Virtual House calls?

Computer Homecare is pleased to offer a new service alternative to our customers. It's called "Remote Assistance. " Remote Assistance allows you to invite Computer Homecare to access your computer remotely over the Internet and help you troubleshoot and fix certain problems.

What is the Advantage of Remote Assistance?

Remote assistance allows Computer Homecare to service your computer from our shop, without driving out to your location. This means you will save the cost of a service call. Normal labor charges rates apply and you can pay with a credit card over the telephone.

How does Remote Assistance Work?

Remote assistance is a feature that is built into the Windows XP and Vista operating systems. You, as the computer user, initiate the request from your end. The request generates an e-mail message which you send to Computer Homecare. The message contains a link to your computer. Once we receive the request from you, a technician clicks the link which, in turn, generates a notification on your computer screen. The notification requests that you allow the tech to access your computer. If you agree, the technician can then view and control your computer. During a remote session, you can also view the screen while you interact with the technician on the telephone.

Can Any Problem be Fixed with Remote Assistance?

No. Your computer must be able to start and run Windows normally. If the computer cannot turn ON or is otherwise unable to start Windows, Remote Assistance will not work. Furthermore, your computer must be able to connect to the Internet to facilitate a remote connection, preferably over a high-speed connection. Technically, dial-up connections can allow a remote assistance connection but the performance is very slow.

What is Required to Enable Remote Assistance on Your Computer?

In most cases, there are only a few simple settings in Windows that must changed to allow remote assistance capability. If you do NOT use a router to share your Internet connection with other computers or to provide wireless access, we can usually walk you through the process on the telephone. If you DO use a router, there is an additional step required to prevent the router from blocking access. Performing this step would likely require a home visit.

If we make a visit to your location to perform service, make sure you ask the tech to check your system for and, if necessary, configure remote access capability.

New Version of Spybot Now Available

PepiMK Software, the maker of Spybot Search & Destroy, has released a new version of this proven anti-spyware utility. If you already use Spybot, the 1.5.2 version should be automatically installed when you check for updates. Among other things, version 1.5.2 features expanded "immunization" to known threats, quicker starting and loading time, and dramatically faster scans.

The 1.5.2 update is not a "patch." It actually re-installs the entire Spybot program. Computer Homecare recommends accepting all default installation settings except the one that enables "Tea Timer." Tea Timer is a component of Spybot that runs in memory and continuously monitors web activity. In theory, this is a good idea but many computer users find Tea Timer's constant barrage of message pop-ups to be bothersome. Earlier versions of the Spybot installer disabled Tea Timer by default. The new 1.5.2 version enables it unless you select otherwise. During installation, pay careful attention to the options and clear the Tea Timer checkbox.

The K.I.S.S. Principle – "Keep it Simple Silly"

Let's face it. Not all of us grew up with computers. Seniors and a large segment of the Boomer generation were dragged into the world of technology kicking and screaming. This is nothing to be ashamed of. However, you need to be aware of your limitations so you can avoid frustration.

At Computer Homecare we see lots of customers who get talked into using hi-tech computer accessories that create stress more than they solve problems. Web cameras, messaging programs, hi-tech games, wireless networking and Internet telephone service are a few examples that come to mind.

While these programs and gadgets are certainly very cool, they often require a level of computer expertise that many of us do not posses. Consequently, when they don't work as expected, the user's reaction is often anxiety and frustration.

Computer Homecare strongly recommends that novice computer users learn the basics of their computer before venturing into unknown territory. When expert users (like members of the younger generation who grew up with computers) advise you to install something new, do not rush to action. Ask yourself whether you really need this new thing. What exactly will it do for you? Does the person recommending the technology plan to be there for you to help with installation, training and troubleshooting?

The KISS principle doesn't just apply to novice computing in the home; it also applies to advanced networking practices at big companies. There's a reason why Information Technology professionals configure company networks to restrict the installation of unneeded gadgets and software – such things often change the default settings in Windows and therefore make support and troubleshooting more difficult. Your primary goal, as well as the goal of any qualified network engineer, should be to install the minimum hardware and software required to serve the needs of your computer users – no more and no less. In short, KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Choosing Your Windows Operating System – Vista or XP?

By now, computer shoppers are aware that most new computers – especially those sold by the “big box” retailers – are shipping with the latest Windows Vista operating system. Some computer retailers who sell computers to businesses (such as Dell) still offer Windows XP as a choice on certain models. Customers frequently ask us whether they should choose Vista for their new computer or stick with XP. Unfortunately, there is no black and white answer but we can help you make an informed decision.

New Windows Operating Systems are Historically Unpopular

With the release of any new Windows operating system comes a frustrating transition period. Users struggle with new ways to perform old tasks, uncover strange bugs and glitches, and try to personalize the new look to match individual tastes. For these reasons, word-of-mouth recommendations for new versions of Windows are always mixed. It’s important to remember that Windows XP, now known as a tried and true workhorse, was far from perfect when it was first released in October 2001. XP was a dramatic departure from the previous, familiar Windows look-and-feel and some of the new security features were “half baked.” Service Pack 2, an interim service release that was distributed via the Windows Update process in 2002, addressed many of XP’s shortcomings and finally satisfied the critics. It’s not surprising then that the new Vista version of Windows is getting luke warm feedback out of the gate.

Our initial experience with Vista has been mostly positive. Like XP, Vista provides the capability to run the operating system in “Windows Classic” mode – this can make the initial user experience less stressful for the old dogs who don’t want to learn new tricks. We have also been very impressed with Vista’s ability to find and connect to wired and wireless networks. The process of doing so is a bit different than it is for XP, but it’s relatively straightforward.

Of course, there are a few annoyances too. Case in point: in an effort to protect users from accidentally downloading and installing malicious software (such as viruses and spyware), Vista includes a new security feature called “User Account Control” (UAC). Most experienced computer users find it aggravating. Also, in rare cases, UAC can cause problems with certain “friendly” programs. Fortunately, it’s easy to disable UAC. We have found that the standard one-two punch of AVG and Spybot with a little common sense, minimizes the necessity to run UAC for many intermediate to experienced computer users. However, properly configured, UAC is an extra level of protection that may make sense in some environments, especially where high security is critical.

Making Your Decision

There are a few compelling reasons to tread carefully before moving to a new operating system such as Vista. Computer buyers who wish to use their new system at the office should speak to their Information Technology Department to determine if there are any compatibility issues with the existing network environment. Very few companies will rush to embrace new operating systems in the beginning. New technology must be evaluated and tested thoroughly before implementation in a business setting – and Vista is no exception. You may therefore find that XP provides the best way to connect to your office network and keep your IT Manager happy.

Also, it's important to understand that old versions of software and peripheral devices (printers, scanners, etc.) may not be compatible with Vista. You should be able to check the manufacturer's website for compatibility. In many cases, the website will provide download links for Vista-compatible "drivers" and patches for your software and peripheral devices.

Finally, if you are easily frustrated by new computer technology and just don’t want to take the time to learn something new, it’s another valid reason to stay the course with Windows XP. Due to the sheer number of businesses who have standardized upon XP, Microsoft and other major software providers have no immediate plans to discontinue support for this platform. You can be sure that Windows XP will be around for some time to come.

That said, you can be certain that Vista will be the operating system of choice a year or two down the road. If you want your new computer to remain current, it may make sense to bite the bullet now rather than pay for a upgrade to Vista in the future.

Check out Vista before You Buy

Computer Homecare is running BOTH Windows XP and Windows Vista in harmony at our office. If you are in the market for a new computer and would like to get a first hand look at Vista before you make a final buying decision, you are welcome to stop by for a quick tour. Remember, as an official Dell Solutions Provider, we can help you find a computer and Windows operating system that will suite your needs.

Creating Effective Passwords

Passwords are a fact of life today. If you plan to do anything productive with your computer, you’ll need to create passwords. Many of us curse the screen when we’re forced to create passwords that contain a minimum number of characters and "at least one number." However, there are valid reasons for these requirements. Hackers can use sophisticated, robotic password generators (freely available on the Internet) to rapidly hammer your account to guess passwords and compromise account security.

Here are some techniques you can use to create secure passwords to thwart identify theft and protect your personal information:

1. Do not use dictionary words: Dictionary words may be easy to remember but they are also the easiest to crack. Those password generators mentioned above utilize massive dictionary databases simply try different words – at a rate of hundreds per second – until something works.
   
   
2. Substitute special characters and numbers for letters: One way to easily take your password “out of the dictionary” is to use special characters or numbers instead of certain letters. To make your password easier to remember, you can use certain non-alpha characters that resemble letters. Here are some examples:
   
   

   Alpha Character	Non-Alpha Substitute
   S	$ or 5
   a	@
   E	3
   I (i or L)	! (exclamation point) or 1 (one)
   O (oh)	0 (zero)

   
   Taking this approach, the password “appletree” might become “@ppl3tr33.” You can actually have fun finding non-alpha substitutions for letters in your dictionary password. As long as you are consistent with the substituted characters, these creative passwords can be as easy to remember as the dictionary words they represent.
   
   
3. Add a number to the beginning or end of your password: If the creative approach seems to be a bit too much work, consider adding a meaningful number to the beginning or end of a dictionary word. For example: “1962appletree.”
   
   
4. Use six or more characters: Most secure web accounts will require at least six characters. That’s because words that contain six characters or more are mathematically difficult to guess. So, even if you’re not required to use a minimum number of characters, it’s a good idea to follow the six character rule.
   
   
5. Avoid cryptic and overly strong passwords that are hard to remember: We’ve all had the experience of choosing a password that was promptly forgotten. Creating a complicated string of gibberish will simply cause frustration and make your accounts unusable.
   
   
6. Record hints rather than passwords themselves: If you must keep a record of your passwords, consider writing one or two word hints rather than the actual passwords.
   
   
7. Beware of the "Remember my Password" checkbox: If you like to check the "remember my password" checkbox, make sure you will be able to recover the password in the event you clear web browser cookies. Most online accounts use a cookie to store your password. Deleting cookies is sometimes necessary to remove Internet pests and free up disc space. Don't rely on your cookies to memorize your password indefinitely or you may have to contact tech support to reset your password.

The Internet age has presented us with many convenient ways to access personal information – bank/brokerage accounts, online bill payment services and online retailer storefronts just to name a few. However, these conveniences also create new opportunities for criminals to steal your identity. Creating effective passwords is essential to protecting your privacy and financial security.

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House Call, Copyright © 2008 • All rights reserved
Published by Computer Homecare of West Michigan
phone: 269.327.1574 • e-mail: appointments@computerhomecare.net • website: www.computerhomecare.net

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