Chantal Pitcher - Applevalleyscoop.com

Genco Computer Solutions
tips for keeping your
computer safe and fast!
1. Google Advanced System Care and Download
& install from CNET. (Decline the extra toolbars
during installation) Run Deep Care weekly or
monthly. TIP – hover the curser over the play icon
beside Scan Now and select scan and repair)
2. Google Microsoft Security Essentials for your
Anti-Virus. It’s free – download it from Microsoft.
One active Anti-Virus program is enough. It’s
OK to have Malwarebytes installed on your computer
as well to remove viruses in case a virus slips
by. Make sure both are kept up to date and run
a Microsoft Security Essentials full scan weekly or
monthly at least.
3. Keep Windows UP TO DATE! This is very important
to keep your system protected.
4. Turn off unnecessary programs running in the
background with MSCONFIG - Start-up tab
5. Blow the dust out of the vents in notebooks
and out of the CPU and power supply fans in desktops
at least every six months. Be careful not to get
the fan blades spinning faster than normal from the
compressed air. You can get cans of compressed air
at local computer supply stores.
6. Be cautious of unsolicited email even if they
look legit. There are numerous emails that appear
to come from large corporations in our everyday
life. Before you click on an active link in an email
hover the curser over it first to see where it is really
going to take you. If it doesn’t look right – don’t
click on it.
7. Strong passwords are important. A simple 4
or 5 character word or combo of letters and numbers
can be broken in minutes – by someone who
wants your banking info or viruses that want to
control your computer. Use a combination of uppercase
and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
that would be easy to remember. For example
Deb123%% would be very difficult to break and
near impossible to guess.
8. When the computer fails, which happens even
if you do everything right, make sure you have a
backup of your important files. I recommend Click
Free as it is very user friendly and you don’t have
to know which files to back up. It does it for you!
APPLE VALLEY SCOOP MAY 2012 • Listen to Scoop Radio on www.applevalleyscoop.com 61
You’ve Got Mail
Working at the post office, I’m used to
dealing with a moody public. So, when one
irate customer stormed my desk,
I responded in my calmest voice,
”What’s the trouble”
“I went out this morning,” she began, “and
when I came home, I found a card saying the
mailman tried to deliver a package, but no
one was home. I’ll have you know, my
husband was in all morning!
He never heard a thing!”
After apologizing, I got her parcel.
“Oh good!” she gushed. “We’ve been
waiting for this for ages!”
“What is it” I asked.
“My husband’s new hearing aid.”