Microsoft Scammers

Warning!  Several of my students have had calls from people claiming to be from Microsoft saying that there are 200 threats on their computer and hoping/trying to get hold of their bank account to rectify the problem.  Don't be taken in- it is a huge scam.
We had a call yesterday - but couldn't trace the caller.  I have contacted the local Neighbourhood watch co ordinator and asked her to pass on the information to all areas.
One student has been badly affected and can't believe in retrospect how she allowed herself to be taken in.  She has had to change her bank account and get new cards issued etc

NEW! Mrs PC news

Mrs PC now does gift vouchers! Do get in touch if you would like one for one lesson or a block of lessons. Fathers day is next weekend- it is the perfect present.

Save on the expense of a new computer!

Ten free ways to make an older computer run faster...

1. Defragment your files every few months or so

Go to Start>Programmes>Accessories>System tools>Disk defragmenter

and run it.

2. Delete unused programmes.

Start>Control Panel>Add or remove programmes-

it will tell you how often you have used them in the past to help you choose. Don’t delete any microsoft ones!

3. Download and run C cleaner- this will clear temporary files like internet files and other rubbish you accumulate- it is the best cleaner out there

get it by clicking on http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

Alternatively go onto the internet and choose Tools on the top menu and depending on your browser there will be a selection to clear recent history- but this only cleans some of the rubbish out.

4. Empty your recycle bin.

Double click to open it and choose Empty the Recycle bin

5. Make sure you don’t have too many programmes opening up on start up

go to Start>Run> type in msconfig and hit enter. Uncheck any you don’t want to have on start up- they will still be available to you later on- then press ok

6. When browsing the internet - make sure you are using one version of your browser and use tabs to open other pages. Try not to have too many programmes open at once, or try not to make your computer do too many things at once to help your computer have enough space to operate.

7. Delete your email deleted items, sometimes called Trash.

8. Go through your documents and delete those you no longer need. Delete any photos that don’t make the grade when you upload them. Don’t just keep every photo. Be ruthless and get rid of any that are blurred or dark or don’t please you- you will free up space. Keep 15% free space on your hard drive so there is room for it to think.

10. Keep Windows up to date by installing the updates when prompted.

You should notice the difference! Don’t forget that it is possible to install more memory to help your computer a) store more information b) think faster.