We are receiving a high number of calls about virus warnings popping up on customers' computers and automatic installations of new antivirus programs (without asking). Typically, a fake antivirus installs and blocks your PC, claiming multiple threats have been detected, and will not allow you to use your PC until you have paid for a licence (ie handed over your credit card details to scammers). This is a SCAM to obtain payment details from you, hijack accounts (such as Hotmail, Paypal and Facebook) and/or to commit identity theft.
Additionally, our customers report that they are receiving calls from 'Microsoft' asking them to check the computer for errors, download programs, and/or pay over the phone for important updates. While it is unclear where they are obtaining the customer details from, it is clear that this is fraud. Microsoft do not ring customers about viruses, and they certainly don't charge for security updates.
Prevention is better than cure, so please ensure that you have an antivirus program on your PC. However, these scammers regularly test their fake antivirus programs to make sure that they are not detected by real antivirus programs, so it's also important to be vigilant. Don't click on unusual links in your emails and/or social networking sites such as Facebook - even if you know and trust the sender (they may be infected with a virus already). Also check Google results carefully before clicking on them (look to see if the websites have unusual names or are based in foreign countries - .ch, .in and .ru are common).
If you have been affected by these issues already, we recommend that you switch off your computer immediately and contact us for advice. Don't log in to any sites until your PC is clean of any threats.
If you receive a call from 'Microsoft', get ready to report them to the police or trading standards, and certainly don't give them any information!
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Customer Letter
Dear Poorly PCs,
I can’t thank you enough for your help this morning and on Saturday. I use my computer a lot for work, and I’d put up with a poorly functioning machine for far too long. I very much appreciate the time you took to understand and explain the underlying problems, and then fix them for me. The fee you charged was very reasonable, and given the amount of working time I will no longer lose because of a slow functioning PC, I see it as a sound investment. You were recommended to me by a neighbour, and now I won’t hesitate to recommend you to others. I’m no longer afraid to switch my computer on! Many thanks once again.
Dr. David Hornsby
Spenser Road
I can’t thank you enough for your help this morning and on Saturday. I use my computer a lot for work, and I’d put up with a poorly functioning machine for far too long. I very much appreciate the time you took to understand and explain the underlying problems, and then fix them for me. The fee you charged was very reasonable, and given the amount of working time I will no longer lose because of a slow functioning PC, I see it as a sound investment. You were recommended to me by a neighbour, and now I won’t hesitate to recommend you to others. I’m no longer afraid to switch my computer on! Many thanks once again.
Dr. David Hornsby
Spenser Road
Friday, 22 July 2011
Router settings changed by virus
A relatively new virus going round, logging in to customer's routers and changing DNS settings: computer users visiting Facebook, Google, Yahoo, YouTube, banking sites are being redirected to fake sites - even if the computer is virus free! This exploit can also affect non-Windows computers, mobile phones, consoles etc. Anything connected to your wireless router! If you are having trouble with these sites, your router may have been hacked. Some preconfigured routers, such as Sky and BT Homehub can be cleaned by holding the reset button but other affected routers will require a visit to sort the problem. Be careful about clicking on Facebook and Google links so that you are not affected!
Sunday, 22 May 2011
What would you do if your computer failed today?
What would you do if your computer failed today?
Most people I ask reply with one of the following:
1) I would get it repaired under the insurance or pay for repairs
2) I would replace it
In reality, the real answer, more often than not, tends to be
3) Panic. Then call in an expert to recover my documents, pictures and music.
But this shouldn't be necessary. I am still finding that the vast majority of users still don't have a backup in place. Even though we are seeing hundreds of computers that have failed.
Since I blogged about backups last year (here), over 40 of our customers in Herne Bay and Whitstable have lost significant amounts of data due to accidental damage, theft, and plain old hard disk failures.
So please please please make a backup today. It doesn't cost a lot to do. It might only take you an hour. We can repair your computer - but we can't re-take your photos or re-type your letters and emails.
Most people I ask reply with one of the following:
1) I would get it repaired under the insurance or pay for repairs
2) I would replace it
In reality, the real answer, more often than not, tends to be
3) Panic. Then call in an expert to recover my documents, pictures and music.
But this shouldn't be necessary. I am still finding that the vast majority of users still don't have a backup in place. Even though we are seeing hundreds of computers that have failed.
Since I blogged about backups last year (here), over 40 of our customers in Herne Bay and Whitstable have lost significant amounts of data due to accidental damage, theft, and plain old hard disk failures.
So please please please make a backup today. It doesn't cost a lot to do. It might only take you an hour. We can repair your computer - but we can't re-take your photos or re-type your letters and emails.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Useful links to avoid online threats
With the increasing number of virus attacks on the Internet from email links, poisoned Facebook posts and rogue Search results, it's more important than ever to be vigilant and take steps to protect your identity online.
You can reduce the risk by installing a free antivirus program if you don't already have one:
Microsoft Security Essentials - http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials
Avast - http://www.avast.com
You can reduce the risk of a bad search result by installing a link checker:
Norton Safe Web - http://safeweb.norton.com/lite
McAfee Siteadvisor - http://www.siteadvisor.com
And you can stay safe on facebook by following advice at http://www.facebook.com/security
Stay safe!
You can reduce the risk by installing a free antivirus program if you don't already have one:
Microsoft Security Essentials - http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials
Avast - http://www.avast.com
You can reduce the risk of a bad search result by installing a link checker:
Norton Safe Web - http://safeweb.norton.com/lite
McAfee Siteadvisor - http://www.siteadvisor.com
And you can stay safe on facebook by following advice at http://www.facebook.com/security
Stay safe!
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Bank Holidays - Spring 2011
We will be providing a limited service over the Easter Bank Holidays, the Royal Wedding, and May Bank Holidays due to limited technician availability. If you'd like a visit over any Bank Holiday period, please call in advance to book your visit. Otherwise we will do our best to fit you in on the next available normal weekday.
Thankyou for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy the long weekends!
Thankyou for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy the long weekends!
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Internet Explorer 9 to launch on 14 March
Internet Explorer 9, for Windows 7, will launch soon.
The update is probably the most radical change since Internet Explorer 7, featuring a combined Search/Address bar, faster start-up, better security and many modern features often seen in browsers such as Google Chrome.
Let me know what you think!
The update is probably the most radical change since Internet Explorer 7, featuring a combined Search/Address bar, faster start-up, better security and many modern features often seen in browsers such as Google Chrome.
Let me know what you think!
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Windows 7 Service Pack 1 now available
Microsoft have announced the arrival of Service Pack 1 for Windows 7.
If you have Windows 7, you should upgrade as soon as possible to minimise the threats from viruses and security holes. It may take an hour or so to install, and doesn't significantly change your PC but it is highly recommended.
You should always apply all the latest Windows Updates anyway, to check now (in Windows 7 and Vista) press the start button and type 'Windows Update' in the search box. You may need to repeat this process several times (restarting where necessary) if you have a lot of updates waiting.
In Windows XP, you will need to visit www.windowsupdate.com from within Internet Explorer to apply the updates.
The latest service packs are:
Windows 7 Service Pack 1
Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Windows XP Service Pack 3
To check these, press start, right-click Computer / My Computer, Properties, and it will be listed there.
If you have Windows 7, you should upgrade as soon as possible to minimise the threats from viruses and security holes. It may take an hour or so to install, and doesn't significantly change your PC but it is highly recommended.
You should always apply all the latest Windows Updates anyway, to check now (in Windows 7 and Vista) press the start button and type 'Windows Update' in the search box. You may need to repeat this process several times (restarting where necessary) if you have a lot of updates waiting.
In Windows XP, you will need to visit www.windowsupdate.com from within Internet Explorer to apply the updates.
The latest service packs are:
Windows 7 Service Pack 1
Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Windows XP Service Pack 3
To check these, press start, right-click Computer / My Computer, Properties, and it will be listed there.
Saturday, 1 January 2011
New year, new technician, new workshop
I'm writing to inform you of some important and exciting changes to Poorly PCs in 2011.
Firstly, Chris has now joined the Poorly PCs team. Chris has 10 years experience in the PC / Electrical industry and will be initially concentrating on workshop and collect-and-return repairs, allowing me to continue offering a home / office visit service and reducing waiting times for a visit. Additionally, you're more likely to be able to speak to someone if I take a day off, so please don't be surprised if you speak to Chris when you call - but don't worry, Chris will gladly book me in for a visit if you prefer!
Secondly, On 4 January, we will open a workshop at 38b High Street, Herne Bay, CT6 5LH, giving you an extra, cost-effective way to get your computer repaired. The workshop will allow us to offer a wider range of repair services including those that are difficult to compete onsite (such as laptop screen repairs and Windows reloads). Our workshop will be specifically set up for PC and laptop repairs and won't be a full retail shop - this specialism will help keep our prices down and allow us to continue going out to customers on visits and collections when required. If you'd like to drop off your PC please call and we will let you know when we are available.
I hope that you will welcome the changes and look forward to your continued support in 2011.
If you'd like to get in touch please call us on: 07812 607928 (Visits) or 07739 398149 for workshop repairs.
Or leave us a message on 01227 367120 and we'll call you back
Email enquiries (non-urgent) - pchelp@poorlypcs.com
Kind regards and best wishes - have a great 2011!
Matt Allen
Poorly PCs
Firstly, Chris has now joined the Poorly PCs team. Chris has 10 years experience in the PC / Electrical industry and will be initially concentrating on workshop and collect-and-return repairs, allowing me to continue offering a home / office visit service and reducing waiting times for a visit. Additionally, you're more likely to be able to speak to someone if I take a day off, so please don't be surprised if you speak to Chris when you call - but don't worry, Chris will gladly book me in for a visit if you prefer!
Secondly, On 4 January, we will open a workshop at 38b High Street, Herne Bay, CT6 5LH, giving you an extra, cost-effective way to get your computer repaired. The workshop will allow us to offer a wider range of repair services including those that are difficult to compete onsite (such as laptop screen repairs and Windows reloads). Our workshop will be specifically set up for PC and laptop repairs and won't be a full retail shop - this specialism will help keep our prices down and allow us to continue going out to customers on visits and collections when required. If you'd like to drop off your PC please call and we will let you know when we are available.
I hope that you will welcome the changes and look forward to your continued support in 2011.
If you'd like to get in touch please call us on: 07812 607928 (Visits) or 07739 398149 for workshop repairs.
Or leave us a message on 01227 367120 and we'll call you back
Email enquiries (non-urgent) - pchelp@poorlypcs.com
Kind regards and best wishes - have a great 2011!
Matt Allen
Poorly PCs
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0
Microsoft have just updated their free antivirus offering, Microsoft Security Essentials. Version 2 had additional malware support an improved firewall protection.
If your existing antivirus has expired, why not give this a go?
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
If your existing antivirus has expired, why not give this a go?
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Pre Christmas visit deadline
We have a few pre-Xmas/New Year appointments left. Please phone by Friday 17 December if you require a visit and we will do our best to visit. (Limited visit area and repair type applies).
Monday, 22 November 2010
Christmas PC setup service
We are now taking bookings for pre-Christmas computer installations. If you are buying a new computer for Christmas, why not let me take away the stress and set it up for you? You’ll know that everything will be ready for Christmas Day!
Our new PC setup service includes: Installation of your computer, Internet connection, printer, antivirus, Office software (where appropriate) and much more! See our website page for full details!
We recommend booking your visit now while we still have appointments. Don’t forget, you’ll need to order a broadband router from your ISP straight away if you don’t have one (wireless for laptops) - it takes about 2 weeks to get this sorted – and we also recommend that we set up your PC as early as possible, so that you have time to sort out any problems or faults with the retailer should the worst happen!
New PC setup details
Our new PC setup service includes: Installation of your computer, Internet connection, printer, antivirus, Office software (where appropriate) and much more! See our website page for full details!
We recommend booking your visit now while we still have appointments. Don’t forget, you’ll need to order a broadband router from your ISP straight away if you don’t have one (wireless for laptops) - it takes about 2 weeks to get this sorted – and we also recommend that we set up your PC as early as possible, so that you have time to sort out any problems or faults with the retailer should the worst happen!
New PC setup details
Christmas Trading
Please contact us by 13 December for a guaranteed visit before Christmas.
We will offer a limited service from 20 December 2010 to 4 January 2011.
We anticipate being quite busy for the first week of January, and will give priority to pre-booked appointments, and voicemails / emails left over the Christmas period.
Have a great Christmas and a happy New Year!
We will offer a limited service from 20 December 2010 to 4 January 2011.
We anticipate being quite busy for the first week of January, and will give priority to pre-booked appointments, and voicemails / emails left over the Christmas period.
Have a great Christmas and a happy New Year!
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Windows Live Essentials 2011 now available
Microsoft have released an update to their Windows Live software, including some great add-ons for Windows Vista and Windows 7 users... head over to http://get.live.com for more information!
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
AVG 2011 Free Antivirus now available
AVG have release their latest update to their free antivirus program, featuring faster scans and a smarter interface. It's now available in dedicated versions for 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.
You can download for free at http://free.avg.com/ or http://www.download.com/ now!
You can download for free at http://free.avg.com/ or http://www.download.com/ now!
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