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

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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-New Year’s Resolutions for Your Computer

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New Year’s Resolutions for Your Computer

Running the Best Security Software

Most computers today run at least some form of basic antivirus.  In the modern day however, threats have evolved to be more sophisticated, more damaging, and much more common.   Ransomware, malware, phishing, and zero-day attacks all work to attack unpatched systems without strong security.
Today, to keep up with increasing threats, you need a supplemental AV to add to Windows Defender.  A layered system means more than just virus scanning.  A comprehensive security package includes prevention, detection, and system monitoring at a minimum.   These layers work together to provide security many times stronger than a stand-alone system.

Reliable, up-to-date, security keeps you safe online.  It’s a resolution you simply can’t afford to skip.

Clean Up Files

Cleaning up unnecessary files is the number one way to gain additional storage space on a typical device.  It’s cost-effective without any extra hardware purchases.

Almost all computers have files hanging around from old software, data or applications they no longer need.  Just like tidying the spare room or de-cluttering the kitchen, clearing files off your desktop and organizing your emails will leave your computer feeling refreshed and new again.

Restart Your Computer

Fully shutting down a computer and rebooting can take time.  When you are watching the clock, waiting to start a task or get work done, it can feel like an eternity.  Most of us enjoy simply opening the lid or powering on the screen to have everything ready to run.

At times, a computer may not be fully restarted in weeks or even months.  Our poor habits can cause issues with running software and the operating system too. Hardware updates, security patches, and critical updates often wait for a reboot before they install.  Waiting too long can leave security flaws open and the system vulnerable to attack.

Merely performing a reboot every once in a while (we recommend weekly) can secure your system and help get rid of software problems.  Often updates prevent new issues from cropping up too.

Special Note: Just shutting down a computer using the shutdown button does not accomplish the same thing as a RESTART..

Keep Your Computer Away from Dust

Dust, hair, and household debris are one of the major causes of premature death for computers.  Fans, used to cool components, suck in house dust as well as the air they need.  This dust often clogs up the inside of the device and overheats internal components.

If possible, keep a tower PC off the carpet, don’t run your laptop sitting on the floor, blanket, or soft furnishings.  Cleaning out your device is as good a resolution as any, and there’s never a better time than now.

For a little help sticking to your digital new year resolutions and starting off on the right foot, give me a call today at 210-549-6477

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

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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.

Don’t unplug your Computer to Shut It Down!-Computer Repair San Antonio

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Can I Just Unplug My Computer to Shut It Down?

You may damage your computer.

By pulling the plug or forcing a power-off by holding down the power button, you risk corrupting data on your hard drive and damaging hardware.

I’m not sure what kinds of problems you’re having with the power button, but even that needs to be used correctly, or you could end up with the very problems you’re seeing.

[Read more…]

HP Recalls Batteries for Notebook Computers and Mobile Workstations Due to Fire and Burn Hazards-Computer Repair San Antonio

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HP Recalls Batteries for Notebook Computers and Mobile Workstations Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Consumer Contact:

HP toll-free at 888-202-4320 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.HP.com/go/batteryprogram2018 or www.hp.com and click “Recalls” for more information.

Description:

This recall involves lithium-ion batteries for HP Notebook computers and mobile workstations.  The batteries were shipped with or sold as accessories for HP ProBooks (64x G2 and G3 series, 65x G2 and G3 series), HPx360 310 G2, HP Envy m6, HP Pavilion x360, HP 11, HP ZBook (17 G3, 17 G4, and Studio G3) Mobile Workstations. The batteries were also sold as accessories or replacement batteries for the HP ZBook Studio G4 mobile workstation or for any of the products listed above.

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately visit www.HP.com/go/batteryprogram2018 to see if their battery is included in the recall and for instructions on how to enable “Battery Safety Mode” if their battery is included in the recall. The website provides consumers instructions on how to initiate the validation utility to check their battery and what to download if their battery is included in the recall. These batteries are not customer-replaceable. HP will provide free battery replacement services by an authorized technician.

Incidents/Injuries:

HP has received eight reports of battery packs overheating, melting, or charring, including three reports of property damage totaling $4,500 with one report of a minor injury involving a first degree burn to the hand.

Sold At:

Best Buy and other stores and authorized dealers nationwide and online at www.Amazon.com, www.hp.com and other websites. The batteries were shipped in notebook computers and mobile workstations sold from December 2015 through December 2017 for between $300 and $4,000. The batteries were also sold separately for between $50 and $90.

Importer(s):

HP Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif.

Manufactured In:
China
Recall number:
18-077

Laptop Repair in San Antonio Texas-SAPC Upgrades

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

  • Protecting your DATA is our #1 goal
  • Fair Flat Rate in shop/remote 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.

Dell,HP,Lenovo,Acer,Sony,Toshiba,ASUS

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Massive Global Ransomware Attack Underway, Patch Available

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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.

Windows Defender tops AV-Test zero-day malware charts for the 3rd straight month

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Windows Defender tops AV-Test zero-day malware charts for the 3rd straight month

April 3, 2017

The recent test reports of Security firm AV-Test reveal that Microsoft’s Windows Defender has scored 100% for the 3rd consecutive month when tested for the zero-day malware protection. AV-test tested Windows Defender against current online threats, which involved accessing known malicious websites or e-mails so as to test if the security product is able to ward off attacks practically or not.

AV-TEST Product Review and Certification Report tests for Windows 7 (January and February 2017) and Windows 10 (December 2016) show Microsoft doing a great job and scoring 100% in zero-day malware checks. Here is the analysis.

Windows Defender does a good job for Windows 10 & Windows 7

Not long ago, Windows Defender was so mediocre that it was only considered as the baseline metric in third-party tests. However, analysis of the recent AV-test reports will tell you that Windows Defender has improved significantly in the past 12 months.

For instance, let’s compare the AV-test report for Windows 7, for zero-day malware protection in the past 12 months. In July and August 2016, the Windows Defender scored 95.2% and 86.1% respectively while for the same test conducted this year in January and February, it scored a perfect 100%.

 

Analyzing the results of the third-party suites, some of which charge you money to use them, the likes of AVG Antivirus Business 16, G Data Antivirus Business 14, Intel Security McAfee Endpoint Security 10.2, Seqrite Endpoint Security 17.0 were found to be trailing Microsoft.

On the other hand, Bitdefender Endpoint Security 6.2, F-Secure Client Security 12.30, Kaspersky Lab Endpoint Security 10.2, Kaspersky Lab Small Office Security 10.2, Sophos Endpoint Security and Control 10.6, Symantec Endpoint Protection 14, Symantec Endpoint Protection Cloud 22.8 and Trend Micro Office Scan 12.0 were found as effective as Windows Defender, all scoring 100%.

For Windows 10 users

Comparing the AV-test report for Windows 10, for zero-day malware protection in the past 12 months. Back in March and April 2015, the Windows defender scored a poor 88.9% and 88% respectively. Whereas, in November and December 2016, it scored 97.9% and 100% respectively showing a remarkable improvement.

Third-party suites like AVG Antivirus Business 2016, Bitdefender Endpoint Security 6.2, G Data AntiVirus Business 14 and Intel Security McAfee Endpoint Security 10.2 were found to be less effective dealing with zero-day malware protection when compared with the Windows Defender.

While, F-Secure Client Security 12.2, Kaspersky Lab Endpoint Security 10, Kaspersky Lab Small Office Security 5, Seqrite Endpoint Security 17, Sophos Endpoint Security and Control 10.6, Symantec Endpoint Protection 14 and Trend Micro Office Scan 11 were at par with the Windows Defender, all scoring 100%.

Can you consider Windows Defender against top third-party antivirus suites

The results from the AV-tests shows that Windows Defender has improved a great deal in moving from the lower bottom levels in the last 6-12 months. Although it has still more ground to cover before it can challenge the top security vendors who offer a better overall protection, you can surely rely on Defender to provide more than average class protection.

source

Windows Defender tops AV-Test zero-day malware charts for the 3rd straight month

 

 

Backing up your computers

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Creating disk images lets you restore Windows and all your imaged disks and partitions to a previous working state from compressed copies you have created and kept updated on external storage media, quickly and probably without technical help.

You can recover from:
– a failed disk drive (restore to a new one)
– ransomware (which encrypts your disk)
– user error
– unrecoverable problems from failed updates to problem programs
– unbootable PC (hardware faults aside)

Images also act as a full backup- you can extract files too.

You can even use images to help you move more easily and quickly to a new PC.

Imaging can even help you sleep at night knowing you have a second chance.

I recommend and install on every computer I service Macrium Reflect (free) as a good robust solution and more reliable than some others. It’s
– more feature rich
– more flexible
– more reliable
than Windows Backup and Restore system images.

There are other such programs, free/commercial, some with simpler interfaces, but Macrium is one of the most robust and reliable.

How long does it take?
SSD+ USB3 – maybe 15 mins

HDD + USB2 – maybe 40-50 mins
That’s with little personal data, few programs installed.
– of course, depends on how much you have on C:
(You can and should image all your partitions and disks)

You need a backup medium – I recommend a 1tb external drive. This will vary dependent on the number of images you keep, I recommend keeping 3 images of each computer you own. So is only a rough practical guide.

Some comment that system restore isn’t always reliable; if it works and solves the problem, great. But sometimes restores won’t work or fail. And of course, a restore point only covers a limited number of aspects of the system. That’s where disk imaging comes in.
I can assist with setting this up and showing you how to do it.

https://sapcupgrades.com/services/backup/