July 12, 2008 by Ralph Kirkland.

This is not an Anti-virus program.  Do not download and install it.  Do not download and install any program that pops up on the internet and tells you that you have a virus.

 This programs acts as though it is running.  It produces many virus and malware names.  It says you are infected and send them $49.95 to unlock the program so you can be saved.

Save yourself.  If you have downloaded it, turn off the system restore feature.  Uninstall the program.  This may take several steps.  You may have to manually delete files.

I am available in the Decatur, GA area to help.  Get help if you cannot do this yourself.

 Then run your own anti-virus software and Spybot Search & Destroy.  The system should not need to be re-formatted so you start from scratch.

Posted in Virus/Malware/Spyware | No Comments »

July 11, 2008 by Ralph Kirkland.

This stumped me at first.  I continued to accept the EULA, but I still got the message.  I kept doing the same thing over and over, one definition of insanity.

So what is the problem.  It involves the way that Vista limits installations to reduce unwanted applications from installing.  The problem is that in this case, it creates its own problem.

If you want to solve it yourself, back up the registry before you begin.  For this I recommend a program called ERUNT.   It backs up the entire registry in case you make a mistake.  The Microsoft regedit does not back up everything.

Once you have a backup, you can edit the registry.  Follow the instructions of this Microsoft tech bulletin, 884202.

If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, give me a call.  I can check other problems for you at the same time.

Posted in DIY, Recommended, Computer Support | No Comments »

July 11, 2008 by Ralph Kirkland.

At home, I personally recommend using Avast! or AVG.  Both programs are free.  They do a great job of protecting your computer without using a lot of system resources.

 On some older computers, manufacturers sold systems with barely enough memory to run, 256 MB with Windows XP.  Some get so slow that you can get a cup of coffee while waiting for a program to load.  Besided needing more memory, the real slowdown is either virus/malware or Norton or McAfee Anti-Virus.  Both programs use a lot of system resources.

I would also suggest adding another freeware program, Spybot Search & Destroy.  It is great at removing malware/spyware.  It often will list many cookies as possible problems.  You can delete them if you like, but they are not usually much of a problem.

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July 30, 2007 by Ralph Kirkland.

My reflections on computer support. I will be listing whatever I find interesting. That may be great prices. It may be fun. It may be anything that I find, computer related or not.

I work on computers in the Decatur, GA area. I work mainly for small business and some homeowners. I setup wired and wireless networks and computers, along with security. I am always open to new ideas. I am not perfect, nor do I know everything. I always try to get it right.

I have been trying to build my business. How can I get more clients? I tried cold calling. A little success, but a lot of work for little gain. I tried mailing brochures. Basically, no response. I have tried networking. More success, but not as much as I hoped.

Finally, I started researching how to get customers. I recommend two books, neither directly about computer consulting. One is Get Clients Now! By C. J. Hayden. From that I find I needed to modify my networking. I had been failing to follow-up effectively. When people did not become customers quickly, I quit calling on them. I had no system for follow-up. I worked on my introductions, which had been pretty weak. Then I read Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port. He has much advice on which clients to keep, only the ones you like working with. Seems counter-intuitive to me. But it has helped me. I am now looking for customers that I like.

This is beginning to work for me. For more on what I have done to keep in touch take a look at my Squidoo lens.

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