Bay Geeks Computer Repair Services

As a computer repair technician, I find myself constantly trying to remove viruses from my client’s machines. There are many methods we use, but one of my favorites has always been to directly attach the client’s hard drive to my computer and scan away with our professional grade anti-virus programs.

One of the problems with doing this is that the viruses don’t always want to stay on their hard drive. They like to hop on over to my computer and do their best or should I say worst on my machine. This has never really bothered me, but the fact remains that even the best antivirus programs are only 98%-99% effective against malware, spy ware, trojans, viruses and god only knows what else. That’s not so reassuring when you figure that we’re commonly pulling hundreds of viruses off of these machines and removing literally thousands of viruses each and every day.

Many Antivirus programs are only 88%-97% effective. That means that out of a hundred viruses, 3-12 viruses are not found, nor are they removed. Everyone tends to have a false sense of security when they install their Norton, McAfee or what ever…

A strong percentage of our clients are not keeping their anti-virus programs updated, much less keeping their subscriptions up to date or even scheduling their anti-virus programs to run!

So, we see folks who shell out $25, $50 and even $100 for antivirus programs that never run. A simple check can save a whole lot of head aches, lost files and a smiling technician leaving your home with a check written out for your hard earned money.

That’s a great question and its one of the most common questions we receive! You know, back in the day… computers only needed an anti virus program in order to continue running it’s best. It really is a shame that is not the case anymore.

So, when we get this question we have to stop and ask ourselves… when was the last time a magician gave away their secrets? Does a mechanic tell you how to change your oil? Well… mine never has. Ok, so I never asked… but it seems like it fits here.

Okay, I get it… you want the answers… bottom line, right?

Sounds good. Need a list? Okay!

1.      Antivirus program.

a.       You know it’s not enough to just run the anti-virus program. You have to update it too!

2.      Spyware program.

a.       Just like the antivirus program, not only should you run it, but you should also update it too!

3.      Know what you’re installing

a.       Only install trusted programs.

Okay, that’s a good start. There are also several other areas that you’ll want an experienced technician to help you out with which are beyond the scope of this article.

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to answer many of our client’s questions and offered advice on a wide variety of computer repair related topics. One thing about this industry is that it never seems to matter how much you knew, it seems like there are new technologies, new products, new software, new specifications to run the new software… whew! 
 

We’ve found that some of the questions tend to have a recurring theme. We’re saying similar things to different clients and if we’re duplicating our efforts, why not have a place where we can talk about some of the happenings in our business?

This blog was designed to be a place to communicate company happenings, common issues, tips and tricks and be a place for us to share and hear back from the folks we’ve come to know and love, our clients and friends.

If you have a topic you’d like to see us write about, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We may be able to write an article about it!