Simply put: Extended warranties on Laptops are not worth the additional cost.
In today's market, most laptops have become disposable commodities. The median price range is between $300-$500 US, and most carry a 1 year manufacturer's warranty.
A few facts I have observed with laptops: Most issues requiring outside assistance that will occur with your new fangled tech will occur within 3-6 months. Almost all defects will appear within the 1 year manufacturer's warranty time frame.
"But Brett, with the extended warranty we don't have to deal with the slow manufacturer."
Really? Where do you think the big box store gets the parts that may be necessary for a repair from? Have you taken your laptop in lately and experienced how long it takes for the big box store to troubleshoot any issue? Let alone repair and get it back in your hands? Have you read the fine print in many of the protection plans that state they may charge you for the diagnosis? Many things are NOT covered. Read carefully.
I am not singing the praises of laptop manufacturer's support systems. They have their own issues. What I am saying is they KNOW your product. They made it. Many of them are in fierce competition for your business as the margins are very low on hardware. They do not want you unhappy. You already paid for support when you made the purchase. Use it. Many of them have live chat available. It may take 20-30 minutes before they either have identified the problem or are sending you a box to ship it back.
So let's do the math: Let's say you paid $350.00 for a laptop (let's not figure sales tax). That equates to .095 cents/day for the use of the machine.Lets say you drop and it eats dirt on day 366. Irritating, yes. Less than the average person spends on coffee per day. Yep.
So why pay $100- $150 for a warranty you:
A. Have about an 8% chance to use
B. Probably will not cover all the costs
C. You already have
There are exceptions: It might be a good idea if you can't afford to go without the item in question for one minute(meaning you are making money with it). Or if the item carried a large price tag(like a 1k + Windows Laptop or a MAC). However, these types of warranties will set you back 3-$400.
I have a lot of specific examples, I simply don't want to flame businesses.
If you ever question whether you should get that warranty, wait and send me an email. you generally can add them up to 14 days after purchase.
Brett
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Malware Part 2: You are infected, now what.
One of the BNI leaders, Amy LeMieux, pointed out a good resource for fighting malware: Rkill.
Please don't get click happy and install it right now! It is used for a very specific purpose.
People who write infections are not stupid. They are more aware of what can remove the malady that they created than most. Knowing this, the malware writers often include code that disables your current protections. Once infected , you may also find you cannot INSTALL any of the more common cleaners either(like Malwarebytes which we covered previously).
How will you know? Often, you cannot even browse to a site to download a cleaner(like malwarebytes). Or you do download one and you get a message that the cleaner is infected when you try to install it. Or you try to start your already installed protection and nothing happens.
So where does Rkill come in? Rkill is a small, freeware and portable tool designed to terminate active malware processes allowing you to use other removal tools.
Rkill does NOT clean the infection. It only paves the way for your cleaner of choice to work.
It comes in multiple flavors depending on the infection you have:
Downloads:
rkill.exe – Download from BleepingComputer.com – 257kb
rkill.com – Download from BleepingComputer.com – 257kb
rkill.scr – Download from BleepingComputer.com – 257kb
rkill.pif – Download from BleepingComputer.com – 257kb
When RKill is run it will display a console screen similar to the one below:
That console screen will continue to run until it RKill has finished. Once finished, the box will close and a log will be displayed showing all of the processes that were terminated by RKill and while RKill was running.
Depending on the malware that is installed on the computer, when you run RKill you may see a message from the malware stating that the program could not be run because it is a virus or is infected. Examples of these warnings are:
These warnings are just fake alerts by the malware that has hijacked your computer trying to protect itself. Two methods that you can try to get past this and allow RKill to run are:
On a final note, when you download and run RKill, certain anti-virus programs may state that the program is a security risk. This is because some of the tools used by RKill can be used for good or bad, though the programs themselves are perfectly harmless, and most anti-virus programs just lump them into the bad category.
A full write-up can be found here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic308364.html
Confused? Email me and I will be happy to help.
Tech Guru
Please don't get click happy and install it right now! It is used for a very specific purpose.
People who write infections are not stupid. They are more aware of what can remove the malady that they created than most. Knowing this, the malware writers often include code that disables your current protections. Once infected , you may also find you cannot INSTALL any of the more common cleaners either(like Malwarebytes which we covered previously).
How will you know? Often, you cannot even browse to a site to download a cleaner(like malwarebytes). Or you do download one and you get a message that the cleaner is infected when you try to install it. Or you try to start your already installed protection and nothing happens.
So where does Rkill come in? Rkill is a small, freeware and portable tool designed to terminate active malware processes allowing you to use other removal tools.
Rkill does NOT clean the infection. It only paves the way for your cleaner of choice to work.
It comes in multiple flavors depending on the infection you have:
Downloads:
rkill.exe – Download from BleepingComputer.com – 257kb
rkill.com – Download from BleepingComputer.com – 257kb
rkill.scr – Download from BleepingComputer.com – 257kb
rkill.pif – Download from BleepingComputer.com – 257kb
When RKill is run it will display a console screen similar to the one below:
That console screen will continue to run until it RKill has finished. Once finished, the box will close and a log will be displayed showing all of the processes that were terminated by RKill and while RKill was running.
Depending on the malware that is installed on the computer, when you run RKill you may see a message from the malware stating that the program could not be run because it is a virus or is infected. Examples of these warnings are:
These warnings are just fake alerts by the malware that has hijacked your computer trying to protect itself. Two methods that you can try to get past this and allow RKill to run are:
- When you receive the warning message, leave the message on the screen and try running RKill again.
- If that does not work, just keep launching RKill until it catches and stays up long enough to kill the malware
On a final note, when you download and run RKill, certain anti-virus programs may state that the program is a security risk. This is because some of the tools used by RKill can be used for good or bad, though the programs themselves are perfectly harmless, and most anti-virus programs just lump them into the bad category.
A full write-up can be found here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic308364.html
Confused? Email me and I will be happy to help.
Tech Guru
Google Documents- Store , Edit and Access existing or create new documents online.
Google is a name usually associated with Internet searching. However, by registering a free gmail account, you open up a plethora of free services(like the free blogger I am using right now). The scope of this article will deal with Google Documents.
So what is it? Google Docs is is a free, web-based office suite, and data storage service. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. It is the oldest and longest running of all the cloud based document storage offerings.The majority of document-sharing services require user fees, whereas Google Docs is free.
Before you start counting your dollars saved by dumping Microsoft Office, let me be frank: Google Docs is not a Microsoft Office replacement. Period.
Yes, you can create basic Word like docs, Excel like spreadsheets and simple PowerPoint like slide presentations. However, I suggest you try these functions and see if you(and those around you) can live with the limitations.
Where is really is useful is as an online document repository. You can upload invoices, customer info, etc and access them from anywhere at anytime. I use it to store network layouts of all of my customers for fast access. You get 1 GB of free storage.
Collaboration is one of the big strengths of putting a document on the Read/Write Web. You can add or remove collaborators using the Collaborate tab , which allows others to access and edit the same document at the same time. The bottom of the screen notifies you when someone else is also editing a document. Collaborators can also insert comments, rather than editing the actual document.
If two people happen to be editing the same word at the same time, one person will receive a message that their changes did not get saved, because someone else was editing the document.
One caveat: There is no offline access to the documents when using Google Docs.You must login to your gmail account with a live Internet connection.
Its easy to use and navigate. If you want to try it out, here is a link for a guided tour and how to register an account:
http://www.google.com/google-d-s/tour1.html
I'll cover how to use your own domain name with the Google Apps for business product in another article. Its free as well with a few limitations.
Please few free to ask any questions.
Tech Guru
So what is it? Google Docs is is a free, web-based office suite, and data storage service. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. It is the oldest and longest running of all the cloud based document storage offerings.The majority of document-sharing services require user fees, whereas Google Docs is free.
Before you start counting your dollars saved by dumping Microsoft Office, let me be frank: Google Docs is not a Microsoft Office replacement. Period.
Yes, you can create basic Word like docs, Excel like spreadsheets and simple PowerPoint like slide presentations. However, I suggest you try these functions and see if you(and those around you) can live with the limitations.
Where is really is useful is as an online document repository. You can upload invoices, customer info, etc and access them from anywhere at anytime. I use it to store network layouts of all of my customers for fast access. You get 1 GB of free storage.
Collaboration is one of the big strengths of putting a document on the Read/Write Web. You can add or remove collaborators using the Collaborate tab , which allows others to access and edit the same document at the same time. The bottom of the screen notifies you when someone else is also editing a document. Collaborators can also insert comments, rather than editing the actual document.
If two people happen to be editing the same word at the same time, one person will receive a message that their changes did not get saved, because someone else was editing the document.
One caveat: There is no offline access to the documents when using Google Docs.You must login to your gmail account with a live Internet connection.
Its easy to use and navigate. If you want to try it out, here is a link for a guided tour and how to register an account:
http://www.google.com/google-d-s/tour1.html
I'll cover how to use your own domain name with the Google Apps for business product in another article. Its free as well with a few limitations.
Please few free to ask any questions.
Tech Guru
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Cloud Backup Services-What Should I Use? What to save?
Most people don't think about backups until they need them. Really need them. You may know the feeling first hand of facing the loss of critical documents or precious photos.
Still, more often than not all of your data is hanging out on your computer. Sure, some may have a favorite flash drive or even fewer an external hard drive they save files to. None of these solutions help if you misplace the drive or it fails.
Here's why: Backups are a pain in the rear. You aren't alone in your angst. Backup consistency is generally the largest weakness in businesses today.
There is hope. I recommend you check out Mimedia.
Mimedia is an online service that allows you to backup and share your data(documents, music, photos, etc). The free version gives you a whopping 7Gigabytes! This is enough to handle most everyone's photos, docs and some music you may want to share( I don't recommend dumping all your music up to the cloud unless you invest in the paid plan).
Ok Brett, what should I backup? Easy: all your precious photos and documents. Even a photo hound will have a hard time filling up 7GB of space.
It is easy to sign up. Just go here and register.
1. You will be asked to download the client. Install it and it will present you with a wizard. I would choose the Recommended backup settings unless you have A LOT of music. In that case I would use the advanced settings and choose your photo and documents folders.
2. Choose internet as the backup method
3. Click Bandwidth
4. Move the Active Bandwidth slider to 5%. This will limit the amount of internet bog down you may get while working at the computer.
5. I would leave the idle bandwidth slider where it is at.
The first backup will take some time. You don't need to watch it, but you do need to leave the computer on. It's no sweat if you have to turn it off, it will pickup automatically when you come back online.
Great, now how do I restore? Go to mimedia, log in with the username and password you already created, click backups. you will see your computer icon. Click the restore backup button and save it.
This can be done from anywhere.
Email me with any questions!
Have a great weekend.
Brett
Still, more often than not all of your data is hanging out on your computer. Sure, some may have a favorite flash drive or even fewer an external hard drive they save files to. None of these solutions help if you misplace the drive or it fails.
Here's why: Backups are a pain in the rear. You aren't alone in your angst. Backup consistency is generally the largest weakness in businesses today.
There is hope. I recommend you check out Mimedia.
Mimedia is an online service that allows you to backup and share your data(documents, music, photos, etc). The free version gives you a whopping 7Gigabytes! This is enough to handle most everyone's photos, docs and some music you may want to share( I don't recommend dumping all your music up to the cloud unless you invest in the paid plan).
Ok Brett, what should I backup? Easy: all your precious photos and documents. Even a photo hound will have a hard time filling up 7GB of space.
It is easy to sign up. Just go here and register.
1. You will be asked to download the client. Install it and it will present you with a wizard. I would choose the Recommended backup settings unless you have A LOT of music. In that case I would use the advanced settings and choose your photo and documents folders.
2. Choose internet as the backup method
3. Click Bandwidth
4. Move the Active Bandwidth slider to 5%. This will limit the amount of internet bog down you may get while working at the computer.
5. I would leave the idle bandwidth slider where it is at.
The first backup will take some time. You don't need to watch it, but you do need to leave the computer on. It's no sweat if you have to turn it off, it will pickup automatically when you come back online.
Great, now how do I restore? Go to mimedia, log in with the username and password you already created, click backups. you will see your computer icon. Click the restore backup button and save it.
This can be done from anywhere.
Email me with any questions!
Have a great weekend.
Brett
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Help! What Anti Virus Software should I use????
I get this question a lot for people using Windows machines(and this post is regarding Windows only).
Short Answer: Most of the free offerings are adequate at providing a moderately good defense against being infected as long as they are being updated(Here's a tip: if your Anti-Virus wants to do a scan in the middle of you trying to get something done, its a lot better to postpone that than to stop the updater from happening).
You know some of them as AVG, Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast, Avira, Panda, Comodo, etc, etc, etc. The common thread here is they are free and this article is not intended to discuss the merits of any of them.
What I will say is that None of the above are worth much if you actually DO get infected by something.
In fact, even if you own a paid "suite" product like Symantec, Kaspersky or McAfee with all the bells and whistles, they generally fail to fully clean your machine as well. "Clean" means completely remove the infection without damaging your operating system
So what does work?
Malwarebytes.
It is hands down the best cleaner available on the market today. In fact, it is the only product I and many others I know in the IT field rely on when an infection has gotten loose.
You have a couple choices with the product. If you have already invested in a paid suite for your anti-virus solution, Malwarebytes has a free scanner you can download and keep handy in case of an outbreak. This will not actively protect your machine.
If you haven't bought one, have a free one or are unhappy with your current anti-virus, they offer a pro version that will actively protect your machine for $24.95.
FYI the free version uses the same engine as the pro version. The only difference if the pro version will actively monitor your machine and automatically download updates while the free version is a manual scan and update.
All products can be found Here
As always, feel free to ask any questions.
Safe browsing.
Tech Guru
Short Answer: Most of the free offerings are adequate at providing a moderately good defense against being infected as long as they are being updated(Here's a tip: if your Anti-Virus wants to do a scan in the middle of you trying to get something done, its a lot better to postpone that than to stop the updater from happening).
You know some of them as AVG, Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast, Avira, Panda, Comodo, etc, etc, etc. The common thread here is they are free and this article is not intended to discuss the merits of any of them.
What I will say is that None of the above are worth much if you actually DO get infected by something.
In fact, even if you own a paid "suite" product like Symantec, Kaspersky or McAfee with all the bells and whistles, they generally fail to fully clean your machine as well. "Clean" means completely remove the infection without damaging your operating system
So what does work?
Malwarebytes.
It is hands down the best cleaner available on the market today. In fact, it is the only product I and many others I know in the IT field rely on when an infection has gotten loose.
You have a couple choices with the product. If you have already invested in a paid suite for your anti-virus solution, Malwarebytes has a free scanner you can download and keep handy in case of an outbreak. This will not actively protect your machine.
If you haven't bought one, have a free one or are unhappy with your current anti-virus, they offer a pro version that will actively protect your machine for $24.95.
FYI the free version uses the same engine as the pro version. The only difference if the pro version will actively monitor your machine and automatically download updates while the free version is a manual scan and update.
All products can be found Here
As always, feel free to ask any questions.
Safe browsing.
Tech Guru
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
OpenDNS FamilyShield:A free service to protect you and your family
Lets face it, the internet is a brilliant trove of information and a cesspool in one package.
Most malware, trojans and viruses are contracated in your home environment by normal web browsing.
No, it's not just your teenage boys checking out the latest "ahem".
Mistyped web addresses, "free" gaming sites with enough flashing banners to send you into a seizure and phishing emails (an email you receive that tricks you into following a link and possibly revealing sensitive information) are likely culprits.
There are numerous pay clients you can install on your computers that perform web filtering. some work well. all have an annual fee associated with them and add a layer of work for you to do. Blah.
So what is a solution? OpenDNS Familyshield will protect every network enabled device(laptops, pcs, mobile phones and gaming systems) on your network with no software to install. Check out this link for details: http://www.opendns.com/home/familyshield/.
Did I mention its free?
All you do is follow the wizard on their site. It walks you through the process of re-pointing your router DNS to their servers to filter traffic. 2 entries. Since all inbound and outbound traffic flows through the router, this is a brilliant solution for your whole network.
Yes, I lost a few of you. Log into my router and do what? Whats a router?
I promise you will be successful if you follow the wizard on their site and have a little patience. Make sure to choose the option to setup on router. Having problems? Email me. I would be happy to assist.
Its not just for people with children either. The other free product they offer provides the same protections and allows you to customize what is filtered.
Brett
Most malware, trojans and viruses are contracated in your home environment by normal web browsing.
No, it's not just your teenage boys checking out the latest "ahem".
Mistyped web addresses, "free" gaming sites with enough flashing banners to send you into a seizure and phishing emails (an email you receive that tricks you into following a link and possibly revealing sensitive information) are likely culprits.
There are numerous pay clients you can install on your computers that perform web filtering. some work well. all have an annual fee associated with them and add a layer of work for you to do. Blah.
So what is a solution? OpenDNS Familyshield will protect every network enabled device(laptops, pcs, mobile phones and gaming systems) on your network with no software to install. Check out this link for details: http://www.opendns.com/home/familyshield/.
Did I mention its free?
All you do is follow the wizard on their site. It walks you through the process of re-pointing your router DNS to their servers to filter traffic. 2 entries. Since all inbound and outbound traffic flows through the router, this is a brilliant solution for your whole network.
Yes, I lost a few of you. Log into my router and do what? Whats a router?
I promise you will be successful if you follow the wizard on their site and have a little patience. Make sure to choose the option to setup on router. Having problems? Email me. I would be happy to assist.
Its not just for people with children either. The other free product they offer provides the same protections and allows you to customize what is filtered.
Brett
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