Is Anything in Life Really FREE?

Warning: If You’ve Downloaded Free Software From The Internet, Your Computer May Be At Risk For Viruses, Hackers, and Spyware!
We’ve all heard the saying that the best things in life are free, but I’m not sure they were referring to software. Freeware (free software, not to be confused with open source software) such as the AVG anti-virus free edition, Spybot, and Ad-Aware are all programs you can download for the ultimate discount: free.

However, you get what you pay for. While these programs may work just fine for someone’s home computer, they are not business class tools and should not be trusted to completely protect your computer or network from viruses, spyware, hackers, and other problems. Every month we receive calls from clients who are infected with a nasty virus or spyware who had these programs installed and running, and were under the false assumption that they were protected.

WHY FREEWARE DOESN'T PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER

In most cases, freeware is a light version of a software program that you pay for. Take the AVG free edition for example. AVG offers a free edition of their for-fee software as a way of introducing you to their fully-featured product.

Only download freeware from trusted sources and read the terms and conditions carefully; you may be agreeing to allow outsiders to monitor your computer!

YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN

As you might expect, freeware comes with zero guarantees or promises to function correctly, to be compatible with your system, or to safeguard you from threats. You’re not a paying customer so you’re on your own to resolve any technical problems you encounter, and you certainly won’t get support if your computer gets infected. Since many free applications are plagued with bugs and incompatibilities, you may end up with a mess on your hands and no one to blame but yourself.

Additionally, freeware programs are not always current with the most up-to-date protection, and don’t always update themselves automatically or perform scans and tasks on a regular schedule.

Bottom line: you get what you pay for. If the files and functionality of your computer or network are of high-importance, then investing in a trusted, industrial-strength software program is a smart and worthwhile investment.

Linux: The Free Alternative To Windows

While Microsoft windows is the most commonly used operating system there are other alternatives. A lot of individuals and even businesses who operate on small, tight, and strict budgets often have several computers that employees utilize throughout their office. The majority of these computers will utilize Windows as their operating system though the problem lies in the licensing costs associated with running Windows.

Microsoft does not allow one serial number to appear on more than one computer. They consider computers that do so to be part of casual piracy and as such has consumers to pay additional licensing fees for any additional computers that want to run Windows. These fees can be a real burden on businesses of a smaller nature.

What many individuals and even small business owners do not realize is that the majority of Linux operating systems are free of charge and run 99% of the applications that Windows does. The most popular among Linux operating systems is Ubuntu though many others like Red Hat remain popular as well. They operate very similar, and in some cases look very similar, to a Microsoft Windows environment and in the rare case that a program will not run on a Linux operating system there's always WINE (wine is not an emulator) which runs inside of Linux operating systems and allows programs that run in Windows to run under that operating system. Even when WINE cannot be used to combat compatibility issues, there's usually a Linux alternative such as OpenOffice available for free.

Linux operating systems are far more stable than their Windows counterparts and run more efficiently. Furthermore they require far less power and memory to run and run well. All of the aforementioned make Linux operating systems a fantastic and free alternative to Windows.

Should you have any questions about your operating system, the installation of one, or about whether or not Linux will work for you or your business please be sure to contact us that we may be of assistance!

TH2 Technologies specializes in:

Orange County Data Recovery - Orange County It Support - Orange County Computer Support - Orange County Computer Services - Orange County Computer Consulting - Orange County Network Support - Orange County Managed Services - Orange County It Network - Orange County Managed It - Orange County Outsourced Business It Support

Using External Hard Drives For Personal Backup

There's almost nothing more important in the world of computers, especially where businesses are concerned, as backing up data. Backing up data however is handled differently by both businesses and individuals. Businesses not only have individual computers to consider but an entire network as well which includes servers among other things.

Individuals on the other hand who want an inexpensive way to backup their data can do so in a number of ways. Some of these methods have become inconvenient and expensive over the years as new technologies have emerged. In the past and to some degree today, some individuals will utilize CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray discs to backup their data which might include music, work files, pictures, etc. While this method certainly works even the mighty Blu-Ray disc caps out at 50 GB's and my not offer enough storage space for some people. CDs and DVDs offer even smaller amounts of storage space which in this day and age are very practical. Buying all those disc is hardly practical.

The most efficient way for an individual to backup their data from a home computer is to utilize external hard drives. Hard dirves ranging in size from 500 GB's to 3 TB's can be purchased from any electronics store and range in price from $50-$300. Even the smallest external hard drive offers individuals the opportunity to backup large portions if not all of their data for a relatively low price and an item that will pay for itself after one session.

Once computer data is gone it is extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to recover and so backing up data frequently to external hard drives is one of the best ways to preserve your data. Should you have any questions about data backup or recovery please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance.

TH2 Technologies specializes in:

Orange County Data Recovery - Orange County It Support - Orange County Computer Support - Orange County Computer Services - Orange County Computer Consulting - Orange County Network Support - Orange County Managed Services - Orange County It Network - Orange County Managed It - Orange County Outsourced Business It Support

Computer Post Failing

Computers are fickle machines and even the best made machines can givet out on you at any time. This is true of even the most expensive machines and those machines which receive constant care. When a computer no longer starts it can be extremely stressful and frustrating. This is especially true if the computer is less than one year old.

The scenario is a familiar one. An individual goes to push the power button on the computer and either hears very little or nothing. Most notably the beeping and the noise of the hard drive starting are absence. When computer fails to post there are number of things you can do to determine the cause.

First of all if you're not a computer savvy individual contact a professional computer repair service or if you are somewhat savvy and experience with PCs, you can do the following:

Unplug your computer and remove its RAM. Restart the machine and listen for beeps. If you hear beeping and you needn't worry about your motherboard being the issue. You can also try removing other daughter cards and hardware devices and rebooting after each disconnect. If your computer posts after removing one item then you'll need to have that item either repaired or replaced in order for your machine to boot up properly.

The troubleshooting process regarding post-failures can be complicated and full of stress so when in doubt always contact a professional even if you fancy yourself a savvy individual.
Be sure to contact us if you have any questions about or problems with computers that aren't posting.

TH2 Technologies specializes in:

Orange County Data Recovery - Orange County It Support - Orange County Computer Support - Orange County Computer Services - Orange County Computer Consulting - Orange County Network Support - Orange County Managed Services - Orange County It Network - Orange County Managed It - Orange County Outsourced Business It Support 

Don't Be In Such A Hurry To Buy A New Computer

When people and even businesses begin to have problems with their computer or number of computers they tend to rush out and purchase new computers without giving pause to consider that those computers experiencing problems may simply need to be cleaned up or upgraded.

It's an inescapable fact that all computers experience slowdown at some point during their life cycle and will ultimately perform slower as the years go on as more processor and RAM intensive programs are installed and used. It's also a fact that computers are inundated with Malware and spyware and occasionally viruses as well. Both of the aforementioned issues often cause people to "freak out", run to the nearest electronics store, and purchase a new computer or computers provided they have the funds to do so.

If you have found yourself in this situation or should you ever, the first thing you should do is contact someone who offers professional computer services. Having a professional evaluate your machine or machines will give you a good idea of whether or not you actually need to purchase a new computer. Computers that are just a year or two old can usually have their RAM upgraded or can be cleaned so that they're free of Malware and spyware. Registries can also be cleaned out which can significantly improve computer performance.

Should you be considering purchasing a new computer because your current machine's performance is less than optimal be sure to contact us so that we may help you determine whether or not you need a new computer.

TH2 Technologies specializes in:

Orange County Data Recovery - Orange County It Support - Orange County Computer Support - Orange County Computer Services - Orange County Computer Consulting - Orange County Network Support - Orange County Managed Services - Orange County It Network - Orange County Managed It - Orange County Outsourced Business It Support

Misconceptions Regarding Computer Viruses

There's often a lot of misconceptions associated with computer "viruses". This misconception stems mostly from a lack of knowledge and computer savvy. The lay person will tell you when they're having problems with their computer that it's infected with a "virus". While they may certainly be right more often than not the infection or problems their computer has been dealing with is often a result of other things.

These other things known as Malware and spyware are often referred to as viruses by the vast majority of people. Malware and spyware have been called viruses for nearly a decade now and labeled that so frequently that even many savvy industry insiders refer to them as viruses. It shouldn be noted however that computer viruses however are much more dangerous and malicious than Malware and spyware. Why all three can potentially damage computer and steal important information, Malware and spyware are more a nuisance than anything else.

Malware and spyware are easily contracted even by the most savvy and experienced computer user but thankfully most are easy to get rid of. You can protect yourself from Malware, spyware, and even viruses by running a good security suite on your computer and in business, a company's network. The security suites will keep most infections out and stop them at the door and those that do find their way through into a system or a computer can be easily removed by the suite by running a system scan.
Should you have any questions about Malware, spyware, or viruses please be sure to contact us that we may be of assistance!

TH2 Technologies specializes in:

Orange County Data Recovery - Orange County It Support - Orange County Computer Support - Orange County Computer Services - Orange County Computer Consulting - Orange County Network Support - Orange County Managed Services - Orange County It Network - Orange County Managed It - Orange County Outsourced Business It Support