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Providing technology advice and guidance to PC users since 1999

 

PosiTek New Direction Coming Soon

We are aggressively moving forward to our new set of service offerings and virtual support model.  Our new phone service is up and running, so you can now reach us at (855) POS-ITEK (767-4835) or support@positek.net.  We expect to 'go-live' with the new website before the Thanksgiving holidays.  Thanks for your patience!

Computer Security and Reliability
Protecting your computer and the information you store on your computer or allow on the internet.

Welcome!  This is our resource for all things technology-related, which we make available online to help you with your digital life - hey, that makes it your resource!  We focus on keeping your computer and your information safe and secure, providing up-to-the-minute advice on which computer hardware to buy, which operating system to use, what software to upgrade, how to use technology without spending tons of time learning, what technology is out there that is the best at helping you do what you want to do, and whatever other things we think you'll need and appreciate.  Feel free to check out our blog and read our latest (or older) musings.

If you've questions or want info, peruse our website, use the poll at left or just Contact Us

Today's tips: 

  • It's that time of year when we test out the top PC security suites.  This year, we'll pit them up against two completely messed up PCs, a Windows XP desktop, and a Windows 7 laptop.  This year's lineup will include the current versions of Norton Internet Security, McAfee Internet Security, Kaspersky PURE Total Security, ZoneAlarm®  Internet Security Suite, and CA Internet Security Suite Plus.  We will also look at external reviews from other trusted sources, and report our top-rated recommendation here.  As always, we don't just look at statistics in our ratings, but also on meeting the bar for comprehensive protection and providing the best value for both the cost and the ongoing effort that it takes to use the product.
  • If you use Norton Internet Security (as we currently recommend), Norton has come out with a new version as they do every year about this time (version 2012). Right-click the NIS icon in your system tray (bottom-right of the screen by the time), and select (left-click) the menu item "Check for new version". Then download and install it. As long as your subscription to Norton is active, you can always get the latest version - and you should! don't put this off! If you don't have active protection software, get it now!
  • Get the latest Windows/Microsoft Updates - If you haven't yet installed Windows 7 Service Pack 1, there are a lot of updates that are stacking up behind it.  Do it after a clean restart of your system, please, and you should always first backup your important files to an external drive, thumbdrive, network drive, or something! Once you've installed SP1, you'll need to go through an iterative process of (1) run Windows Update, (2) install all the updates, (3) restart your computer, and (4) repeat till Windows Update shows zero available updates.
  • If you have Windows Vista or 7 and have IE8 or older, upgrade to IE9 NOW. That said, we currently prefer Google Chrome for everyday web browsing. Whichever browser you use, keep it up-to-date. And even if you use an alternative browser, keep IE up-to-date as well.
  • Get the latest version of Adobe Reader and Flash Player - direct from Adobe.com
  • Get the latest versions of  iTunes and Quicktime - direct from Apple.com
  • Get the latest version of Sun's Java - direct from Java.com
  • Update all your other software - from each manufacturer's website.  Get your hardware driver updates from the system manufacturer's website too.  And as always, get your updates from the original source.
  • Got a new computer?  Here's a rundown on what you should do to set it up right.  Here's how to Setup a New Computer
  • We say this so often to folks: It is much easier to keep a computer safe than it is to fix a computer that's been compromised - and you'll save a lot of money in the long run!  Please use our Security Checklist
   

Computer Security: Keeping your Personal Computer Safe
Here are just a few critical things to do to keep your PC safe.  It takes just a little time, but will be much worse if you put these maintenance tasks off, especially if you have to clean up problems.  Here's our advice:

  • Put a password on all Windows user accounts.
  • Keep your computer system and software up-to-date. 
  • Get, install, and keep a valid subscription to the best computer security program you can afford.
  • Make a copy of all your personal data on something other than your computer.
  • Use good passwords for your internetworking - and use different ones for different purposes.

See more detail on our Security Checklist



 

 
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