Wednesday 27 December 2017

Microsoft Office Activation with Product Key

I recalling a post I made earlier, regarding Microsoft Office registration via email. It is true at some point, but unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. Somehow, email verification isn't working correctly. And at some point, Microsoft stills wants you to call and talk to the machine or a person to verify that you bought a licensed Microsoft product. 

This happened to me just yesterday. I remember registering the Microsoft Office on a new Dell desktop sometime in October 2017. The Microsoft Office comes in a small box without CD. Its instruction asks you to setup an email to link with the product key given inside the box. From the newly registered email, a Microsoft Office link is to be downloaded with the encrypted product key. Once installed, the email will act as a sign in account to verify and activate the licensed product. Which I did it.

Yesterday, I got called up by the customer, came over and surprised to find that the Microsoft Office product is showing Unverified License! I keyed in the email registered to the product key, it didn't work. No choice, I had to call Microsoft to get the Installation ID. Somehow, not all the customer service number works for me. This number is the only one I manage to get thru 1800-80-1432.

Anyway, after pressing some numbers and following the instructions, They placed me on hold for 7 minutes then the line got cut off. I had to redial and go thru the same process again. Lucky this time a customer service officer pick up the line. And manage to re-ACTIVATE the Microsoft Office product.

It appears that, even with email activation, a proper phone activation is still required now. Not as before when email activation was not implemented, only an online activation is required.

I guess its a safer way for Microsoft to keep track and protect its software usage from pirated? Nevertheless, I still prefer a simpler way of activation than to call. What are your thoughts?

Wednesday 6 December 2017

Unable to print Dot Matrix printers after Windows 10 updates

Been a little occupied with work. Sorry if I have not been updating news and work progress. Recently encountered a bizarre case. It involves Windows 10. 

I have emphasize before that its important to update your licensed Windows version. Its most important especially when the version of Windows is Windows 10. Since its launch, there have been various bugs like wireless not connecting, and some software not compatible and such. This particular problem that I'm about to share, actually comes from updating Windows 10.

Just 2 weeks ago, my customer that uses 24pin dot matrix printers to print carbon copies, suddenly can't print. I've checked and double triple check that the drivers are updated, printer cables connected, even disabling firewall to check.

Finally, after another customer have the similar issue, I went into a deeper more customized google phrase search. "Epson printer cannot print after windows 10". The first link pops up. I uninstall the windows update and miracle! The printer now prints as normal. Well, I do hope Microsoft will rectify the issue as soon as possible. Though not many have fallen to this trap yet, maybe not many uses dot matrix printer. But I'm so glad that whoever had the problem, he/she/they posted it on google and made it easy for me to find out.

The link below explains it all. But if you're unsure on how to remove or uninstall a windows update, to be safer than sorry, contact me and will provide services with minimal fee.

https://www.tachytelic.net/2017/11/unable-print-dot-matrix-printers-windows-updates/

Friday 10 November 2017

6 Worst Reasons of Hard Disk Failure

Recently took back a customer's desktop pc. It couldn't turn on. So, first thing is to test if the harddisk is detecting. I use a boot up disk and check the status. Even before it reaches the boot disk, A message appeared, Harddisk Falure! 

Oh dear. Next step is to yank out the harddisk and attach it separately on another working computer, and in hope to still be able to read it and try to retrieve and back up data from it. It was not promising as initial connection, already not reading the harddisk. A trick I use, is to connect it with a working harddisk and immediately connect back with the "about to failed" harddisk. It works sometimes, in this case, it did work and I can see the content of the harddisk. But unfortunately, the data still cannot be copied out. It only displays the folder or the file but the data cannot be copied or transferred out. Its a severed harddisk failure.

All data lost. I did come across some companies with specialized tools to be able to recover back the data but unfortunately, the price to do so is extremely expensive. And also, not sure even if the data is recovered, whether it can still be used, is no guarantee.

So, what I want to share is some info I picked off from the internet. Some may still be recoverable but some is forever gone. What and how the reasons to harddisk failure come about and how we can over come the problem.

https://www.stellarinfo.com/blog/6-worst-reasons-of-hard-disk-failure/

Monday 30 October 2017

PROCESS1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED

PROCESS1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED

Recently a customer's pc displaying this error. Well, you can't actually see the error message properly. Its because its a blue screen of death. And what it does is, it keeps restarting the pc and displaying the blue screen error message. I have to record the action and pause to see the error message. 

This type of error can be a severe one. It generally means either a hardware fault or a fault with Windows boot files. Fixing it can be as simple as checking the cables on your hard drive or as tiresome as performing a system restore.

If you have made hardware changes:

1. Check HDD or SSD cables are tight and secure.
2. Do the same for power cables just in case.
3. Check your BIOS has the correct settings for the boot drive. ATA/IDE for HDD and AHCI for SSD.
4. Remove any hardware recently added or update the drivers for that device.

If you made software changes:

1. Uninstall the software and retest. Check version and compatibility with the vendor if fault goes away.
(NOTE: How are you going to get into Windows when you computer keeps restarting, right?)
- Upon the computer restarts by itself, press on the keyboard F8 continuously until a list of options displayed. Look for Safe Mode and hit the enter key. If any chance, you are unable to get into Safe Mode, you will need to use a bootable Windows CD to help you do that.

This simple steps its just the surface tech work. Even if you have done all that, there are other possible problems like how does it happen? Could be a hardware failure, your harddisk is dying. Or the system files corrupted due to a virus or a software not compatible with Windows.

An easier way is just send the computer back to the vendor and have it solved. I'm here if you need my services. At least I know what I'm talking about. Right?

Tuesday 24 October 2017

WPA2 password is still hackable

I recently came across this FB Ad Sponsor link that tells us that the Wi-Fi is hackable. It means, even if you have the said WPA2 password, it is still hackable. This happens within the Wi-Fi router mechanism. Of course, we would assume that the responsible parties such as the router companies should take action. But little do we realise that the fact, not lies in companies making the routers, but also we as consumers need to of a helping hand as well.

First step is to update as regularly as possible whenever there is a firmware update of our routers. Never any harm to change passwords of your Wi-Fi. But we forget that our smart devices as well also need to be protected. Our Smartphones, Tablets, computers, laptops also need protection with Anti-virus and Internet Security. Our OS needs regular updates as well.

Some would assume that its not necessary. Who would want to hack into my devices. I am not important at all. Hackers should be hacking big companies, that's where the money are! But hackers have no eyes. Even if they have, they have a bigger picture where we never thought of. Imagine hundred thousands of people with the same mindset - we're not important enough to be hacked. An accumulation of a hundred thousand makes up a lot of people and with each different sets of data can sell thousands to a million.

I'm sorry if I kinda out of topic. But its all related. So, just want to share the concern. And let's make it a better place to surf the internet.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/technology/faq-what-is-krack-and-how-to-secure-your-wi-fi-networks-9318360

Thursday 19 October 2017

Do you Need anti-virus/ anti-malware on your smart phone?

I have something to share. It may not be relevant nor important. And I'm not sure if it should be important or not. 

The question is : Do you need an antivirus or internet security software on your android phone?

Since I'm in the IT line of work. I use the internet intensively a lot. And most of the time, answers I need are from the internet. We do know for one thing is whenever we use our computers or smartphone to connect to the internet, make sure we use the public group especially when we're surfing from cafes or restaurants, where the internet is given free while you drink, eat or sleep. And its safe to surf or connect home internet or data internet provided by our phone telecommunication. However, we have see so many movies where there are black hat hackers that can capture our smartphone data easily.

And nowadays, our smartphones are like our digital wallet, diary, passbook, identity. Without proper usage and protection, with internet connection, public or private network, where there is a will, there is a way.

Now scams come in many different forms. Emails, messaging, unknown apps which can somehow be found on playstore.

Sure, we can have save internet surfing using vpn. But not all free vpn are giving fast surfing. Some have to pay. Would love to hear from your point of opinion. Should you need an antivirus or internet security app on your android phone. For all we know, these internet security apps themselves are in a way a hack ability function for them to keep track of users and their phone usage. But I believe they (white hat hackers) are used for the users' protection.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/do-you-need-antivirus-on-android/

Sunday 15 October 2017

Windows System Protection

Windows System Protection
What does it do? From my understanding, its suppose to protect the windows system from being corrupted from software that are not compatible with windows. I have to honestly point out that I had almost forgotten about doing this to all new installed windows. It is relatively important to perform this task. Especially when nowadays there are lots of software that interacts with Microsoft Windows. Some maybe be genuinely compatible with Windows. But some seems to be working fine until an update from either Windows or the software. It won't take up too much of your harddisk space as nowadays our standard or basic hard disk space ranges from 500GB to 1TB.

Just configure the system protection disk usage at 5%. And create a notable remark to note when you performed the system protection.

When your system encountered a problem booting, you can always go to system restore and restore to the last known protection that you have made.

https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/turn-system-protection-windows-10/

Wednesday 11 October 2017

Frauds emails and Such

Fraud emails and such. That's my topic today. I recently received an email from a high pioneer company - T###### P###### Sdn. Bhd. A very promising sales for me as it's request of quotation that can giving me a profit of 1000%. Fantastic right?! 
However, I have seen these emails before requesting large quotations of computer parts and components. I maybe passing a big opportunity to earn thousands to millions. But with such big quantity, the customer would usually want a credit term as they say that they have signed a big project with a company overseas and requires these large quantities.

Unfortunately, I am of just a small start up company with only myself to do most work. It may be an opportunity of a lifetime but I rather not risk it. Be honest as much as possible and do what I am capable of.

I have encountered before with another company that I worked at where it seems legit that the company wants to purchase large amount of computer parts but requires a credit term. Come on... I'm can't even cope my monthly expenses, where am I gonna get the money to BUY FIRST and the WAIT FOR PAYMENT??!!

My company policy and I'm sure most companies nowadays will and should have these policy. PAY FIRST at least 60% of the total to a full payment. I don't keep stock and all purchases is back-to-back orders.

I rather give up making millions in an instant to slowly building up my businesses. Silly and stupid some would call me. But at the negativity if it goes bad, is a very terrible consequences.

Tuesday 19 September 2017

Disable or Delete Recent Document List in Microsoft Word or Excel

Sometimes when you have lots of documents or files listed on your Microsoft Word or Excel, and some might deemed important that you do not want other of your staff or colleagues viewing them apart from accessing your computer. How to remove them completely?

https://www.wikihow.com/Disable-or-Delete-Recent-Document-List-in-Microsoft-Word-or-Excel

Monday 18 September 2017

6 ways to use public Wi-Fi hot spots safely

Places like Starbucks, neighborhood cafes, Barnes&Noble, and universities are all jumping on the "free Wi-Fi" bandwagon--hey, it's trendy. As a result, more of us are connecting to these networks without realizing the security risks.
But did you read the fine print? Wi-Fi hot spots are unsecured networks that hackers like to take advantage of. Everything--including your data, account information and passwords, Google searches, and finances--can become available to the hacker who wants it badly enough.
So before you pay your bills or write your genius business plan at the local cafe, get to know these six useful practices:
  1. Be aware that you're never secure. Wi-Fi hot spots are always unsecured connections, so you and potential hackers are hanging out in the same network bubble. It's not difficult for one to tap into your activity and sniff out your personal information. So, even if a hot spot requires a password or guides you through a log-in screen, you're still at risk.
  2. Harness built-in security tools. Mac OS X and Windows have built-in security features that you should take advantage of. Enable your firewall (through security settings) and check off "Block all incoming traffic." This setting will keep most of the bad guys out. Disabling file sharing (shown in the video above) is also an important security measure.
  3. Protect your passwords. Hackers can retrieve saved passwords from your Registry or install keyloggers, which make your keyboard activity available to them (including passwords you type in). Install something like LastPass, a browser add-on that stores your passwords in the cloud--you'll never have to type a thing and passwords won't be saved on your computer.
  4. Look for the padlock. Web sites that use HTTPS encrypt your activity, so anything you do on that site is confidential. Look for a padlock in the address bar, or simply check the URL for "https://..." Not all Web sites do this, but you can download HTTPS Everywhere, an add-on that will force an encrypted connection on many popular sites.
  5. Check the network name. In an attempt to lure you in, hackers might set up fake networks like "FREE Public Wi-Fi", or "Starbucks FREE." Check with the venue's employees to confirm the name of their network.
  6. Use common sense. You should treat all open networks as a security risk. Don't do any banking, online shopping, or other activities that would expose your private information. If you wouldn't be willing to share it with the public, it can wait until you get home.

Tuesday 12 September 2017

Alternative Remote Desktop to Teamviewer - UltraViewer

I'm sure most of you uses Teamviewer to connect to computers remotely control another computer that is not in your local network or in the same location. Even I personally like Teamviewer as its more familiar with most of my customers and the controls and remote transmission is smooth control. I tried asking for a installment plan from Teamviewer but the software is still very expensive. 
Although, Teamviewer is free to personal usage, at some point when used too frequently to the same remote pc, it will prompt out a message box saying "Your license limits the maximum session duration to a partner, immediate reconnects are blocked. Please try later or upgrade your license." Or "Commercial usage detected". After which you cannot establish a remote connection anymore.
Tricks to bypass
There are some tutorials or tricks on the internet teach you how to bypass this Commercial use suppected. Most of them are relating to changing MAC address of your computer, uninstall and delete some folder created by TeamVIewer. But that's old tricks and didn't work anymore. Believe me, i have tried a dozen times and it not worked so don't waste your time.
If you decided to buy a license of TeamViewer, you will have a little shock because you reliazed that TeamViewer license is very expensive (for just a personal user) or even expensive for commercial user. If you're a United State user, it may cost 749 USD for a cheapest license (for one computer using).
That's not a good idea because you just want to use TeamViewer for a sometimes and will cost you 749 USD...
I found another software that works similar to Teamviewer. You might want to try it. You can find it at http://ultraviewer.net/en/

Wednesday 6 September 2017

Here Are 3 Ways to Check Hard Disk Health on Windows

A while ago. I had a customer whose pc had problem. Couldn't start with an error "harddisk not found". I took it back to check and apparently the harddisk has died and cannot even detect it. I tried the "wrap with newspaper and place in feezer" which worked on some of the SATA portable harddisks before. It still doesn't work.
Another expensive way if you really need the data content in the harddisk is to give it to the professional experts. They will charge probably a couple thousand ringgit. And that too, nothing is guaranteed that you will be able to recover your data and if the data is usable.
Well, how do we know how healthy is our harddisk? I found this link. Of course, it doesn't guarantee that it will tell me that the harddisk is healthy now might not be tomorrow or day after.
The point is just to have backups of backups. Cloud might be one of the solution but even cloud backup solution doesn't give us 100% security safe. Somehow, we would have to have endless backups of backups of backups..etc.
Anyway, here is the link for 3 ways to help you check your computer's harddisk health.

Original Post by MakeTechEasier

Tuesday 22 August 2017

Excel: There was a problem sending the command to the program



Excel file giving an error "There was a problem sending the command to the program". Rather annoying. As if some problem with Microsoft Excel. Should I uninstall and reinstall? Perform a MSOffice repair? Found the solution online. Due to a Dynamic Data Exchange feature. You can read all about it in the link I provided.
So how to disable the error pop up and fix the problem? Well, open you Excel program.
- Click on the Excel option.
- Click on the Advance tab and scroll all the way down.
- Look for the checked "Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)".
- uncheck it.
- Click ok and close the Excel.
It should fix the problem.

Monday 10 July 2017

How to protect yourself against Petya malware!

Here is another reason why you need to make sure your Windows computers are up to date.
Though no one has yet to get infected or have already gotten infected. The target may be small. But its still worth posting to reach out to people about things like this.
Large businesses, electricity suppliers and government agencies around the world are being affected by a strain of malware widely known as Petya. Even a chocolate factory has been hit.
At first, it was believed that it was ransomware, because it essentially locks down an infected computer and a ransom note appears on-screen. The note demands $300, paid via bitcoin, in return for unlocking the infected computers. This attack closely mimics the WannaCry ransomware attack that affected more than 230,000 computers in over 150 countries in May.

Original Post by CNET

Friday 7 July 2017

8 quick ways to clear up drive space in Windows 10

8 quick ways to clear up drive space in Windows 10
This topic touches on few things such as:
- Emptying your recycle bin
- Disk Cleanup
- Saving files to a different drive
- Disable hibernate, and etc...
- Uninstall unwanted or no longer using software.
- Defraging

Original Post by CNET

Thursday 6 July 2017

Take control of Windows 10 updates

Take control of Windows 10 updates
Updates don't need to also be interruptions.
Well, based on yesterday's topic post, hope today's post helps you on how to deal with Windows 10 updates.
I have customers complain before that after Windows 10 updates, everything goes haywire. Well, in some sense, its true. But lets' not panic. Its just that whenever Windows 10 updates is completed, it reset most of its computer functions. It helps to protect the computer from online harm such as virus and hack intrusion. Common resets involve wireless connection enabled when the preferred cable network is used, wireless connection goes automatically public network. Others like work sharing is disabled because the computer password protection is enabled.
Well, that''s where IT personnel comes in. They will know what to do. If in case of problems still persist, do not hesitate to contact me to help out. If you understand what we're talking about. You will know that we understand your problem and can help you.

Original Post by CNET

Wednesday 5 July 2017

Why are updates so important for my computer?

Part 7: common security mistakes you're probably making
Don't put your privacy at risk.
Not updating your OS
Apple, Google and Microsoft update their operating systems regularly with security patches. These patches fix known vulnerabilities that hackers like to exploit, the most recent example being the WannaCry ransomware attack that hit outdated Windows machines. Don't ignore those updates-are-available notifications; keep your laptop and phone up to date and make yourself a tougher target for hackers.
I know, updates can be a nuisance especially when you have an important thing to do like to email out in a hurry or doing a presentation. Well, somethings aren't always going as planned. But if we make sure our computers are updated regularly, I'm sure things like this will happen less. Also, please allow the computer to update the OS at its own pace. No matter how fast the computer is, updating sometimes takes time. Best way is to leave it updating when you're off work. Updates usually will shut down the computer by itself when done. And in the morning, just turn in on and go make yourself a cup of tea or coffee while the computer runs the remaining updates. Trust me, updating your OS helps especially with Windows 10 where its still new and still lots of bugs not patched up. And maybe vulnerable to new virus attacks.

Original Post by thetechangel.com

Tuesday 4 July 2017

What’s the Difference Between Private and Public Networks

Part 6: common security mistakes you're probably making
Don't put your privacy at risk.
Treating public Wi-Fi like it's private
Hopping on Wi-Fi at Starbucks or the airport is generally safe, but not if you're logging into your bank account to check your balance or pay a few bills. You should treat all public Wi-Fi spots as insecure and easier than your home network for someone to see what you're doing online. Also, hackers and other nefarious individuals set up Wi-Fi networks that look like a coffee-shop network or another public Wi-Fi hotspot to steal your information. Make sure you're connecting to the right network and not a spoof set up to grab your information -- steer clear of any random open networks you don't recognize. And when connected, avoid banking or logging into other sensitive accounts.

Original Post by Chris Hoffman

Monday 3 July 2017

How to spot a phishing email

Part 5: common security mistakes you're probably making
Don't put your privacy at risk.
Clicking links, opening attachments from sketchy emails
If you receive an email from your bank, the IRS, PayPal, Facebook or another reputable institution that says there's a problem with your account and immediate action is needed, do not click the link included in the email. Instead, go to the site directly and log into your account to see what's up. Odds are your account is fine and that the email you received was part of a phishing scam trying to trick you into revealing sensitive information like your username and password or bank account or credit card number. 

Double check the sender's email address. Sometimes we over look the email address. paypal1.com is not the same with paypal.com. Sometimes email addresses can be camoflauge or cloaked. Best way is to hit the reply button to check the real email address. 

Original Post by CNET

Friday 30 June 2017

Making online purchases with your credit card

Part 4: common security mistakes you're probably making
Don't put your privacy at risk.
Making online purchases with your credit card
Most credit cards offer fraud protection, but a mobile payment system is safer and will save you the hassle of filing a claim if your credit card does, in fact, offer fraud protection. A mobile payment system like Android Pay or Apple Pay features something called tokenization, which creates a one-time-use credit card number for each purchase instead using of your real credit card number so it can be kept hidden and secure. PayPal also offers tokenization. And Apple Pay can be used on Macs.
I usually use PayPal. Or some of the local Payment Gateway such as iPay88 also provide security protection.

Original Post by Stephen Vanderpool

Thursday 29 June 2017

Two-factor authentication: How and why to use it

Part 3: common security mistakes you're probably making
Don't put your privacy at risk.
Not using two-factor authentication
If you are using strong passwords and a password manager, then take the extra step of setting up two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. The most common form of two-factor authentication when logging into an account is the process of entering your password and then receiving a code via text on your phone that you then need to enter. The second layer in two-factor authentication means a hacker would need to steal your phone along with your password in order to access your account.
*Extra tip: Whenever I use google email. I have a phone authentication. If I login using computer or laptop, I get a notification on my phone to verify if its me.

Original Post by CNET

Wednesday 28 June 2017

How to save and sync your passwords for free

Part 2: common security mistakes you're probably making
Don't put your privacy at risk.
Not using a password manager.
Using a password manager is a win-win. It makes your online life more secure and easier. A password manager stores the passwords for your various online accounts and profiles, across all your devices, and saves you from having to remember and enter each one each time you visit a password-protected site. Instead, your passwords are encrypted and held by your password manager, which you then protect with a master password.
Since you are saved from having to remember all of your passwords, you will be less tempted by the dangerously poor idea of using the same password for all of your accounts. With a password manager, you can create strong passwords for all of your accounts and keep all of them saved behind a stronger master password, leaving you to remember just one. 

Here are some password manager which I have used and found it to be useful. 
  1. KeePass Password Safe
  2. SafeInCloud Password Manager
  3. LastPass Password Manager

Original Post by CNET

Tuesday 27 June 2017

Common security mistakes you're probably making

Common security mistakes you're probably making
Don't put your privacy at risk.
Using Weak Passwords: 
Sure, a simple password is quick to enter and easy to remember. It's also easy to crack. Avoid using a short word for your password. And don't use the same password for multiple accounts because if one of your logins gets hacked, then hackers can access your other accounts.
2. Not using a password manager. You should.
Using a password manager is a win-win. It makes your online life more secure and easier. A password manager stores the passwords for your various online accounts and profiles, across all your devices, and saves you from having to remember and enter each one each time you visit a password-protected site. Instead, your passwords are encrypted and held by your password manager, which you then protect with a master password.
Since you are saved from having to remember all of your passwords, you will be less tempted by the dangerously poor idea of using the same password for all of your accounts. With a password manager, you can create strong passwords for all of your accounts and keep all of them saved behind a stronger master password, leaving you to remember just one.
Original Post by CNET

Wednesday 7 June 2017

10 easy ways to speed up Windows 10

10 easy ways to speed up Windows 10
I have some customers that upgraded or purchase new computers and complained that they are still not familiar with Windows 10 or that it is slow on a startup to medium and to powerful computer machines.
I found this link on the web and would like to share the tips with you. I'm not sure if it will speed up Windows 10 but it looks like it can make it less complicated and more customization to your liking.

1. Go opaque
Windows 10's new Start menu is sexy and see-through, but that transparency will cost you some (slight) resources. To reclaim those resources, you can disable transparency in the Start menu, taskbar, and action center: Open the Settings menu and go to Personalization > Colors and toggle off Make Start, taskbar, and action center transparent.

2. No special effects

Making the Start menu, taskbar, and action center transparent is one thing, but Windows 10 still has a lot of other snazzy, built-in special effects. To really go bare-bones on the special effects, right-click the Start button and click System.

Click Advanced system settings to open the System Properties menu. On the Advanced tab under Performance, click Settings...
This will open the Performance Options menu. In the Visual Effects tab, either choose Adjust for best performance to turn off all unnecessary animations and special effects, or choose Custom: and deselect the visual effects you think can live without. When you're finished, click OK to apply your changes.

3. Disable Startup programs
If your PC is taking a long time to boot up -- and you've enabled Fast Startup and everything -- you may have too many programs starting up when you turn your computer on. To fix this, right-click on the Start button and click Task Manager. Click the Startup tab (click More details if you don't see the Startup tab) and peruse the list of programs that start up with your computer. If you see a program that doesn't need to be there, right-click it and click Disable. You can also arrange the list of programs by Startup impact, if you'd like to see the programs that are taking up the most resources (and time).

4. Find (and fix) the problem
Windows 10 has a built-in performance troubleshooter that can help you find and fix any problems that might be affecting your PC's speed. To open the troubleshooter, right-click on the Start button and click Control Panel. Under Security and Maintenance at the top, click Troubleshoot common computer problems. Next, under System and Security, click Run maintenance tasks.

5. Reduce the Boot Menu Time-out
When your computer starts up, the boot menu is displayed for a certain amount of time before the operating system loads. This gives you time to do things like start Windows in Safe Mode. You can shave a few seconds off your startup time by changing the boot menu time-out, which is set to 30 seconds by default.
To do this, right-click on the Start button and click Control Panel. Go to System > Advanced system settings, and, under Startup and Recovery, click Settings.
Next to Time to display list of operating systems:, change the value from 30 seconds to 10 seconds and click OK.

6. No tipping
In an effort to be helpful, Windows 10 will sometimes give you tips on how to get the most out of the OS. It scans your computer in order to do this, a process that can have a slight impact on performance. To turn off these tips, go to Start > Settings > System > Notifications & actions and toggle off Get tips, tricks and suggestions as you use Windows.

7. Run Disk Cleanup
This one's a win-win. It'll improve performance and free up space on your hard drive. Disk Cleanup has been around forever, but this trusted Windows utility can still help clean out the temporary files, installers and other junk littering your hard drive. To run it, just search for Disk Cleanup, run it and click the button labeled Clean up system files

8. Eradicate bloatware
If your PC came with pre-installed apps you don't want or need, get rid of them. Same goes for any apps you installed that you later found to be of little or no use. Right-click the Start menu, choose Control Panel and under the Programs header, click Uninstall a program. Peruse the list from time to time and select the programs you no longer need and click Uninstall at the top of the list.

9. Power plan
Make sure you aren't using a Power saver plan if you don't need to. Even desktops will sometimes feature a power-saver option, which doesn't do you any good unless you are trying to conserve battery life. Open the Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options to see which power plan you are currently using. For better performance, make sure you are using a High Performance or Balanced plan (or a plan from the PC manufacturer that says it's balanced).

10. Restart your PC
Is speeding up your computer as simple as...restarting it? Maybe. Restarting your PC clears out its memory and stops any processes that might be taking up resources. Also, shutting down your computer is not the same as restarting it -- shutdown is affected by Windows 10's Fast Startup, which saves a snapshot of your PC and its processes in a hiberfile for faster boot-up. Restart is not affected by Fast Startup, so if you have Fast Startup enabled, restarting your PC is the only way to fully clear the memory and shutdown processes.

Original post by CNET

Monday 5 June 2017

WannaCry Ransomware - How to protect your PC

Older systems running Windows XP and 7 are vulnerable to WannaCry and other malware. Protect yourself by modernizing with one of these inexpensive upgrades.
Well, the news of ransomware finally made it to the nationwide via television, radio and government. Though the virus have been widely effected thru small to medium stream industries, I guess when government or larger corporation gets effected, the hits is drastic.
After reading and researching, discovered that the cause is mostly older systems that gets hit badly. So, I would like to extend some insights on how we can upgrade or change our operating system so that it is protected and hopefully can avoid getting infected with not only this kind of virus but also others as well.
Majority of companies still using Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8. Its been said that the older Windows are more highly to be affected with the wannacry. Its obvious as well that Windows XP has terminated its software license and no longer have technical support. My alternative solution is to change it to linux based operating system. The obvious choice of course is to upgrade to the latest Windows 10 but because the hardware specification might not be able to support Windows 10, that's why I suggest to change the OS to linux. This is for older computers previously running on Windows XP.
For Windows 7 and Windows 8 or 8.1, I think the feature to upgrade to Windows 10 is still enable. I'm not too certain but I think there is an online copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft that you can download and perform an upgrade of the software.
Alternatively, I'm not sure if this method works. But you can definitely try and no harm trying. It is to have all your important data backup to a different drive. Using only shortcuts to the desktop rather than having the physical file on the desktop where the virus will attack it and lock the file.
I have previously added some notes on the ransomware case when one of company previously was attacked. I do hope this notes help you in anyway. If not, do contact me for further information.

Monday 15 May 2017

Microsoft Support Ending Date for Windows products.

Here's a very interesting information. As we know, Microsoft Windows XP has ended its support on April 8, 2014 yet some of the companies still use it as its computer operating system as their computers hardware isn't supportive with the newer operating system.
Here is a information from Microsoft on its Supporting End Dates.
http://www.allyncs.com/docs/lifecyclesupport.html
So should we start upgrading our computers to support Windows 10? I don't know. There are still some bugs in Windows 10 but some uses are alright. Some aren't. It depends what work and how it is used. Most computers in the market has already been integrated ready with Windows 10. So, I guess its ok to move in straight to it.

http://www.allyncs.com/docs/lifecyclesupport.html

Friday 12 May 2017

Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook window.

Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook window. The set of folders cannot be opened. File access is denied. You do not have the permission required to access the file (C:\Users\Admin\Documents\Outlook Files\outlookdata.pst).
This happens from time to time. First is to check your C drive has sufficient free space. Sometimes we are so caught up with work that we do not realize that our main harddisk where the windows are is full. this is due to temporary files act as memory cache taken up the space or we kept downloading files or our music and pictures files that we have been collecting has piled up the free space. (Try moving to your D drive or external harddisk or burn them on CD/DVDs).
If the outlook still cannot open. Here's the tricky part. You will need to access the Windows system registry and fiddle a bit. I will provide you with the solution. However, if you do not have the confidence to perform the task, its better to consult your IT man or you can look me up to provide you the services.
Firstly, try this option 1:
1. Click on Start Run...
2. Type in: outlook.exe /resetnavpanel
If this doesn't work, try this option 2:
1. Click on Start Run...
2. regedit
3. System registry window opens.
4. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows Messaging Subsystem
5. Make a backup the "Profiles" to your Documents folder.
6. Delete the "Profiles" key under the Windows Messaging (Subsystem) key
After this, start back up your Microsoft Outlook. It will prompt you to create a new profile name. Enter a name you desire and the it will as you to recreate a new email configuration. Add that in as well. And create it with a new outlook data.
Now, open your windows explorer and navigate to you Outlook Files folder. You will see a new pst file which you have created. And in addition your old pst file. Right click your old pst file and remove the Read Only option and Apply.
Go back to your Microsoft Outlook. Under the Account Settings, Select the Data Files tab. Add your existing old pst file. Set it to default if you wish to use back the old pst file. Restart your Microsoft Outlook.
Thats it.

Tuesday 21 March 2017

Original Software, Licensed Sofware


Original software. They are really too expensive. Mostly big corporate giants are the ones that program and produce these software that we are now so familiar and used to using it in our daily work and life.
However, nothing comes free when you buy pirated software just because the original licensed are expensive. Pirated software are original software but cracked by hackers. How sure are we safe to use cracked software? (Pirated software). Usually, we install the original software as normal. But when we use the crack file provided, how will you know you're safe even though we have to go offline to patch the original software to crack its licenses.
For all we know when we use our internet at home, office or anywhere we go (with laptops), the crack patch send our private information back to the hackers.

Thursday 9 March 2017

14 Free Bootable Antivirus Tools

Free Virus Scanners That Work Without Access to Windows

What are you to do when you have a computer problem so bad that your computer won't start at all and you're pretty sure a virus or some other malware is to blame? How do you scan for viruses when you can't start Windows to do a virus scan?

This is where a bootable antivirus program becomes the hero of the day. With a bootable virus scanner, you create a special flash drive or CD/DVD disc from a working computer and then use it on the infected machine to scan the hard drive for viruses - all without needing to start Windows!

Since the most serious of viruses cause damage to the parts of your computer that allow it to start, a bootable antivirus tool can often be a powerful weapon at your disposal for getting the virus removed and your computer back up and running.

Note: In general, getting a bootable antivirus program up and running requires that you take the ISO image provided and then, from a working computer, burn it to a disc or burn it to a USB drive. Next, you'll need to boot from the disc or boot from the flash drive on the infected PC. More details are available in our reviews and on the bootable AV program websites.

Tuesday 21 February 2017

F1 To F12: Learn How The Function Keys Can Save You Time


We have all seen function keys before. They are those keys marked F1 to F12 on our computer keyboards. Most of us rarely use these keys when at the computer, but knowing how to use them can be really helpful.
Function keys can save you a lot of time if you know how to use them properly. Take a look at the diagram below.
Original post by Patricia Lynn