Server 2003 - End Of Support July 2015

What does it mean?

If you’re wondering what this means for your business, it comes down to this – there will be no patches or security updates, putting your applications and business at risk. New threats won't be addressed and your WS2003 systems will become a security risk and compliance nightmare.  This is identical to what users experienced last year with Windows XP.


The biggest challenge for many organizations won’t be upgrading the server software, but rather the applications that run on those servers. The main problem with Windows 2003 is it’s a 32-bit OS, whereas newer operating systems run 64-bit environments. This could mean compatibility problems with older, homegrown applications that will need to be updated too.  Organizations might see migration as a major headache, but doing so will also bring lots of benefits. Windows Server 2003 was designed for yesterday’s IT infrastructure, and many aspects of it are now out of date.

What can I do?

At The PC Repair Centre we can assess your current set-up & determine what you need going forward.  Some companies will need a new server, some will be able to eliminate the requirement for a server, & some will unfortunately be stuck with Server 2003 until they can move on from any legacy software that they rely on.  

For a Free Server Assessment, you can contact us on the details below:

Phone: 042-9335355
Email:  support@pcrepaircentre.com

The Importance of Backups....

Why are backups important?

Computers fill our life and our work.  They faithfully accumulate our wedding pictures, our company's books, and the ceaseless emails we get and send.  But, unless you back it up, all that data can be gone in a flash...

Backups protect you from hardware failure

Computers are more reliable than ever, so its easy to forget or put off backing up your data. We've all done it.

But, computer drives still fail, and usually they give no advance warning.  One minute they're working fine, and the next minute they're toast. 

And usually, when they fail, it's impossible (or very expensive) to get any data off of them.

Backups protect you from viruses

Some computer viruses will corrupt your data.  Some computer viruses will bog your machine down so much that you can't login.

In fact Randsomware is on the rise & in particular we have seen multiple infections locally of 'Cryptolocker'.  With proper offsite backup - paying money to criminals to 'release' your data can be avoided.

Backups protect you from theft

Thieves are more likely to steal high-tech items such as your laptop or home computer.  These items are in high demand and can be sold quickly and easily.

If you have backups, it's simple to restore your files to a new computer.  Without backups, your accounts data may be gone forever.

Backups protect you from accidental deletion

Every computer has a Delete key, and sometimes it works too well.

One mans rubbish can be another mans treasure.  Accidental deletion happens all the time.  If deleted from the servers mapped drive by a client PC - that data can potentially be lost without any backup procedures (It won't appear in your recycle bin so that safety net is gone)

Backups protect you from fires, floods, and other disasters

We buy insurance for our homes and businesses, because disasters happen.  Think of your backups as data insurance. 

We don't like to think about what might happen, but good backups can make any disaster a little more survivable.  All you'll have to do is setup a new computer and restore your backups.

For a free Backup consultation - You can contact us today on 042-9335355 to discuss the best option for you & your business.

The PC Repair Centre Team

Internet Explorer Security Flaw: Ways to Protect Yourself

Internet Explorer Security Flaw: Ways to Protect Yourself

Use a different Web Browser

This is the path of least resistance. Until Microsoft patches up this hole, using a browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox can keep you safe from this particular vulnerability.

Don't click on suspicious Emails or Chat Links

This is a rule for every day, not just today. This vulnerability only works if the bad guys can get you to click your way to a special infected page they’ve set up. These trick links might make their way to you via email messages or chat messages that seem legit. If someone forwards you an email or initiates a chat with a link in it, call them on the phone and ask them if they really sent it. This accomplishes two things: One, you can make sure you’re not being duped. Two, it’ll make that person think twice about forwarding you an email or trying to chat with you ever again. The less time you spend dealing with forwarded emails and mind-numbing chat conversations, the more time you’ll have to live your life as intended :-)

Ramp up the IE security Settings (Last Resort)

If you don’t want to use a different browser until this blows over, you can goose Internet Explorer’s security level instead. Take note that ramping up the security level could impact the performance on certain sites, especially those containing interactive elements. This should be a last resort, like if you’re using a work computer and your IT department won’t allow you to install a new browser. Seriously, try Chrome or Firefox first if you can. You might like them.

Windows XP

If you’re using Internet Explorer on Windows XP, the chances that this issue’s going to get fixed are pretty bleak. Microsoft finally dropped support for XP earlier this month, which means any security fix that’s issued for one of Microsoft’s newer operating systems won’t make its way to Windows XP. If you insist on using XP, your best bet would be to use a different browser like Chrome or Firefox for everything and cross your fingers that neither of those browsers suffers a serious setback such as this in the future.  If you would like to upgrade from Windows XP - Contact our team on 042-9335355

Finally....

Always apply your Microsoft Updates...   Click the Start button, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.

Windows XP support ends: Survival tips to stay safe

Ok - So today is the day...the day we've all been dreading.  XP is Officially Dead.  While we recommend that you either upgrade your Operating system or change your PC altogether (Our support can advise you on this accordingly - 042-9335355), here are a few tips to keep the wolf from the door

Tip one? Stop using Internet Explorer.

The most common version of IE used on XP systems is version 8, and considering that Internet Explorer is now up to version 11, you can see how old and obsolete the browser is. Not only this, but Internet Explorer 7 and 8 will also not be updated further, leaving your system vulnerable to malware that exploits this old program.

Both Mozilla' Firefox and Google's Chrome browser will continue support for Windows XP after expiration, and so choose to use one of these browsers instead of Internet Explorer if you are still running XP. This will at least give you a little more time, but be aware that Chrome on XP will only be supported for one more year, and it is not known how long Firefox will offer support.

Tip Two? Keep Third Party Software Up-To-date.

The fewer software packages you have installed on your computer, the fewer routes that hackers can take to infiltrate your system.

Any software you cannot live without, especially if used in tandem with an Internet connection, must be kept fully updated at all times. Adobe Flash, PDF readers and Java are of particular concern, as they are often targets for hackers, and while modern versions check for updates automatically, older versions may skip checks altogether

Tip Three? Turn the Windows Firewall on

It may seem like an obvious tip, but it is amazing how often this critical security feature is turned off and forgotten about.

Go to your control panel, select Windows Firewall, and turn the security barrier on — and leave it that way

Tip Four? Stay Vigilant

If you're using an archaic operating system, being careful when you browse the Web will now be critical to staying safe.

Do not click on emailed attachments or links that are suspicious, and if you receive an email which seems legitimate - whether from the tax office or bank, ring them first and clarify the contents before submitting any personal data. Stay away from websites that are known sources of malware, adware, and spyware, and be careful about visiting websites with expired security certificates (Free Music / Applications / Movies & Pornographic websites are main culprits here)

Tip Five? Protect yourself against Viruses & Malware

Microsoft's Windows XP will not be updated and protected against major flaws any longer, but this does not mean security needs to go entirely out of the window.

Microsoft says you'll be facing a zero day scenario by clinging on to the old operating system, and that's likely, but it doesn't mean you'll immediately be left out in the cold by many security vendors.  Even Microsoft's own Antivirus product is providing signature updates after April 8th (you just can't install it after April 8th).  Panda, AVG, Avast etc will continue to support Windows XP but this is not an indefinite thing.  We also recommend Running a full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to compliment your AV.  This can be purchased through ourselves (042)9335355

Tip Six?  Install Windows 7

The final, and most useful tip? Changing, updating and shoring up the system are only temporary measures. If you want to stay safe, you need to upgrade the operating system to a newer version, such as Windows 7, or change your OS altogether.  The PC Repair Centre can quote you for either a new system or check you out for a potential operating system upgrade.  You can contact out support team on (042)9335355.  Remember guys - Stay Safe out there!!

Cryptolocker - The Bad guys are getting cleverer....

Story...

During the past couple months, ransomware known as CryptoLocker has made its presence known in homes and businesses around the world. So far, we have encountered it in over 10 local businesses located in the the North East. While ransomware is not a new concept, the pervasiveness of CryptoLocker, combined with its strong encryption, make it a particularly nefarious ongoing threat.

What is Cryptolocker?

CryptoLocker is Windows-based ransomware that encrypts files on local drives and network shares, and then demands payment to unlock them. Funds are requested via untraceable payment methods like Bitcoin and MoneyPak. CryptoLocker uses asymmetric encryption, with the private key held by the author or distributor of the malware. Unfortunately, it uses a strong algorithm that makes it practically impossible to decrypt the data without knowing the key.

CryptoLocker has, to date, been spread predominantly through email attachments and through other malware that has already infected PCs via other means. It has also been seen as a payload in drive-by downloads.

While CryptoLocker itself can be removed, the strong encryption prevents data encrypted by the malware from being unlocked.

  What Can I do to prevent it?

• Be wary of any email attachments from sources you do not usually get emails from.  One popular method of trickery is the old 'DHL attachment' - BE WARY OF EVERYTHING
• Secondly - Backup - Backup - Backup.  Its crucial to have an offsite backup of your mission critical data as although the Ransomware is relatively easy to remove, but the data is impossible to decrypt without paying the ransom.  If you have an offsite backup - you can easily remove the infection & restore.  

What happens if I get infected?

• You can contact us on 042-9335355 & we will advise you of your options. Last thing you want to do is lose your data (or paying the baddies!)

Any queries, let us know on 042-9335355 / info@pcrepaircentre.com

Launching our Online Helpdesk Portal

Hi All

This week we are excited to officially launch our Online Helpdesk Portal to all our customers.  I suppose the best way to explain  is via a few quick Q&A's :-)

What is an Online Helpdesk?

This is where you can enter a request for help directly into a webpage & we will respond to your request via our team of qualified technicians 

How does it Work?

Step 1 - Visit support.pcrepaircentre.com

Step 2 - Fill out the form as specified (there's a link to a YouTube video below in case you are unsure)

Step 3 - Once the ticket is submitted - a PC Repair technician will 'pick' the ticket up & attempt to resolve by direct contact with the customer. 

Why? Whats in it for me?

Simply put - we want to provide the best technical support for your company.  With our online support desk, we can track & resolve your problem quicker than any other method.  We will also collect feedback so as to make sure we are doing it right ;-)

How do I log a call?

Simple - Check out our online video here.  It's as easy as pie.  Just click the button below!!

Hopefully that answers any queries but as always - contact us if you need any assistance

Phone: 042-9335355 / info@pcrepaircentre.com



Thanks Guys!

Dalton

Windows XP - The End is Nigh!!!

Windows XP - The End is Nigh

When Microsoft released Windows XP in 2001, no one could have predicted that it would still be in use in 2013. More amazing, it isn’t just still in use, it is extremely popular!

How popular? Nearly 40% of the world’s estimated one billion computers run Windows XP. That’s a lot of computers running an operating system that’s over a decade old. Despite a number of other operating systems available in today’s market, XP is second only to Windows 7 as the most-popular operating system around.

Windows XP has remained popular because it was stable, fast, powerful, and relatively simple to use. What’s more, many people still run XP simply because after more than a decade, it’s what they’ve become accustomed to using.

But every life cycle must end eventually, and for Windows XP, that end date is April 8, 2014.

What does that mean for people still using XP?

In Windows XP’s case, “end of life” signifies the end of Microsoft support for everything from updates to customer service. In fact, Microsoft has not released any new features or security updates for XP in more than a year, effectively ending mainstream support. Even though XP’s end-of-life date has been extended several times, this is really and truly the end.

While “end of life” sounds final and irreversible, understand that your XP computers will still function on April 8, 2014 as they did on April 7. However, the end of Microsoft support means there will be no security updates from that point forward. Any security flaws exposed by hackers will no longer be fixed. Furthermore, once Microsoft stops supporting XP, other software companies will follow suit with their own products. The time and expense involved in making sure programs and hardware work on all the versions of Windows out there means that extending support to XP after its end-of-life date will be cost-prohibitive for most developers.

Can I still use XP once support has ended?

Because it will still operate after April 2014, you will be able to use XP, but it will be at your own risk. Security software will provide some limited protection, but as time passes such software will be unable to protect you. In fact, web browsing in general will become more difficult since the last version of Internet Explorer that runs under XP is version 8. Websites already are using features that do not display in Internet Explorer version 8. Even Microsoft is abandoning support for version 8 in services it provides via the Microsoft Office 365 hosted services platform.

Going Forward...

If you still rely on Windows XP, we strongly recommend that you start planning now to move to either Windows 7 or Windows 8. You can grab a quote from Joanne in our Office on a system upgrade if you so wish (joanne@pcrepaircentre.com)

If you’re unsure about how an upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 would affect your company, contact us @ The PC Repair Centre via info@pcrepaircentre.com or good old fashioned phone-line 042-9335355

Wishing you all the best in 2014


Dalton