PC Computer Guy - Tech Talk

In this Tech Talk we cover the biggest issues we saw in 2016 and tips on how to avoid these pitfalls for the 2017 year. 

A “Virtual PBX” is an internet based phone system that allows for tons of professional features often at a fraction of the cost of running your own PBX.What does such a system get you? Think of all the fancy stuff that happens when you call a large company. For specifics, let’s look at what we’ve done at PcComputerGuy with our Virtual PBX hosted through Jive Communications.First, you start off with a SIP based phone. These IP phones connect to your existing internet connection. Some of them are even wireless such as our Cisco SPA525G2 SIP phone.Then you partner with a company that you plan on hosting your phone service. We again choose Jive. We tried Ring Central and were not pleased with the customer service or quality of the calls.Each system has it’s own way of configuring the features of your phone system, but think of it very much like a corporate level phone system complete with extensions, call queues, forwarding to cell phones, custom music and more.Continue reading at: http://www.pccomputerguy.com/Tech-Tips-Podcast-Virtual-PBX-Phone-Systems 

Best Free Software There are tons of things out there that are free. Some are good, while others – not so much. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite free software.Continue reading at:  http://www.pccomputerguy.com/Tech-Tips-Podcast-Best-Free-Software-2014

I have received several calls from clients asking what they need to replace their computer with, since Windows XP is “dead” as of April 8th, 2014. As a side note, Office 2003 support ceases the same day.This however does not mean those with Windows XP computers will simply stop running on in April 2014. It doesn’t mean you will lose the data in it, or that it will burst into flames. Rather, when you turn your computer on, April 9th 2014, it will function the same as it did for the years before.What Microsoft is saying is simply they will not provide tech support for it, nor will they provide any future updates. The majority of us have never called Microsoft for support anyways, so if you are in that boat, then all it means is you won’t get updates anymore. Continue reading at: http://www.pccomputerguy.com/Tech-Tips-Podcast-Windows-XP-is-Dead

The computer is an enigma to a lot of people. You press some keys, and you get magic out of the screen, printer or speakers. But what is inside the computer and how does it all work together? In this general education tech tip, we'll teach you about the parts that make your computer work. Don't worry you won't have to brush up on engineering or calculus to understand it. Continue reading at:  http://pccomputerguy.com/Tech-Tips-Podcast-Parts-of-a-Computer

I get asked this question at least once a week. The answer is pretty simple: it just means “on the internet”. That’s all it is, a fancy marketing term that means “on the internet”.So when someone says they store their documents “on the cloud”, they mean simply that their documents are stored on the internet.Music, Email, Documents, Backup – it doesn’t matter what it is, if it can be stored in your computer, it can be stored “in the cloud”.Cloud backup solutions for example such as Carbonite and Mozy simply upload your information from your computer to their servers via the internet. The same is true for Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive or iCloud.Most cloud-based services provide software that make it easy to interact with that service. For example Dropbox loads software on your computer that allows you to view your documents and files just like any ‘ole folder on your computer. However anything in that folder automatically gets uploaded to Dropbox’s servers.The next question is usually about security.Continue reading at: http://www.pccomputerguy.com/Tech-Tips-Podcast-What-Is-The-Cloud 

So very often I am at a client’s home, and I run a speedtest on their internet. The results I get back are outstanding; but perhaps a bit overkill.ISP’s try to up-sell their service, offering the more expensive internet services at premium rates. But is it really making any difference? Most of the time the answer is sadly: no, you are just paying them more money....continue reading

We recently setup a couple wireless AC Routers in homes that had constant wireless issues. Did they perform well? Listen in to this PcComputerGuy Tech Talk!

Backing up is critical if you have information you cannot lose. Kevin of Thomas Realestate Services contacted PcComputerGuy to setup a backup system on his 6 month old computer. Two months later, the hard drive crashed. Fortunately, due to Kevin’s precautions, getting him back up and running was quick and painless. Tune in to this PcComputerGuy tech talk with a happy ending!

If you have been infected with this, you should disconnect your computer from the internet immedeatly in an attempt to minimize damage, though it may already be too late.The crypto virus is spread primarily via Email, usually as fake UPS or Fedex notifications with tracking numbers. Once you click on the tracking numbers, you can download and infect your system.Once the system is infected, the virus encrypts files on your computer. These encrypted files are locked from you, and you are given time (usually 100 or 72 hours) to pay the ransom to get your files back. The ransom is typically $100 or $300. (continue reading) 

NAS stands for “Network Attached Storage”. Typically we think of external storage in terms of flash drives and USB hard drives. The basic NAS is the same in concept, except it attaches to your network (i.e. your router). By attaching the drive to your router, you can access the files from any other device on the network. We use this a lot for backing up multiple systems. (Continue reading)

Don't Defrag, Do have a good AntiVirus, Do use a great free adblocker, Don't use registry cleaners. These and many more topics are covered in this 30-minute special edition focusing on keeping your computer running well.

(Full Article Here)... In conclusion – you get what you pay for. The CPU is the brain of the computer, so spend a little more on it! We recommend sticking with Intel processors, specifically the i3, i5 or i7 processors. Each of those have many variations and subsets, but as long as it has that label in front of it you’ll be good for general use. Each number up is more power; think of it as “good, better, best”.

For our full written article please visit: https://www.pccomputerguy.com/Tech-Tips-Podcast-Change-Passwords

The best free AdBlocker (and perhaps best AdBlocker period) is https://adblockplus.org/They provide Extensions/Plugins Internet Explorer, FireFox and Chrome and may others.Simply navigate to their site and click the big green “Install for Chrome”, or I.E. or whatever browser you may be using. Full Article/Podcast at  http://www.pccomputerguy.com/Tech-Tips-Podcast-Free-Adblocker

Typical viruses are more of a nuisance than a threat. They might cost you some money to get the virus cleaned up, but usually the worst that happens is windows needs to be reloaded – you may lose a program or two. That isn’t the case with these nasty guys. CryptoLocker and GameOver Zeus are both actually the work of the same Russian cyber-gang. Agencies across the world, including the FBI, are on the hut for them; including Evginiy Bogachev reported mastermind of the viruses.Continue reading at: http://www.pccomputerguy.com/Tech-Tips-Podcast-Protect-yourself-Online-Cyber-Threats 

In this tech talk, PcComputerGuy discusses why it's important to change your passwords. We cover a couple topics, especially regarding the increased hacking we hear about in the news and how this relates to you.

Frequently these days I’m asked “should I replace my laptop with a tablet?” The answer is “That depends.”The “depends” boils down to the question, “What do you want to use it for?” Your answer here determines if it would be suitable to replace a laptop with a tablet. Continue reading at:  http://www.pccomputerguy.com/Tech-Tips-Podcast-Replace-Laptop-With-Tablet

Should I turn my computer off, or leave it on?This is perhaps the most, if not one of the most questions we receive.The reason so many people don’t know the answer to this question, is because there are so many different answers out there! And most of them are not wrong, they are just not entirely correct.The full answer is this:“It depends.”Now that’s not much of an answer is it? Let’s take a closer look.The computer can be broken up into 2 “types” of parts, electronic and mechanical. http://www.pccomputerguy.com

How do you expand wireless coverage, to make it reach further in your home? How do you deal with low wifi signal strength?  This article will provide some possible solutions to improve the range of your wireless internet.Continue reading at:  http://www.pccomputerguy.com/Tech-Tips-Podcast-Increase-Wireless-Range