PC Security Golden Rules

• Install Aniti Virus software like AVG
• Install Firewall Software like Zone Alarm
• Install Anti Spyware Software like Spy Bot Search and Destroy
  
• Make sure you keep your operating system updated with the latest patches from the manufacturer
• Windows users should run windows update once a week
• Mac Users run software update from the apple menu
• Use WPA or WPA2 wireless encryption if you use wireless networking (Call us to set this up for you)
  
• Do not click on any link in any email message
• Do not try and reply or un-subscribe from spam emails (doing this makes your address move to an active email address list)
  
• Don't open emails from people or companies you don't know, delete it. If it is important a human will call and or try again
• Don't open attachments from people or companies you don't know.
• Try not to forward on those "funny" emails to others 
• If something sounds to good to be true then put the credit card back in your pocket
• Never give out your passwords to anyone
• Make sure your passwords are hard to guess, a mixture of letters and numbers you can also use symbols 
• Use a separate email address for on-line purchases and web site registrations.
• Get a credit card with a low limit for your online purchases (Only use this online) if your data is stolen the worse that can happen is they max out the low credit limit. 
• Children should always be supervised when using the internet. (ideally the family PC should be in a common area like the dining room or sitting room)
• Install parental control software to restrict their access to only web sites they should see
• Chat rooms and messaging software should be treated with the "stranger danger" message.
  
• If you are worried about your children's surfing habits then there is monitoring software available to keep a close eye on all aspects of their usage, call us for details.
• Make regular backups of your important files using Carbonate

Data Recovery Tips

• Make regular backups of your important files using Carbonate
• Strange noises from your Hard Drive ? Grinding, Rattling, Scrapping.
• SWITCH OFF YOUR PC AT THE WALL NOW, This will minimise the damage already done.
• Contact us, we will assess the problem and offer a solution this may mean sending your drive to our partner OnTrack Data Recovery
  
• Deleted a file by mistake and emptied the recycle bin ?
• Log out and shut down your PC
• Contact us and we will assess the problem, and offer a solution
• Deleted files can often be recovered very quickly if the file system hasn't been used since the deletion. The more you use the PC the more chance of the underling file system being changed, making recovery much harder and more expensive.
• Be honest with what happened, we will not judge you.
• Don't try and fix it yourself ? Leave your screw drivers in the tool box !
  
• Call us and we will find a solution.