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Have you noticed your computer slowing down? You’ve done the usual maintenance and it still seems slow? You may be experiencing heat related slowdown.
The computer has sensors that detect when it is overheating, and it automatically slows itself down to reduce it’s heat output. As a result your computer will run slower and slower. If you ignore this symptom and keep pushing it to work, it may eventually die of heat exhaustion.
There are many fans inside your computer who’s job is to keep the system cool, but they also suck in all the dust into the computer, but they can’t do anything if they don’t have access to outside air. Eventually the inside of the computer will fill with dust. Even if you keep the vents clear, the dust can accumulate preventing that cooling air from reaching components. Every year, have a professional clean the inside of your computer.
 So what can you do about it?
- Run a vacuum ON THE OUTSIDE of the computer and insure all the vents, front and back, are clear. Do this every three months or more frequently if you smoke, have pets, or are in a dusty environment.
- Set your screen saver to show a blank screen. If you computer is drawing images or scrolling text, then it’s working; and this generates unnecessary heat.
- Let your computer sleep. People usually use their computer everyday, but not every hour, letting your computer sleep will dramatically reduce its power usage. Less power equals less heat. If you access your computer remotely, you can’t do this.
- If you’re not going to use your computer for more than a day, turn it off.
- Finally, if your feel hot in the room you’re running the computer, it’s too hot for the computer as well.
A cooler computer means a faster computer. That makes you more productive, and gives your computer a longer life.
Identity theft is on the rise, and it’s surprisingly close to home. Symantec released a report showing Port Coquitlam, Langley and Vancouver, BC are among the cities having the highest incidences of cybercrime in Canada.
We don’t know why these areas have higher incidents, but it could be speculated that residents in these areas have more access to computers, the Internet and WiFi hotspots and go online more often to shop, bank and communicate with family and friends, making them greater targets for cybercriminals.
1. Phishing Scams
Phishing email try to trick the intended victim into visiting a fraudulent website disguised to look like a valid eCommerce or banking site. The victim thinks they are logging into their real account, but instead everything they enter on the fake site is being sent to the scammers. Armed with this information, the scammer can wipe out the victim’s accounts, run up their credit cards, or even steal their identity. For an example of this, click on this link for http://youtube.com, but you’ll actually go to this website.
2. Greeting Card Scams
Greeting card scams arrive in email pretending to be from a friend or family member. Clicking the link to view the card typically leads to a booby-trapped web page that downloads Trojans and other malicious software onto the systems of the unsuspecting.
3. Scareware Scams
Scareware erroneously claims the system is infected and instructs the user to purchase a ‘full version’ in order to clean the bogus infections. Sometimes, fake anti-virus software gets installed by the user who fell victim to an advertising scam. Other times, a rogue anti-spyware scanner may be installed by exploit, a so called ‘drive-by install’. Regardless of how the rogue software gets installed, the user is often left with a hijacked, crippled system.
4. A Call for Help Scam
Emails which appears to come from someone you know, asking for money or help and include a link. Clicking on the link infects your system, then directs you to transfer funds to help them out. In the meantime, you system is now sending emails to your friends, and with your bank information, can now clean your bank account.
Being informed is 90% of the battle, and please, don’t do your personal banking on the same computer your children use.
Norman Davie
 Example 1 - False Anti-virus 7 Virus writers have taken another page from social engineering and found a new way to separate your hard earned cash from you. Realizing that everyone in the Windows world runs an anti-virus program (or should), now the viruses are masquerading as the programs that are supposed to protect us.
These false anti-virus programs then pop up messages indicating that your subscription has expired and request you “renew” your subscription. Not immediately, but eventually a slew of charges will show up on your card.
So how do these viruses get into your computer?
- The most common avenue is through email. (Read about The Dangers of E-mail)
- Music sharing or P2P programs;”Free” music. What you don’t pay for in music, you’ll pay for in virus removal.
- Not having a hardware router (firewall) between the internet and you. A router is like a one way valve: Only places that you go to can reach back to you. Without a router, anyone can “touch” your computer.
 Example 2 - False Anti-virus Security Guard
- Assuming your anti-virus program provides 100% protection. With 1,200 new viruses every month, there is no way any company can recognize all new viruses immediately.
- Going to a *bad* site. These sites instantly infect your computer as soon as you go to them! How do you identify a bad site? Unfortunately there is no simple rule.
With so many ways to get infected, assume at some time you will get a virus. Be prepared and have all your data backed up ahead of time.
The 2009 Federal budget is offering a 100% Capital Cost write-off on computers and related software purchased for your small business between January 27, 2009 and February 2011.
To find out more visit CCA Web site at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/plan/bpa5a-eng.asp#Business and scroll down to Computers: Accelerated CCA
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Continue reading »Environmental Handing Fee changes August 1st«
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Think you’re ready for Daylight Savings? You may be changing your clocks more often this year
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It’s very convenient to be able to surf the internet at your favourite coffee shop, but be aware of the following dangers:
Continue reading »Dangers of Hotspots«
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So what can you do about it?
