Northern VA PC Repair-Simple PC Solutions

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Backing up DAta

If you have ever lost a file or had a hard drive fail on you, then you should be aware of the  importance of making back ups of your files. The main reason people fail to back up data is that they may not have a clear understanding on the methods used to do so. The idea is to create redundancies of important documents, pictures, video, music and emails so in the event of a pc failure one still has access to their important data. Creating back ups of data also makes it easier on you when you upgrade or purchase another pc.

Safe surfing

Have you ever had a website inadvertently open when you did not click on it; and when you attempt to navigate away from the page you unleash a barrage of other pages that open beyond your control? These incidents can occur with or without anti virus. Here are some tips to use to prevent these things from happening and how to minimize the situation if they do occur.

1. Be aware

Avoid getting click happy and pay attention to where you are going and what you want to do. Also, running the mouse over a link will bring the site address in the lower left hand corner of your internet window. For example, if the link you want to click on is www.bankofamerica.com but when you hover your mouse over it the information displayed says www.discountpresciriptions.com you do not want to click on it.

2. Closing a window

Lets say you have been diligent in your internet surfing but somehow a window opened that you did not ask for, what do you do? First, you want to avoid clicking on anything within that window. A lot of times even clicking the red X to exit will activate whatever the malicious intention of the site designer was.  Don't panic and hold the ALT key down while striking F4. What this does is close any window in the forefront. So if you continue to hit ALT-F4 it will close what is in the front then will close whatever is behind that etc.., eventually ending with the windows shut down menu. This way you can close a window without ever clicking in it.

3. Children and computers

Children and adults use the computer in very different ways. Children, especially younger ones, are going to be playing games and going to sites geared towards their interests. People with malicious intentions know this and will use this to their advantage. They do this by placing ads looking like games offering prizes. For example, a window may appear at the top of the page saying,"Use your mouse to catch the bank robber and you can win a free x box." So they click on it and your computer then becomes spyware central. Pay attention to what your children are doing on the net. Sit with them and show them these tips and explain to them what can happen when they are not careful. I have painted a mild scenario; do not forget about the more serious things that can happen to children on the net when not careful or supervised.