allow you to access any files or programs on that computer. Usually, as in this current WannaCry exploit, it will alert you to the lockdown with an impossible-to-ignore pop-up screen which informs you that your computer is being held for ransom. To unlock your system and regain access to the computer being held hostage, the lock screen informs you that you must purchase an unlock tool or decryption key from the hacker.

Where Did This Threat Originate?

In this case, Microsoft has been aware of the vulnerability since March 2017, when it published a Security Bulletin covering the potential risk. According to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, early indicators seem to point to the attack originating in China, but more information is needed.

How Can You Tell If Your Computer Is Infected?

The most obvious way to tell if your computer has been affected is if you are seeing a ransomware pop-up screen when you start up your computer. But because we don’t know how long the malware sits on your computer or network, not seeing this pop-up isn’t necessarily an indication that you haven’t been infected. The bottom line: if your Windows computer has connected to a shared network, such as those found in schools, public places, cafes and businesses, and you don’t have complete control over every computer on that network and haven’t been keeping Windows up-to-date, your computer may be infected.

How to Protect Yourself From the Vulnerability

According to Microsoft a fix for this vulnerability was released on March 14th for all affected versions of Windows. If you are running Windows and have automatic updates enabled you should be okay. If you don’t and haven’t updated recently you should update to the most recently released version immediately. It is important to note that unsupported versions of Windows, like XP, did not receive this security update. Those systems should either be isolated or shut down.

Please pass this along to your friends and family. Those that are less technical may not have updates auto-enabled, and may need a helping hand updating their operating system.

Consumers Warned About Tech Support Phone Scam

by

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/consumers-warned-tech-support-phone-scam-45260617

 

How to avoid tech support scams

If you fall for it and download whatever software the crooks give you, they can then secretly track everything you do on that device — just waiting for you to enter any password or payment information that they can steal.

On top of that, once you give the scammers remote access to your computer, they can then hold it ransom until you pay them a large sum of money — which may or may not actually get you your device back.

These scams have become such a big threat that the FTC now has a page on its site dedicated specifically to informing consumers about tech support scams. And since it can be difficult to determine whether an update or alert is legitimate, the FTC has provided some tips on how to spot this type of scam, how to avoid it and what to do if you think you’ve been a victim.

Here are some common tactics a scammer may use to try to get money and/or sensitive information from you:

  • ask you to give them remote access to your computer and then make changes to your settings that could leave your computer vulnerable
  • try to enroll you in a worthless computer maintenance or warranty program
  • ask for credit card information so they can bill you for phony services — or services you could get elsewhere for free
  • trick you into installing malware that could steal sensitive data, like user names and passwords
  • direct you to websites and ask you to enter your credit card number and other personal information

What to do if you get a call from someone claiming to be from tech support:

  • Don’t give control of your computer to a third party who calls you out of the blue.
  • Do not rely on caller ID alone to authenticate a caller. Criminals spoof caller ID numbers. They may appear to be calling from a legitimate company or a local number, when they’re not even in the same country as you.
  • Online search results might not be the best way to find technical support or get a company’s contact information. Scammers sometimes place online ads to convince you to call them. They pay to boost their ranking in search results so their websites and phone numbers appear above those of legitimate companies. If you want tech support, look for a company’s contact information on their software package or on your receipt.
  • Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone who calls and claims to be from tech support.
  • If a caller pressures you to buy a computer security product or says there is a subscription fee associated with the call, hang up. If you’re concerned about your computer, call your security software company directly and ask for help.
  • Never give your password on the phone. No legitimate organization calls you and asks for your password.
  • Put your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, and then report illegal sales calls.

Computer Setup Service in San Antonio

by

If you are looking for the best Computer Setup Service in San Antonio Texas and surrounding areas like Live Oak, Converse, Windcrest, Selma and Schertz consider SAPC Upgrades for affordable Computer Setup Service.

PC Repair Service in San Antonio Texas

by

If you are looking for the best PC Repair Service in San Antonio Texas and surrounding areas like Live Oak, Converse, Windcrest, Selma and Schertz consider SAPC Upgrades for affordable PC Repair Service.

  • Protecting your DATA is our #1 goal
  • Fair Flat Rate in shop pricing
  • Free Estimates
  • Malwarebytes Authorized Reseller
  • Friendly, honest communication, no “geek-speak”
  • Professional, experienced technician
  • Microsoft Registered Partner
  • Locally owned and operated since 2003
  • We strive to build lasting relationships with our customersDell,HP,Lenovo,Acer,Sony,Toshiba,ASUS

SAPC Upgrades offers many quality computer repair services.

Refurbished Computers in San Antonio Texas

by

If you are looking for the best quality Refurbished Computers in San Antonio Texas and surrounding areas like Live Oak, Converse, Windcrest, Selma and Schertz consider SAPC Upgrades for affordable Refurbished Computers.

mslogo

  • Protecting your DATA is our #1 goal
  • Fair Flat Rate in shop pricing
  • Free Estimates
  • Malwarebytes Authorized Reseller
  • Friendly, honest communication, no “geek-speak”
  • Professional, experienced technician
  • Microsoft Registered Partner
  • Locally owned and operated since 2003
  • We strive to build lasting relationships with our customers