TRI Newsletter January 2020
TRI Newsletter – Jan 2020
End of Support: Microsoft Windows 7 on Jan, 14 2020
You can continue to use Windows 7, but once support ends, your PC will become more vulnerable to security risks. Windows 7 will operate but you will stop receiving security and feature updates. Be aware that, microsoft will get more insistent that you upgrade and there will be more pop ups telling you to do so.
If you are moving to Windows 10, should you do an upgrade or get a new computer?
TRI can help you determine if your computer is suitable for an upgrade, or if it is best to replace. The biggest factor on upgrading your computer to Win 10 is, does your computer hardware meet the requirements? If it does is it cost effective to do the upgrade? Is your processor at least an i5-4000+, 8GB RAM, do you have an SSD or is it worth it to install a SSD. If it is an older or slower computer or you have been having issues then get a new one.
We are doing most of the upgrades in our shop as it is more cost effective to our customers, with the exception of when multiple computers need to be upgraded, we can then multitask and an on site upgrade can be more time and cost effective.
IoT
What is IoT? It’s Internet of Things. Okay, now you know what it stands for, but what does it mean?
The long answer is that IoT is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.
The short version is that it is devices that connect and interact via a network to work together without people getting in the way. An example of this is a Nest thermostat or the Ring doorbell. Once setup it needs no interference from people to work.
Scareware & Scams!
What is Scareware? Scareware is a pop up that shows up while on the internet telling you, you’re infected. You are not infected, it is not until you take action with the popup that you get infected (by clicking or calling).
The first thing you should do is Shut Down your computer. Many of them tell you not to, but that is because the scareware is loaded into your RAM (temporary working space). Once the computer shuts down that is cleared. The first thing I will ask when called is did you shut down your computer.
Then there are the scams. The emails & phone calls you get from “Microsoft”, “HP”, “IRS”, or “Social Security Administration”. These companies will NEVER call you. If they need your attention it will be a certified letter. These calls are scammers trying to get access to your banking information.
Oh no! You have been hacked, now what?
Hang up, Delete the email, shut down the computer.
If shutting down didn’t solve the problem, we can usually walk you through resetting your browser over the phone. If you clicked on/or called the number, Shut Down your computer and call us. Most spyware can be cleaned off your computer in about an hour @ $125\hr.
Call your bank/CC company if you gave out that info and have the charges reversed and account info changed. Changing passwords is also a good thing to do, we can help with that if you need us to either with a remote or onsite $125\hr.
Software
In the past software has come on CD or DVD and has a product code on the packaging. This meant that the program was yours for as long as you had a computer that could run it.
Things change and the trend now is subscription based software, meaning that you are paying an annual or monthly fee for use of the software. This started with Antivirus programs and is now the preferred model for most of the software out there. Microsoft Office, Adobe Programs, antivirus programs, accounting programs and the list goes on and on. The key benefit with this trend is the programs are always up to date and they will update every time you use them.
Some software vendors are still offering a single purchase option. Microsoft still offers Office 2019 (3 Versions, Home, Business & Professional). Quickbooks still offers a single purchase version as well. Adobe and Antivirus no longer offers a single purchase version.
When is it a good time to get a subscription?
Let’s look at Microsoft Office for a minute. If I need to use Microsoft Office and have multiple devices the 2019 Home & Student version is going to run $149 for each device. The Office 365 Home subscription version is $99 for up to 6 people/devices.
If I have 5 devices and I typically upgrade the software every 3 years $745 for a 1 time purchase and $297 for the subscription over the 3 years.
You also need to take into account the programs needed, is there an alternative. Weigh the pros and cons for each to come to an informed decision.
If you need help with this give us a call and we can do a consultation.
New Computer
8 things to consider when buying a computer
- Your budget – Decide on a budget and stick to it.
- Laptop or Desktop- If you want to be mobile with your computer get a laptop, otherwise go desktop.
- The Processor- We recommend at least an Intel Core i5-8000 series (The most bang for your buck)
- RAM (Computer Memory) At least 8GB of RAM.
- Hard Drive – We recommend a Solid State Drive with enough space to double what you are currently using.
- Video- If you’re a gamer or into graphic design, you need to have a powerful video card.
- Computer Software- besides Windows 10 what else do you need? Office? Quicken?
- Anti-Virus Software- Microsoft Windows Defender has been getting excellent ratings so we recommend using the built in AV software.
I hope this helps when you buy a new computer.
Thank you,
James, Chris, Clint, Brett, Adam & Suzi
