Computer Support Blog

When Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, Part 2 dropped on DVD, a big part of the advertising campaign was that the fully-loaded version included an UltraViolet Digital Copy. UltraViolet uses the Cloud platform and with popular movies streaming from it, this is becoming many consumers’ first experience with the Cloud. While the idea of the Cloud may seem like a strong one, it has a number of risks to consumers.

The Cloud, as it pertains to media, is a form of online storage where companies produce material and give access to it to paying customers.  As a form of online storage, users have access to files without downloading or uploading them.  For those who buy the DVD and Blu-Rays that have UltraViolet copies, they access the online storage vault from UltraViolet when they want to watch their movie.  The file then streams from the online storage point in the Cloud to your computer, smartphone or other cloud-connected device.

The Cloud is banking on customers not wanting to use up hard drive space for digital copies of their media.  Companies using the Cloud see online storage as a way to prevent pirating.

Consumers have many reasons to be wary.  Because the online storage of the Cloud requires a connection, Internet security issues are a very real concern for users.  Threats to Internet security through viruses may be easier to control with the Cloud, but they are also easier to disseminate.  As soon as the Cloud-based version of a file is corrupted, every computer using that file may be infected.  To date, Internet security providers have neither illustrated such a problem nor a defense against it.  Users who are unsure of their own Internet security measures are wary of online storage like the Cloud.

The vendors using Cloud-based media are also are arguing that the Cloud-based media will not wear or scratch the way traditional DVDs, CDs and Blu-Ray discs do.  But Cloud-based vendors are neglecting the basic psychology of ownership.  For sure, an online storage vault is a convenient idea, but it leaves consumers without something physical to feel they own.  The Cloud-based online storage concept suffers the same defect as the MiniDisc in the area of the psychology of ownership; consumers pay more for something they do not see and cannot feel, making them feel like they overpaid.

Internet security issues aside, Cloud users have every reason to doubt the long-term viability of the scheme.  Technology changes fast, and paying more money for a service or company that may not exist in a few years makes consumers less likely to try new technologies.  The music store The Wall used to guarantee CDs with their sticker on them for life.  Those who still have CDs from The Wall now have a worthless guarantee.  Between the Internet security issues and the fact that online storage methods like the Cloud have not been tested in the long-term, users have every reason to remain wary of spending the extra money now.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

When an especially nasty virus strikes and erases valuable data from a computer or when someone accidentally deletes important photos, documents, or videos off his or her device, the usual reaction is utter shock. Data loss can be emotionally and practically devastating. Fortunately, there are often ways to retrieve lost data even in complicated situations. Data recovery is not exclusive to laptops and computers; smartphones and tablets are also susceptible to data loss, and their users sometimes need data recovery, too. Computers and smartphones aside, when it comes to USB recovery, know the 5 DON’Ts of data recovery.

1)  Don’t give up: Data recovery is possible even for the smallest of storage devices like the USB Drive. Getting lost data from a USB device is just another form of data recovery that experts can handle. To the casual user, the task may seem impossible. It is easy to be pessimistic and say, “There’s just no hope—I physically deleted those files!” Like most things technological, though, professionals know how to handle seemingly impossible tasks in ways that average users do not know about.

2)  Don’t try any fancy tricks: Though USB data recovery isn’t impossible, it’s not necessarily easy. Amateurs should not attempt to install free or do-it-yourself programs to retrieve data. Unlike other software or hardware problems, USB recovery is capricious. There is a small window of opportunity to perform data recovery, and if that opportunity is misused, there is no easy fix.

3)  Don’t add new data: When a USB flash drive loses data, it does not magically disappear. Instead, the space it previously occupied is marked as free to make room for new data. Saving new files can overwrite the recently deleted ones as they linger in their limbo status and make your USB recovery efforts complicated, if not impossible. So once you realize that you’ve accidentally lost or deleted something important, immediate stop using the device.

4)  Don’t delete in bulk: Knowing that you need to pay for data recovery that was completely avoidable makes the whole process even more upsetting. Take your time when deleting files off a USB flash drive. Don’t delete in bulk, as you might overlook a file or document you need! Also, avoid permanently deleting files (shift + delete), which deletes files even out of your recycling bin. There’s a reason files aren’t automatically permanently deleted. They go to your recycling bin first in case you need to recover them.

5)  Don’t wait: If you’re hesitant to get USB recovery because you’re worried that it will take too long or is an inconvenience, then think again. If you know where to look, you’ll find that service providers like Rescuecom can recover your lost data remotely. Data recovery professionals can connect to your USB flash drive via a secure Internet connection, so you don’t even have to leave your home or office.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

It is hard to think of water pressure as cool, until there is a problem with yours and you need a device to monitor or test water flow and that is what the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder does. The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder is available in one of two kits for home or industrial use and the specificity of the design is most impressive.  In the kit, the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder has the connectors and relevant computer services needed to make the data collection easy and versatile along a number of consumer and municipal needs.

The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder is a durable gadget that screws onto the 2 ½” nozzle outlet on a fire hydrant or the end of a garden hose.  For private citizens, the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder collects data to reveal water pressure problems to a landlord or service provider.  The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder protects the data because each unit is durable with a battery that lasts about seven years.

Of course, most people should not need seven or more years of testing their water pressure.  The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder is ideal for monitoring industrial water flow and while that may seem boring or lame, when the fire department comes and attaches their lines to the fire hydrant nearest your house, it becomes a very different matter!  The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder allows cities or towns to test fire hydrant pressure easily.  Crews outfitted with the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder from the Flow Test Kit II-D can travel hydrant to hydrant to check pressure to find leaks, cracks, or other pressure problems resulting from environmental factors like changes in temperature.  Workers simply open the fire hydrant, attach the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder with the diffuser and they get an accurate model of the flow from each hydrant.  Through those tests, the Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder ensures that every citizen has equal access, not just to the water, but to water delivered at a great enough pressure and volume to make a difference in any building fire.

One need not worry about retesting or data recovery with the HPR-31, as the raw data captured by the HPR-31 is uploaded to the Palm Pilot in the HPR Kit II-D and the Flow Test Kit II-D.  The easy-to-use connectors have no exposed electronics which is ideal when one is working with a lot of forceful water!

Far too often, we take for granted essential services or aspects of daily life.  Some of the coolest gadgets are designed simply to make sure those services work properly or make sure service is delivered uninterrupted.  The Telog HPR-31 Hydrant Pressure Recorder is an essential part of making sure water gets where it needs to be, in a useful way.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

One of the most common problems computer repair companies encounter is with customers who have slow running computers.  A slow running computer can require computer support, but the need for computer repair may be prevented through some simple general maintenance.  General maintenance is limited to actions on the computer that a novice with a limited understanding of how computers work may accomplish without harming the computer.

Slow running computers are computers that lag during functions that had once been mundane.  These are not problems that require computer repair, just vigilance in general maintenance.  Most computer users are unaware that the tools needed to solve slow running computer issues are on their computer already.  Computers run slow because they lose space on the hard drive due to information and programs, some of which run independent of the user, like malware and viruses.

But not all slow running computers require significant computer repair or computer support.  Instead, users may easily eliminate many of the problem files through tools available on their desktop.  The easiest way to stop a slow running computer from developing problems that require computer repair or additional computer support from professionals is to run a Disk Cleanup.  In the Windows Accessories tools, there is a Disk Cleanup option.  By cleaning out temporary Internet files, the recycle bin and Downloaded Program Files, even a computer that has only been in use for three days may free up 2 GB of space!

Many computer repair experts recommend removing unwanted applications as well.  Without additional computer support, you may simply remove unwanted or unused programs through the “Add Or Remove Programs” function on the Start menu of Windows computers.  This is an easy process, but computer repair professionals will recommend that you do a full back up before making changes to programs, just in case you accidentally remove a program that you actually need.  After you remove programs you no longer use and find your system working faster, you may want to make a backup of the cleaner version of your hard drive.

The other general maintenance procedure that requires no additional computer support or aid from a computer repair service would be running a Defrag of your registry. After backing up the registry, use the Advanced Registry Optimizer to eliminate files, programs and applications that your computer no longer uses and should not look for.

Finally, you may prevent a call to a computer repair service simply by installing and regularly using an antivirus program.  With several antivirus programs on the market, there are many options that novices may load without requiring additional computer support from professionals.  Eliminating viruses, spyware and malware is a great way to get a slow running computer back up to speed.

If you are a novice, you need not become an expert in computer repair to keep your computer running fast.  Without additional computer support, you have the tools to protect your computer!

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

To prevent the inevitable computer repair that a hard drive failure demands, it is essential to develop a regular, orderly method of backing up your hard drive data.  There are many services that offer data recovery once a hard drive or data storage device fails, but prevention is the best method for keeping data safe and secure.

Hard drives, like cars, light bulbs and textbooks, are designed to fail and be replaced.  The industry of data recovery, data storage, and computer repair exists because of the planned obsolescence of the hard drive and other components.  Despite leaps forward in recent years in devices for data recovery and storage, the magnetic medium of the hard drive remains the standard in computers.  With data recovery a problem for most computer operators and computer repair coming most often as a sudden, unbudgeted expense, prevention is the best way to survive the loss of your data from hard drive failure.

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As Breaking Dawn Part 1 hits theaters, it is hard to deny that for a surprisingly large population around the world, The Twilight Saga is cool. Never before has a science fiction or fantasy book or movie series so effectively marketed merchandise toward young women.  Take, for example, the Twilight Cullen Crest USB Flash Drive.  The Twilight Cullen Crest USB Flash Drive makes flash drives cool for Twi-hards.

Flash drives have, within the last five years, evolved from a secure means of storing data and media files off-site to a portable, status symbol.  Once the pride of geeks trading downloaded or pirated files, flash drives are now a ubiquitous item in American culture, flaunted in virtually every demographic.  Far from simply being a useful tool, soccer moms use them to show off their support for breast cancer research, game-players accessorize them with their favorite video games and Twi-hards of all ages can use them to choose Team Edward or Team Jacob.

Funko, known more for making trendy toys from genre films, produced the Cullen Crest USB Flash Drive to coincide with the release of New Moon, but because the Crest is timeless iconography from the entire Twilight Saga, it continues to remain popular in Twilight fan circles.  Fans of the Twilight Saga will enjoy that the USB flash drive comes pre-loaded with the soundtrack to New Moon.

The statement Twi-hards are making, though, is that they love the romantic vampires of the Twilight Saga and the crest of the Cullen family does that excellently.  The 2 1/2” tall flash drive is black with the distinctive silver-gray griffin embossed into its oval surface.  The only difference between the USB’s crest and the one shown in all of the Twilight films is that a bar below the shamrocks features the title “Twilight” on the protective cap.

Usage of the Cullen Crest USB Flash Drive is simple.  Because it features a USB port, it easily connects to any computer or USB connected device.  The 2 GB of memory the flash drive possesses makes it ideal for storing images and music, in addition to one’s data storage needs.  With the Cullen Crest USB Flash Drive, Funko’s customers have been pleased for years at how the Tymemachine Powered by Funko product makes data recovery both stylish and easy.

Far less risky than picking out jewelry for a Twilight fan – there is a lot of different jewelry for all of the specific characters – the Cullen Crest USB Flash Drive makes for a practical gift for the tech-savvy Twi-hard.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Computer viruses and virus removal can cost you more than just time and money; they can cost you valuable data or even a physical hard drive. The problem is that we’re often careless when it comes to getting the right kind of protection against computer viruses. In fact, even after we suspect that some kind of malware has infected our device, we often put off virus removal either because we think it’s not necessary or because we think it’s too much work. Well, both approaches are wrong.

If your device is infected with malware, letting the virus just sit there should never be an option. You should start virus removal immediately. The longer you wait before getting virus removal, the longer your private data is subjected to risks. Additionally, with many viruses, delaying getting virus removal allows them time to brew, so to speak. Think of computer diseases the same way you think of human diseases.

First, this means that prevention is the best cure. So protect your device with the right kind of anti-virus software to avoid the need for virus removal in the first place. Secondly, if your machine does get a virus or malware, don’t wait and be aggressive with your removal efforts. Seek out a virus removal specialist to avoid the risks of amateurish virus removal efforts. This is especially important if you’re worried about the data on your machine. Data recovery can be complicated and expensive, and it can be made worse by poor virus removal techniques.

A crude way of handling virus removal is erasing the entire hard drive and reinstalling Windows. Though his amateurish method of virus removal is relatively easy, it usually means that your data will be lost and that you’ll need a professional data recovery service. One way of avoiding this hassle is backing up your data regularly using a secure service like that offered by Rescuecom.

Getting professional virus removal can make data recovery efforts much easier as professionals can target the threats to your computer while protecting your data. Instead of having to pay for virus removal and data recovery, be cautious, and protect your device to avoid viruses. When you do get them, get them off as soon as possible.

Remember, viruses are not only a threat to your privacy and security; they are also a threat to your valuable data, since they can erase or damage it. In some cases, viruses can damage a hard drive so badly that extensive and complicated data recovery is the only solution left. In fact, sometimes even the most advanced data recovery efforts fail.

Given the risks to your data and to your wallet, the best way to avoid needing extensive data recovery efforts and complicated virus removal services, it is best to stay protected and vigilant. Don’t let viruses destroy your device just because you can’t see any imminent harm. This is one case where ignorance is certainly not bliss.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

No computer is infallible. Hardware failure or virus damage can happen to even the best-kept computers. Physical damage to a laptop, for example, can damage the hard drive, causing stored data to be lost, while viruses can erase important documents, photos, and videos. As is often the case with computers and the process of system recovery, prevention is the best cure. When prevention doesn’t work, it’s important to handle data recovery correctly to avoid further damage and minimize costs. Here’s what you should keep in mind even before you need a system recovery:

1)      Backup: There’s really no way to stress this point enough; back up your data regularly and consistently. Nothing makes data recovery easier (or cheaper) than having a backup copy of your information. Use an online service or website to store copies of all your valuable data. Such services are readily available, but pick carefully, as some services like those offered by Rescuecom are more secure than others. Alternatively, you could buy an external hard drive and copy your data onto it. External hard drives are becoming increasingly less expensive and come in a variety of storage capacities. If you do lose your data, you will be grateful that data recovery involves simply copying your files back onto a new or repaired device.

Make sure you understand the differences and limitations of functions like system restore that come with your computer. System restore doesn’t really help with system recovery or with data recovery because it only stores files related to a system’s settings and parameters. If you delete a photo album (and empty the recycling bin), restoring a system to a previous week’s settings will not help with data recovery. Remember, there’s no alternative to backup, and system restore does not provide complete system recovery.

2)      Don’t store files on the same drive as your OS: Have a tech expert partition your hard drive into two (or more) partitions and store your photos, videos, documents, and other important files on a separate partition than the one that holds your system information. In case you need to erase all your system data and reinstall your OS, you won’t have to affect your personal data, making your system recovery easy, perhaps even avoiding the need for data recovery in the first place.

3)      Get professional help: When disaster does strike, stop using your machine, and seek out a professional data recovery service. Especially when your data is invaluable, don’t take your chances with a free online application. Instead, take your machine to a professional. In fact, services like Rescuecom’s can offer remote data recovery aid, which means that you can get professional system recovery without even leaving your home.

No matter how you approach system recovery in general, and data recovery in particular, remember that both can be made easier and cheaper if you have the right kind of backup. So keep your files safe to avoid the awful feeling of knowing that entire photo albums, work documents and other important data have been erased, possibly forever.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Fraud is not new to humanity.  Impostors and counterfeiters are as old as the idea of property.  The only new developments occur in the scams we see and the venues where they are attempted.  The birth of the World Wide Web created a digital world loaded with sensitive information where clever con artists could ply their trade.  Today, Internet security is paramount to protecting financial information from theft by nefarious individuals.  Everyone needs to consider seeking computer support to ensure effective Internet security.

Internet security as a way to identify and prevent fraud, started simply.  Over time, increased Internet security and the computer support it requires have become more and more a priority for people doing business on the Internet.  As Internet security becomes more sophisticated, so do the methods used to steal information.  Internet security, cybercrime, and the constant computer support needed to help in this conflict represent a daily battleground.  Personal users, out of concern and genuine fear, need the help of expert computer support, and they need continuous education in effective ways to maintain their own Internet security.  As an example, banks and private companies have begun offering identity protection to consumers worried about the safety of their transactions.

The most current and troubling threat to Internet security is the growing number of mobile web users.  Smartphones and tablets alter the digital landscape once again, and wireless options and expanded coverage are right alongside them.  Knowledgeable computer support is all the more important as threats to the Internet security of mobile users multiply due to the lack of anti-virus software on many devices.

Improving Internet security against mobile fraud continues as a top priority for commercial entities and the computer support personnel they employ.  Simple prevention is still the best solution to reduce the possibility of a cybercrime affecting you, and effective, reliable computer support is the key to peace of mind.  Take the time to install protective software on that smartphone.  Do your shopping while on the go, but wait until you get home to make that purchase.  The Internet security of your home machine is probably far superior to your mobile device.  A little education and proactive computer support can help prevent the huge hassles caused by a breach in your internet security.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Don’t Suffer from the Crash: Store Data Online

Crashing computers and multiple devices create difficulties in getting documents on demand. Entire papers can be lost, or the wanted photograph is on another device.  Online data storage offers a solution to the issue. Customers can arrange for a digital file cabinet for data files and avoid lengthy processes to recover or carry wanted items.

More customers use storage websites as more people grow more mobile. The number of available websites to store information also increases with the demand. Some options include: Carbonite.com, Dropbox, and MobileMe. Remember for expert and personal computer support, RESCUECOM offers a Remote Backup solution to protect all files against human or system errors through the device’s Internet connection. RESCUECOM’s trained technicians install the Remote Backup and will help retrieve lost information24 hours a day.

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