Tech Tips from Computer Works of Toledo

Tech Tips to Increase Your Work Productivity

2011-10-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Use Windows keyboard shortcuts

Start with using just a few; Ctrl+C (copy); Ctrl+V (paste); Ctrl+S (save).

Get rid of Spyware

Spyware slows down your computer- getting rid of it can make your life much easier.

Use more than one monitor

Using dual-monitors greatly increases your productivity- no more clicking to different tabs on your spreadsheets, and copying/pasting into different documents becomes a cinch.
You could even have one screen for your emails, and another for other tasks.

Sort your email inbox

Creating folders and filters can help you manage your chaotic inbox.

Use calendars

Using your calendar in Outlook or Google Calendars keep track of your meetings, appointments and other important tasks that you don’t want to forget about.

Get Data into Excel without Retyping or Copying

2011-09-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

If you've worked with Excel long enough, you've probably needed to get data into Excel so that you can analyze it, or maybe create a chart. Where does this data come from? It might come from a database or some other program, or even the web. And it can come in a variety of forms.

The last thing you want to do is retype it, and copying from another program or from the web and pasting directly into a cell in a workbook might leave you with nightmarish looking results. Luckily for you, there's a much better way to get that data into Excel. Importing!.

When you use the Text Import Wizard, you don't open your data source in its native program. You point Excel's Text Import Wizard to a file, and the wizard leads you through a few steps where it looks at the rows of data in the source file and makes suggestions based on the layout of the file.

Start the Text Import Wizard

To import the contents of the file, select an empty cell in Excel — this can be in a new workbook, a new worksheet in an existing workbook, or in an existing worksheet.
Now, click the Data tab, and in the Get External Data group, click From Text.
This starts the Text Import Wizard. Go find your file, and click Open. Notice how the Delimited button is already selected?
If your data is delimited by commas, click Next. The default delimiting character in Excel is the tab character, so it's pre-selected here in step 2.
Click Next to go to the third and last step of the wizard. Select each column and change its data type so that it has a format you prefer or a right or left margin.
Click Finish
Now, Excel asks you if you want to import the data right here in the current cell or create a new worksheet. Accept the Existing Worksheet and cell =$A$1, and click OK.

Read the comprehensive instructions with illustrations on the Microsoft Office Blog

10 Ways Hackers Breach Security

2011-08-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

1. Stealing Passwords
Dictionary attacks, brute force attacks and hybrid attacks are methods that are used to guess or crack passwords. These attacks can be minimized by having longer, more complex passwords or using multiple factors for log-in authentication.

2. Trojan Horses
A Trojan horse is a malicious payload hidden in a benign host. A Trojan can be anything- a program that destroys hard drives, corrupts files, records keystrokes, duplicates emails, etc. A Trojan horse could be delivered via email attachment, website download, screen savers or even greeting cards. Anti-virus protection along with malware scanners can prevent a Trojan from causing damage to your computer.

3. Exploiting Defaults
Attacking a network can be very easy if users always use defaults set by vendors or manufacturers. Account and password defaults, along with installation defaults such as path names, folder names, and settings can all be used to hack into your network. Prevent this by always changing passwords and using custom installation settings.

4. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
A MITM attack occurs when an attacker is able to fool a user into establishing a communication link server or service through a rogue entity. This is often done by sending a legitimate-looking email (maybe from your bank) with a link to a fake website with that looks similar to your bank’s website. Users often enter their log-in credentials, and BAM- the hacker has your information. To prevent MITM attacks, always verify that links from websites stay with trusted domains.

5. Wireless Attacks
While deploying wireless networks is inexpensive and easy to do, it is more expensive to secure a wireless network. In fact, most hacker attacks are more easily accomplished when a wireless network is present. If you have a wireless network, make sure that the appropriate security measures are in place.

6. Doing their Homework
Hackers learn how to overcome your security barriers by researching your organization. A hacker can learn a lot about your company in just a few minutes, and often spend 90% of their time doing background research. Examples of what they can learn: +The operating system you use, major programs, programming languages, platforms and more- from job postings; +Employee home addresses, phone numbers, employment history, driving history and more- from free and paid background research sites; +Usernames, email addresses, directory structure, file names and more- from website scanners.

7. Monitoring Vulnerability Research
Hackers are doing their research, and you also need to! Keep track of discussion groups, website postings, and third-party security oversight discussion groups of every vendor whose products your organization uses.

8. Being Patient & Persistent
Hackers often spend weeks or months researching their targets. Then, they have to select a specific attack point, design their attack, test and drill the attack, improve the attack, schedule the attack, and finally, launch the attack. Attacks are more successful when the hacker does it one small step at a time. Likewise, preventing hacker attacks requires patience and persistence. You must watch the most minor activities on your network with auditing processes keep current on patches, updates, and system improvements.

9. Confidence Games
Many security mechanisms used today are very effective against most hacking attempts. That is why hackers are going for your people. People are the biggest problem with security because they are the only element within a secure environment that has the ability to violate the rules. People can be tricked or coerced into violating the security system to grant the hacker access. Educate your people by training them about what to look for and to report all abnormal interactions. Even those who believe their position is so minor in the company can be targeted- and often are.

10. Already Being on the Inside
The majority of security violations are actually caused by internal employees. Disgruntled employees and those who join the company only to exploit it are reasons that persons on the inside attack. Internal security defenses should be employed to prevent these occurrences. Defenses include keystroke monitoring, preventing users from installing software, not allowing external media sources, disabling USB ports, extensive auditing and internet filtering and monitoring. (Information collected from Global Knowledge)

Are you having security issues? Contact us at 419.534.3010 or via email for help!

Microsoft Outlook Email Tips

2011-07-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Make sending a file through e-mail even easier. You can send a file on your computer through e-mail by right-clicking the file, pointing to Send To, and then clicking Mail Recipient. Text is automatically added to the body of the message; however, you can delete the text and add your own text by clicking in the message body and pressing CTRL+A.

Open several messages at the same. time Hold CTRL while you click each message. After you select the messages, on the File menu, point to Open, and then click Selected Items.

Use a file shortcut instead of an attachment to reduce the size of a message. Right-click the file and drag it to the Inbox. On the shortcut menu, click Send with Shortcut.

Sort messages alphabetically by sender name. To sort, click Arranged By and then click From. To reverse the alphabetical order, click From again. To sort by Subject line, click Subject. You can sort this way in any table in Outlook

Find related messages. To find related messages, right-click the message, and then on the shortcut menu, point to Find All and then click Related Messages. The Advanced Find dialog box appears with a list of related messages.

Jog your memory with a follow-up flag. Create a follow-up flag as a reminder to follow up on a message. On the Actions menu, click Follow Up and click the flag color of your choice.

Save searches that you use often. On the Tools menu, point to Find and then click Advanced Find. In the Advanced Find dialog box, specify your search criteria and click Save Search on the File menu. You can share the search results with others by sending the search results file as an attachment in an e-mail message.

From the Microsoft Office Website

Think your business is too small for a server? Think again.

2011-07-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

In today’s data-driven economy, your employees need the latest notebooks, smartphones and tablets to keep up with the speed of business.

But for every small business, there comes a point when you realize that all this additional technology isn’t making things easier, it's making your IT infrastructure ever more disorganized.

That’s when you need to think about adding a server to reel in your hectic technology environment. Think your business is too small to need a business server? If you’ve used any of the following infamous last words, it’s time to think again:

“We’ve gotten along without a server so far.”
You probably didn’t realize it, but the second you added additional desktops, notebooks, smartphones or tablets to your original office PC, you effectively created a peer-to-peer computing network—multiple machines that are connected without a centralized hub.

The problem with this sort of loosely defined IT environment is that as you add more and more to the mix, you increase the amount of redundant operations that all these computers are performing. The longer this cycle goes on, the more inefficient your system becomes.

Adding a business server—even from day one—can help you better protect your data sharing, allow you to access shared information from anywhere and with any device and help avoid disastrous losses of information.

“I’m a business man, not an IT director.”
Your business might be too small to staff an IT department, but that doesn’t mean it’s too small for smart data management. With the latest SMB enterprise options, you don’t need to be a tech genius to set up, manage and protect your business computing system.

The ProLiant MicroServer series is small, easy to manage and powerful enough to support all your business IT needs. These SMB-inspired servers are designed to make adding new drives, peripherals or capabilities a snap—so you can add “IT Superstar” to your title.

“Why waste money on a server that’s going to be outdated in a few months?”
Just like the rest of your business, you need technology that is flexible enough to grow along with your needs. That’s where the HP ProLiant ML server series comes into play.

HP ProLiant servers allow you to start small—providing low-risk networking, shared data services and internal storage at a low cost. Then, as your business grows, these highly expandable servers make it easy to add capabilities, so you can support branch offices, offsite technology or remote employees without reinvesting in a whole new server system.

And by linking your new server to your current data storage solutions, you get peace-of-mind from knowing that critical data is secure and safely stored away.

“Our budget is tight—we can’t afford a server.”
When you understand the value that a centralized IT environment provides, you’ll realize you can’t afford not to have a server. You can find low-end servers for a few hundred dollars, but for the needs of a growing small business, expect to pay somewhere between $2,000-5,000.

“We’re too small to need a server.”
By now you know that you’ll soon be eating those infamous words. Luckily, purchasing, managing and expanding a server to consolidate all your business technology needs has never been easier. Even the smallest business is big enough to warrant the simplicity, collaboration and security that a business server provides.

Contact a Solution Advisor at 419.534.3010 or at info@computerworkstoledo.com for more information about servers for your small business.

Content from HP- http://h30458.www3.hp.com/us/us/smb/1084955.html?jumpid=em_taw_US_jun11_eb-iss_1316772_hpgl_us_1084955_1&DIMID=1172972432&DICID=taw_jul11&mrm=1-4BVUP

Simple Steps to Keep Your Laptop Battery Charged

2011-06-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

It can be really frustrating when your laptop battery loses juice at an inopportune time, so here’s some tips on how to prolong the life of your laptop battery:

• Avoid multi-tasking. Here’s a great way to drain the battery: Work on a spreadsheet while your e-mail is running in the background and your latest favorite music is playing. In addition to preserving battery power, forcing yourself to focus on one task at a time is a great way to practice your prioritization skills.

• Turn down the lights and the heat. Dim your laptop’s screen to the lowest level that’s suitable for you. Closely related, the lower the temperature, the more efficient your laptop’s operation. To keep the temperature as low as possible, clean out the air vents with a cloth or a keyboard cleaner.

• Optimize the power. If you’re running Windows, visit ‘Power Options’ on the control panel and select ‘max battery’ to decrease the strain on your laptop’s battery.

• Defragment your computer regularly. Defragging is the process of reducing the amount of fragmentation in your files, and being proactive about it significantly reduces your computer’s to-do list, thereby saving power. This post will walk you through the process. You can also set this up to run automatically.

• Become a minimalist. When you’re on battery power, don’t run unnecessary programs in the background. Even if you cannot see them, they are taxing your laptop and its battery. The same goes for USB devices such as your mouse. If the devices are not in use, shut them down or remove them.

• Go into hibernation. Standby saves power, but hibernate saves even more.

• Baby your battery. Like a pet, your battery needs exercise. If your battery is charged, do not leave it dormant. Instead, be sure to use your charged battery at least once every couple of weeks.

And finally, invest in a more efficient laptop. Like automobiles, technology evolves on a regular basis, with each wave of innovation more efficient than the one that preceded it. In terms of better battery performance, a new laptop is one of the quickest fixes around.

Thinking about getting a new laptop? Contact a Solutions Advisor at 419.534.301 or via email to find one that is right for you!

-Content from HP's 367AddisonAvenue Blog-

Order Your Printer Supplies with the Click of a Button!

2010-08-06T06:21:00.001-07:00

Did you know that you can order your printer and toner supplies on the Computer Works website? It is quick, easy, and you can be assured that you will receive the highest quality of supplies available.

To place your order today, visit www.computerworkstoledo.com/order.htm.

Top 10 Reasons to Try Office 2010

2010-06-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

1. Edit and enhance photos in Word or PowerPoint 2010.

Put more visual impact in your documents or presentations with easy-to-use photo-editing tools that let you crop, control brightness and contrast, sharpen or soften, and add artistic visual effects without leaving Word 2010 or PowerPoint 2010.

2. Put your presentation message in motion with PowerPoint 2010.
Edit videos right in PowerPoint 2010, breaking longer clips down into shorter segments or reducing file size to make your presentation portable. Then dial up the visual impact by adjusting color, adding new video effects, and incorporating new dynamic slide transitions and animations.

3. Access, edit, and share from virtually anywhere with Office Web Apps on Windows Live SkyDrive.
Get things done when you’re away from the office, home, or school by creating documents in Office 2010, then posting them online to Windows Live SkyDrive to access, view, and edit - either alone or with others - with Office Web Apps from virtually anywhere you have Internet access.*
*An appropriate device, Internet connection, and Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari browser are required. There are some differences between the features of the Office Web Apps and the Office 2010 applications.

4. Organize all of your information in a single place in OneNote 2010.
Create a digital notebook in OneNote 2010 to capture and share text, images, video, audio — all your thoughts, ideas, and important information in a single, easy-to-access location.

5. Make presentations from virtually anywhere in PowerPoint 2010.
Broadcast your PowerPoint 2010 presentation through a web browser to a remote audience of one or 100 — even if they don’t have PowerPoint — with Broadcast Slide Show.

6. Take control of email conversations with Outlook 2010.
Track and manage your email easily with Conversation View in Outlook 2010, a feature that lets you condense, categorize, and even ignore lengthy email exchanges with a single click.

7. Analyze finances easily at home and at work with Excel 2010.
Use Sparklines in Excel 2010 to create small charts that make it easy to highlight trends in data at a glance, and highlight specific items in your data set with just a few clicks using improved Conditional Formatting.

8. Stay connected to your network with Outlook 2010.
The all-new Outlook Social Connector connects you to the social and business networks you use, including Microsoft SharePoint, Windows Live, or other popular third-party sites, so you can get more information and stay in touch.

9. Find the features you need fast and personalize your Ribbon.
An improved Ribbon lets you access your favorite commands quickly and customize or create tabs to personalize the experience to your work style.

10. Discover all the tools you need to work with your documents with the new Backstage view.
The Microsoft Office Backstage view provides a rich full-screen environment for working.

10 Cool Things You Can Do With A USB Flash Drive

2010-05-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

Transporting your data is probably the most common use for a USB flash drive. But there’s a world of other things you can do with these handy pocket-size drives. Here are 10 ways you can use that USB flash drive to do more than just move data.
(from http://www.techrepublic.com/)

1: Run portable applications

In addition to storing your data, you can run portable applications from a USB flash drive. For example, OpenOffice, which is a complete office suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation tool, drawing package, and database, is available as a portable application. Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird are also available as portable applications. When you combine the office suite with the ability to surf the Web and check email, you’ll be able to take your most vital computing applications with you wherever you go — right in your pocket.

If that’s not enough, you can choose other applications to install on your USB flash drive from PortableApps.com. You can even install an entire prepackaged suite of applications that includes such things as an audio player, games, an antivirus utility, and a handy menu system.

2: Boot an operating system
If you want to do more than just run your own applications, you might want to consider booting an entire operating system from your USB flash drive. You can boot either Windows or Linux from a USB flash drive; however, the process is not an exact science and you may be in for a technical adventure.

Fortunately, there are some guides you can follow. To learn how to boot Windows XP from a USB flash drive, see the article Creating a bootable USB flash drive for Windows XP. To learn how to boot a version of Linux from a USB flash drive, see the article Puppy Linux teaches an old dog new tricks.

3: Connect to a wireless network

If you have a wireless network, you can use the Wireless Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP or the Windows Connect Now (WCN) feature built into Vista to save wireless network configuration information to a USB flash drive. You can then use your drive to quickly and easily connect another computer or a WCN-compatible device, such as a router or printer, to your wireless network. To learn more about using the Wireless Network Setup Wizard, see the Help And Support Center, which is accessible from Windows XP’s Start menu. To learn more about using the Windows Connect Now feature, see Windows Help And Support, which is accessible from Windows Vista’s Start menu.

4: Create a password reset disk
A password reset disk can really come in handy if you forget the password to your user account on a Windows system that is not a part of a domain. If you find yourself in that situation, you can use the password reset disk to reset your password and quickly get back into your user account. In Windows Vista, you can use USB flash drive rather than a floppy disk as a password reset disk. For details on how to do so, see the article Create a Vista password reset disk using a USB flash drive.

5: Boost performance
If you’re running Windows Vista, you can use a USB flash drive to speed up your system with the ReadyBoost technology. ReadyBoost can use the storage space on a USB Flash drive as an additional memory cache to aid the memory cache on your hard disk. And because flash memory is more responsive than a hard disk, with its physical moving parts, the memory cache provided by ReadyBoost can significantly improve system responsiveness.

Using ReadyBoost is easy. You just insert your USB flash drive into your Vista system and follow the onscreen prompts to configure and use ReadyBoost. If you want more details, check out the article How SuperFetch and ReadyBoost work together.

6: Manage it
If all you really want to do with your USB flash drive is transport data, and you’re running Windows XP, you can do so more efficiently with the Microsoft USB Flash Drive Manager. Once you have installed this manager, you can easily copy files to and from your drive, back up and restore the entire flash drive to and from your hard disk, change the drive label, and even create an autorun.inf file to launch Drive Manager automatically when you plug in the drive. To learn more about and download the USB Flash Drive Manager visit the Microsoft TechNet Magazine site.

7: Use it as an MP3 player
Would you like to be listening to music when you’re using a computer at the office, but you don’t have an MP3 player? If so, you can use a USB flash drive as an MP3 player along with Windows Media Player and a set of headphones. Just copy your MP3 files to your USB flash drive, plug it into your computer, and direct Windows Media Player to build a library of the songs on your drive. You can use all of Windows Media Player’s playback features, such as playlists and favorites, to easily customize your music listening experience. And best of all, you won’t have to worry about running low on battery power.

8: Password-protect it
If you use a USB flash drive to transport sensitive data that you would prefer to protect from prying eyes, should you lose the drive, Rohos Mini Drive can safeguard that data. This security tool allows you to create a secret partition on the drive and then password-protect/encrypt that partition, thus protecting any documents you copy to that partition via the utility’s file manager. You can download (and read a review of) Rohos Mini Drive at Download.com.

9: Run a Web site from it

If you are a Web developer, you may be interested to know that with Server2Go, you can easily run a Web server that supports Apache, PHP, MySQL, and Perl right from a USB flash drive. You can use Server2Go right out of the box without any installation. It runs on all versions of Windows, supports most common browsers, and is completely free. To a developer, the benefits of having a portable Web server on a USB drive are numerous. For example, imagine being able to carry a live Web site demo into a sales pitch meeting. For more information about this package, visit the Server2Go site.

10: Lock your PC
Have you ever seen a movie in which a person in some secret government installation simply inserts and removes a card to log in and log out of a PC? If you thought that idea was cool, you’ll definitely want to investigate Predator. Once installed and configured, this little freeware utility will allow you to turn a USB flash drive into a key you can use to lock and unlock your computer.

While the USB flash drive is connected to your computer, everything works as it normally would. Once you remove the USB flash drive, your computer is locked down — the keyboard and mouse are disabled and the screen darkens. To unlock your computer, you just plug in the USB flash drive and the computer will be unlocked and you can begin using it. To learn more about Predator, and/or to download it, visit the developer’s Web site.

5 Ways to Speed Up Your PC

2010-04-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your computer and keep it running smoothly. This article discusses how to use the tools available in Windows 7, Vista, and XP to more efficiently maintain your computer and safeguard your privacy when you're online.

1. Free up disk space
The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk to improve the performance of your computer. The tool identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.

Use Disk Cleanup to:
• Remove temporary Internet files (take up a lot of space)
• Remove downloaded program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets).
• Empty the Recycle Bin.
• Remove Windows temporary files such as error reports.
• Remove optional Windows components that you don't use.
• Remove installed programs that you no longer use.
• Remove unused restore points and shadow copies from System Restore.

2. Speed up access to data
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. The response time can be significantly longer. Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your files stored neatly end-to-end, without fragmentation, reading and writing to the disk speeds up.

When to run Disk Defragmenter

In addition to running Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals—monthly is optimal—there are other times you should run it too, such as when:
• You add a large number of files.
• Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.
• You install new programs or a new version of Windows.

3. Detect and repair disk errors
In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility. As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see whether certain files or folders are misplaced. If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility once a week to help prevent data loss.

4. Protect your computer against spyware
Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. From the Web sites you visit to usernames and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance. To combat spyware, you will should consider using a spyware removal tool.

5. Learn all about ReadyBoost
If you're using Windows 7 or Windows Vista, you can use ReadyBoost to speed up your system. A new concept in adding memory to a system, it allows you to use non-volatile flash memory—like a USB flash drive or a memory card—to improve performance without having to add additional memory.
• Learn more about ReadyBoost in Windows 7.
• Learn more about ReadyBoost in Vista.

Citrix Synergy 2010

2010-04-01T12:36:00.001-07:00

Where virtualization, networking and cloud computing meet

Citrix Synergy is the industry’s only conference focused on the growing convergence between virtualization, networking and cloud computing and how it can solve real business problems. It’s an open exchange of ideas, technology innovations and real-world experiences on how to deliver just about any desktop, application, media or service to any user, anywhere. As a result, Synergy provides the best value for your conference dollar by pulling together the foremost experts in virtualization, networking and cloud computing all in one event. You’ll return to the office knowing specifically how to build a simpler and more cost-efficient computing environment that will put your organization at the forefront of the coming on-demand IT services era.

Synergy 2010 is a global conference featuring a two-event structure to cover North America in spring and Europe in fall. The spring event will take place May 12-14 at the Moscone West Convention Center in San Francisco, California, a cosmopolitan city offering a wealth of cultural and recreational attractions.

We invite you to explore the complete Synergy site to learn more about the San Francisco event, including, agenda, session content, venue and special activities, awards, environmental initiatives, and money-saving offers and promotions.

If you can only attend one conference in 2010, Synergy is the one. Position your business to succeed in a rapidly changing world, and join us at Synergy.

For more information, or to register, go to http://www.citrixsynergy.com/

What is a Managed Service Provider?

2010-02-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is an IT consulting organization of diversely skilled technicians that can manage the cost effective maintenance of the clients IT systems through various custom tailored solutions. Typically, a Managed Service comes in the form of a Master Services Agreement with a Service Level Agreement that defines the coverage and associated fixed monthly fee. A client may choose to take advantage of multiple Managed Services from the same Managed Services Provider to cover all of their IT needs. An MSP manages successful business relationships with ethics, integrity, expertise, resources, and the trust of their clients.

Three key client benefits:

1. Proactive maintenance results in a quicker and sustainable return on investment for the clients by maintaining high standards for user efficiency and productivity in conjunction with extending hardware lifespan.

2. Both proactive and reactive maintenance can finally represent a tangible number in an IT budget where the traditional break/fix service model can lead to higher costs that are more difficult to predict.

3. A Managed Services Contract, as part of a Business Continuity Strategy, can lead to shorter meantime to resolution and controlled cost of downtime if a disaster recovery effort become necessary as a result of natural or man-made disaster or disruption

4 Must-Dos to Keep Your Printer Printing

2010-01-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

1. Clean the ink nozzle
When using an inkjet printer, you’ll want to ensure that the ink nozzle stays clean and free of any obstructions. One easy way to do this is with the HP Deskjet Toolbox that was installed with your printer. For most printers, the Toolbox will have a "Maintenance" or "Printer Services" tab. Choosing this tab reveals a "Clean the print cartridges" option. Choose this option and follow the instructions presented. You may need to run the test multiple times.

2. Ensure printheads are aligned
This simple step will keep all the nozzles pointing in the right direction so that the ink gets to the right place. A hint that your printheads are misaligned: white repeating lines or a grid-like pattern on your printout. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to do this for your HP Deskjet, HP Business Inkjet, or HP Color Inkjet Printers, visit this HP support page.

3. Keep carriage rods moving smoothly
The carriage makes a chattering or grinding noise while travelling side-to-side across the rails of the HP Designjet series printers. While the exact steps are slightly different for various Designjet models, the basic idea is to clean and lubricate the printer's slider rods. To do so, turn the printer off, access the carriage assembly, and wipe the carriage’s rails with a lint-free cloth and warm water. Then dry all water from the rails, and apply one small drop of HP Synthetic Oil on the carriage rails on each side of the carriage. Using a lint-free cloth, wipe the lubricant along each side of the carriage rails.

4. Keep drivers up to date
Regularly making sure you have the latest printer driver is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your printer in top working order. Updating your driver will help you avoid or eliminate printing problems, take advantage of your printer’s latest features, and ensure maximum print quality. Even better, these driver updates are free to download from HP; if you have subscribed to HP Driver and Support Alerts, you’ll receive the latest driver updates automatically into your inbox. To install the latest driver:

1. Go to the Support & Drivers page.
2. Select “Download drivers and software (and firmware).”
3. Enter your product number. (This alphanumeric code is usually found on the front or top corner of your printer. If you aren’t sure of your product number, click “How do I find my product name/number”, then click on the “>>” button.
4. Select your operating system, such as Microsoft® Windows Vista® or Windows® XP, from the list of options.
5. Select the basic driver or a driver and software bundle from the list of options. Usually, the first choice is the most basic driver update.
6. Click the “Download only” button.
7. You will see the message “Would you like to save this file?” Click “Save File”.
8. Follow any on-screen instructions to finish your installation.
9. Restart your computer once the installation is complete.

7 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 7

2010-01-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

1. Simplified Networking: These days, work doesn’t just happen at the office. Windows 7 features let you move from your work network to home network with ease.

Location Aware Printing can detect whether you are at work or at home and can automatically send your documents to the right printer.
HomeGroup lets you share files and printers across computers, even without a server. With Windows 7 Professional networking is simple saving you time and money.

2. Carefree Mobility: Work from virtually anywhere—you can connect to and manage wireless networks without having to spend a lot of time configuring them.

Remote Desktop Connection means you can access documents and programs on a remote PC with just about as much effort as logging on to your laptop.

3. Comfortable Continuity: Most applications and devices are compatible with Windows 7, but for the applications that aren’t, Windows 7 Professional also comes with Windows XP Compatibility Mode. You can run your Windows XP-compatible applications right in Windows 7 Professional.

4. Improved Efficiency: Everyone loves shortcuts, which is why Windows 7 Professional has them built right in.

The Aero Desktop feature lets you snap open Windows or documents into place side by side.
The Windows Taskbar and Jump Lists puts the documents and applications you use most right at your fingertips and make it easy to see what you have open.

5. System Safety: Keeping your information and systems safe is easier than ever.

Advanced Backup helps safeguard your data by backing it up automatically to a network location or local drive so that you can restore your information should the worst happen.
You can also encrypt files and folders easily with just the click of your mouse.

6. Smarter Search: Find information quickly and easily the first time you search for it.

Windows Search even finds applications, anywhere on your computer, fast.
The Libraries feature lets you view groups of related files in one place, making them easy to find even when you’ve stored them in different folders or on different PCs.

7. Reduced Costs: Windows 7 Professional actually helps older hardware move faster. Plus, better power management features can extend the battery life of your laptop, helping you stay productive and up and running.

For a limited time, you can upgrade to Windows 7 for 50% off of the Open Value Subscription price for one year! Contact us at 419-534-3010 or via email.

Microsoft's Big Easy Offer 4.0

2010-01-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

Microsoft’s Big Easy Offer 4.0: Build a solution that fits!

The Big Easy Offer gives you choices on Microsoft products and solutions that fit your needs. For every qualifying product you purchase, Microsoft pays you partner subsidy funds that can be used with a Microsoft Partner of your choice to help with the implementation of your Microsoft solution including software, hardware and services.

What is a Subsidy?
A subsidy is a check made payable to the Microsoft partner of your choice. This subsidy can be used to enrich and implement your Microsoft solution. The subsidy allows you to purchase additional products or services from the Microsoft partner of your choice thus lowering your Total Cost of Ownership.

Want More?
You can increase your subsidy by choosing:
• Products from more than one product group.
• Licenses with Software Assurance.
• Advanced or Enterprise Editions.

How do I take advantage of the Big Easy Offer 4.0?
• Make a qualifying purchase between January 3, 2010 and March 31, 2010.
• Redeem your purchase within 30 days of purchase date at http://www.microsoftincentives.com/BigEasy4/redeem.aspx.
• Receive your partner subsidy check from Microsoft.
• Spend your subsidy funds with your Microsoft partner upon receipt. Please note that subsidy funds expire after 90 days of the check issue date.

Click here to find included products, estimate your subsidy & watch a video

Take advantage of this great offer by contacting a Solution Advisor today! You can reach us by phone at 419.534.3010, via email, or at www.computerworkstoledo.com

How to fix Vundo Virus on your Computer

2009-12-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

from Mike Nagy, IT Consultant at Computer Works of Toledo

Malware is a broad term that refers to software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's consent. Popular forms of malware include spyware, adware, fraudware, viruses, worms and trojans. These programs are responsible for a significant decrease in user productivity due to their impact on PC performance and time spent on attempted self-repair. More catastrophic results include unauthorized access to company information by outside hackers, deletion of critical information and even operating system corruption leading to complete system failure. The solution is to proactively scan for and remove malware programs on a regular basis by a qualified PC administrator using utilities designed for the task.

If your proactive efforts have not been successful at preventing infection, it is often very difficult to completely remove infections like the Vundo virus or one of the myriad of variants (now classified as “Fraud Ware”). If you have physical access to the computer, then performing a “Clean Scan” process is the most reliable method of removing the Vundo Virus; however, as we often find ourselves attacking these types of infections on remote computers. The instructions below provide a reliable method of virus removal, for at least 80% of affected computers. This process can take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the level of infection, with the average computer taking about 3 ½ to 4 hours.

1. Establish the Remote session using GoToAssist (G2A), GoToAssist Express (G2A-x), Log-Me-In or a similar utility.
• Make sure to upgrade the remote session to “Run As A Service” or setup the “Unattended Support” option if available

2. Verify the computer has a valid Antivirus program installed, and that it has the latest virus Definitions.
• If no valid Antivirus program is installed, the current Antivirus product has been disabled, or the current Antivirus product is expired; then download a current Trial or Free Antivirus program such as: AVG 8.x Free or ClamWin, which are available from http://www.filehippo.com

3. Download, install and update the most recent version of the following programs:
• SpyBot Search and Destroy (Spybot) http://www.filehippo.com/download_spybot_search_destroy/
• MalwareBytes’ Anti-Malware (aka: MBAM) http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
• Super Antispyware. http://www.superantispyware.com/
• A reliable Registry Cleaning Utility. I recommend one or both of the following:
i. Crap Cleaner (CCleaner) - http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
ii. EasyCleaner - http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm

4. Disable System Restore:
• Right Click on the “My Computer” Icon
• Select “Properties”
• Select the “System Restore” Tab
• Check the box “Turn Off System Restore”
• Approve the prompt message, and Click “OK” to close the Properties Window

5. Perform Registry and Application Cleanup (the instructions provided here are for CCleaner. You can also perform similar operations using EasyCleaner)
• Select the ”Cleaner” button (Left Margin Bar)
i. Select the “Analyze” button (at the bottom) to catalog Temp files, the browser cache, and cookies
ii. Select the “Run Cleaner” button (bottom right)
• Select the “Tools” Menu (Left Margin Bar)
• Select the “Uninstall” Menu Button
i. Uninstall ALL toolbars (i.e. Yahoo Toolbar, Google Toolbar, MSN Tools, etc.)
ii. Uninstall All “Browser Helper” applications (i.e. Yahoo Browser Protection, WebX, Dell Redirector, etc.)
iii. Uninstall ALL Messenger programs (i.e. AOL, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, etc.)
iv. Uninstall Google Desktop and Microsoft Desktop Search (Indexer)
v. Uninstall all “search tools” or “search assistant” applications
• Select the “Startup” Menu Button
i. Delete all “deactivated” startup items
ii. Disable any item that is suspect (i.e. XP_Antispyware_2008.exe, ZEDO.exe, etc.)
• Select the “Registry” Button (Left Margin Bar)
i. Select the “Scan for Issues” button (at the bottom)
ii. Select the “Fix Selected issues…” button (bottom right) – approve all prompts, but do not save the current registry values
iii. Repeat the above registry cleaning as needed until all invalid registry entries are removed – this may take 6 or more times

6. Restart the PC in Safe Mode (With Networking)
• Use the Remote Utility to “restart in safe mode” if it is available.
• If not, force the PC into Safe Mode at the next startup
i. Click “Start”
ii. Select “Run…”
iii. Type “msconfig” in the Run Command prompt and select “Ok” or press the [enter] key
iv. Select the “Start in Safe Mode with Networking” radio button
v. Click Apply
vi. Click “OK”, then select “Restart the Computer” when prompted

7. Once the computer is at the desktop in Safe Mode, run Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware (MBAM) and perform a “quick scan” (this scan usually takes 20 to 25 minutes) *** This scan can be performed at the same time as the Antispyware scan below, if the computer has sufficient hardware resources

8. Open Super Antispyware and perform a “Quick Scan” (this scan usually takes 20 to 25 minutes) *** This scan can be performed at the same time as the MBAM scan above, if the computer has sufficient hardware resources

9. Open Spybot, and select the “Check For Problems” button (this scan may take up to 1 ½ hours) *** This scan can be performed at the same time as the Antivirus scan below, if the computer has sufficient hardware resources
• Select “Fix All Problems” then approve any prompts from this program

10. Setup Spybot to automatically run on the next PC startup
• Click on the “Mode” Toolbar Menu
• Select “Advanced Mode” and approve the prompt
• Select the “Settings” Menu button
• Highlight the “Settings” sub-menu
• Scroll down to the “Scan Priority” sub-menu
i. Select the “Highest” radio button
• Scroll down to the “Automation” sub-menu
i. Select the “Run Spybot on the Next System Startup” radio button
ii. Select the “Run Scan when program starts” check box
iii. Select the “Fix all problems” check box
• Select the “Spybot S&D” Menu Button
• Close Spybot

11. Open the Antivirus program and perform a “Full System Scan” (this is typically a “console mode” scanner in Safe Mode and may take up to 2 hours) *** This scan can be performed at the same time as the Spybot scan above, if the computer has sufficient hardware resources

12. Repeat Registry Cleanup (Step # 5 above using CCleaner or Easy Cleaner)

13. Restart the Computer in Normal Operation Mode (Reset the MSCONFIG boot option if this method was used to force a restart in Safe Mode)

14. Upon login, Spybot should automatically start to run and check for problems.
• If Spybot does not startup automatically, then immediately repeat/verify step 13 above.
• Once Spybot completes the scan, and fixes any problems, review the “fixed” items to insure there is no evidence of persistent virus activity then close Spybot

15. Run the Antivirus program. Once the Antivirus program completes, review the log to insure there is no persistent virus activity, then close the Antivirus program

16. Open Internet Explorer and verify the Home Page and security options, and that there are no installed Toolbars

17. Verify the clients Data is intact and programs are working normally.
• Re-install any programs which do not work normally

NOTES:
If no persistent virus activity is encountered:
• Perform a final registry cleanup for EACH user login on the computer (using CCleaner or Easy Cleaner)

If persistent virus activity is encountered:
• The computer cannot be “cleaned by normal means” and should have the Hard Disk Drive formatted and the Operating system reinstalled. If a format and OS reinstallation are still not an option, then a “Clean System Scan” must be performed, or the system should be removed from service or replaced.

5 Good Computing Habits

2009-12-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

Working off a slow, disorganized computer can be frustrating—and it happens to the best of us. This article is designed to give you some easy-to-follow guidelines on how to keep your computer on the right track using tools in Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Windows XP.

1. Organize your folders
We all know how easy it is to dump files into the wrong folder when we're in a hurry. But one way to make sure you'll keep your files organized is to remove the clutter with a filing system that makes sense for the way you use your computer. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Start clean
Begin by deciding which files you no longer need on your hard drive.

Think it through
Take the time to plan the best way to organize your files. How do you spend your time on the computer and what do you create? Do you work with photos and image editing software, surf the Web, write short stories, research school projects, or play games? The folders you create in Documents (called My Documents in Windows XP) can be easily tailored to show you just the kind of data about your files that you need to track.

Use subfolders
After you have an idea of the kinds of items you produce and want to save, create folders and subfolders to store your files. Be sure to use logical, easy-to-understand names. For example, within Documents, you might create additional folders called Projects, HR Benefits, and Career. Then, within the Projects folder, you could create subfolders for each different project.

Windows Tip
To create a new subfolder with Windows Vista or Windows XP, simply right click anywhere in the folder, select New, and Select Folder. Type the name for the new folder and press Enter. For more tips about creating a well-organized filing system, see 7 tips to manage your files better.

Create a new folder using the File and Folder task pane.

2. Clean up your hard disk
Now that you've organized your files and folders, and cleaned up your desktop, you can organize the data itself. Windows includes two utilities—Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter—that help you free up more space on your hard drive and help your computer work more efficiently.

Disk Cleanup compresses your old files so you can free up storage space.

Disk Defragmenter scans your hard drive and consolidates files that may be scattered across the disk

Not sure how often to run these utilities? It's really up to you—some people like to run both weekly, others prefer monthly, and a few only run them every few months. It's not a bad idea to do both at least once a month. Windows Vista users take note: Disk Defragmenter is automatically scheduled to run once a week (Sunday at 4 a.m.). You can change the scheduled time for this feature or turn it off, if you prefer.

To find both programs, click Start, point to All Programs, then point to Accessories, and then choose System Tools.

3. Use System Restore
System Restore is one of those programs that can be a life-saver when you've been the unfortunate recipient of unstable software, a badly timed power outage, or a damaging thunderstorm. System Restore records important documents, settings, and preferences on your computer. If the unthinkable happens and your computer files are damaged or inaccessible, you can use System Restore to restore your computer back the same state it was in before the data was lost.

System Restore creates restore points daily, and whenever you install device drivers, automatic updates, and some applications. Still, it's a good idea to get into the habit of creating a system checkpoint (called a restore point) whether you're about to install new software, or take any action you suspect might make your computer unstable. That way, if there's any conflict at all, you can restore your computer to the point just before you began the installation.

To use System Restore:

Click Start, and choose All Programs.
Point to Accessories, then point to System Tools, and then choose System Restore.
When the program begins, choose Create a restore point and click Next.
Enter a description of the restore point and click Create. After a few seconds, the program will tell you the date, time, and description of the new restore point.
Click Close to exit System Restore.

4. Keep Windows and Office up-to-date

Computer programs are continually improved based on customer feedback and continuing product testing. As problems are resolved, you should benefit from those improvements. By checking Microsoft Update regularly, you can make sure you've got the most recent Windows and Office improvements available to you.

If you're using Windows XP, visit Microsoft Update to start the update process. If it's your first time to visit Microsoft Update, you might need to sign up to the service. Windows Vista users don't need to sign up for Microsoft Update: an account is automatically created for you during the registration process.

To use Microsoft Update:

For high-priority updates, click Express Install (recommended). If you're just looking for general updates that aren't critical, choose Custom Install.

The site will do a quick check of your system to see whether any new updates are available that have not been downloaded to your computer. When the check is finished, a window appears showing you any new updates ready for download.

Follow the on-screen instructions and click Install Now to update your computer with the latest software improvements.

Once you've visited the Microsoft Update site, you should also configure your computer to receive critical updates automatically. This service is called Automatic Updates (Windows Update in Windows Vista) and it's free. Learn how to turn it on in Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Turn Windows Update on in Windows Vista

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Under Windows Update, select Turn automatic updating on or off.
Select a setting. Microsoft recommends selecting Automatic: Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them. You can schedule Automatic Updates for any time of day. Remember, your computer must be on at the scheduled time for updates to be installed. We recommend choosing a time when you will not be using the computer for other tasks.
Change Settings dialog box
Turn Windows Update on in Windows XP
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance.

Note: If the Performance and Maintenance category is not visible, click Switch to Category View.

Click System.
In the System Properties dialog box, click the Automatic Updates tab.
Select a setting. Microsoft recommends selecting Automatic: Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them. You can schedule Automatic Updates for any time of day. Remember, your computer must be on at the scheduled time for updates to be installed. We recommend choosing a time when you will not be using the computer for other tasks.

If you choose to have Automatic Updates notify you in step 5, you will see a notification balloon when new downloads are available to install. Click the notification balloon to review and install updates.

Important : If you choose an option in step 5 other than the one we recommend, you must download and install every critical update. If you download the updates, but forget to install them, your computer will not be protected with all the latest enhancements.

Turn Windows Update on in Windows XP

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance.

Note: If the Performance and Maintenance category is not visible, click Switch to Category View.

Click System.
In the System Properties dialog box, click the Automatic Updates tab.
Select a setting. Microsoft recommends selecting Automatic: Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them. You can schedule Automatic Updates for any time of day. Remember, your computer must be on at the scheduled time for updates to be installed. We recommend choosing a time when you will not be using the computer for other tasks.
Ifyou choose to have Automatic Updates notify you in step 5, you will see a notification balloon when new downloads are available to install. Click the notification balloon to review and install updates.

Important : If you choose an option in step 5 other than the one we recommend, you must download and install every critical update. If you download the updates, but forget to install them, your computer will not be protected with all the latest enhancements.

5. Run antivirus software AND a spyware detection and removal tool

Updating your Windows software is just the first step in keeping your computer safe. Next, you'll want to download and install antivirus software and keep it up to date. Your computer may have come with a free trial of antivirus software, but if you don't renew your subscription, you won't be protected from all the latest threats.

If your computer seems sluggish or if you begin to see lots of pop-up advertisements, even when you're not surfing the Web, your computer may be infected with spyware, adware, or other unwanted software. Learn more about spyware and what it can do to your computer. Fortunately, there's Microsoft Windows Defender, which is included in Windows Vista, and is available as a free download for Microsoft XP SP2. Alternatively, there are other free anti-spyware software programs available.

Find more tips at the Microsoft at Work website

Citrix Myth #5 - User experience on XenApp is not as good as locally installed apps

2009-10-12T09:10:00.001-07:00

Some people believe that apps delivered with XenApp are not as good as installed apps. Actually, XenApp provides a "better than installed" experience.

Citrix Myth #4 - XenApp Doesn't Support Printing

2009-09-28T10:40:00.001-07:00

Citrix Myth #3 - XenApp Doesn't Support Media

2009-09-28T10:39:00.001-07:00

Citrix XenApp Myth #2 - XenApp-Delivered Apps Don't Work Offline

2009-08-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

Bigfoot uses Citrix XenApp?

2009-08-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Forget everything you thought you knew. Watch this startling new footage that sheds light on the very existence of Bigfoot — but even more importantly — the misconceptions that may be keeping you from reaping the full benefits of Citrix XenAppTM (which you may know as MetaFrame or Presentation Server).

Don’t be fooled, XenApp delivers all Windows® applications as a service to users anywhere — while reducing application management costs by up to 50%. It’s shocking. It’s amazing.And it’s true.

Watch the incredible footage for yourself!

Check out Citrix XenApp Myth #1 - My apps don't work with XenApp

2009-08-06T12:16:00.001-07:00

Integrity in Ethics - The Practice of Client Retention

2009-05-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Computer Works of Toledo is celebrating 10 years of serving the business communities of Northwest Ohio through the delivery of IT related products and professional services. It is fitting that as we celebrate this milestone, we are honored by a nomination for the Better Business Bureau 2009 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. This annual program acknowledges those who demonstrate a commitment to outstanding ethical business practices in dealings with their employees, vendors, customers and community.

Computer Works of Toledo understands that what we do is less important than how we do it. We have worked hard at forming long-term relationships by using a partnership for success approach. Some of our clients have been with us from the beginning, which is a testament to the value of that approach. Our motto, ‘Understanding Objectives – Delivering Results,’ in conjunction with a mission statement to conduct business ethically, is only part of the equation. It takes integrity to consistently deliver that commitment to ethics across all business dealings. This is especially true when presented with difficult circumstances, such as hard economic times.

To validate our efforts, we rely on positive feedback from our clients. In his nomination, Mike Deye of Hale Performance Coatings wrote, “When computers break, work comes to a complete stop. What I am impressed with, is when a call is made for a repair, they are here like lightning! On top of that, all repairs are done 100% accurate, and usually an improvement is made.” Mr. Deye went on to say, “When I am out and about, it seems that bad service is easy to find. It has been a long quest of ours to find a company like Computer Works.”

At Computer Works of Toledo, we know that integrity in ethics in the interest of client retention is a practice that is never completely satisfied. We continually strive to improve on the delivery of our products and services to meet the expectations of our clientele. Were it not for the feedback- both positive and critical- from our loyal clients, we would not be celebrating 10 years in business or the Marketplace Ethics Torch Award nomination. As our business model evolves to meet the demands of the regional IT market, what is at our core will never change. Conducting business ethically, and with integrity, will always come first. Above all else, we are solution advisors and relationship people.

Bill Wass - Technical Services Manager

Vundo Virus Fix

2009-05-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Malware is a broad term that refers to software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's consent. Popular forms of malware include spyware, adware, fraudware, viruses, worms and trojans. These programs are responsible for a significant decrease in user productivity due to their impact on PC performance and time spent on attempted self-repair. More catastrophic results include unauthorized access to company information by outside hackers, deletion of critical information and even operating system corruption leading to complete system failure. The solution is to proactively scan for and remove malware programs on a regular basis by a qualified PC administrator using utilities designed for the task.

If your proactive efforts have not been successful at preventing infection, it is often very difficult to completely remove infections like the Vundo virus or one of the myriad of variants (now classified as “Fraud Ware”). If you have physical access to the computer, then performing a “Clean Scan” process is the most reliable method of removing the Vundo Virus; however, as we often find ourselves attacking these types of infections on remote computers. The instructions below provide a reliable method of virus removal, for at least 80% of affected computers. This process can take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the level of infection, with the average computer taking about 3 ½ to 4 hours.

Establish the Remote session using GoToAssist (G2A), GoToAssist Express (G2A-x), Log-Me-In or a similar utility.
Make sure to upgrade the remote session to “Run As A Service” or setup the “Unattended Support” option if available

Verify the computer has a valid Antivirus program installed, and that it has the latest virus Definitions.
If no valid Antivirus program is installed, the current Antivirus product has been disabled, or the current Antivirus product is expired; then download a current Trial or Free Antivirus program such as: AVG 8.x Free or ClamWin, which are available from http://www.filehippo.com

Download, install and update the most recent version of the following programs:
SpyBot Search and Destroy (Spybot) http://www.filehippo.com/download_spybot_search_destroy/
MalwareBytes’ Anti-Malware (aka: MBAM) http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
Super Antispyware. http://www.superantispyware.com/
A reliable Registry Cleaning Utility. I recommend one or both of the following:
i. Crap Cleaner (CCleaner) - http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
ii. EasyCleaner - http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm

Disable System Restore:
Right Click on the “My Computer” Icon
Select “Properties”
Select the “System Restore” Tab
Check the box “Turn Off System Restore”
Approve the prompt message, and Click “OK” to close the Properties Window

Perform Registry and Application Cleanup (the instructions provided here are for CCleaner. You can also perform similar operations using EasyCleaner)
Select the ”Cleaner” button (Left Margin Bar)
i. Select the “Analyze” button (at the bottom) to catalog Temp files, the browser cache, and cookies
ii. Select the “Run Cleaner” button (bottom right)
Select the “Tools” Menu (Left Margin Bar)
Select the “Uninstall” Menu Button
i. Uninstall ALL toolbars (i.e. Yahoo Toolbar, Google Toolbar, MSN Tools, etc.)
ii. Uninstall All “Browser Helper” applications (i.e. Yahoo Browser Protection, WebX, Dell Redirector, etc.)
iii. Uninstall ALL Messenger programs (i.e. AOL, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, etc.)
iv. Uninstall Google Desktop and Microsoft Desktop Search (Indexer)
v. Uninstall all “search tools” or “search assistant” applications
Select the “Startup” Menu Button
i. Delete all “deactivated” startup items
ii. Disable any item that is suspect (i.e. XP_Antispyware_2008.exe, ZEDO.exe, etc.)
Select the “Registry” Button (Left Margin Bar)
i. Select the “Scan for Issues” button (at the bottom)
ii. Select the “Fix Selected issues…” button (bottom right) – approve all prompts, but do not save the current registry values
iii. Repeat the above registry cleaning as needed until all invalid registry entries are removed – this may take 6 or more times

Restart the PC in Safe Mode (With Networking)
Use the Remote Utility to “restart in safe mode” if it is available.
If not, force the PC into Safe Mode at the next startup
i. Click “Start”
ii. Select “Run…”
iii. Type “msconfig” in the Run Command prompt and select “Ok” or press the [enter] key
iv. Select the “Start in Safe Mode with Networking” radio button
v. Click Apply
vi. Click “OK”, then select “Restart the Computer” when prompted

Once the computer is at the desktop in Safe Mode, run Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware (MBAM) and perform a “quick scan” (this scan usually takes 20 to 25 minutes) *** This scan can be performed at the same time as the Antispyware scan below, if the computer has sufficient hardware resources

Open Super Antispyware and perform a “Quick Scan” (this scan usually takes 20 to 25 minutes) *** This scan can be performed at the same time as the MBAM scan above, if the computer has sufficient hardware resources

Open Spybot, and select the “Check For Problems” button (this scan may take up to 1 ½ hours) *** This scan can be performed at the same time as the Antivirus scan below, if the computer has sufficient hardware resources
Select “Fix All Problems” then approve any prompts from this program

Setup Spybot to automatically run on the next PC startup
Click on the “Mode” Toolbar Menu
Select “Advanced Mode” and approve the prompt
Select the “Settings” Menu button
Highlight the “Settings” sub-menu
Scroll down to the “Scan Priority” sub-menu
i. Select the “Highest” radio button
Scroll down to the “Automation” sub-menu
i. Select the “Run Spybot on the Next System Startup” radio button
ii. Select the “Run Scan when program starts” check box
iii. Select the “Fix all problems” check box
Select the “Spybot S&D” Menu Button
Close Spybot

Open the Antivirus program and perform a “Full System Scan” (this is typically a “console mode” scanner in Safe Mode and may take up to 2 hours) *** This scan can be performed at the same time as the Spybot scan above, if the computer has sufficient hardware resources

Repeat Registry Cleanup (Step # 5 above using CCleaner or Easy Cleaner)

Restart the Computer in Normal Operation Mode (Reset the MSCONFIG boot option if this method was used to force a restart in Safe Mode)

Upon login, Spybot should automatically start to run and check for problems.
If Spybot does not startup automatically, then immediately repeat/verify step 13 above.
Once Spybot completes the scan, and fixes any problems, review the “fixed” items to insure there is no evidence of persistent virus activity then close Spybot

Run the Antivirus program. Once the Antivirus program completes, review the log to insure there is no persistent virus activity, then close the Antivirus program

Open Internet Explorer and verify the Home Page and security options, and that there are no installed Toolbars

Verify the clients Data is intact and programs are working normally.
Re-install any programs which do not work normally

NOTES: If no persistent virus activity is encountered:
· Perform a final registry cleanup for EACH user login on the computer (using CCleaner or Easy Cleaner)

If persistent virus activity is encountered:
· The computer cannot be “cleaned by normal means” and should have the Hard Disk Drive formatted and the Operating system reinstalled. If a format and OS reinstallation are still not an option, then a “Clean System Scan” must be performed, or the system should be removed from service or replaced.

This tip brought to you by Computer Works IT Consultant Mike Nagy

Best Practices for Networks

2009-05-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

The following recommendations are ideal for most network types found in the small and medium sized organization. We do not warrant that by following these recommendations an organization is without risk of failure. Please consult with us if you require assistance implementing any of these practices.

1. Microsoft Updates
You should disable automatic installation of Windows Updates on servers. Updates can cause unexpected results, including server failure, which can be difficult to diagnose and/or reverse. You should; however, enable automatic updates on individual workstations.

2. Antivirus
Install antivirus software on every server and every workstation. If you use an internal email server like Microsoft Exchange Server, also protect your messaging with antivirus. The most effective management of antivirus scans are virus definition updates, and threat management is achieved with a network version of antivirus that is managed by a central server. It is also important to exclude certain files and folders from virus scanning due to the possibility of data corruption. This is particularly important on servers such as domain controllers, Exchange servers, and database servers.

3. Malware Management
Malware is a broad term that refers to software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's consent. Popular forms of malware include spyware & adware. These programs are responsible for a significant decrease in user productivity due to their impact on PC performance and time spent on attempted self-repair. More catastrophic results can include unauthorized access to company information by outside hackers, deletion of critical information, and even operating system corruption leading to complete system failure. You should proactively scan for and remove malware programs on a regular basis.

4. Internet Security
It is generally a necessity for most organizations to be connected to the Internet in order to conduct business in real-time. The way that this connection to the Internet is established is an often overlooked security risk. Without the proper hardware in place, the information stored on your network can be accessed by unauthorized persons. There are three types of hackers: The one who wants to retrieve data for personal or resale use, the one who wants to be destructive within a vulnerable network, and the one that wants to take control of your network computers in order to send spam or attack other companies. Whatever the motive, the results can be catastrophic and expensive to a business. The solution is a firewall appliance positioned between the private internal network and the public Internet.

5. Data Protection
It is recommended that a data backup solution be devised to facilitate disaster recovery. Data can be lost in a number of different ways including: Hard drive failure, database corruption, virus activity, end-user error, natural or man-made disaster, or Internet attack by unauthorized personnel. The value of data varies widely by organization but could result in an unrecoverable loss of revenue or even business failure.

There are a number of methods available for data backup including: Rewritable CDs and DVDs, external hard drives, online storage services, remote offsite data transfers, or the more traditional method of automated backup to tape media. Regardless of the method, it is a best practice to rotate data backups to a safe offsite location and to perform at least a semi-annual restoration and disaster recovery simulation to test the viability of your solution.

6. Remote Access
Most organizations operate outside the traditional four walls of the office space. Fast, easy, and secure access to the corporate environment from remote locations is becoming a necessity. A number of recent technology enhancements, coupled with the affordability of high-speed Internet access, are making the “virtual workplace” a reality. One of the earlier generation options in this area included pcAnywhere™.

Remote access is easier than ever before and serves a number of different needs including: Access from home, access for a roaming sales force, branch office connectivity, access to servers or individual office PCs, and access for Computer Works to quickly diagnose and resolve computer-related issues without spending time traveling to the office. Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 makes it easy with two free built-in remote access licenses.

However, it is important to understand the risks that go along with providing remote access. Proper precautions must be taken to minimize the possibility of unauthorized access. Implementing and enforcing a strong password policy is a good first step. Eight-character passwords using numbers, upper and lower case letters, and even symbols can increase security not just from outside attackers, but from internal snooping as well. Additional steps such as encryption and biometric user identification can increase security substantially.

7. Junk Email
Spam is not just a can of mystery meat anymore. Spam is Internet slang for unwanted email, primarily unsolicited commercial email. Recipients of spam often consider it an unwanted intrusion that can be a financial drain by impacting the productivity of users, the performance of computers, and the speed of Internet access because of a “clogged drain.” Spam has also been linked with fraudulent business schemes, chain letters, and offensive sexual, political, hateful, or other inappropriate messages that may violate the company’s workplace or computer-use policies. Spam is also a favorite delivery method of viruses, worms, trojans, and other malware like spyware and adware.

The solution is to subscribe to an inexpensive service (about $45/mo. for 15 users) or install hardware or software on site that filters this content before it gets delivered to your Inbox. Worried about missing something? Most services let you view your own private quarantine so that you can release anything that was improperly categorized as spam. They will also provide the option of always allowing the sender or domain through in the future. This is referred to as a “white list”. One more bit of caution: If you ever find that your organization is unable to send email to common recipients, make sure that your domain name has not been inadvertently added to a “black list” as a source of SPAM. It happens often if your organization sends electronic newsletters or other mass emails.

8. New Microsoft Products
You should consult with a qualified Microsoft Partner before adopting any new Microsoft products for your corporate environment. Despite the media excitement over new product releases, it is important to understand what the impact will be in a production environment. New product development is exciting and is an integral part of our technical advancement over time, but a thoughtful, measured approach where thorough testing has been performed makes the most sense.

9. Toner Supplies
One area of IT that many people often overlook is printer maintenance. Regular maintenance of printers and copiers can maximize printer availability and print quality. The maintenance interval is dependent primarily on the printer’s workload and operating environment. Heavily-utilized printers and those in a harsh environment require more frequent care. There is a considerable cost savings with remanufactured and compatible consumables for your printers, fax and copy machines. You can trim your IT supplies budget for these items by as much as 50%. The newest generation of these supplies has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and the same success rate and quality as the original manufacturer (OEM) supplies. These products are available for almost all models from popular manufacturers like HP, Brother, Xerox, Canon, and Lexmark, among others. Computer Works deals with these trusted names and can help you understand the cost benefit.

10. Hardware Lifecycle Management
Most companies have equipment at various levels of age and capability. Replacing the vital parts of the IT infrastructure at predefined intervals can provide maximum resource availability, new features, and improved performance. Servers and other enterprise-level network equipment are designed to be operational around the clock for many years. Most equipment will continue to run beyond their decommissioning date, but replacing the most critical equipment before it fails allows for thorough evaluation, planning, and testing which makes for an easier transition.

These tips were brought to you by Bill Wass, Computer Works' Technical Services Manager

5 Simple Steps to PC Security

2009-04-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

There are more than 200,000 programs out there that were made to infect the standard Windows PC. These programs can cause many problems- from a simple popup message to identity theft. In this article, I am going to give you some simple steps which will help you to keep your Windows PC operating smoothly. These simple steps can provide a layer of defense to these malicious attacks.

1. Keep informed about what infections are out there, and how they can infiltrate your system.

A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without your permission or knowledge. The term virus is also commonly used to refer to other types of malware, adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability. The primary difference between spyware and viruses is that a spyware program intends to embed, and a virus intends to spread.

Often times, these two equally dangerous but separate types of infections will work in together to exploit your PC. While the virus provides the way in, the spyware actually produces the un-desirable results. Viruses are sometimes confused with computer worms and Trojan horses which are technically different. A worm can spread to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host. While a Trojan horse is a program that appears to be harmless, but has a hidden agenda. Worms and trojans, like viruses, may cause harm to a computer’s hosted data, functional performance, or network throughput.

2. The first and most important layer of defense against these infections is a reliable anti-virus program.

Most modern anti-virus programs not only run scheduled scans to detect infections, but also provide real time monitoring of the system to prevent potential threats. You must keep the definition base up to date! As new infections emerge, anti-virus manufacturers release updates to their products that must be downloaded into the software to maintain their effectiveness.

3. A second layer of defense that is absolutely essential to maintaining the security of your PC is a firewall.

Newer operating systems such as Windows XP & Windows Vista have firewalls built into them. However, most experts agree that the Windows firewall is limited and provides little protection from real threats. The best type of firewall is a hardened firewall appliance. A firewall appliance is a physical device that stands between your computer and the internet to regulate what types of traffic are allowed into your local area network. By restricting what protocols can fo through the firewall, this will reduce the vulnerability of your systems to outside attacks.

4. When using a Microsoft Windows operating system, keep your system up to date.

Microsoft produces security patches and updates on a regular basis. These security patches are geared to prevent specific attacks which are intended to exploit their operating systems. Keeping your system up to date is just another way to keep these dangerous infections off of your computer. All current Windows operating systems also provide an Automatic Update feature which can download the security updates and patches for you on a regularly scheduled basis. It is a good idea to take full advantage of the feature by enabling Automatic Updates.

5. Cautious Internet usage, including a Corporate Internet Policy, is also effective to maintain the integrity of your PC.

Sites containing gambling, pornography, and social networking are often a haven for spyware & virus infections. Steer clear of these types of web content. If you are going to browse these sites, be sure that you know what you are installing, if prompted. This method of infection is commonly referred to as phishing, where a web site gets you to click on a link or object which covertly executes code in the background.

Peer-to-Peer applications are also known to be full of viruses. Peer-to-Peer applications allow computers connected to the internet to connect directly to each other for the purpose of file sharing. Common Peer-to-Peer applications include: LimeWire, BitTorrent, Morpheus, Kazaa, BearShare, Ares, and eMule. These programs are ill-advised for any business network or environment, and should only be used by a well-educated and cautious user.

These tips were brought to you by Computer Works' IT consultant Matt Towers