CompuClever Blog

New Year’s PC Resolution

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This past year we introduced topics and subject matter related to PC enhancement. We intend to highlight the best of these as they apply to providing you the tools needed to enhance your PC performance and take action against unwanted behavior. It is our hope that you can take a look at our year in review and pick what you need to carry out your PC goals for the upcoming year. It’s likely that there are items in your computing world that need attention and here’s your chance to fast track to those areas that have been neglected.

We have chosen six of the most popular articles from 2014. Here is an overview of these articles in three categories:

Privacy / Security:
– Identify and Clean Cookies (July)
– Virus vs PUP and How to Remove Both (Sept)

TuneUp / Clean Up:
– Improve Startup (Aug)
– Spring PC Cleaning (June)

Support:
– CompuClever Free Functionality (Oct)
– DIY vs. Repair Shop (Nov)

Here are the PC enhancement articles for 2014.

Identify and Clean Cookies

About: Not all cookies are created equal. Cookies are created when browsing to particular web pages. While most are safe – especially when coming from a trusted source – not all are. Continue reading...

DIY vs. Repair Shop

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Why is it that asking for help can be an overwhelming obstacle?  The reality is… there is a certain shame that comes from seeking help when we don’t know something.  No one wants to admit to being lost and needing directions and no one wants to feel like they are not smart enough.  Plus, we all want to join the ranks of DIY – Do It Yourself.  To be real, this takes assessing the situation and knowing if the issues are outside our expertise.  When we are simply spinning our wheels, it’s time to take it to the professionals.  The next task is to get good and reliable service that will lead to a real solution.  This article segues from some of our recent articles that focus on assessment of PC problems.  We’ll cover this in brief and provide links.  The main impetus for this article is to shine some light on PC repair technicians that are not trustworthy and to strongly emphasize how our users can benefit from available tools and services including those offered by our CompuClever support team.

Here is the article menu du jour:

  • Background:  We’ll start with the background story of one man’s experience with a not-so-honest repair shop.
Continue reading...

Cookie Time

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There is one type of cookie that the Cookie Monster would not find appealing – computer cookies. But what are they and what are we to do with them? We are going to expand on what is known as “web” or “browser” cookies that are stored on your PC as a result of online browsing. The benefit to keeping these on your system is minor and they can be used in ways we do not wish. As a result, we pass on instructions on how to safely get rid of them.

This article begins with information about cookies: what they are and what we recommend you do about them.  We will also be covering information related to using PC Clean Maestro.  In this way you are more informed about remaining secure and keeping your information private.

Cookie!

A cookie is a file that is sent from a website when you browse to that site.  Every time you visit the same site the Internet browser sends the cookie from your PC to a server to notify the website of the user’s previous activity.  In this way it is easier to login in to some sites that you have previously visited because your name is already present so you only have to add in your password.  Continue reading...

Tech Support Fraud

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Have you ever played that “Whac-A-Mole” game?  It’s the one where moles pop up out of a hole and you bonk them on the head and down they go.  It doesn’t matter how many you bop on the head – they keep popping up.  That’s pretty much how it is with fraudulent phone call scams.  There have been some fines handed out to companies and individuals engaged in these scam activities, but they still keep popping up again and again.  If you have ever had one of these phone calls you would agree – the callers are convincing. 

We’re going to start off with a description of how this scam works followed by legal action taken against the scammers, and recent activity.  Following this we will offer advice in terms of what to do when getting called and what to do if you or someone you know has already had a call and been the victim of technical support fraud.

Description

A tech support scam involves a variety of “confidence tricks” that include part-truths, outright lies, and some aggressive sales pitches.  It typically involves someone calling you on the phone and posing as a computer support technician, quite often, from a well-known and reputable company.  Continue reading...

Facebook Uncovered

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There is a real and strong allure to joining the crowd on Facebook. Its popularity and set of features makes email look like VHS in comparison to DVD. But… make no mistake – this is a sticky subject. There are many criticisms that have surfaced and we will attempt to sort through these. In doing so, we will avoid getting caught up with information overload.  Ultimately each person has to weigh out the pros and cons to make a decision for themselves.

We’re going to start off with a brief description of the history of Facebook and its popularity.  From there we present a like and dislike feature set – thumbs up and thumbs down.  After that we will offer some general recommendations and alternatives.

First Look

On February 2004, Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook with his college roommates and fellow students at Harvard University.   At first it was limited to Harvard students, but expanded to include colleges in the Boston area and then gradually it included support for students at various other universities before being open to high-school students and then anyone aged 13 and over. When registering for a Facebook account, the user needs to claim being 13 years or older although proof of age is not a requirement.  Continue reading...