Tips for Safe Android App Downloading:

1. Read the online reviews. Android Market reviews can also be written by the developer to push their product, so they may not always be truthful. Check other users reviews or reputable website reviews before downloading.

2. Research the developer of the app. What other apps do they offer? Do any of them look a bit shady? If so, you should probably stay away.

3. Check the app permissions. When you download an app, you get a list of permissions it asks for. Look for ones that don’t make sense. For instance, a weather app doesn’t need to look through your contacts. So a good rule to keep is: If an app is asking for more than what it needs to do its job, you should skip it.

4. Avoid directly installing Android Package files (APKs) you may find at “non-market websites”.  APK is the file format for Android installer programs. Although in some cases they may be fine (e.g. your bank’s mobile app), it’s still a good idea not to download such files.

5. Put an Anti-Malware and/or Antivirus program on your phone. Several big-name security companies now offer mobile-security apps, many of them free. I like “Lookout”, as it’s been designed as a mobile apps from the ground up. Other good brands are AVG, AVAST and Norton. I’ll post a review/comparison article on these later today.

If you need any assistance with Computer and Laptop Repair, or mobile device repair in Tucson, we’re here to help.
Give us a call!

Post By:
Steve Frantzis
Owner, Saguaro PC tech, LLC
Visit Our Website
support@saguaropc.com

Defragmenting your hard drive quite simply means reorganizing the way information is stored on a computer disk so that all of the information belonging to a file is stored in a single, contiguous area on the disk. Believe it or not, a file (like a document, photo, etc) can actually be split up into smaller pieces. Its sub-pieces can be be physically spread out into different locations on the hard disk. This is what is meant by “fragmentation”.

Since hard disk “seek time” (time needed to locate and open a file) is one of the most significant bottlenecks in a computer’s performance, “fragmented” data can drag down your computer’s speed quite a bit. If you have an excessive amount of “fragmented” files on your hard disk, you might hear extra grinding, sputtering, and other weird noises coming from your computer. That is one indication that defragmenting your hard disk is a good idea.

A second indication is when your computer doesn’t open files as quickly as it did before. While hard drives size have become larger over the last few years, the drives still operate and store data the same way they always have. In fact, fragmentation can eventually become even more of a problem on today’s gigantic hard drives, so it’s definitely worth checking the fragmentation level on your drives and defragmenting the drives if needed. This will not only help restore performance, but also make your drive last longer.

We have a great free Defragmenting tool n the Resources page of our Tucson Computer Repair website. It’s much better and faster that the tool that comes with Windows, so check it out.

Snapping a picture of your screen is very simple. The old-fashioned way (for Windows XP) is to simply press the PRTSCN key on your keyboard. This key is often located either next to the BACKSPACE key or in your top row of keys next to the function keys. Once you have pressed the PRTSCN button, open a document and click PASTE to paste that image into the document. Many users open Microsoft Paint. This method gives you an image of the entire screen.

For more functionality, if you have Windows 7 or Vists, click Start, type SNIP into the search field and then click the Snipping Tool when it appears. You can also get to the tool by clicking Start-All Programs – Accessories.  This feature gives you control over the size and shape of the screenshot you take. You can then save the screenshot image and do whatever you like with it, such as pasting it into a Powerpoint presentation.  You send someone that screenshot in an email as well. Simply save the document and attach it to an email. Alternatively, you can also simply compose a new email message and Paste the image directly into the email.

Of course, we’re here to provide virus & malware removal services, should your PC or laptop get infected.

Myth #3: Only Naive Users get Malware and Viruses

Malware from “Drive-By Downloads” happens automatically without any user action, other than visiting the site. Therefore, it doesn’t matter what level of computer expertise you have.  If you are visiting sites on the internet, you are at risk.  Even if you’re web savvy and know some of the tactics they use, you don’t know which one they’re using at the time, or on what sites they’re using them.  Of course, you would also be savvy enough to have good Antivirus & other security software on your system.

Myth #4: You Can only Get Infected if you Download Files

Again, most malware infections now occur through  “Drive-By Downloads”.  This is not a download you initiate, but rather one that happens behind the scenes without your doing anything.

Hackers inject the malicious code into the actual web page content, which then downloads and executes automatically within the browser as a by-product of simply viewing the web page.  Hackers exploit known weaknesses (or security “holes”) in the browser, operating system or plug-ins to infect the computer and download more malware.

Myth #5: Firefox and Chrome Browsers are More Secure than Internet Explorer

This was true for Internet Explorer’s older versions (earlier that IE8), but not any more.  Today, all current version browsers are equally at risk because they all are essentially “container environments” used to run other programming platforms (languages).

The most common is the JavaScript programming language, which is used by malware authors to initiate an attack.  They also use common browser plug-ins such as Adobe Reader and Flash Player, which run on all browsers.

The more popular browsers (Internet Explorer) get more publicity about unpatched security holes, but it’s the unpublicized issues you should be most concerned about.  The fact is, there is no safe browser.  Again, use good security software.  You can read about and download our recommended Computer Virus Removal (antivirus and security software) on our website.

Myth #6: When the Lock Icon Appears in the Browser, it’s Secure

The padlock icon that appears at the bottom of your browser window indicates that the site is secured.  This means it’s using what’s called an “SSL” (encrypted) connection between your computer and the website to protect your personal information, like account numbers, etc.

If you go to a secure site, like your bank directly, via your favorites/bookmarks, or typed in the address yourself, you’re probably okay, so don’t worry.  If you got there by clicking a link in an email message, or somewhere else, you may not be.

Hackers can make fake websites that look just like the real thing, and use fake (“spoofed”) SSL coding, so if you go to the site, you’ll see the little lock icon and think the site is legitimate and secure when it’s really not.

These are called “Phishing” scams.  They usually come from emails, supposedly from a trusted site, asking you to verify your personal information.  They may say something scary, like “your account has been compromised, and needs to be re-verified”, etc.

Real banks never send such emails, so never respond to them.  If you’re still worried, call your bank and ask them if there really is an issue with your account.  The word here is Vigilance!

Some people like replacing their computer every year or two, so they they keep buying cheap, low end machines.  Problem is, their user experience will be awful.  Slow performance, crashing, lockups, bad battery life and lousy WiFi reception are some of the hallmarks of cheap PC’s.  Then they have to transfer over all their data, install all their programs, and redo all their personal settings.  Hey if you like this, knock yourself out.

Yes, computers have dropped a lot in price these days.  You can buy one for $300.  However, as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.

Here’s what you get with a cheap computer:

• Cheap construction/assembly that cracks or breaks easily.
• Cheap electronics that perform erratically and break.
• Processors (CPU’s) two generations old, are slow and don’t support newer technologies.
• “Bottom-of-the-Barrel” hard drives that fail manufacturers’ normal specifications and tests.
• Motherboards made with cheap, flimsy materials, thin wires and weak solder points.
• Circuit boards and chips that have several technical features disabled.

What does this equate to?

• Slow, erratic performance with excessive system lockups and crashes.
• Incompatibility with many types of software, Windows features and external devices.
• Weak WiFi reception, resulting in slow, spotty signal with recurring drop-offs.
• Poor battery life and/or batteries that die in a year.

So the decision is yours.  Do you want to enjoy fast, smooth and reliable performance?  Do you want your PC or laptop to last several years, so you don’t have to transfer your data, reinstall your programs and spend hours setting up a new machine every year or two?  Do you want it to be compatible with any software, add-ons or peripheral you want to buy?  Do you want it to run all the latest features that Windows and the internet have to offer?

If the answer is yes, don’t buy a cheap PC or Laptop.  Fix your existing PC and save up for a better model.  Again, if your computer guy is honest, he’ll tell you if your old beast is worth fixing.

Finally, the answer to the burning question…… How much does a good computer cost? 

At this time, Spring 2012, decent Laptops start at around $500 – Solid, performance models with great battery life start around $650.

Decent Traditional Desktops (towers) start at around $400.  Quality models start around $600.

What about those new All-in-One Desktops?  These are the ones with the tower and screen all together in a single unit.  Well, as I said in a previous blog post, they all stink, so stay away from them.  Read my post on All-in-One Computer Repair Issues for more on this.

This will be a series of posts where I’ll try to give you a simple rundown of the most common myths that get people into trouble.  How many parts will there be in this series?  That depends on how much time I have to write, or how sleepy I am if I’m writing at night.  I’m guessing two or three.

Myth #1: I Must be Safe Because I’ve Never Had a Virus Infection

Guess again my friend.  How would you know, when most malware and Trojans are designed to be stealthy and work behind the scenes without your knowledge?  That’s the whole point!  Yes, some types of malware do get your attention, especially the ones trying to sell you fake software, but this is only one type of infection.

Others may be lurking behind the scenes trying to steal your passwords, credit  card numbers, etc.  Eventually, if there are enough of them on your computer, you’ll notice performance slowdowns, lockups, error messages or even crashes.  This may be the only warning you’ll get that something is wrong, but by then it may be too late.

You won’t believe how many computers come in to our shop for other types of repairs, where we find viruses and malware galore.  As part of our troubleshooting, we always run a quick scan and sure enough, most of them have some type of infection.  They’re not always serious, but it goes to show how common this problem is.

Myth #2: Only Porn, Gambling and Other “Questionable” Sites are Dangerous

Of course, these are by far the riskiest sites out there, so you should avoid or at least minimize your visits to such sites (nudge-nudge).  Did you know that an estimated 83% of trusted, legitimate sites are hacked and infected with malware?  Now that’s scary!  The bigger sites monitor their sites, but hey can’t always keep up.  Most of the time they’re clean, but you can’t know if they’re clean when you visit them.

Why do they target these sites?  Because that’s where the money is!  They are popular, high-traffic sites, so they’re the best way to distribute the infections.  Most of the time they just hack the site.  If they can’t get in that way, they use other tricks.  One for example, is to pose as an advertiser wanting to post an ad on a legitimate site.  Once they’ve submitted and paid for their ad, they’ve built up trust with the site.  Then later, they post an update to their ad, embedding malicious code in it and voila… they’ve infected the site.

Stay tuned for Part 2.

There is one drawback to having this type of unit however.  Maintenance and the cost of repair.  The main issue is heat, which wears down components or burns them out.  They really cram lots of components into a small space, so they tend to run hot.   These units are basically laptops on a stand, with the LCD screen attached, so they are more expensive to repair, just like laptops are.

They tried making these PC’s several years ago, but it was a disaster because back then, processors chips and hard drives ran very hot.  It’s a lot better now with the lower voltage, cooler running components, so it’s a better unit overall.  Still, you have to be careful.  Here’s some tips to help you.

1) Keep the unit in a well ventilated area, so it can get air to pass through it freely.  Keep the surrounding area free of dust, so it doesn’t get into the vents and clog things up.  If the PC will be in a dusty area, like a workshop, don’t get one in the first place.

2) Don’t run too many programs at the same time, or run heavy duty applications, like video editing or high-end games.  This works the PC very hard and generates lots of heat.

3) Check your start-up programs and any other background programs that may be running.  If too many are running, this works the PC harder and generates more heat.  If you know how to check for these, by all means do it.  If not, take your unit to a computer repair technician and have them tweak and tune up the PC so it runs less background programs.

Feel free to buy one of these types of computers if you like, but just keep the above tips in mind.  Do not buy one if you’re a heavy gamer or if you work your computers really hard.  They’re not designed for that type of use.  If you’re a casual user that mostly uses the internet and email, these units are just fine.

I hope this helped you.  If you need any more information or have more PC Repair needs or questions, please see the Saguaro PC Tech website for our conntact information.  Thank you.

Fear not!  These components can be replaced, just not by the typical user.  The actual term for this design is “non user replaceable”.  I really hate this new way of doing things.  As usual, I suspect it’s the big manufacturers’ greed to force you to send your PC to them for an overpriced repair, not to mention a 2-3 week wait.  By the way, they’re starting to do this with cell phones too.

Can batteries and other components be replaced by a local computer repair shop?  Can they upgrade your memory?  Absolutely!

What we do is remove the entire bottom panel of the laptop, which then makes all these components accessible.  It’s a little tricky, as there are lots of tiny screws and you have to know where to pry open the case, but a good technician can do this easily.

The only problem is that it will cost a little more than it used to because of the extra work.  Nothing too dramatic, maybe $30 – $50.  If you need this type of work done, give us a call or stop by our Tucson Computer Repair Store, here at Saguaro PC Tech.  Our laptop guys can handle this an much more complex repairs as well.

Well guess what?  You can reopen it in a snap!  All you need is a quick keyboard shortcut.

Just press the “Control”-”Shift”-”T” keys together.

This is just like you do the good old Control-Alt-Delete trick.  Voila!  That tab is back!

While we’re on the subject, you can reopen all your pages if you close the entire browser window!

Just press the “Control”-”Shift”-”N”.

This works with all 3 major browsers, Firefox, Chrome and IE.  Not sure about Safari or Opera.

I hope this post make your browsing more pleasant.  If you’d like to read more of our posts or learn more about our company, please visit our Tucson Computer Repair website at saguaropc.com.

That means it’s now worth fixing your laptop versus replacing it.  With labor, the total cost of most LCD replacement now averages around $230 – $250 at most Tucson computer repair stores, such as our shop.  If your laptop is less than 3 years old and is a mid-to-high-end model, it’s definitely worth fixing.

These prices are for refurbished screens.  New screen prices are about $50 – $100 more.  We usually recommend going with a new screen for higher end laptops less than 2 years old.  For all others, refurbished is your best bet.  We’ve been doing laptop LCD screen repair for several years, and have had very good luck with the refurbished screens.