Aloha from the Mobile Computer Doctor!
Spring has sprung, and we here at Mobile Computer Doctor and Websites with Aloha have been busy, busy, busy coming up with ways that we can better serve you, our wonderful customers!
News from the home front...
 But first, a bit of news. After four years living in Kawaihae, Beth and I have purchased our first home in Waikoloa Village, and we are loving it! Our new home has an office space that fits the needs of our business perfectly, and the location allows for easy access to all of our clients in North and West Hawaii. We will be celebrating ten years in Hawaii this coming May!
Spring Cleaning....
 Like I said, spring has sprung, and the warmer weather and longer days might have you thinking about doing some spring cleaning around you home or in your garage, yard, or garden, but what about on your computer? If you have noticed that your computer is a little slower than it used to be, or if you have pop ups coming up on the screen or your web browser is constantly taking you places you didn't tell it to go? If so, your computer might be in need of a little spring cleaning tune up! Give us a call, and we will get your Mac or Windows system running like new!
Security update....
 The first three months of 2013 have been among the most active in regards to internet security threats that we have seen in quite some time. The popular web browser add on Java has been the subject of most of the attacks. The first attack, which came back in January, was so severe that the Department of Homeland Security actually issued a statement asking all computer users to remove Java until further notice! Yes, this problem affects Macs too! While several updates have been released since that announcement, and the threat is now much less severe than it was, it is still very important to remain vigilant and keep your computer system safe and up to date.
So what does this mean for you?
Java is a web browser add on that allows the browser to do things that it couldn't do without it, like running games and other little programs right in the browser window. If you have ever looked at an interactive map on Weather.com, played a game like Farmville on Facebook, or done a "speed test" on your DSL or cable internet connection, you have used Java. So having Java is for the most part a good thing. But, because Java has been "hacked" so many times this year, it is very important to make sure that you are not only keeping your Java version up to date, but you must also be sure that when the new version is being installed, that the old version is also being removed. If it is not, it is like installing a brand new solid steel door with a state-of-the-art lock right next to a big hole in the wall!
Be sure to give us a call if you have more questions about this or other security threats, or if you think your system has been compromised, we are happy to help!
Below is a link to an article about the Java exploit. While it is written specifically to players of the online game Farmville, the information applies to pretty much anyone using Java on their computer.
http://www.farmvilledirt.com/2013/01/facts-about-java-scare-how-it-relates.html
Regular Checkups...
 This ongoing Java related threat has really driven home the fact that it is so important to keep your system up to date and secure at all times. To help you keep your computer and your files safe, we are putting together routine maintenance plans to help you make sure your computer is safe and your data is backed up and secure. You take your car in for an oil change every few months, and you go to the dentist for a checkup and cleaning twice a year. Don't you think that your computer, the place where you keep all of your important documents for your home and business, not to mention your music, movies, and family pictures, deserves the same kind of care and attention?
We are surveying our clients to see if you would be interested in a maintenance plan. Click the button below to complete our survey. Thank you for your feedback.
|
I am sure you have heard by now, last fall Microsoft released the newest version of Windows, called Windows 8. It has been six months since it was released, and the public response has been... well..... not great. While it is a really solid operating system, Microsoft changed the look and feel of EVERYTHING about Windows with this release, leaving many long time windows users very frustrated and confused about how to even do normal basic tasks like quitting a program, or even turning the computer off. This has kept many people from buying a new computer that they really need because they didn't want to relearn everything from scratch.
As a kid, I loved remote control cars. It was so cool to be able to "drive" something down the street or around a big paring lot using that little joystick! Now I have a different kind of fun remotely "driving" client's computers wherever they are from wherever I am! My new "Log Me In" remote control software allows me to provide you with computer help without you having to wait for me to physically drive to your location. So, if you need help in a pinch, whether you are at home, in your office, or somewhere on the mainland, as long as you have a high speed Internet connection, help from me is just a click away! 
Spring is also the time that our beloved North Hawaii News holds their fifth annual Best of North Hawaii readers poll, which gives you a chance to vote for your favorite, restaurant, gift shop, massage therapist, or... computer doctor..... among many, many other categories of business! If you want to vote, you need to hurry, as voting closes at midnight on Wednesday May 1st! 