Mango Computer Tuition

Case History 06 July 09 - Why Backup

2009-07-06T11:58:00.003+10:00

How a Good Backup Program Saved the Day
A business customer was working on her end of year financials. She turned off her computer to take a lunch break. When she returned her computer would not boot. After troubleshooting the problem it was revealed that the hard drive failed.
The drive was fairly new, and was still in warranty. It would be replaced an no charge, but her data was lost.
This could have been one of those computer nightmares, but it wasn’t.

You probably get tired of hearing your “computer guy” telling you to backup, but if you had to suffer through a complete data lose you would understand his persistence.

Why the Disaster Was Only a Minor Irritation

In March we imaged the customer’s hard drive. This is a procedure that creates an exact duplicate of the disk, including:
Operating System
All Windows Settings
All Email Settings
All Web Browser Settings
All programs and program settings
All data at the time of the image.
Each week the customer performed a regular backup of her data:
Financial files
Word Documents
Pictures
MYOB data
Music

Without the Image and regular backups it would have been a 12 hour job getting the new drive set up and installing Windows and all the programs. It would have taken the customer weeks to input the data, if she was lucky enough to have hard copies of most of it.

With a recent Image and regular backups the system was up and running in 2 hours. It looked, felt, and was exactly as the computer was at the date of the last backup.
The only thing missing was recent emails. The customer felt she could live without them, but decided to include important emails in future backups.

Your Hard Drive Will Fail It Is Just a Question of When

Talk with your IT professional and arrange to set up a regular backup policy. If you are lucky enough to live in the Redland City area of Brisbane we would be happy to help

Computer Tune UP Results

2009-06-30T12:20:00.007+10:00

One of the services we provide our customers is a computer tune up. The purpose is to get their systems operating at peak performance.

Here is the results of a couple of recent tune ups

Computer 1

Test	Before Tune-up	After Tune-up
Start Up Time	156 seconds	50 seconds
Shut Down	50 seconds	30 seconds
Open MS Word	22.5 seconds	5 seconds
PassMark Computer Performance Score	272.3	286.2

Computer 2

Test	Original	Final	Improvement
Start up	125 seconds	90 seconds	1/3 faster
Shut down	62 seconds	30 seconds	2 times faster
Open My Computer	26 seconds	4 seconds	6.5 times faster
Open MS Word	43 seconds	21 seconds	2 times faster

Downloading and Installing Internet Explorer 8

2009-06-29T16:38:00.007+10:00

Here is a Video on downloading and installing Internet Explorer 8. Nothing fancy but it should prove useful.

Click Here to see the video

Phony Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express Email

2009-06-25T10:00:00.004+10:00

A new email received today claimed to be from Microsoft regarding an update for Outlook and Outlook Express.

Delete the email. It is a fraud
Following the email's instructions will cause a Spyware Infection

The emails was well done and appears to be valid, but it is not. If you were to follow the instructions in the email you would have become the victim of a bit of Spyware designed to steal sensitive data from your computer, particularly banking details.

Email Refers To
Microsoft Security Alert - KB910721

Microsoft does not send emails regarding updates. They are either downloaded by your computer (if you are set to receive them) or can be picked up by going to the official Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) and following the links for updates.

We further suggest not following links to Microsoft. It is better to go to your browsers address bar and type in the address.

Conficker Virus

2009-04-01T10:42:00.003+10:00

There has been heaps said about the April 1 date and the Conficker Virus.

Reading all the expert opinions may be a bit confusing.

We are not security experts, but would like to offer the following tips

Install, update and use a quality Security product (We like and use Eset Anti-Virus, or Eset Smart Security (Eset is also known as NOD32). We do not recommend any of the free security programs, although they are better than nothing
Download and install Window's updates
Avoid peer to peer (file sharing sites)
Be careful about the emails you open
Be very careful with email attachments
If you use a computer for business or banking be extra careful.
If you suspect a security problem, disconnect from your internet connection and don't connect until your problem is fixed

Hope this helps

Big Pond. They have done it again. Be careful

2009-04-01T10:29:00.002+10:00

In the past 2 weeks I have received some calls from customers. The rang Telstra regarding questions with their mobile phone accounts.

While on the line the customer service rep mentioned that they don't seem to be using their broadband much and might consider changing to a less expensive plan.

Some how by the time the call ended they had signed up for Big Pond wireless.
Yes the initial monthly charge may be less, but the plan they signed up for was had a 200 MB limit. Anything over the 200 MB carries a high surcharge.

In one case the person thought they were requesting information on the plan, but, son of a gun, a few days latter the wireless modem appears at their door step. Next comes an email telling them about their new, wonderful 3 year contract.

There is a place for wireless broadband but normally it is best suited to a laptop that does some travelling, not a desktop with an existing ADSL connection.

Also if you want wireless Big Pond offers a great service, although an expensive one

But it seems the customer service reps are a bit over-enexcited in promoting their product.

Sidenote: a recent Widow's update was 248 MB. This one update would put you over your 200 MB plan

If you have recently been taken on the wireless journey ring Big Pond Accounts and see about cancelling and have all charges reversed or stopped.

Golden Mango Award --Good Guys Capalaba

2009-04-01T10:25:00.002+10:00

Time is short, and does not allow the full story.

Last month one of my customers purchased a netbook type computer from the Good Guys in Capalaba (Queensland). The product was faulty, and The Good Guys did the right thing.

As soon as time allows I will provide more information, but for now I just want to say "well done Good Guys, Capalaba".

Phishing Email Re: Bigpond Account

2009-02-16T08:54:00.007+10:00

From The Bigpond Website

Warning: Hoax email attempting to capture customer username and password and billing information. This most recent hoax email is known to have the subject line: BigPond Notification: Account Update Needed
The email advises Members that we were unable to process their most recent payment for their bill. It asks members to confirm and update billing information to prevent their service being interrupted. The email directs you to a false BigPond page to login.
This email is designed to trick Members into providing their details which can then be used to gain unauthorised access to your service.
If you receive this email, delete it.

The information above is a warning posted on the Bigpond Website.

Important: This email has nothing to do with Bigpond. There is nothing that Bigpond could have done to prevent the email. It is simply the bad-guys trying to trick you into giving personal information

A safe practice would be to never follow a link from an unsolicited email.
If you are unsure of the validity of any email from a company you deal with; contact the company direct, and ask

Virus on your computer could compromise your bank account

2009-02-07T15:54:00.006+10:00

Security Alert From ANZ Bank .... but we all must be careful. It could happen on any bank's website

The form discussed is not from the ANZ bank. It is not a fault with the ANZ Bank's webpage. The form is a popup created by an infection on your computer. You must have an use a quality Anti-Viurs program, and be aware of proper security precautions.

Warning from ANZ website

Important message for ANZ Internet Banking customers

There is a known issue in the marketplace affecting banks where a "Personal Details form" appears to customers after they log on to Internet Banking.

This is not a legitimate form.

If you are presented with this fake form:

End all Internet sessions immediately by closing your Internet browser eg. Internet Explorer;
ANZ Customers call the Internet Banking Help Desk
Do not fill in this form under any circumstance

A sample of the bogus form

Note: it looks like part of the bank's website but it isn't.
At this time it is affecting ANZ, but the potential danger is there no matter where you bank.

If you ever have doubts about anything on your banks website do not hesitate to contact the bank.

Be extremely cautious whenever you are asked for personal details.

It is not paronoid to think that the ratbags are using the internet to steal your money.

The images on this page are from the actual warning as issued by ANZ bank. We compliment them for their prompt action in this matter.

It is our hope that this information will help prompt your awareness of taking precautions when using the internet.

.... and they always say BACK-UP often

2009-02-04T12:43:00.002+10:00

One of those heart breaking moments. Moving some files and folders. Minor computer glitch in the middle of the transfer.

The computer is fine but the files that were being moved are gone .... real gone ..... not in the recycle bin ... the computer had to be restarted so no chance to use Ctrl Z to save the day.

Let me tell you, the victim of this "whim of the computer" was glad he had a recent backup.

Within minutes he restored the backed up data and was back in business.

It can happen to anyone. Even people that use their computer everyday. Even people that host a blog giving computer advice. I was the star in the above scenerio.

Always better to have a backup and not need it; than to need it and not have it.

What Anit-Virus Software Should I Use?

2009-01-26T08:57:00.005+10:00

What is the best Anti-Virus Sofware? We are asked this question on a dalily basis.

We use NOD 32. We find it does a fantastic job of protecting our computers, and does not hog system resources (does not slow down your machine).

Free Programs:
Until recently we have advocated and used some of the wonderful free programs, but recently we have seen some pretty nasty malware that was able to infect computers that depended upon the free programs. To our way of thinking it is false economy to rely on the free guys.

If you are fortunate to live in the Redlands area of Queensland you can contact us for help in purchasing and installing NOD 32 products.

In addition to NOD 32 we also use and recommend Windows Defender for protectin against spyware.

American Express Email, Another Scam to Get Your Personal Information

2008-12-14T13:09:00.007+10:00

You might receive the following email, supposedly from American Express. If you don't have an AMEX card you know it is junk, but if you do you might be tempted to go to the link and investigate.

Don't Do It. Just Delete the email

The email looks like it was sent by American Express, but an investigation will show that it was sent from a hot mail account. Chances are if you click on the link you will be asked for personal information that will either allow the crook to either access your account or steal your identity.

Below is a sample of the email. The link has been removed to prevent you from accidentally going to a Phishing site.

Reference Number: 20084156363810

Dear American Express Card holder:

As part of the new security measures, all American Express Card holders are required to complete American Express Customer Form. Please complete the form as soon as possible.

To access the form please click on the following link:

the phony link would be here

Thank you for using your American Express Card.

Sincerely,
American Express Customer Service

Most of us are now aware of these phony sites and phishing emails, but another warning will not go astray.

IRS Email Scam. Form W-4100B2 A new trick to gather your personal information BEWARE

2008-12-03T06:21:00.007+10:00

The scammers are out to get you and they are using a new method to do it.

You might receive an email saying it is from the Internal Revenue Service. The body of the email may be blank or it may say that because you are a non-resident alien you need to fill out a form to be exempted from paying US tax on investments that you have in the US.

There are a number of attachments. The scammer hopes that you will fill out the form and fax it to the number provided.

The fax will be sent to the scammer and they will have enough personal information to either raid your bank accounts or to make an attempt to hijack your identity.

There are a number of fax numbers used in this scam, one of them is 1-646-731-6884

Below is a portion of the text in the attachment:

Our records indicate that you are a non-resident alien. As a result, you are exempted from United States of America Tax reporting and withholdings, on interest paid you on your account and other financial dealing to protect your exemption from tax on your account and other financial benefit in rectifying your exemption status.

Therefore, you are to authenticate the following by completing form W-4100B2, and return to us as soon as possible through the fax number: +1-646-731-6884.

If you are a USA Citizen and resident, please complete form W-4100B2 and fax it to us, please indicate “USA Citizen/Resident” on the form and return it to us.

We recommend the following advice, provided from the IRS website

The IRS does not initiate taxpayer communications through e-mail.

The IRS does not request detailed personal information through e-mail.
The IRS does not send e-mail requesting your PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

If you receive an e-mail from someone claiming to be the IRS or directing you to an IRS site,

Do not reply.
Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain malicious code that will infect your computer.
Do not click on any links. If you clicked on links in a suspicious e-mail

Remember most financial institutions will not request personal information via unsolicited email. If in doubt ring the company or government department involved (not using a phone number provided in the email.)

Stay Wise Stay Safe

Buying a New Computer. Don't Worry About Moving All Your Files

2008-10-06T11:30:00.003+10:00

We have been investigating a great piece of software. PC mover by Laplink Software. This program makes moving your files and programs to a new computer possible.

Once the software has done its job your new computer will look and act just like your old one. Takes the worry about buying a new computer and having to spend days setting it up.

We will be investigating and testing the program over the next few weeks and will keep you informed on what we find.

In the meantime you can use the link below to find out more about this great program.

If you are lucky enough to live in the Redlands - Queensland - Australia we can even help you with the process.

Antivirus 2008 XP - Phony Program - Beware - Read

2008-08-04T12:06:00.003+10:00

Don't Panic
Don't Buy
Don't Install

The bad guys are at it again. You're doing some computing and you get a warning about some viruses, trojans and password stealers. You are then offered the solution, Antivirus 2008 XP.

This is caused by a bit of spyware that was installed from either an email or a website. It shows exaggerated warnings with the hopes of you buying their product. The product is crap.

If you buy it you just gave money to some crooks, and even scarier you gave them your credit card info.

The warnings are designed to look very official ... resist the urge to run or install this vile program.

If you did buy it, see your bank will cancel the credit card payment. I'm a bit paranoid but if I bought it and used a credit card I would cancel the credit card or at least contact my bank.

Our suggestion is to call your computer tech and have them take care of it. If you are lucky enough to live in the Redlands you can contact Mango Computer Tuition

Email Scam - Another One - Surprise! Surprise!

2008-07-24T12:02:00.004+10:00

UPS email scam

The spammers and scammers keep coming up with ways to make it more difficult to come resist the temptation of opening their crap and taking advantage of you.

This one concerns a package that can't be delivered.

Here is the text of the message:
Unfortunately we were not able to deliver postal package you sent on July the 1st in time
because the recipients address is not correct.
Please print out the invoice copy attached and collect the package at our office

Your UPS

The email instructs you to open and print an attachment. There is a very good chance that the attachment contains a virus.

Our research shows many warnings that there is a virus attached to this email, but could find nothing from UPS.

Seems to me that UPS would have a duty of care to post something on their website.

Our recommendation is to delete this email, unless you have just sent something via UPS. In that case contact UPS directly, rather than opening the email.

It is a dangerous world out there but using a bit of caution can make a lot of difference.

UPDATE

There is a similar email now circulating in regards to an airline ticket that was booked on line.

If they send out enough emails they are bound to find some people that just booked a ticket.

Reading Our Blog can save you from being duped. Why not bookmark us.

How to get a virus, have your identity stolen or have spyware installed on your computer

2008-05-21T12:58:00.006+10:00

Some of our clients have been receiving emails, like the sample below. When you read the email it appears to have come from Microsoft, in regards to MSN.

Many of us belong to an MSN Group or use MSN Messenger so we think the email is legit.

We don't want to receive any of these emails so we click the Unsubscribe link. Seems safe enough.

You wouldn't feel as safe if you knew where the Unsubscribe Link leads

Here is a cut and paste from one of these emails:

About this mailing:

You are receiving this e-mail because you subscribed to MSN Featured Offers. Microsoft respects your privacy. If you do not wish to receive this MSN Featured Offers e-mail, please click the "Unsubscribe" link below. This will not unsubscribe you from e-mail communications from third-party advertisers that may appear in MSN Feature Offers. This shall not constitute an offer by MSN. MSN shall not be responsible or liable for the advertisers' content nor any of the goods or service advertised. Prices and item availability subject to change without notice.

Unsubscribe More Newsletters Privacy

Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052

Now lets look at the links: (We have disabled the links for your protection)
Unsubscribe takes you to www.ujxnny.cn
More Newsletters takes you to www.ujxnny.cn
Privacy takes you to www.upjowz.cn

It would be a safe guess that Microsoft does not sponsor either of these websites.

If you are not 100% sure where a link takes you don't click it. Remember, it is difficult to tell who an email is really from.

CD - DVD Security

2008-04-12T12:25:00.003+10:00

If you are doing some spring cleaning and tossing old CDs or DVDs, give a thought to security. Some of those disc could contain personal, business or financial data that you rather not have floating around.

Some suggested security measures:

Incinerate them (if this is OK with local, state and federal laws).
Buy and use a CD shredder (similar to a paper shredder).
Cut them into bits with a pair of heavy shears.
At the very least scratch them up real bad.

"The beauty of digital media is it is so easy to duplicate. The curse of digital media is it so easy to duplicate"

Software Test - Diskeeper 2008

2008-04-08T18:37:00.003+10:00

We are currently investigating and testing Diskeeper 2008 Software

Diskeeper is a Disk Defragmenter Utility. It is considered, by many, to be the best in its class.

Microsoft Windows uses a stripped down version of the software in their Window's Disk Defragmenter Tool.

The software offers many features not found in the free Windows version. Including the ability to automatically defrag in the background. It just does it better, quicker and faster.

This necessary chore is now performed automatically for you. No more waiting hours for the system to free up.

We will be testing Diskeeper 2008 over the next 2 weeks and will report the results of the test when the test is complete.

TPG Broadband

2008-03-31T18:51:00.002+10:00

If you are tired of seeing extra download charges on your broadband bill you might want to check TPG out.

TPG has plans starting at $29.95 per month with the higher speed plans starting at $49.95 per month.

The download allowance is generous, but more importantly, if you exceed your limit you do not get charged more. No surprise bills at the end of the month. They simply slow your speed until the end of the month.

We find the $49.95 plan to be adequate for most people. That gives you download speeds of up to 1500 with a download limit of 18GB split 8GB during peak hours and 10GB at off peak hours.

There is a start up fee and no free modem, but in the long run their plans should save you some money. To sweeten the pie the contract is only six months.

We have no problem recommending TPG to our customers.
For more information click here for TPG's website

We are dealers for TPG. We have been affilated with Internet companies that paid us more, but we feel that TPG is the better product for our customers.

Disaster Recovery

2008-03-31T16:06:00.003+10:00

It is not a question of if!
It is a question of when will you have a computer disaster
Hard Drive Malfunction
Corrupt Windows File
Corrupt Systems File
Spyware or Virus Makes Your Computer to Fail

You can now have protection that is similar to that enjoyed by large companies with dedicated IT departments.

Acronis True Image
Available in both home and professional editions

Acronis True Image 11 Home is intended for use at home and in a small to medium business It is a tool that enables you to protect and recover data on your PC. Its easy-to-use wizards walk you through the steps required to protect and recover your data and system information. It can save you from having to reinstall your operating system and other programs, along with preserving your data

Mango Computer Tuition has been using Acronis for over 3 years and we are pleased with the results.
For more information see Mango Computer Tuition Recommended Software

Windows Vista Service Pack 1

2008-03-27T09:04:00.003+10:00

Service Pack 1 as been released.

Our advice, overly cautious, as always is to wait before chasing it down. We will be installing it and testing it on our test computer and report the results here. If it presents itself as an automatic update, allow it to install and don't worry.

The reports are varied but it should make the Vista Experience more enjoyable.

Golden Mango Award to Precision Computers

2008-03-12T19:23:00.004+10:00

It is not only a quality product that separates the good guys from the bad guys. How a problem is handled is often a true test of customer service.

One of our customers purchased a system from Precision Computers. After setting it up they noticed that the front USB port was not working. The system was purchased without an operating system so precision could not fully test it before handing it to the customer.

They called Precision Computers and arrangements were made to bring the computer back. The problem was a fault in the mainboard. The board was replaced, while the customer waited.

It is not impossible for a computer system to be dead on arrival, but Precision Computers did the right thing. The customer suffered as little inconvenience as possible.

The presentation of a Golden Mango Award is made for individual instances of Customer Service. The award is not a recommendation or endorsement by Mango Computer Tuition. It is just our way of saying "well done".

Precision Scientific Technology (Precision Computers)
Shop 9,1230 Logan Road
Mt Gravatt Home Maker Center
Mt Gravatt Queensland

Ph: 07 3343 6433

Adaware 2007 Update Problems

2008-03-12T11:23:00.003+10:00

Some of our customers are reporting problems when trying to update Adaware 2007. They reported that the problem started early this week.

Our advice, for now, is to just leave it alone. It could be a problem that will be solved in a week or so.

Leave the program in your computer but use other anti-spyware programs for your scans.

We will post more information as it becomes available.

Beware!!! Be Careful When Buying a Computer Overseas

2008-03-12T10:03:00.005+10:00

When buying a laptop overseas you may end with less computer and more trouble than you expected.

A friend recently returned from overseas with a new laptop. It was a top brand at a great price. He was pretty excited with his purchase.

After a few days he discovered some pretty upsetting problems.

His Windows Operating was a counterfeit copy
Some other programs installed were counterfeit
He couldn't keep his computer safe with Windows Updates
There was CD containing the Operating System or Drivers. This could cause a problem should he have to reformat his computer

To make things right he will wind up paying more than if he would have made the purchase in Australia. In addition to the added expense he will spend hours "getting things right".

In some countries major brand computers are shipped without Windows, nothing wrong with that, except, if the dealer has little respect for copyright, you could end up with pirated software. Microsoft is pretty good at finding the pirated software and you'll eventually have the expense of replacing your Operating System.

It is possible to save some money when buying overseas but there are pitfalls we may not be aware of. The product may not be what you we are used to seeing at home. Before purchasing a computer check that you have a genuine operating system and disc with all the necessary software. It could be difficult to sort out problems when you return to OZ.