HOW IS YOUR PC RUNNING LATELY? - DOES IT NEED A TUNE-UP? PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED!

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1 Computer Housecalls 3266 Lupine Dr Indianapolis IN HOW IS YOUR PC RUNNING LATELY? - DOES IT NEED A TUNE-UP? PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED! NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2015 "My hopes are to keep you informed of NEW potential Threats to your pc, introduce you to NEW utilities to help your pc run better, and to REMIND you to take care of your pc. And REMEMBER... When in doubt about a pc issue... do nothing. Ask an expert." My Best to You, Bruce Stokes, Owner CONTROL USERNAMES AND PASSWORDS: If you want a great little program that stores your Usernames and Passwords for frequently used websites, get Roboform ( The FREE version stores up to 10 Logins (Username + Password) and allows you to enter them automatically when visiting those sites. If you need to store more than 10 Logins you will need to purchase Roboform Pro for $10/year. This is a very worthwhile program. ALL WINDOWS PC'S: If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend that you "Create a System Repair Disc". There is a link on your ALL PROGRAMS menu under "Maintenance"(Windows 7& older) or under a Manufacturer Folder such as HP, Dell, etc for (Windows 8). In that folder look for Create Recovery Media or something similar. Verbage will vary with pc Brands. You will need 1 blank CD or DVD. The process only takes about 5 minutes. If your pc does not boot up, insert this disc and it should get you back up and running in no time. WARNING - AVG USERS!!! It appears as though a recent AVG update is automatically installing "AVG SafeGuard Toolbar" which is changing your Internet Explorer Homepage and default Search Engine. To resolve the issue, go into Control Panel/Programs and Features (Add-Remove Programs for XP users), locate AVG SafeGuard Toolbar, and uninstall it. The same applies for AVG Web Tune-up Utility. When prompted if you want your previous Homepage and settings to be restored, say YES.

2 WINDOWS 8 USERS: 1. The very first thing I do when setting up a new Windows 8 machine is to install Classic Shell, a tiny program that puts a "START" button back in the Task Bar. It also bypasses the Metro Screen and allows pc to boot directly up to the Desktop Screen, which is what most of you are used to. You can get Classic Shell here: Click on the DOWNLOAD NOW button. After installing, right-click on the start button and select "settings". Check the box to select Start Button icon and choose the button that says "Start". Click OK. Click on Start button and settings window will come up again. Close it and click on Start button again. Normal Program menu should now appear. Also, again in the "Settings" window, check the box at the top to "show all settings". Click the Window 8.1 tab and select the "Skip Metro Screen". Click OK. NEW TOPICS/TIPS/ALERTS: 1. Beware of telephone calls from unknown people claiming that your pc is infected! These are scams to take your money and run. Just hang up. Also, if windows pop up on your pc screen with a phone number to call, saying your pc is infected, ignore them. They are also scams. (Microsoft NEVER calls or pops up windows these are Scammers.) 2. Be careful when "Surfing/Browsing" the Internet. DO NOT click on things that you are unsure of. 3. Beware of Internet Links embedded in your s! They could lead to infected sites. 4. Keep your Desktop pc well ventilated, especially during the Hot Summer months. Laptop users... keep it on a hard, flat surface. Sitting laptop on top of bed or pillow will block vents, causing over-heating. 5. When performing legitimate updates, i.e., Java, Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, pay close attention to the screens. Always select the "Custom/Advanced" install option and "uncheck" any boxes indicating "optional" third-party programs included with Main Update, especially "Toolbars". 6. If you are prompted by Malwarebytes to Update your program, ignore these warnings. During the course of an actual Update, all the program's internal settings that I have already properly set up get changed again. 7. RESETTING INTERNET EXPLORER There are times when you might find yourself needing to reset Internet Explorer. You may have an issue that you just can t seem troubleshoot. Resetting gives you a clean slate, removing any changes you ve made to the browser including favorites, cookies and add-ons. Make sure you ve backed up your favorites first. If you re browser is buggy, this could be the fix you re looking for. Here s how to do it: 1. Launch Internet Explorer, if it s not already running, click the Tools button and then choose Internet Options from the menu. 2. In the Internet Options window, click the Advanced tab and then click the Reset button in the Reset Internet Explorer settings section.

3 3. To clean everything and restore Internet Explorer to its default settings, check the... Head on over to WorldStart to learn more! STORMS/ELECTRICAL OUTAGES: 1. Before a storm hits, if your pc is NOT plugged into a Battery Backup (UPS- "uninterruptable power supply), it is wise to disconnect your pc power cord from the electrical outlet, completely. Simply turning off the outlet with a wall switch or turning off the power strip/surge protector will not help. 2. It is worth the $50-$60 investment to purchase a UPS. Upon registering the unit with its manufacturer, any equipment directly plugged into the UPS is insured for several thousand dollars. A claim can be filed within 30 days and you will be reimbursed for any equipment loss. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE: 1. Get into a routine of running Disk Cleanup, Malwarebytes, and Disk Defragmenter Weekly, Bi-Weekly, or Monthly; depending on computer usage. The more the pc is used, the more frequently these utilities should be run.

4 2. Two very useful diagnostic tools available on our website, Self-Help page, are Crystal Disk Utility (checks hard drive health) and Speecy (great for checking internal temperatures). Speecy also gives you specific info regarding all hardware within your pc. 3. Those of you already running Advanced System Care, when prompted to install additional components such as Driver Booster, Smart Defrag, or Malware Fighter DISREGARD. If already accidentally installed, go to Control Panel/Programs & Features, find these items in list and Uninstall. ALSO on the Main window of ASC, select ONLY these items: Internet Boost, Security Defense, Junk Files, Shortcuts Fix, and System Optimization. ALSO, under General Settings, uncheck all boxes in list. 4. Backup your critical data regularly. A flash drive will handle small amounts of data. A portable external hard drive is needed for large amounts of data. A simple "Copy and Paste" routine works well for small backups. Some type of "uncompressed" Backup Program works well for larger backups. I personally recommend Genie Home Backup If the above mentioned programs are not already installed on your pc, they can be downloaded using the links at or, by clicking on the links above. Always select the "Custom/Advanced" install option and be sure to "Decline" any Third-Party software that is included during the installation process. 6. Once or twice a year, use a can of compressed air to blow out all the dust on your pc vents and fans. For Desktops, simply remove the side cover to blow out all internal fans. For Laptops, simply turn on its side to blow out all vents. REMOTE ASSISTANCE: 1. We do offer Remote Assistance, which is billed in 15 minute increments versus an automatic $80 charge for a service call. Many minor problems can be repaired in less than an hour. This is a Money Saver! Also, most of the time, we can assist you sooner using Remote Assistance versus a physical service call. This is a terrific advantage for those with very busy schedules! Debit/Credit card info is required up front. TO SUBSCRIBE: Go here TO UNSUBSCRIBE: [email protected] with "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the Subject line. Refer/Forward to your Friends & Family to sign up for our Newsletter! GREAT PLACES TO VISIT:

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