Tech For Free

2005-11-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

Okay I need to start posting on a more regular basis.

Lets start talking about security software:

Starting with the most widely used method of protecting your PC - the Anti Virus program. Anti Virus programs are also generally considered the fist line of defense.

1) The world of viruses and the programs used to fight them are constantly in a state of evolution. Anti Virus programs change as rapidly as the viruses themselves. A program that one year is rated the very best, the following year might not even be in the top ten. Software that has earned a reputation as a useful totally free tool can become so crippled that it is practically useless. Then if you want any performance you have to start paying for it. Be very careful about buying into any Anti Virus program. Go to the internet, read user opinions and security forums before buying any Anti Virus program.

2) Be aware that there are many testing sites for anti virus programs. This can be very confusing. The only way to get a real sense of the true performance and value of an Anti Virus program is to view many independent separate tests and evaluations.

3) Be wary of Free Online Anti Virus scans. Many are simple bait schemes that either produce false results in an effort to get you to buy the program or actually find infections but require that you purchase the program to remove them.

I will discuss specific's about online scanners in the next post.

Start by thinking about Security software

2005-10-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

When building computers for those in need the first thing to consider once you have a working system is security software to put on the system.

You are going to want to use freeware.  Security related programs that fight infections of Malware (malicious software) and computer viruses are freely available on the internet. I will point you to such programs and give a brief review of each.  I will only cover programs and resources that I have first hand experience with.

There are many different types of infections that can attack a desktop PC.  Most infections of Malware are routinely misclassified as viruses.  My purpose will be not to define the differences between the many different types of Malware and Viruses but to recommend some tools that you can install to defend against the majority of these threats.

There are hosts of reliable programs that help provide security for your desktop PC.  Controlling and eliminating the dangerous threats that seek to infest desktop systems from the internet and other sources.

Its become clear to me that there is no one solution to effectively protect yourself  from the vast amounts of constantly emerging, continually evolving and usually dangerous computer Viruses, Malware -  Adware, Spyware, BHO's, Trojan's, RootKits, Scumware, Crapware, Dialers etc. All of these infections, some more dangerous than others, have many different ways of invading your system. These threats make the internet specifically, and the general use of desktop PC’s much less friendly and they all are just waiting for an opportunity to defile an unprotected system. So installing some protection is necessary before you give the system away.

What I do and How I do it

2005-10-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

Okay first post. Seems like I am always a dollar short and a day late.

Just so it is understood what it is I do. I take donated computers, from churches and other sources and I make usable desktop systems to give to people in need. I also repair and upgrade desktops without charge.

To enable me to accomplish this without incurring appreciable debt and manage my time I had to organize my endeavor as such:

I only help individuals and churches.

If I am doing an upgrade I keep the old parts to use in refurbishing a donated computer for someone else. This allowed me to amass a large stock of normally outdated parts. Which are very useful for restoring older systems.

If parts are required for a repair, the individual acquires the needed parts and bring them to me so I can install them. I have the time to troubleshoot and research parts but do not have the time to quire them for people. In addition, when I tried to order the parts online for people I ran into problems recouping my money. I am doing this non-profit so money should never change hands.

Operating systems are placed on systems legally. If an original disc of a windows operating system comes with a donated computer, I put that on the system. If an operating system is not provided, I use a free distribution of Linux. Usually I install MEPIS. All of the systems that are donated for me to use are older systems. I have found MEPIS works best on these outdated machines.

My house is the control point for systems coming in and out. You would be amazed at how much time I put into charity. Not transporting systems allows me to have the spare time to do this in the first place.

There is no need to advertise. I found that I am kept more than busy enough just by my efforts being spread word of mouth.

That is how I keep this one man operation going.

Welcome

2005-10-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

I thought I would start this blog to comment on what I run into repairing, building and setting up desktop computers as a service to individuals for free.

I do this because I live in a rather economically depressed area of a fairly large US city. It occurred to me that many people could not afford computers. So with all the computers I saw being gotten rid of around me there was a perfect source for helping people.

Hopefully I can inspire others to start something similar. Also give some tips so others can learn from my mistakes.

Check back tomorrow for my first real entry.