Most people know they should not be using an outdated operating system such as Windows 7 or 8.1. But they believe that as long as you avoid visiting shady websites and refrain from clicking on suspicious links or emails, there is no harm! Continue reading
Many companies have computers that are still running older operating systems. The systems may only be used occasionally or if they are running customised software that won’t work on newer Windows versions) they may be in use fulltime. The problem is that when operating systems become outdated or end of life, they are not patched which leaves them wide open to cyberattacks. Continue reading
If your computer had a security problem, you’d want to know about it ASAP, right?
Before your important files are corrupted, your photos lost and your digital life destroyed. Even thinking about gives me the shivers.
Tech scammers know we’d be lost without our computers, and that we don’t always know what’s going on behind the screen – which is why they’ve been able to swindle millions from every day people across the world.
The scam goes like this:
One day out of the blue you receive a phone call from someone with a heavy accent (usually Indian) saying they’re from Microsoft (or some other company) or worrying pop-up appears on your screen, saying your system has been infected with a virus.
To fix the problem, the caller or the pop up says you to download some support software, which they’ll give you a special link for.
A technician then uses that software to gain access to your system and make it appear your system is riddled with viruses. Flashing screens, mysterious diagnostics whizzing by, fabricated errors…they’ll do or say anything to make you panic. They’ll even go as far as claiming your system has been infected with illegal content and if not corrected you will face criminal charges.
Demands for credit card information follow soon after. Once the card details are provided, they simply stop fiddling with your system to make it seem the problem is fixed. To continue the scam, they’ll soon access your system to recreate the problem, this time offering a ongoing paid subscription for ongoing protection.
1. Don’t taunt them. Just hang up. Right now you’re only a phone number in their system and they’ll move onto the next – if you give them cause to target you personally, you may find yourself in a dangerous situation.
The real Microsoft will never randomly call people like this. Ever.
2. If a pop-up appears, immediately run an anti-virus scan. Don’t click the pop-up or call the number.
It’s okay. It feels horrible, but you’re not alone and the situation can be corrected.
Call your financial institution and have the charges reversed and your card reissued. It’s easier than you might think and helps the authorities locate the scammers.
Then give us a call on 08 8326 4364 (or
su*****@dp*********.au
) and we’ll make sure they no longer have access to your computer.
With the mixed response we have been getting from clients and hearing about on the Internet (people seem to either love it or hate it) we have created a series of videos for beginners or users new to Windows 8. The videos aim to help you get the best use out of the new operating system and range from basic usage, the new start screen right through to the Windows 8 Store. We are also just finishing off one on troubleshooting Windows 8 (so stay tuned).
Below are the links to the video, let us know what you think and if you want videos on any other topic.
Windows 8 Tutorial
Windows 8 New Features
Windows 8 Start Screen
Windows 8 Store
or check out our Windows 8 Channel which lists all the videos.
If you still don’t like Windows 8 there are third party options to add in the old start button. Check out our other blog article on the topic on how to add back in the old Start Menu – https://dpcomputing.com/blog/windows-8-start-button-gone/
Windows 8 is Microsoft attempt to bring together the interface on both computers, smart phones and tablets. This has made the interface different to older operating systems such as MS Windows 7 and XP and has confused a lot of people. We have put together a video tutorial which guides you through the basics of Windows 8 and shows you the shortcuts on how you can get the best use out of the new operating system.
Topics included in the video are:
Check out our YouTube video on our YouTube channel listed below:
Windows 8 Tutorial – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wAlVz3tJvw
The video is targetted at new users or people thinking of upgrading to Windows 8. If you have any questions or comments on the video please leave them below.