Microsoft Phonecalls

I would just like to remind you all that Microsoft never EVER phone their customers direct…

If you have received a telephone call telling you there is something wrong with your computer, and the caller tells you they are from Microsoft or Windows and need to log on to your computer now to fix the problem…

STOP!...If you allow them to log on, they will either put a pop up onto your computer and ask you to pay for its removal or put a programme into your hard drive so that every time you switch your computer on they have access to any information you have stored or see what websites you are visiting.  

The best way to deal with these scammers is to tell them you have no computer and put the phone down, then report the call to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or Action Fraud on 03001232040 both these companies are recording these crimes.

If you are receiving a vast number of these calls, please contact your telephone provider to see if they are able to help you.

If you have received any other emails or calls about Santander, or any other bank, please also report to the above mentioned numbers.

Study these 3 Photos closely,

then Read the Message at the bottom.

It Will Explain A LOT of THINGS...

THIS IS INDIA ....

IT'S WHERE YOU CALL WHEN YOU

HAVE A TECHNICAL PROBLEM

WITH YOUR COMPUTER...

Amazing isn't it?!

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and all the best for a happy and healthy 2012!
Make the most of your computer this Christmas!  Here are Mrs PC's tips for a Computer Christmas.

Computers can help you take some of the strain out of preparing for Christmas, or make your gifts and cards more personal, more of this in a moment…and if you are short of ideas, you could Google your question…”Christmas idea for father in law”.  You will perhaps be inspired!

For those who are creative, you could think about how you could use your computer to help you this Christmas!  Printing mailing labels for your Christmas cards is such a time saver.  Or you could save paper and postage by making an email card this year, and decorating it with images or photos, and writing up some news before sending it to your family and friends.

Shopping online has the advantages of no queues and you can shop any time, day or night.   You can also spend time checking out prices and comparing them.   If you are a fan of Amazon, you can create a wish list for yourself and share it with others, to give family and friends gift ideas and ask them to do the same.

It’s always good to hear from old friends- you could track down some of your friends with Friends Reunited, 123 People or Facebook.

For a personal touch for your presents, use your own photos for calendars, photo books, mugs etc. or get personalized gifts made for you at www.gettingpersonal.co.uk.

You can design your own cards, using your own or other images, and print them off yourself, or use www.bonusprint.co.uk.

Order your groceries and heavy items from an online supermarket.  You don’t need a recipe book any more- you can just Google your search e.g.: recipe for turkey curry.

The calendar function on your computer or email programme can be very useful to set yourself reminders, and you could use a spreadsheet or word document to keep track of your shopping and costs. 

If you are very busy over Christmas and miss your favourite TV or radio programme, you can use iplayer or itv player to catch up.

Or perhaps you just want to get away from it all or seek some sunshine!  You could use the Internet to book flights and hotels.  Or prefer to donate to your favourite charity- you can do this online too http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/

I am sure that most of you will be looking forward to celebrating Christmas, and perhaps many of you will be hoping for a new gadget this year.

I suspect that ipads and kindles will be popular items!  Do contact me after Christmas if you need help with any of your new purchases.  I don’t just do computers, I also do most Apple products and can even teach you how to text or use your camera!

When the internet doesn't work...

 The internet provides communication, entertainment and allows us to gather information.  We feel quite lost when it won't work.

Things to try when your internet won't work:

Make sure that no one has unplugged any part of your wiring or that it hasn't come loose- push the internet wires firmly into the places where they should be!

Turn off your computer and internet hub and turn on again after a few minutes.  Give it all time to re set.

Call your broadband provider and ask if there are engineering works affecting your service.
If there are none, ask them to call and sort it out.  They can often talk you through some solutions over the phone.

Try to stay calm!

Today I had my first experience with a Linux system- (as opposed to Windows or Apple).

I really liked it!  (I was also relieved that it caused me no problems!)

Linux is not a widely used operating system, but is very interesting.  It is based on a free and open source software.

It is interesting to read about it on Wikipedia.  I very much like this approach.  

Free and open-source software (F/OSS, FOSS) or free/libre/open-source software (FLOSS, FL/OSS) is liberally licensed to grant the right of users to use, study, change, and improve its design through the availability of its source code. This approach has gained both momentum and acceptance as the potential benefits have been increasingly recognized by both individuals and corporations

A new academic year

September is here and for many it is the start of a new academic year, and a time to embark on a new project or learn something different.  I have been awash with enquiries from people at all stages in their life and careers, wanting to take classes with Mrs PC.  Am looking forward to meeting lots of new people and helping them with their very varied requests.
My colleague Adam Dunlop who helps me with the technical side of Mrs PC has been equally busy.  He deals with setting up new computers and laptops, putting in wifi, cleaning up/speeding up old computers and dealing with thorny problems.

Viruses and Hoaxes

Do you ever get an email that scares you?  One that tells you that your computer is doomed if you open a particular email or that there is a new and even nastier virus, or a scam in the supermarket, a way to relocate call centres to the Uk, a way to unlock your car without a key- that kind of thing...
Be skeptical! Never believe all that you read!
If you want to check, go to this excellent website www.hoaxslayer.com, and find out!
Let all your friends know it is a hoax- especially if they have emailed you to warn you about it!