Computer Supply Shop

Archive for November, 2009

Jesse Chiem is getting a laptop computer as an early Christmas gift this year. The Vancouver high school senior is quite likely to appreciate the present even more, knowing that his mom,…

Every day new computer viruses are created to annoy us and to wreak havoc on our computer systems. Below are ten viruses currently cited as being the most prevalent in terms of being seen the most or in their ability to potentially cause damage. New viruses are created daily. This is by no means an all inclusive list. The best thing you can do is to remain vigilant, keep your anti-virus software updated, and stay aware of the current computer virus threats.

Virus: Trojan.Lodear
A Trojan horse that attempts to download remote files. It will inject a .dll file into the EXPLORER.EXE process causing system instability.

Virus: W32.Beagle.CO@mm
A mass-mailing worm that lowers security settings. It can delete security-related registry sub keys and may block access to security-related websites.

Virus: Backdoor.Zagaban
A Trojan horse that allows the compromised computer to be used as a covert proxy and which may degrade network performance.

Virus: W32/Netsky-P
A mass-mailing worm which spreads by emailing itself to addresses produced from files on the local drives.

Virus: W32/Mytob-GH
A mass-mailing worm and IRC backdoor Trojan for the Windows platform. Messages sent by this worm will have the subject chosen randomly from a list including titles such as: Notice of account limitation, Email Account Suspension, Security measures, Members Support, Important Notification.

Virus: W32/Mytob-EX
A mass-mailing worm and IRC backdoor Trojan similar in nature to W32-Mytob-GH. W32/Mytob-EX runs continuously in the background, providing a backdoor server which allows a remote intruder to gain access and control over the computer via IRC channels. This virus spreads by sending itself to email attachments harvested from your email addresses.

Virus: W32/Mytob-AS, Mytob-BE, Mytob-C, and Mytob-ER
This family of worm variations possesses similar characteristics in terms of what they can do. They are mass-mailing worms with backdoor functionality that can be controlled through the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) network. Additionally, they can spread through email and through various operating system vulnerabilities such as the LSASS (MS04-011).

Virus: Zafi-D
A mass mailing worm and a peer-to-peer worm which copies itself to the Windows system folder with the filename Norton Update.exe. It can then create a number of files in the Windows system folder with filenames consisting of 8 random characters and a DLL extension. W32/Zafi-D copies itself to folders with names containing share, upload, or music as ICQ 2005a new!.exe or winamp 5.7 new!.exe. W32/Zafi-D will also display a fake error message box with the caption “CRC: 04F6Bh” and the text “Error in packed file!”.

Virus: W32/Netsky-D
A mass-mailing worm with IRC backdoor functionality which can also infect computers vulnerable to the LSASS (MS04-011) exploit.

Virus: W32/Zafi-B
A peer-to-peer (P2P) and email worm that will copy itself to the Windows system folder as a randomly named EXE file. This worm will test for the presence of an internet connection by attempting to connect to www.google.com or www.microsoft.com. A bilingual, worm with an attached Hungarian political text message box which translates to “We demand that the government accommodates the homeless, tightens up the penal code and VOTES FOR THE DEATH PENALTY to cut down the increasing crime. Jun. 2004, Pécs (SNAF Team)”

Every day new computer viruses are created to annoy us and to wreak havoc on our computer systems. Below are ten viruses currently cited as being the most prevalent in terms of being seen the most or in their ability to potentially cause damage. New viruses are created daily. This is by no means an all inclusive list. The best thing you can do is to remain vigilant, keep your anti-virus software updated, and stay aware of the current computer virus threats.

Virus: Trojan.Lodear
A Trojan horse that attempts to download remote files. It will inject a .dll file into the EXPLORER.EXE process causing system instability.

Virus: W32.Beagle.CO@mm
A mass-mailing worm that lowers security settings. It can delete security-related registry sub keys and may block access to security-related websites.

Virus: Backdoor.Zagaban
A Trojan horse that allows the compromised computer to be used as a covert proxy and which may degrade network performance.

Virus: W32/Netsky-P
A mass-mailing worm which spreads by emailing itself to addresses produced from files on the local drives.

Virus: W32/Mytob-GH
A mass-mailing worm and IRC backdoor Trojan for the Windows platform. Messages sent by this worm will have the subject chosen randomly from a list including titles such as: Notice of account limitation, Email Account Suspension, Security measures, Members Support, Important Notification.

Virus: W32/Mytob-EX
A mass-mailing worm and IRC backdoor Trojan similar in nature to W32-Mytob-GH. W32/Mytob-EX runs continuously in the background, providing a backdoor server which allows a remote intruder to gain access and control over the computer via IRC channels. This virus spreads by sending itself to email attachments harvested from your email addresses.

Virus: W32/Mytob-AS, Mytob-BE, Mytob-C, and Mytob-ER
This family of worm variations possesses similar characteristics in terms of what they can do. They are mass-mailing worms with backdoor functionality that can be controlled through the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) network. Additionally, they can spread through email and through various operating system vulnerabilities such as the LSASS (MS04-011).

Virus: Zafi-D
A mass mailing worm and a peer-to-peer worm which copies itself to the Windows system folder with the filename Norton Update.exe. It can then create a number of files in the Windows system folder with filenames consisting of 8 random characters and a DLL extension. W32/Zafi-D copies itself to folders with names containing share, upload, or music as ICQ 2005a new!.exe or winamp 5.7 new!.exe. W32/Zafi-D will also display a fake error message box with the caption “CRC: 04F6Bh” and the text “Error in packed file!”.

Virus: W32/Netsky-D
A mass-mailing worm with IRC backdoor functionality which can also infect computers vulnerable to the LSASS (MS04-011) exploit.

Virus: W32/Zafi-B
A peer-to-peer (P2P) and email worm that will copy itself to the Windows system folder as a randomly named EXE file. This worm will test for the presence of an internet connection by attempting to connect to www.google.com or www.microsoft.com. A bilingual, worm with an attached Hungarian political text message box which translates to “We demand that the government accommodates the homeless, tightens up the penal code and VOTES FOR THE DEATH PENALTY to cut down the increasing crime. Jun. 2004, Pécs (SNAF Team)”

Article Source: http://www.articlewarehouse.com

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It is essential that you select the right type of receipt printer for your business as the incorrect choice could cost you money in the long run or even make you non compliant according to certain regulations.

There are 3 main types of receipt printer

Thermal receipt printer

Thermal printers are now the most popular choice of receipt printer as they are often the most reliable and easy to use as they do not require any ink or ribbons. The technology relies upon chemically treated paper that is sensitive to heat. The printer heats the paper via holes in the print head to create text and graphics. Thermal printers are also regarded as the fastest type of receipt printer printing up to 250mm second making them very suitable to fast turnover environments such as supermarkets and high street retail.

Thermal receipts have one weakness due to their design as they fade very quickly in sunlight and can actually turn black if exposed to direct heat. Thermal receipts are therefore unreliable for businesses that require their receipts to remain readable for long periods of time due to regulations. Dual colour can be obtained by some models at the higher end of the market with special paper but the results can be disappointing and the technology is rarely used at present.

Thermal receipt printers are generally recommended for high turnover/ general retail and hospitality front of house.

Impact printers

This type of printer generally requires a ribbon which holds the ink like a typewriter and uses an impact mechanism that stamps the characters through the ribbon onto the paper. There are some models that can use paper that contain microcapsules of ink which burst upon impact and hence do not require ribbons but these are in small numbers and generally restricted to payment devices. Impact printers are easy identifiable as they are considerably noisier that other types of printer and are generally considerably slower than thermal printers. Impact printers are commonly the type that offers models with a two and three ply paper or a second roll for audit purposes. In recent years and in most environments this type of printer has been superseded by thermal printers due to their speed and lack of a need for consumables other than paper.

In some markets however the impact printer still rules such as the banking and gaming industries. Impact printers also tend to be used in restaurant kitchens as thermal receipts are easily erased by heat. Some industries such as banking and gaming have regulations regarding certain types of receipts and about the length of time receipts are required to remain readable. Ink based receipts last considerably longer than thermal receipts and is therefore used by these industries as standard. It is worth noting that ribbons come in different colours such as purple, black, red and dual red/black with the latter ribbon being used to highlight certain transactions types such as refunds in red.

Impact receipt printers are recommended for kitchens, banking, gaming, and low turnover retail and hospitality environments.

Inkjet receipt printers.

Inkjet printers are regarded as the successor to impact printers as they also use ink but they offer a superior printing quality. Most inkjet printers allow printing via ink cartridges in two colours with normally a mix of black, green, red and blue. Businesses spend a great deal of time and resources on brand recognition and using colour is a popular way of doing this. The technology can also be put to great use by printing colourful advertising or promotions on the receipt thus generating return visits from the customers.

In reality the take up of inkjet receipt printers has been minimal. This is due to the perception that changing ink carts at the cash and wrap could be difficult and that the printers operate at a much slower speed than thermal printers. Inkjet receipt printers do however offer the same longer lasting receipts as impact printers making them suitable for most business types.

Inkjet receipt printers are recommended for low turnover retail, banks and gaming industry.

Manufacturers. So what brand should I go for?

This market is well serviced by numerous manufacturers with a wealth of choice and price range. As with many markets there is a huge influx of far eastern models at rock bottom prices. As with most things that you purchase, you get what you pay for and it is worth noting that with the major manufacturers you tend to get better products that last longer and receive better support if something goes wrong. Remember if your receipt printer stops working you will find it very difficult to trade. General speaking the faster the transaction rate of your business the higher investment you should make in your choice of receipt printer.

Anything else?

Remember that the receipt printer you choose has to work with the software and hardware that you are going be using. Firstly check with the software supplier which brands and models the software supports. Also check that the printer you intend to buy has drivers for the operating system that you are going to be using. Lastly, ensure the printer has the right interface for the hardware that you are going to be using. Common interfaces are USB, Serial and parallel however Bluetooth and wireless are quickly gaining ground.

Mike Leary has been in the business of maximising the best out of receipts and till rolls from the start of his career many moons ago. Having worked for major retailers, solution providers and printer manufacturers he shares his knowledge in this popular complete guide to paper rolls. Claim it here now for free => www.rolldepot.co.uk

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

Have you ever signed on to your computer only to come across an issue such as :
• An annoying virus
• A program or new piece of software you couldn’t figure out how to install
• Your computer slowing down significantly

If you have, it’s likely that this frustrated you to no end.
And don’t worry, you’re not alone. Although computers are incredibly phenomenal in making our life easier in a lot of ways, they can also be outrageously irritating to almost anyone if they’re not working properly.

The good news, though, is that there ARE people you can call for help.

Here are some things you can call a computer repair company for:
* Setting up hardware such as a new printer
* Configuring an email account
* Setting up and updating your iPod or Zune
* Speeding up a slow computer
* Removing a virus, Spyware, or Trojan
* Fixing error messages
* Installing antivirus or antispyware
* Repairing the registry

As you can see, it doesn’t just have to be an error that a computer repair company will help with.

That being said, you do want to make sure you choose the RIGHT company. Here are some things to look out for:

1. Does the company try to fix your issue over the phone, or do they come to you and get it right the first time?
Generally, technicians who come to you work out better in the long term. First of all, it can be hard to explain things over the phone – especially if you don’t know computer jargon. Many people end up feeling frustrated and foolish when they can’t understand what an operator is asking them, only further blowing up their frustrations.

However, some companies also offer the option to do either or – you can either have someone come to your house, or you can do a live chat online or phone call.

2. What hours does the computer repair company work?
Some places only work Monday through Friday to 3 or 4 in the afternoon, making it virtually impossible for anyone who has a day job to get help. A company that works until at least 6 or 7 is usually a good bet for all types of people.

3. Are there extra fees?
You want to make sure that the price that’s advertised is the bottom line!

4. Are the technicians that come to your house reliable? Trustworthy?
Obviously, you want to make sure that you trust someone you’re letting into your home.

You also want to make sure that those people come when they say they’re going to. Nobody likes waiting around – especially when you can’t even go on the computer to pass the time!

5. What is customer satisfaction like?
Getting reviews or checking out testimonials from other users is essential before choosing a company to go with. Sure, anyone can SAY anything – but the real evidence comes from how others view their experience.

6. Is the company BBB accredited?
There are lots of small “one-off” technicians who are willing to do work for you – but how do you know if you can trust them? What will happen if they end up harming your computer? Is that a risk you want to take?

Although it may look like a lot to consider, you can usually tell these things pretty quickly. You’ll likely know with a “gut feeling” which is the right company for you, and I congratulate you in advance for getting rid of all that computer frustration.

Have you ever signed on to your computer only to come across an issue such as :
• An annoying virus
• A program or new piece of software you couldn’t figure out how to install
• Your computer slowing down significantly

If you have, it’s likely that this frustrated you to no end.
And don’t worry, you’re not alone. Although computers are incredibly phenomenal in making our life easier in a lot of ways, they can also be outrageously irritating to almost anyone if they’re not working properly.

The good news, though, is that there ARE people you can call for help.

Here are some things you can call a computer repair company for:
* Setting up hardware such as a new printer
* Configuring an email account
* Setting up and updating your iPod or Zune
* Speeding up a slow computer
* Removing a virus, Spyware, or Trojan
* Fixing error messages
* Installing antivirus or antispyware
* Repairing the registry

As you can see, it doesn’t just have to be an error that a computer repair company will help with.

That being said, you do want to make sure you choose the RIGHT company. Here are some things to look out for:

1. Does the company try to fix your issue over the phone, or do they come to you and get it right the first time?
Generally, technicians who come to you work out better in the long term. First of all, it can be hard to explain things over the phone – especially if you don’t know computer jargon. Many people end up feeling frustrated and foolish when they can’t understand what an operator is asking them, only further blowing up their frustrations.

However, some companies also offer the option to do either or – you can either have someone come to your house, or you can do a live chat online or phone call.

2. What hours does the computer repair company work?
Some places only work Monday through Friday to 3 or 4 in the afternoon, making it virtually impossible for anyone who has a day job to get help. A company that works until at least 6 or 7 is usually a good bet for all types of people.

3. Are there extra fees?
You want to make sure that the price that’s advertised is the bottom line!

4. Are the technicians that come to your house reliable? Trustworthy?
Obviously, you want to make sure that you trust someone you’re letting into your home.

You also want to make sure that those people come when they say they’re going to. Nobody likes waiting around – especially when you can’t even go on the computer to pass the time!

5. What is customer satisfaction like?
Getting reviews or checking out testimonials from other users is essential before choosing a company to go with. Sure, anyone can SAY anything – but the real evidence comes from how others view their experience.

6. Is the company BBB accredited?
There are lots of small “one-off” technicians who are willing to do work for you – but how do you know if you can trust them? What will happen if they end up harming your computer? Is that a risk you want to take?

Although it may look like a lot to consider, you can usually tell these things pretty quickly. You’ll likely know with a “gut feeling” which is the right company for you, and I congratulate you in advance for getting rid of all that computer frustration.

Article Source: http://www.articlewarehouse.com

Geeks Mobile Computer Repair Services – For the best in Columbus computer repair needs, visit www.Columbus-Computer-Repair.com. You’ll be BLOWN AWAY!

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Buying a new laptop computer is obviously a big investment, and this is why you need to think about several things first before making a decision on your purchase. With all the models available out there, and the various specifications and technical information and attention-seeking coupon codes being put forth by a wide variety of manufacturers, it’s important to figure out what you need in a laptop, and what factors you should consider when buying a new one. Here are a few tips and suggestions:

1) Decide on the performance specifications that you will need by asking yourself: what use will you have for your laptop? Is it going to be for business or for education? Perhaps you would like to use a mobile computer as your multimedia or gaming center? If you are a frequent traveler, for example, it is wiser to choose a lighter laptop with many wireless connectivity options; if you wish to edit your digital photos or make movies using your computer, it will be more practical to buy a laptop with a large internal memory and useful recordable disk drives. If you are a gamer, meanwhile, you will surely appreciate a laptop that comes with a relatively wide screen size.

2) Consider the ergonomics. By this we mean that you would want to have a laptop that is as comfortable for you to use as possible. Keyboards on laptops are usually designed with smaller keys: how small can they get for you to be able to use them? Also, while a touch pad or tracking pointer will be sufficient for occasional use, it might help your patience and your carpal tunnels to purchase a separate mouse.

3) Consider drives and storage memory. The amount of memory needed usually varies from user to user, but really everyone wants to have more than enough memory in their laptops’ optical drive. When researching, make sure that you find out not just the RAM specifications installed in the computer, but the maximum memory a system can handle, and if it’s possible to complete a memory upgrade more than once.

4) How connected do you want to be? Today’s technologies on laptop computers allow a plethora of connectivity options, be it wireless or peripheral. It is important to consider whether this is necessary to your use. USB 2.0 and internal modems are common facilities for connection but you may also have wireless options, such as a built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infra-red, and Firewire.

5) Also consider how portable you would want your laptop to be. While shopping around, spend some time to scrutinize the size, price, and weight of the laptop models. Make sure that the laptop you are looking for is something that you are willing to carry. Usually the lighter the model is, the more expensive it gets, but really it all boils down to what your requirements are for functionality – and not just for design.

One last step before completing your laptop purchase is to check other information such as prices and warranty plans. Search the Internet to see if other stores are offering the same model at cheaper prices, and if there are retailer-exclusive bargains, coupon codes or discounts which you can avail in order to get a better deal. Warranty information, meanwhile, is necessary because laptops are made delicately, with parts crammed tightly and delicately into a limited space; otherwise, if you overlook this information, you may have to cover unexpected costs in cases of laptop damage.

David Stack is a web developer and an expert in saving money by using coupon codes. He runs a website listing thousands of promo deals and discounts from the most popular online stores in the U.S. An example is CheapOair promo discounts.

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

Computer Sciences Corp. of Falls Church said that it signed a new data center and information technology infrastructure management service agreement with Zurich Financial Services Group.

Food banks across Skagit County are finishing what will likely be their busiest week of the year today distributing turkeys, stuffing and cranberry sauce to the hungry families in the area. …