My Computer Works

December Newsletter

2007-01-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, My Computer Works Customers!

We have quite a few great topics to cover this month, including some holiday shopping tips, information on protecting laptop data, Internet Explorer 7, and this month’s Microsoft Updates, so I will get right into it!

Gift Certificates
Shopping days before Christmas are almost in the single digits. If you don’t know what to get someone for Christmas, we are the perfect gift idea! If you would like to purchase My Computer Works’ service for a friend or family member as a great holiday gift, we will provide you with a gift certificate to hand to your loved ones. Call our sales line at 1-866-363-0580 to get one today!

Also, I want to congratulate Gerri Barten of Phoenix! Gerri was the winner of our iPod drawing this month.

We are going to continue with another iPod drawing for January. If you sign up an additional subscription for service OR if you refer a friend or family member to us before JANUARY 10th, we’ll enter you into a drawing to win a brand new iPod Nano!

Tell your friends and family to mention your name when they sign up for service with My Computer Works! The more new subscriptions you sign up, the more chances you have to win!

Call 1-877-MCW-MYPC to sign up a new subscription and take advantage of this promotion!

Feel free to forward this promotion to your friends and family; you can enter more than once!

AND…My Computer Works can help you set up your new iPod Nano!

Shopping Online
Did you know that online retail sales this year are going to hit $27 BILLION? More and more people are buying holiday gifts online and having their gifts shipped directly to the recipients. It’s less time consuming and you never have to leave your chair. If you're concerned about the security risks of online purchases, though, I’ll give you one less thing to worry about. A recent study finds that most e-commerce sites are more secure than the average physical retail establishment's Point of Sale (POS) systems! Even so, here are a few tips you should always remember to keep you safe when shopping online.

Always purchase from a secure site. When you are typing in your credit card information, there should be a little yellow lock in the bottom left-hand corner of your web browser. This signifies that your data is secure. The web address will also begin with https://.
Purchase from sites you know. Buying a camera from www.imgoingtostealyouridentity.com just to save $20 probably isn’t the best idea. Try to shop from stores you know.
Don’t shop from a public PC. Don’t go to your nearest public library to use their computer for your holiday shopping. You don’t know who will be on it after you to access information that might still be on the computer.
Use only a trusted network. While it’s fun to sit in the coffee shop on the corner and sip your latte while you shop online, it also isn’t safe. Unsecured networks, commonly wireless, can be an easy way for people to access your personal data.
Always double-check your credit card statements. After getting the bill, verify that the charges shown match up with what you purchased.

Have fun shopping online!

Internet Explorer 7.0
As some of you might know, the new Internet Explorer 7.0 is out. While it has great new usability features, some websites won't display properly and some applications won't open or operate correctly while using it. If you find that Internet Explorer 7.0 is causing problems with some of the websites or applications you use frequently, you can uninstall it by going to “Add or Remove Programs” in the Control Panel, then clicking “Remove” on the Internet Explorer 7.0 entry. After you restart the PC you will then have Internet Explorer 6 to use again. If you think Internet Explorer 7.0 is causing problems on your machine and you want help uninstalling it, you can also give us a call at 1-877-629-6972.

Protecting Data on a Laptop
I read an article in the Wall Street Journal last week recounting yet another laptop that contained thousands of credit card numbers being stolen. While this is a heavily debated subject around here with advice ranging all over the board, I’m going to give you just a couple of the easy tips that can help protect your information. First off, passwords are your friend. It’s always smart to have a password log-in to Windows when you start your machine. Longer passwords that have both letters and numbers are preferred. Second, password-protect those documents and spreadsheets that contain sensitive data. In both Microsoft Word and Excel, if you go to “Tools”, then “Options”, and click on the “Security” tab, you will see a field named “Password to open:”. You can type in your password here. WARNING: There is no way to get back into the file if you forget your password, so while it is a safety precaution, use it at your own risk. If you have highly sensitive data, the best bet is to have an expert encrypt the data and password-protect your hard drive, but these aren’t things you should attempt yourself. If you have any more questions on this topic, call us at 1-877-629-6972.

Microsoft Updates
As always, this is your monthly reminder about Microsoft Updates. It was a slower month for updates this time around, with only three of the updates being critical. Whether there is one update or many, it’s still important to download these regularly to protect your computer and its contents. Check out the link below if you would like to read more about this month’s updates. If you would like help with these updates or have any questions, call us at 1-877-629-6972.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-dec.mspx

Have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
My Computer Works
1-877-MCW-MY-PC
www.mycomputerworks.com

Official Terms and Conditions for iPod promotion: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Customer may also enter drawing at company headquarters located at 15905 N. 81st St. #205, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Offer for current customers only. Only one iPod will be given away. Drawing will be held on January 10th, 2007. Winner will be notified within one week of drawing with directions on claiming prize. iPod Nano is a trademark of Apple Computer and Apple Computer is not affiliated with, or a sponsor of, this promotion or MCW.

November Newsletter

2006-11-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

It’s the My Computer Works November Newsletter!

Hello everyone! Are you ready for the holidays? Don’t worry, I’m not either! There is a lot going on here at My Computer Works and I wanted to give everyone a quick update before jumping into the topics of the November Newsletter; Gift Certificates, Windows Vista, Increasing Spam, and this month’s Microsoft Updates.

We have been growing very quickly here, but we want to assure you that our number one focus is still the high quality service you have been receiving from our technicians. To ensure you still receive this premium care, we have decided to increase our call center staff by 20%! Just as a reminder, if you do receive our voicemail, leave a message and one of our friendly technicians will get back to you shortly.

Also, I want to congratulate Barry Hartdill of Glendale! Barry was the winner of our digital camera drawing this month for referring a friend. We had such success with the September iPod Nano drawing that we are going to do it again!
If you sign up an additional subscription for service OR if you refer a friend or family member to us before DECEMBER 12th, we’ll enter you into a drawing to win a brand new iPod Nano! What a great Christmas gift that would be!

If you were thinking about signing up that home or office computer for My Computer Works service, this is the month to do it! Tell your friends and family to mention your name when they sign up for service with My Computer Works! The more new subscriptions you sign up, the more chances you have to win!

Call 1-877-MCW-MYPC to sign up a new subscription and take advantage of this promotion!

Feel free to forward this promotion to your friends and family; you can enter more than once!

AND…My Computer Works can help you set up your new iPod Nano!

Gift Certificates
We now have My Computer Works gift certificates for sale! Sick of your family bugging you for computer help? Don’t know what to get your parents for Christmas? Know someone who needs the gift of more time and less stress? We are the perfect gift idea! If you would like to purchase My Computer Works’ service for a friend or family member as a great holiday gift, we will provide you with a gift certificate to hand to your loved ones. And remember, if you purchase a gift certificate before December 12th, you will also be entered into the drawing for the new iPod Nano. Call our sales line at 1-866-363-0580 to get one today!

Should I Wait For Vista?
As some of you might know, the new Windows operating system, Vista, is due out early next year. I sat down with my Technical Lead who has tested Windows Vista and asked him what he thought of it and more importantly, if people should wait until Vista comes out to upgrade their computers. He said that just as Windows XP had quite a few bugs initially, he understands Vista to be the same way. Windows Vista also has some pretty hefty memory and CPU requirements. He stated that it does have a lot of functionality, but that the average user wouldn’t use or need most of it. We here at My Computer Works are sticking with Windows XP for now. At least until they issue at least one service pack and get some of the kinks worked out for Vista. If you choose to purchase a new computer before the release of Vista, buy one listed as “Vista Ready”. It will come with a certificate to upgrade to Vista for only $20! Also make sure you purchase a computer with at least 2GB of RAM and a PCI Express video card with 256MB of video memory. The computer should also have a DVD drive and a 7200rpm hard drive to ensure it is easily upgradeable. Feel free to call us at 1-877-MCW-MYPC with any questions.

Increasing Spam
Have you noticed it? I have. Lately, it seems like every morning I come into work, go through my unread e-mail, and find out that half of them are spam messages. Good news: we aren’t going crazy! Bad news: spam volume has increased 120% within the last year! Unfortunately, spammers are getting smarter. Botnets, or “zombie armies” of Internet computers, have gotten so sophisticated that they're almost impossible to shut down. However, our technicians have a few tricks to help with this influx of spam. Give us a call at 1-877-MCW-MYPC and we will let you know our recommendations for you! To read more about the increasing sophistication of spam, check out the link below.

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2051949,00.asp

Microsoft Updates
Microsoft released at least five new critical updates this month for their operating systems and for Internet Explorer. As a reminder, My Computer Works has your computer set to download these updates to keep you automatically protected. You don’t even have to think about it! If you do have any questions or concerns though, feel free to give us a call at 1-877-MCW-MYPC.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/current.aspx

I hope all of you have a relaxing and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
My Computer Works
1-877-MCW-MY-PC
www.mycomputerworks.com

Official Terms and Conditions for computer promotion: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Customer may also enter drawing at company headquarters located at 15905 N. 81st St. #205, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Offer for current customers only. Only one computer will be given away. Drawing will be held on December 13th, 2006. Winner will be notified within one week of drawing with directions on claiming prize. Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc. and Dell Inc. is not affiliated with, or a sponsor of, this promotion or MCW.

October Newsletter

2006-10-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, welcome to the October My Computer Works newsletter!

I want to start off by congratulating Dennis Harmon of Scottsdale. Dennis was the lucky winner of a brand new iPod Nano for referring Jennifer Knutson to us during the month of September. We had such great success last month with our referral program that we are going to do it again.

If you sign up an additional subscription for service OR if you refer a friend or family member to us before NOVEMBER 8th, we’ll enter you into a drawing to win a brand new DIGITAL CAMERA!

If you were thinking about signing up that home or office computer for My Computer Works service, this is the month to do it! Tell your friends and family to mention your name when they sign up for service with My Computer Works! The more new subscriptions you sign up, the more chances you have to win!

Call 1-877-MCW-MYPC to sign up a new subscription and take advantage of this promotion!

Feel free to forward this promotion to your friends and family…you can enter more than once!

AND…My Computer Works can help you set up your new DIGITAL CAMERA!

Now, onto some important topics in the tech world we think you should know about. In this edition you will find information about the lawsuit Spamhaus’ recently lost, an updated list of laptop battery recalls, Google’s competition with Microsoft Office, and the latest Microsoft updates.

Spamhaus
Spamhaus, a company that helps to stop spam by keeping what is considered the definitive list of spammers, recently lost a lawsuit and is in jeopardy of being shut down. Many ISP companies rely on Spamhaus’ list of spammers and this could cause all sorts of problems for them, and in turn, more spam for you and me. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for spam. Spam Bully is a good program, but it is not free. If you use Microsoft Outlook 2003, we can help you set-up their integrated spam blocker. As a tactic to help combat spam, we recommend having at least two email addresses. Give one out to friends and family, and use the other when you sign up for anything online or not. Your grocery store does not need your primary email address. You can sign up for a free email address through www.hotmail.com or www.yahoo.com. Call us if you would like help setting up a secondary e-mail address. Read more about the Spamhaus article by clicking the link below.

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20061008/163213.shtml

Updated Laptop Battery Recall List
The list of laptop batteries that have been recalled keeps growing. These batteries have a risk of getting so hot that they catch fire. Models involved in the recall include Dell, Apple, IBM, Toshiba, and Fujitsu. To see if your computer is affected, check out the link below. Call us with any questions you might have.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8KI2O1G0.htm

Google vs. Microsoft
The Wall Street Journal published an article today outlining new online applications that Google is planning to roll out. Google Docs and Spreadsheets will be offered free online and have more-limited functions than Microsoft Word and Excel. It will target non-professional users who wish to save and access documents and spreadsheets via the Internet. Users will be able to share files and work on them simultaneously. They will also be able to save and open the files in Microsoft-compatible formats. Google states that they are trying to work more in favor of those people who rely on the Internet to save, share, and store files. If you already have a licensed copy of Microsoft Office, we recommend sticking with it for now. It is much more applicable for business professionals. If you are looking for a free alternative, check out Google’s new features.

Microsoft Updates
Microsoft struggled this month with their updates. One critical update was not up to par and will not be released until next month. There were ten updates issued yesterday that address 26 vulnerabilities. So far, it is the largest cluster of update this year. Six of these updates were critical, and we (as always) want to stress to you the importance of keeping Microsoft software up-to-date on your computer. We set up your computer to download these updates automatically, but if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at 1-877-MCW-MYPC. If you would like to read more about the updates, check out the link below.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-oct.mspx

Thanks and have a wonderful October!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
My Computer Works
www.mycomputerworks.com

Official Terms and Conditions for digital camera promotion: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Customer may also enter drawing at company headquarters located at 15905 N. 81st St. #205, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Offer for current customers only. Only one digital camera will be given away. Drawing will be held on November 9th, 2006. Winner will be notified within one week of drawing with directions on claiming prize.

September Newsletter

2006-09-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the My Computer Works Newsletter for September 2006!

In this edition:

- A Massive Dell Recall
- AOL will now be FREE!
- Ten reasons your Internet connection might be slow…and not one is your ISP!
- The latest Microsoft Updates

Don’t forget that we are giving away an iPod Nano this month! To enter, you can either refer a new customer to us (be sure they mention your name), or sign up a second computer on your existing account! This giveaway is only for September so be sure to tell your friends and family!

Massive Dell Recall

Dell is issuing a massive recall of 4.1 million battery packs, used in several of its laptop lines, because of a risk of overheating and fire. The recall affects certain Inspiron, Latitude and Precision mobile workstations and XPS units shipped between April of 2004 and July of 2006. To find out if your laptop is affected, check out the link below. If you need help clarifying whether your Dell Computer is included in the recall, please feel free to call My Computer Works!

https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/

FREE AOL

AOL recently announced that no longer will AOL members have to pay for AOL's content and most services. Instead, anyone who can get onto the Internet will have free access to the articles, images, interactive tools and other goodies that once were provided exclusively to AOL subscribers. AOL will use advertising to finance this move. If you are a paying AOL user, you can now save that monthly subscription money! More information can be found through the following link. This means that you don’t have to PAY for that AOL email address anymore! Please feel free to call My Computer Works if you need help transitioning your AOL email!

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/08/02/business/ptend03.php

Ten Reasons Your Internet Connection Might Be Slow

(And guess what, not one of them has to do with your service provider! Read on to learn more…)

We all know the drill: you open your Internet connection expecting a quick start-up…after all, you do have high-speed access. Unfortunately, today it is at a snail’s pace. Frustration sets in, and you automatically blame your Internet service provider, but wait…they may not be the problem. Check out the list below for other reasons you might be experiencing issues with the Internet.

1. Too many applications running
Having too many applications or windows open can lead to a memory squeeze on your computer. Keep open those things you need, and close those you really don’t.

2. Insufficient amount of memory
People who have upgraded their computer(s) are even more at risk for this problem. Newer software tends to eat up more memory and you may need to install extra memory to keep it running at its best.

3. Infections from viruses or spyware
These infections can make your computer slow to a grinding halt. If you notice pop-ups, browser redirects, and sluggish performance from your PC, chances are you have a nasty bug. These are becoming more and more common with most people at a high risk.

4. Fragmented and/or full hard drive
When a computer has to skip to different sections of the hard drive to find files, it can take a while. A disk defragmentation is recommended once a week. Have a computer technician help you with this if you’re not sure how to do it.

5. Faulty network adapter or driver/Bad network cable
Just like any product lifetime can come to an end, so do network cards and cables. If you are experiencing intermittent service, some of your equipment may be failing.

6. Interference or poor wireless signal (for wireless network users)
Typical wireless signals are good for about 300 feet without objects blocking them. If you are experiencing a slow wireless connection, try getting closer or restarting (power-cycling) your router.

7. Operating system or program file corruption/Operating system or programs not currently updated
Microsoft releases updates monthly for their Windows operating systems. These are important to download and install because they fix operating system problems.

8. Indexing or desktop service running
Google and Microsoft have released desktop search programs that steal memory and resources from your computer. Turn off these programs to help speed up your machine.

9. Problems with site being visited or the routing from that site on the Internet
Make sure you try a few different websites if you are having problems with the Internet. Every site performs maintenance, so it is possible that the one you are trying to access might be down.

10. Browsing during peak traffic times (yes, there is an Internet rush hour as well!)
Just as a freeway slows when too many cars are on it, the Internet slows when too many people access it. Try doing your surfing/browsing during off-peak hours.

If all else fails, a good solution to any computer problem is to try rebooting, as this can help free up memory and re-establish standard system settings.

These tips will help keep you online, whether at work or home! If you aren’t sure this is within your experience level, feel free to call My Computer Works for immediate, unlimited, and affordable computer support at 1-877-839-8057.

Microsoft Updates

Microsoft released just a few updates this month. However, don’t forget that these are extremely important to install on a regular basis. They help fix holes and bugs that could allow a hacker into your computer! To read more about the updates, you can click on the link below. As a My Computer Works customer, your machine should download these updates automatically, but if you have any questions, feel free to call us at 1-877-839-8057.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-sep.mspx

Thanks and have a wonderful month!

Sincerely,
Luke Ford
President and Founder

Official Terms and Conditions for iPod Nano drawing: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Customer may also enter drawing at company headquarters located at 15905 N. 81st St. #205, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Offer for current customers only. Only one iPod Nano will be given away. Drawing will be held on October 1st, 2006. Winner will be notified within one week of drawing with directions on claiming prize. iPod Nano is a trademark of Apple Computer and Apple Computer is not affiliated with, or a sponsor of, this promotion or MCW.

Public Speaking is Key

2006-08-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

Scottsdale Business Grows Revenue through Public Speaking

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (August 18, 2006) – My Computer Works, a Scottsdale company that provides small businesses and consumers instant help for nearly all computer software issues, is expected to grow its revenue over 850% from 2005 to 2006. According to My Computer Works, at least 50% of the customers they acquired in the last year were from public speaking engagements with various groups Valleywide.

My Computer Works, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based company, employs the unique technique of supporting computer users via the Internet with a U.S-based help desk. They offer an unlimited-use service where technicians log into a customer’s machine with their permission, and immediately offer help. Technicians can fix personal computer problems or act as a technology advisor, answering computer-related questions.

“Most consumers and small businesses do not realize that they don’t have to work for a large company to have access to immediate technical help ,” states Luke Ford, President of My Computer Works. “With limited marketing dollars, we have had to be creative to get in front of our potential customers. Public speaking engagements have been tremendous in our growth this year.”

Ford and his team speak at events five times a week on average. Small business professionals, in-home businesses, and consumers flock to him after a presentation. “We have a great service, and when we can get in front of people and explain it to them, we hit gold every time.”

About My Computer Works®, Inc.: My Computer Works, Inc. is a remote computer help desk service company offering safe, secure and simple personal computer solutions for the home and small business computer user. The company was incorporated in 2004 in Scottsdale, Arizona and utilizes a virtual technician service center to support its customers. The company’s technicians solve personal computer issues seven days a week remotely through high-speed Internet access. Sign up for their service by visiting www.mycomputerworks.com or calling 1-877-839-8057.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jade Waterman
My Computer Works
480-922-3567
Service: 1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

© 2006 My Computer Works. All rights reserved.

85239.com

2006-08-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

Check out an article posted on 85239.com about our partnership with Orbitel here:
http://www.85239.com/news/detail.cfm?id=5077

August Newsletter

2006-08-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hello My Computer Works Customers! Our articles this month include Google fighting spyware, poor anti-virus protection, the usual Microsoft Updates, and a great gift for your kids. Read on…

Google Fights Spyware

Google, one of the world’s largest search engines, has started warning computer users if they are about to visit a webpage that could harm their computer. When users click on a link to a page known to host spyware or other malicious programs, a warning will pop up advising the user not to continue further. Whatever the user then chooses to do is up to them. A research report released in March of this year stated that 4 to 6 percent of web pages host harmful content. For some keyword searches, such as “free screensavers”, that number increases dramatically to a whopping 64 percent! If you want to read more about Google’s new initiative, check out the link below.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5251742.stm">

Popular Anti-virus Software Only Has Twenty Percent Success Rate

New malware (or software inserted for a malicious purpose such as a Trojan horse, virus, or worm) is getting smarter. According to the Australian Computer Emergency Response Team (AusCERT), 80 percent of malware is left undetected by most popular desktop anti-virus applications. In fact, AusCERT goes on to state quite plainly that these anti-virus programs simply “don’t work” when it comes to catching the latest strains of malware. Cybercriminals are designing their Trojans and viruses to bypass any and all detection. Using more than one piece of anti-spyware in conjunction with a less commonly known anti-virus program can help. See the article link below to learn more. We at MCW can help you make the best software choices for your situation to protect you from this malicious software. Let your friends know they are at risk and to call My Computer Works at 1-877-839-8057 today!

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Eighty_percent_of_new_malware_defeats_antivirus/0,2000061744,39263949,00.htm

Microsoft Updates

August was a busy month for Microsoft. There were 12 new patches released this month, which is higher than normal. Computer users can look forward to getting up to nine critical patches along with up to three important patches, depending on whether they are running Windows 2000 or Windows XP. My Computer Works emphasizes the importance of staying current on the patches. You can read more about all the released patches by clicking the link below.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-aug.mspx

Give Your Kids a Gift They Can Use

It’s August - most parents’ favorite month, and it’s definitely not because of the heat! Back to school time for our kids means more homework, and more time on the computer. Make sure yours is protected with My Computer Works Service! Is your child away for college? No problem. What better gift to give them than a help desk whenever they need it? Those last minute papers are sure to be printed and turned in with MCW on their side!

Thank you and have a wonderful Fall!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
My Computer Works, Inc.

Scottsdale Republic: Part Deux

2006-08-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

A news brief about our Costco partnership was just featured in the Scottsdale Republic. Check it out here: http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/0803sr-biz0803briefsZ8.html

Orbitel and MCW

2006-07-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

Orbitel Offers Personal Computer Support to its Customers

Maricopa, Arizona (July 18, 2006) – Orbitel, in partnership with My Computer Works, Inc., announced it will offer a service to provide its customers immediate and unlimited personal computer support for a reduced cost. Orbitel, receiving a large number of computer support calls not applicable to their service, wanted to provide their customers access to high quality computer support and they have negotiated with My Computer Works to do so.

My Computer Works, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based company, employs the unique technique of supporting computer users via the Internet with a U.S-based help desk. They offer an unlimited-use service where technicians log into a customer’s machine with their permission, and immediately offer help. Technicians can fix personal computer problems or act as a technology advisor, answering computer-related questions.

“Most small offices and home offices don’t have the money to hire computer technicians or the time to fix their business’ personal computer issues; that’s how our service can help,” states Luke Ford, President of My Computer Works. “When a customer has a computer issue, they simply call our U.S.-based help desk, and we immediately connect to their computer and repair the problem.”

“The majority of people do not have the time or knowledge to keep their computers up and running,” states Ford. “Orbitel customers who choose to buy this service will have the peace of mind knowing they have a technician available seven days a week to address any concerns or problems they might have.”

Orbitel customers can purchase this service at the reduced cost, seven days a week, by visiting www.mycomputerworks.com or by calling 1-877-839-8057.
About Orbitel: Orbitel Communications is a local full service communications provider to the residents of Maricopa, Arizona. Today, they offer over 190 analog, digital, high definition video and digital music services, High Speed Internet and Digital Phone Services.
About My Computer Works®, Inc.: My Computer Works, Inc. is a remote computer help desk service company offering safe, secure and simple personal computer solutions for the home and small business computer user. The company was incorporated in 2004 in Scottsdale, Arizona and utilizes a virtual technician service center to support its customers. The company’s technicians solve personal computer issues seven days a week remotely through high-speed Internet access.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jade Waterman
My Computer Works
480-922-3567
Service: 1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

© 2006 My Computer Works. All rights reserved.

July Newsletter

2006-07-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer! In this month’s My Computer Works Newsletter, we have some scary information on spyware, some interesting findings on company security, and the monthly Microsoft updates.

It’s a Hijack!

BusinessWeek magazine recently published an article entitled “The Plot to Hijack Your Computer”. It paints a grim picture around Direct Revenue, one of the largest makers of spyware. For this company that knows what you do on the Internet, it is commonplace to receive death threats and expletives in their customer complaints. After all, they have caused millions of Internet users grief, time, and wariness. They once committed to clean up their act; however, as profits dipped, they went back to their old ways. If you are interested in learning more about what spyware really is, check out the article below…reader beware!

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_29/b3993001.htm

Company Security

Osterman Research, one of the leading analyst firms in the messaging and collaboration space, has just released a study of e-mail security trends. A whopping 84% of companies have had a virus, Trojan horse, or worm successfully infiltrate their network through e-mail, while 54% have had such a threat enter their network through the Internet. Ouch! Remember not to open e-mail and attachments that you aren’t expecting!

http://www.ostermanresearch.com/or_sec06es.pdf

Microsoft Updates

There were up to nine critical updates released from Microsoft yesterday, depending on which version of Windows you are running. At least five of these updates prevent a remote execution. To read more about these updates, you can click on the link below. My Computer Works has your computer downloading these updates automatically, but if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us at 1-877-839-8057.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-jul.mspx

Thanks and enjoy your summer!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
My Computer Works, Inc.

Secure Your Wireless Router

2006-07-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Three Simples Steps to Secure Your Wireless Router

With wireless fast becoming the easiest and most economical way to set up a home network, we get lots of questions about how to make sure it's secure. Here are some tips for securing your wireless router/access point and computers with wireless adapters. All of these can be accomplished through the web configuration you are walked through when you first set-up your router:

1. Change the defaults. Wireless routers and access points come with a preset administrator password and SSID (network name). These are usually the same for all routers or access points for that manufacturer. This means it's common knowledge to those tech savvy folks trying to break in.

2. Use encryption. And use Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption instead of Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). For instructions on how to configure WPA in XP, see: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/learnmore/bowman_05february10.mspx

3. Limit signal strength. The typical range of the most common wireless access points is about 300 feet.

These tips will help keep your personal computer and network safe, whether at work or home! If you aren’t sure this is within your experience level, feel free to call us at 1-877-839-8057.

Telecommuting

2006-07-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

Scottsdale Business Allows its Employees to Telecommute Full-Time

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (July 21, 2005) – My Computer Works, a Scottsdale company that provides small businesses and consumers instant help for nearly all computer software issues, has all of its technicians telecommuting full time. According to the National Technology Readiness Survey (NTRS) released July 13th, only 2 percent of working adults telecommute full-time, with U.S. workers wasting $3.9 billion a year in fuel and time.

My Computer Works is one of many companies that now offer full-time telecommuting to its employees. “We want to do our part for the environment, plus our employees seem happier,” states Luke Ford, President and Founder of My Computer Works.

Tim Kohler, the Vice President of Customer Service for My Computer Works, telecommutes full-time and manages his call center remotely. “It’s very economically and environmentally sound. I don’t have to waste unpaid driving time or $3 a gallon on gasoline,” said Kohler. “It’s a huge cost savings for the company, and for me.”

When asked how he can be sure that employees are working at their best from home, he stated, “Hiring the right people for the job is key. From there, you just have to trust them.” Kohler utilizes various tools, including a real-time communication portal that keeps the team synchronized. “Our technicians work extremely hard from home, and always have excellent communication with us,” he states.

About My Computer Works®, Inc.: My Computer Works, Inc. is a remote computer help desk service company offering safe, secure and simple personal computer solutions for the home and small business computer user. The company was incorporated in 2004 in Scottsdale, Arizona and utilizes a virtual technician service center to support its customers. The company’s technicians solve personal computer issues seven days a week remotely through high-speed Internet access. Sign up for their service by calling 1-877-839-8057.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jade Waterman
My Computer Works
480-922-3567
Service: 1-877-839-8057
http://www.mycomputerworks.com/

© 2006 My Computer Works. All rights reserved.

Slow Internet?

2006-06-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Reasons Your Internet Connection is Slow
(And guess what, not one of them has to do with your service provider! Read on to learn more…)

We all know the drill: you open your internet connection expecting a quick start-up…after all, you do have high-speed access. Unfortunately today it is at a snails pace. Frustration sets in, and you automatically blame your internet service provider, but wait…they may not be the one at fault. Check out the list below for other reasons you might be experiencing problems with the internet.

Too many applications running
Having too many applications or windows open can lead to a memory squeeze on your computer. Keep open those things you need, and close those you really don’t.

Insufficient amount of memory
People who have upgraded their computer are even more at risk for this problem. Newer software tends to eat up more memory and you may need t

Infections from viruses or spyware
These infections can make your computer come to a grinding halt. If you notice pop-ups, browser redirects, and slow performance from your PC, chances are you have a nasty bug. These are becoming more and more common with most people at a high risk.

Fragmented and or full hard drive
When a computer has to skip to different sections of the hard drive to find files, it can take awhile. A disk de-fragment is recommended once a week. Have a computer technician help you with this if you don’t know how.

Faulty network adapter or driver/Bad network cable
Just like any product lifetime can come to an end, so do network cards and cables. If you are experiencing intermittent service, some of your equipment could have gone bad.

Interference or poor wireless signal (for wireless network users) Typical wireless signals are good for about 300 feet without objects blocking them. If you are experiencing a slow wireless connection, try getting closer or restarting your router.

Operating system or program file corruption/Operating system or programs not currently updated
Windows releases updates monthly for their operating systems. These are important to download and install because they fix operating system problems.

Indexing or desktop service running
Google and Microsoft have released desktop search programs that steal memory and resources from your computer. Turn off these programs to help speed up your machine.

Problems with site being visited or the routing from that site on the internet
Make sure you try a few different websites if you are having problems with the internet. Every site does maintenance and the one you are trying to access might be down.

Browsing during peak traffic times (yes, there is an internet rush hour as well!)
Just as a freeway slows when too many cars are on it, the internet slows when too many people access it. Try doing your surfing at off hours.

If all else fails, a good solution to any computer problem is to try rebooting, as this can help free up memory and reestablishes standard system settings.

These tips will help keep you online, whether at work or home! If you aren’t sure this is within your experience level, feel free to call My Computer Works for immediate, unlimited, and affordable computer support at 1-877-839-8057.

Identity Theft

2006-06-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

Identity Theft Through Internet Becoming An Epidemic

PHOENIX, Arizona (June 23, 2006) – Over nine million people will be victims of identity fraud totaling over $52 billion dollars this year. People use the internet to apply for loans, pay their credit card bills, and check bank balances daily. Unfortunately most are not educated on the best way to protect all of their personal information, leaving them vulnerable. A computer infected with a Trojan horse or malicious spyware can track keystrokes, recording all passwords, user names, and other crucial data needed to steal someone’s identity. Phishing, an e-mail scam used to gain bank account information, has now also become a common practice.

My Computer Works, a Valley-based business, is employing a unique technique to help computer users overcome these malicious tools. For only $19.95 a month, they offer an unlimited-use help desk where technicians log into a customer’s machine with permission, and eliminate all spyware and viruses.

“Most people are not aware of the fact that they have spyware on their computers” states Luke Ford, CEO of My Computer Works, “It runs in the background, usually with no symptoms. Almost all of our customers had at least one piece of spyware on their machines when they initially called us. We just want to offer a low cost solution to them… personal computer users shouldn’t have to buy a new computer every time their current one becomes infected or slow.” Ford offers these tips to help computer users protect themselves online:

Update virus software regularly
Don’t open files or click on hyperlinks from strangers
Do not open unexpected attachments from people you do know until you verify them
Use a firewall program
Use a more secure Internet browser
If you use a laptop, try not to store financial information on it
Do not conduct financial activities on an open network (i.e. – airports or coffee shops)
Use a good password with a combo of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols
Use a data destruction utility or physically destroy the hard drive on a computer before disposing of it
Check website privacy policies about the use of personal information
When shopping online, make sure the company is reputable and displays an approved security symbol
Make sure you log out of the site when finished
Limit the amount of personal information you publish on the web

“The majority of people do not have the time or knowledge to protect themselves accordingly,” states Ford. “My Computer Works’ customers have the peace of mind knowing that their computer is more secure, and they have an expert available to address any concerns or problems they might have regarding their computer.”

About My Computer Works®, Inc.: My Computer Works, Inc. is a remote computer help desk service company offering safe, secure and simple personal computer solutions for the home and small business computer user. The company was incorporated in 2004 in Scottsdale, Arizona and utilizes a virtual technician service center to support its customers. The company’s technicians solve personal computer issues seven days a week remotely through high-speed Internet access.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jade Waterman
My Computer Works
480-922-3567
Service: 1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

© 2006 My Computer Works. All rights reserved.

June Newsletter

2006-06-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to your monthly My Computer Works June Newsletter! We have a great gift idea for dad this month, plus information about Windows 98 and ME operating systems, a Yahoo E-mail worm, and the latest Microsoft updates. Enjoy!

Father’s Day Gift

Sunday is Father’s Day! Why not give your dad something he really wants this year - more time and less stress! No black socks and new ties for dad; instead, thrill him with a free year of computer support. If you purchase a My Computer Works Father’s Day gift certificate, we will waive 50% of your activation fee! Call our help desk today at 1-877-839-8057 and we will make sure your dad is ready for service on Father’s Day.

Microsoft Support Expiring

If you or someone you know is still using a computer running Windows 98 or Millennium Edition (ME), now there is a very valid reason to upgrade; Windows will only be supporting both their Windows 98 and Windows ME operating systems for a few more weeks. Microsoft will not fix a serious flaw that could let an intruder commandeer a vulnerable PC operating with Windows 98 or Windows ME because the patch could break other applications. Experts continue to state that these older versions of Windows have never been secure, and both experts and Microsoft agree that the best way to secure PCs that run older versions of Windows is to upgrade the operating system.

After July 11th, both of these operating systems will no longer be supported by Microsoft.

My Computer Works can help you or your friends and family determine if your PC is capable of upgrading, or we can give impartial advice on buying a new system.

Microsoft Updates

There were eight critical updates released from Microsoft today! The programs these updates affect are all over the board from Microsoft Office to Windows Media Player to Internet Explorer. There were also three important updates and one moderate update. To read more about these updates, you can click on the link below. My Computer Works has your computer downloading these updates automatically, but if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us at 1-877-839-8057.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/current.aspx

Yahoo Mail Bug

Yesterday an e-mail worm aimed at Yahoo’s e-mail service busied itself infecting the files of computer users worldwide. Unlike many worms that require an e-mail attachment to be opened, this worm was unleashed as soon as the e-mail was opened. It would then scan contacts and e-mail addresses for those ending in yahoo.com, or yahoogroups.com for additional targets.

Luckily, as of today, Yahoo has already contained the bug, and has stated that "a very small fraction" of its more than 200 million e-mail accounts were infected Monday when the problem was first identified. Yahoo advised its e-mail users to block all incoming correspondence from av3@yahoo.com. The worm arrived in the form of an e-mail containing JavaScript and contains the words "New Graphic Site" in the subject field. If you use Yahoo Mail and have concerns about your system, call us at 1-877-839-8057.

If you like these articles, please feel free to pass them on to your friends, clients and colleagues. Thanks for your continued support!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
My Computer Works, Inc.

May Newsletter

2006-05-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the May edition of the My Computer Works newsletter! As you are getting ready for this weekend, we would like to give you a very unique Mother’s Day idea! Also in this newsletter, we have some information on IT businesses that off-shore in India, the latest Microsoft updates for this month and the new Office verification system Microsoft is planning to unveil.

My Computer Works Mother’s Day Gift!

Still searching for that perfect gift for Mother’s Day? We’ve got it here for you! What better to give your mom than one free YEAR of computer help! We can help you set up an account for your mother, and even email you a printable gift certificate to give her on Mother’s Day. Call us at 1-877-839-8057 to sign up your mother for all the free computer help she will need this year.

Microsoft Updates

Microsoft released only two “critical” updates this month, neither of which for Microsoft Office or Internet Explorer. My Computer Works customers download the updates automatically, but if you have questions about this, please call us at 1-877-839-8057.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-may.mspx

Pirated MS Office Software

In other news on the Microsoft front, they have recently begun piloting a new program that will test to see whether customers have a genuine version of Microsoft Office on their PC. According to News.com, “Microsoft estimates that about half of the 300 million copies of Office in use are pirated,” which causes Microsoft to lose potentially billions of dollars in revenue each year. This new tool will verify a genuine installation of Microsoft Office when the automatic updates are installed. Those machines that do not pass the test will not be able to download the security updates. Microsoft declined to say exactly when the program would move beyond the pilot phase, but did say that it would happen. To read more about the program, check out the PC World article below.

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,125542,00.asp

Thank you to all of you for your continued support!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

We love your referrals! If anyone you know needs our services, please have them call us at 1-877-839-8057 to sign up now!

Protecting Kids Online

2006-05-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Watch Your Children Around…Your Computer?

PHOENIX, Arizona (June 27, 2006) – Internet savvy kids are taking the internet by storm. In this new technology age, most children are more computer literate than their parents. Unfortunately though, kids do not fully comprehend the dangers that lurk out there on the World Wide Web. More and more children are putting themselves and their parents’ computer at risk daily. With spy-ware and identity theft at an all-time high, kids need to know and understand that every person and program isn’t as safe as they might think. They often place trust in people they meet in chat rooms, which can be extremely dangerous. Teenagers have the highest risk because they are often unsupervised online. Parents, however, can reduce these risks by educating their children appropriately about the dangers lurking on the Internet.

My Computer Works, a Scottsdale-based business, is employing a new technique to help parents monitor their children. For only $19.95 a month they offer an unlimited-use help desk where technicians will log into a customer’s machine with permission, and eliminate any spy-ware or viruses they find. If requested, My Computer Works can also check the recent history of websites viewed by the children in the household. Luke Ford, CEO of My Computer Works, states that “Children can benefit from the Internet as much as adults do. They just need to know the ground rules. Agree upon the time of day that they can be online, the length of time online, and appropriate areas to visit.” He offers these tips for parents wanting to educate their children:
Kids' Rules for Online Safety
1.
Do not give out any personal information such as address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number, or the name and location of your school without parents’ permission.
2.
Tell your parents immediately if you come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
3.
Never ever meet someone in person that you know only online without first checking with your parents. If your parents agree to the meeting, be sure that it is in a public place and bring your mother or father along.
4.
Never send a person your picture or anything else without first checking with your parents.
5.
Never give out your Internet password to anyone (even best friends) other than your parents.
6.
Check with your parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could possibly hurt the computer or jeopardize family privacy.

About My Computer Works®, Inc.: My Computer Works, Inc. is a remote computer help desk service company offering safe, secure and simple personal computer solutions for the home and small business computer user. The company was incorporated in 2004 in Scottsdale, Arizona and utilizes a virtual technician service center to support its customers. The company’s technicians solve personal computer issues seven days a week remotely through high-speed Internet access.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jade Waterman
My Computer Works
480-922-3567
Service: 1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

© 2006 My Computer Works. All rights reserved.

April Newsletter

2006-04-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the April edition of the My Computer Works newsletter. In this issue, we let you know about pricing changes in our service, Microsoft updates, and a warning for companies whose employees may be using Google Desktop.

My Computer Works Price Change

Because of rising technical cost, we here at My Computer Works will soon be implementing a $49.95 one-time activation fee for each computer you set up with us. This fee will be implemented on all new computers signed up for service after May 1st. If you are interested in signing up any more computers, or if you have family and friends that would like to sign up, have them do it before May 1st to save them from paying the activation fee.

Microsoft Updates

Microsoft released some pretty hefty “critical” updates this month, particularly for Internet Explorer. Eight of the ten vulnerabilities repaired by this month’s Internet Explorer updates could be abused to gain complete control over a computer running susceptible versions of the web browser. We here at My Computer Works, highly recommend that you download and use Mozilla’s web browser Firefox (you can find it at www.mozilla.com). However, if you still want to use Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, as a My Computer Works customer, your computer should be downloading the patches automatically. If you have questions about this, call us at 1-877-839-8057.

There were also “critical” updates released about Microsoft windows and an “important” update for Microsoft Outlook. If you would like to read more about these updates, please visit the link below.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-apr.mspx

Google Desktop

Companies in Europe have already banned Google Desktop from the computers of their employees and now companies in the US are starting to do the same. Google Desktop poses an "unacceptable risk" to many organizations because it allows people to share information and also stores some of that data on Google servers. With the built-in search feature, Google desktop can search for information off the servers and store it on the computer indefinitely. For more information on whether Google Desktop should or should not be banned in your organization, check out the article below.

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-6049536.html

Losing your data can set you or your business back weeks, years, even forever. Don’t take a risk with your more important asset, be sure you are backing up your data. Call us to find out more about our data back up services. Thank you for your continued support!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

Our business thrives on referrals! If you know anyone in need of our services, please have them call us at 1-877-839-8057 to sign up now!

March Newsletter

2006-03-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

Our March newsletter is chock-full of good information. We talk about spy-ware, ideas on keeping your computer cleaning and recycling your old computer, and the latest Microsoft updates.

Spy-ware

We all hear so much about spy-ware that we are afraid to click “yes” on a pop-up on your computer! As a My Computer Works customer we have installed quality spy-ware protection software on your computer, but still be careful. Don’t down load other anti-spy-ware programs. There are spy-ware programs posing as ANTI-spy-ware programs. They claim to find spy-ware that our programs don’t…instead only bog down your machine with even more spy-ware. For a list of the most common “rogue” anti-spy-ware check out the link below.

http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2006/03/new-rogue-antispyware.html

Spring Cleaning…for your Computer

My Computer Works has helped you clean out the inside of your computer, but keep in mind that the outside of your computer needs some TLC too. Here are a few tips from PCWorld.com to help you safely clean all your systems components.

The PC Case – First, turn off the PC before doing any cleaning. Then look at the fan on the back of your system: If it's fuzzy, use a can of compressed air to spray off the dust in a sideways direction. Dust other case surfaces with a disposable dusting cloth. If there's other gunk on the case a slightly damp paper towel will do the trick. Note: While dust lurks inside, too, don't go there unless you're very familiar with the PC's internal organs.

Printer – To prevent printer jams and other foul-ups, give a small burst of compressed air to the printer mechanism that rolls in the paper. With an inkjet printer, make sure to print at least a page once a week in order to avoid cartridge clogs. To clean the outside of the printer case, use a slightly damp cloth.

Monitor – Unplug it and dust it with a disposable dusting cloth. If it's really dirty unplug it and use a slightly damp cloth with water only. Do NOT use Windex-type glass cleaners or household detergents. And never spray water directly on the display.

Keyboard – Unplug the keyboard, and then turn it upside down to shake out the cookie crumbs and edible artifacts. If it’s really dirty, you can buy a new, clean one for between $10 and $20.

Arizona Computer Recycle Day

You’ve finally upgraded to a new computer since Microsoft won’t support your beloved old Windows 98 PC. Now what are you going to do with that old computer? Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology, or AZStRUT, a local non-profit will be having their Fifth Annual Computer Recycle Day on April 22nd. AZStRUT has local students refurbish the donated computers to gain knowledge about computer technology. They then donate the refurbished computers to local non-profits and schools. All donations are tax-deductible. For a list of valley-wide drop off centers, go to http://www.azstrut.org/recycleday5.html. Our out-of-state customers can find more information on donating at the National Cristina Foundation or http://www.cristina.org.

Microsoft Updates

Microsoft released critical updates yesterday. As a My Computer Works customer, your computer is set to download all new updates automatically giving you one less thing to worry about! If you would like to read more about the updates, you can click on the link below. Call us at 1-877-839-8057 with any questions.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/bulletins/200603.mspx

And lastly, do you know where your data is? Once again, here’s a reminder to always backup your data. It’s your most important asset. Give us a call to find out more about our data back up services, and thanks for your support!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

We love hearing from referrals! Please have your friends and family call us at 1-877-839-8057 to sign up now!

February Newsletter

2006-02-19T16:22:00.000-08:00

Did you know that 19 out of 20 small businesses that lose their data or client information for more than one week, go out of business for good? This was an astonishing statistic to me! Think of all of the small businesses that were ruined in the wake of Hurricane Katrina because they weren’t prepared. My Computer Works now offers Data Backup services starting at $14.95 per month. Backup weekly, nightly, monthly…you chose what gets backed up and when. Make sure you are protected from the inevitable hard drive crash, or not-so-inevitable natural disaster.

Also this month we address the latest Microsoft updates and some new findings on Web browsers and spyware!

Microsoft Updates
Microsoft released their February updates yesterday. There were two critical updates pertaining to Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player and five important updates to download. As a My Computer Works customer, your computer downloads these automatically…you don’t have to stress about it, or even think about it! If you would like to read more about the updates, you can click on the link below. Call us at 1-877-839-8057 with any questions.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/bulletins/200602.mspx

Mozilla Firefox
My Computer Works has been a big proponent of using Mozilla Firefox for valid reason. According to a published report by academic researchers, Internet Explorer users “can be as much as 21 times more likely to end up with a spyware-infected PC than people who go online with Mozilla's Firefox browser”. You can download this Internet browser at www.mozilla.com.

One of the research's most upsetting findings was the number of spyware-infected sites. One out of every 20 executable files on websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains contain at least one piece of spyware waiting for victims, which explains why spyware is continuing to be a major concern for computer users. The report concluded that if you browse the Internet, you're eventually going to get hit with a spyware attack. Pretty scary! My Computer Works takes action to prevent spyware attacks on your computer the first time you use our service. To help protect you, we not only load one, but three anti-spyware programs for free on your computer. If your PC has been running slower than usual, or if you have any questions regarding spyware, feel free to give us a call at 1-877-839-8057!

On a personal note, My Computer Works has been growing exponentially these past six months, and is now in 15 different states! We want to thank you for believing in an emerging technology and supporting an expanding company. Thanks for your continued support.

Luke Ford
President and Founder
1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

Please make sure your friends and family are getting the same great service and protection you are…have them call us at 1-877-839-8057 to sign up now!

January Newsletter

2006-01-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

First off, let me thank each and every one of you for the outstanding 2005 we had here at My Computer Works. We are all very excited and ready for an even better year in 2006. Time to start the New Year right with our January newsletter! Check it out Microsoft updates, and backup services below!

Microsoft Updates
Because of a critical WMF (Windows Meta File) vulnerability in Windows, we sent you an extra email this month detailing the problem and the steps needed to fix it. Soon after, Microsoft issued an extra security update out of the cycle of their monthly security updates. If you installed the unofficial fix we sent you, it is OK to leave it in place. The patch was not provided by Microsoft, but it will not conflict with the official fix Microsoft released. Because of this vulnerability, Microsoft also included the update for the WMF vulnerability in their January security update release. Two additional updates have been released this month that affect Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. Read more about the updates here:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/bulletins/200601.mspx

Common Questions
We receive a lot of calls daily, and we hear some of the same questions so we thought we would answer a few of them for you this month:

“Can I leave my computer on 24x7?”
Yes you can, however it is recommended that you re-start it at least once a week. Most times, your anti-virus programs scan late at night so leaving your computer on can be helpful.

“What should I do if I receive an attachment I wasn’t expecting?”
Delete it. Most viruses spread because people download files blindly. Even files that are from friends or relatives should be confirmed before opening.

“I received an email from my bank/PayPal/eBay asking me to update information, is it real?”
Probably not. If you are unsure, don’t click on the link straight out of the email, go to their site directly or even better…call them.

“If I visit a site that keeps asking me to lower my security settings, should I?”
We don’t recommend it. Ask yourself, “Do I really need to go to that site?”. It’s not a great idea to shut off your anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware, and lower your browser’s security settings in order to send a free greeting card.

If you have any questions, large or small, feel free to give us a call at 1-877-839-8057!

Don’t Lose Your Data!
Pictures, financial data, business documents…what is more valuable than all of that information you have stored on your trusty computer? Here at My Computer Works, we also offer data backup services. That’s right; you can encrypt and backup all of the information on your computer to a remote backup server through the Internet, weekly, or even nightly. For pricing, or more information, call us at 1-877-839-8057.

Thanks for your continued support!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

Give your family and friends peace of mind with their computer and all its data by referring them to My Computer Works!

December Newsletter

2005-12-18T15:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays My Computer Works customers! In this newsletter we inform you about an instant messaging worm, Microsoft updates, the new Firefox, and a holiday gift idea. Check it all out below!

Microsoft Updates

Microsoft released a warning along with their monthly updates yesterday. It seems that there was a “critical” security flaw that could allow attackers to take complete control of a computer. A problem is deemed “critical” by Microsoft when the vulnerability could allow a damaging Internet worm to replicate without the users knowledge. Microsoft issued a patch to fix the problem and urged users to install it as quickly as possible. My Computer Works set your computer to download these updates automatically so you don’t have to worry about it! Please call us if you have any questions regarding automatic updates. Check out Microsoft’s updates here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-dec.mspx

An Instant Messaging Worm?

We were curious too, but yep that’s right, hackers have found yet another way to infect our computers. This new worm targets users of AIM, America Online’s Instant Messaging service. The worm sends an instant message that says “lol thats cool” along with a URL to an attachment of the malicious worm. When users have responded to the message, some even asking if the attachment is a virus, the worm replies “lol no its not a virus”. After gaining entry, the worm sends itself out to contacts on the victims buddy list. Users cannot even see that the messages are being sent. My Computer Works customers beware…use care when clicking on links in instant messages, even if they come from friends and be sure to verify that the link was sent intentionally. Read more about it here:

http://news.com.com/New+IM+worm+chats+with+intended+victims/2100-7349_3-5984845.html?tag=nefd.top

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox, a substitute for Internet Explorer and a rapidly growing fan base released a new version. Firefox 1.5 includes more robust virus, spyware, and popup ad blocking. It also has faster page navigation and it’s easy to install and import your favorites. With useful features like tabbed browsing, and a tool that lets you clean up your surfing history with two clicks, Firefox packs their browser full of useful features. You can download this browser here:

http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

Holiday Gift Idea

Having trouble finding that perfect gift for that “hard-to-shop-for” person? Consider giving them a gift certificate for My Computer Works services. Call or email our VP of Marketing, Jade Waterman at jade@mycomputerworks.com or 480-922-3567. She can sign up your friend or family member and send you an electronic gift certificate to give them. Don’t let those you care about suffer through long and frustrating computer problems. We bet you didn’t know you could actually buy someone more time!

Happy holidays and thanks for your continued support!

Luke Ford
President and Founder
1-877-839-8057
http://www.mycomputerworks.com/

If you love us as much as we hope you do, share the love with friends and family and let them know about My Computer Works!

November Newsletter

2005-11-25T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hello My Computer Works Customers,

In this months newsletter we discuss, our Extended Hours, Microsoft Updates, Pharming, and a Holiday Gift idea!

Extended Hours
Thanks to your support and the great customer growth and response, we have decided to extend our hours effective immediately to 8:00am to 10:00pm Mountain Standard Time – still seven days a week!
Microsoft Updates
Microsoft released their November updates this week and there is one critical update that is important to you. Microsoft says, “Vulnerabilities exist in Windows that could allow an attacker to take complete control of the affected system.”

As a My Computer Works customer, your computer should have downloaded this update automatically. If you aren’t sure, or have any questions, call us at 1-877- 839-8075. For the full Microsoft article, Please visit the below link:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-nov.mspx

What Is “Pharming”, And Why Do I Need To Know About It?
“Phishing” is when a person sends an email acting as someone else in an attempt to get personal information from the addressee for the purposes of identity theft. I’m sure many of you have received e-mails from a “Bank in South America” needing to verify your information. All of this, of course, is fraudulent. Enter now “pharming”, one of the latest scams in identity theft. Similar in nature to e-mail phishing, pharming seeks to obtain personal or private (usually financial related) information through website redirection. Pharming 'poisons' an internet naming server (DNS) by giving it false information, resulting in a user's request being redirected elsewhere. Your browser however will show you are at the correct Web site, but it will be a fake, copied from a well-known site. For example, you get an email from your bank asking you to verify account information, and when you click on the link, you are taken to a site that looks just like your bank’s website, but in fact, is not their actual site. Then all of the information you enter into this fake site can be compromised. Pharming is a bit more serious than phishing and more difficult to detect.

As a rule, never enter personal or financial information into a website that you have gone to through a link in your e-mail. Feel free to call us at 1-877-839-8057 if you have any questions regarding pharming.

Holiday Gift!
What better gift could you give your loved ones than saved money and time this holiday season? Consider giving the perfect gift, My Computer Works service, to your loved ones. You can sign them right up on our website at www.mycomputerworks.com.

Luke Ford, President and Founder
1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

* If you are happy with your service, please tell all of your friends and family members about My Computer Works!

October Newsletter

2005-10-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hello My Computer Works Customers,

We are back again with some news from the cyber world for this October edition of the My Computer Works newsletter. We will be expanding our hours AGAIN on November 1st. We will be available 8am to 10pm Mountain Standard Time in order to offer you more flexibility and computer service coverage. Also, we are very excited to be launching our new website on Monday October 17th. Please visit us at http://www.mycomputerworks.com/ and check out all of the new features and information.

In this newsletter:

3 Critical Updates From Microsoft
What is Spy-ware?

Microsoft Updates
After not releasing any updates for September, Microsoft released their October updates this week and there were 3 critical updates that might be important to you. Let me tell you Microsoft’s executive summary on the issues your computer could possibly have if the updates are not downloaded:

Critical Issue #1 – “A vulnerability exists in DirectShow that could allow an attacker to take complete control of the affected system.”

Critical Issue #2 – “Vulnerabilities exist in MSDC and COM+ that could allow an attacker to take complete control of the affected system.”

Critical Issue #3 – “A vulnerability exists in Internet Explorer that could allow an attacker to take complete control of an affected system.”

The fact that an attacker could take control of your system is scary! Seeing as you are a My Computer Works customer, your computer should be downloading these updates automatically. If you aren’t sure, or have any questions, call us at 1-877- 839-8075. For the full Microsoft article, Please visit the below link:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-oct.mspx

What is Spy-ware?
Spy-ware is software that tracks your computer usage and/or online activities and usually sends this information back to company responsible for creating it. It is installed without your knowledge. It invades your privacy, it can add itself to your Internet favorites, and can “hijack” your homepage, browser, or settings so you can’t change them. It may force you to visit certain sites or hijack your browser all together. It’s also referred to as a data miner as it can read existing cookies, scan files, or monitor keystrokes. Having spy-ware on your computer can increase your chances of identity theft because it tracks your personal information. It can also slow your computer down, and even restrict your Internet access.

Of our customers, 100% had some type of spy-ware loaded onto their machines (including myself) that we helped to get rid of! Our technicians are extremely experienced with this software and know how to use it to eliminate spy-ware in your internal configuration and start-up settings. Please let your friends and family know that this is a serious issue and My Computer Works can help!

Last but not least, all of us here at My Computer Works would like to wish you happy and safe surfing this autumn! Don’t hesitate to call.

Luke Ford, President and Founder
1-877-839-8057
602-445-6462
http://www.mycomputerworks.com/

* Please tell all of your friends and family members about My Computer Works!

September Newsletter

2005-09-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hello My Computer Works Customers,

Can you believe it is already September? Back to school for all the kids, relief for all the parents. In this newsletter, you will find an article on computer security for students, plus much more. As a reminder, we are now available 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm pacific.

In this newsletter:

Computer Security Tips For Students
Microsoft Cancels Critical Updates
“Zytob” Worm Hunt

Computer Security Tips For Students
Back to school, the time for new shoes, school supplies, and…computers? The National Center for Education Statistics says that over 66 percent of elementary and secondary students are now using computers for their school work. Make sure the students you know are aware of these practices to help keep the computer they use for school free of viruses, spy-ware, hackers, and other possible attacks.
1. Perform basic computer safety maintenance
2. Don’t open files from strangers
3. Help fight spam and online scams
4. Learn how to protect yourself from spy-ware
5. Take precautions when you go wireless
6. Password protect your computer- and lock it
7. Back up your work (and the fun stuff too)

If you have questions on how best to accomplish any one of these tips, click on the link below for the full article along with more information on each tip.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/children/backtoschool.mspx
Microsoft Updates
We usually have a section that lets you know about all of the updates that Microsoft releases every month, however, yesterday Microsoft announced that they were canceling their “Patch Tuesday” this month. Seeing as you are a My Computer Works customer, your computer should be downloading any updates automatically. If you aren’t sure, or have any questions, call us at 1-877- 839-8075. For the full Microsoft article, Please visit the below link:
http://www.betanews.com/article/Microsoft_Cancels_Patch_Tuesday/1126275353
“Zotob” Worm Hunt
The FBI arrested two men in Turkey and Morocco in conjunction with the “Zotob” and “Mytob” worms that were released over the Internet a few weeks ago, causing panic and major malfunctions in computers across the world. The attack not only hampered personal users, but also brought down some corporate and media networks. As a My Computer Works customer, your computer was locked down before it could be attacked…one of the many benefits of being a MCW user. If you have any friends that were infected, have them give us a call, and we’ll send you a $10 referral fee!
http://www.techweb.com/wire/security/170100897

All of us here at My Computer Works want to thank you for your continued support. Have a great month, and don’t hesitate to call.

Luke Ford, President and Founder
1-877-839-8057
602-445-6462

*Remember, for every customer you refer, we send you a CHECK for $10! Please tell all of your friends and family members about My Computer Works!

August Newsletter

2005-08-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hello My Computer Works Customers,

It is time for the August Newsletter for My Computer Works. We have some exciting news for you this month… My Computer Works has extended its help-desk hours! We are now available 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm pacific. We understand that most people only have spare time on the weekends, and we want to be here to help YOU!

In this newsletter:

3 Critical Updates From Microsoft
Keeping Laptop Data Safe
Car Computers Now At Risk For Viruses
Microsoft Updates
Microsoft released their updates this week and there were 3 critical updates that might be important to you. Let me give you Microsoft’s executive summary on the issues your computer could possibly have if the updates are not downloaded:

Critical Issue #1 – “Vulnerabilities exist in Internet Explorer, the most severe of these could allow an attacker to take complete control of an affected system.”

Critical Issue #2 – “A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Plug and Play (PnP) that could allow an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability to take complete control of the affected system.”

Critical Issue #3 – “A vulnerability exists in the Print Spooler service that could allow remote code execution.”

I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t like the sound of any of those. Seeing as you are a My Computer Works customer, your computer should be downloading these updates automatically. If you aren’t sure, or have any questions, call us at 1-877- 839-8075. For the full Microsoft article, Please visit the below link:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-aug.mspx
Keeping Laptop Data Safe
There are enough known risks out in the World Wide Web, with Viruses and Spy-ware, but laptops are in a risk category all their own. Even if you use extra protection for all the bugs your PC can accumulate, laptops still have the jeopardy of being, lost, stolen, or damaged. If you keep your finances on your laptop, and it is stolen, the perpetrator now has access to all of your financial information… all the more reason to keep that laptop extra secure. Remember to use a log-on password for your laptop, and change it every three months for extra safety. Techworld.com explains the most important tip of encrypting your data. Check out the link below for a complete article on how to help keep data on your laptop safe.

http://www.techworld.com/security/features/index.cfm?FeatureID=1616

Car Computers Now At Risk For Viruses
You think you are safe in your car because it has seatbelts and airbags, right? Time to re-think that. With technology in autos only getting more complex, vehicles are now at a higher risk for getting viruses like those for your computer. New cars are employing Bluetooth wireless technology, and sooner-or-later hackers will find the vulnerabilities to compromise it. What are the ramifications? MSNBC states, “The worst that could happen is that the computer's control of engine performance and emissions, navigation and entertainment systems cease to function. That would probably mean an annoying trip to the repair shop or having to reboot the system.” Luckily, this hasn’t big an issue for car makers yet, but they are ramping up their security measures and development. To find out more information about this, check out the link below.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/8754026/

Last but not least, all of us here at My Computer Works would like to wish you happy and safe surfing this summer! Don’t hesitate to call.

Luke Ford, President and Founder
1-877-839-8057
602-445-6462

*Remember, for every customer you refer, we send you a CHECK for $10! Please tell all of your friends and family members about My Computer Works!

July Newsletter

2005-07-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hello My Computer Works Customers,

Time again for our monthly newsletter with some important information! If you are a My Computer Works customer, these issues probably do not apply to you, but for your curiosity, here is what is going on in the tech world…

In this newsletter:

3 Critical Updates From Microsoft
Spyware…The Bad, The Worse, The Ugly
Article On How NOT To Install Software

Microsoft Updates
Microsoft released their updates this week and there were 3 critical updates you should know about. Let me give you THEIR executive summary on the issues your computer might have if you do not download the updates:

Critical Issue #1 – “A vulnerability exists in Word that could allow an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerable to take complete control of the affected system.”

Critical Issue #2 – “A vulnerability exists in the Microsoft Color Management Module that could allow an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerable to take complete control of the affected system.”

Critical Issue #3 – “A vulnerability exists in JView Profiler that could allow an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerable to take complete control of the affected system.”

My executive summary – None of those issues sound fun. Your computer is set to automatically download these updates, however if you have any questions about them, or would like us to make sure they were downloaded properly, feel free to call us for help! You can find all the information on these updates at the link below.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-jul.mspx

Spyware…The Bad, The Worse, and The Ugly!
Spyware can now be a debilitating and scary unknown for most of us out there on the Information Superhighway. Susannah Fox, Associate Director of PEW Internet and American Life Project, a non-profit research center studying the social effects of the Internet on Americans, found that 52% of home internet users say their computer has slowed down or is not running as fast as it used to. An astounding 48% of internet users say they have stopped visiting particular Web sites that they fear might deposit unwanted programs on their computers. We here at My Computer Works are sad to say that we have found at least one piece of Spyware on 100% of our customer’s machines. Spyware isn’t your fault, but it is out there and you are most likely going to run into it. Remember, don’t be afraid to call us regularly for Spyware maintenance on your computer! If you would like to read all of PEW Internet and American Life Project’s findings check out the like below.

http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_Spyware_Report_July_05.pdf

How NOT To Install Software
One of our technicians found a great article titled “How NOT To Install Software”. The article talks about the importance of denying the installation of software you are not familiar with. It’s one man’s words on his frustration with Licensing Agreements, Spyware, and “Megabundles” of software. You can read this article full of humor and aggravation by clicking on the link below.

http://www.vitalsecurity.org/2005/07/how-not-to-install-software.html

Last but not least, all of us here at My Computer Works would like to wish you happy and safe surfing this summer! Don’t hesitate to call.

Luke Ford, CEO
1-877-839-8057
602-445-6462

*Remember, for every customer you refer, we send you a CHECK for $10! Please tell all of your friends and family members about My Computer Works!

My Computer Works!

2005-06-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Immediate Remote Help Desk Service for Consumers
and Small Businesses Now Offered In Arizona

PHOENIX, Arizona (June 15, 2005) – Over 1,500 consumers and small businesses have now signed up for My Computer Works personal computer remote help desk service. My Computer Works service provides customers with instant help for nearly all computer software issues and is the only company in Phoenix to offer such support. Customers with computer problems can call the company’s dedicated toll-free number and a live technician will immediately connect to the customer’s computer with their approval. The technician can then remotely access the computer to solve the problem or answer any questions they might have.

My Computer Works recognized a demand for U.S.-based immediate, friendly and affordable computer help to solve computer users’ problems and answer their questions. My Computer Works is focusing on consumers and small businesses that are frequent personal computer users and are frustrated with the on-going daily challenges associated with simply using a computer.

“We offer a safe, simple, and secure help desk support solution for home computer users, as well as small businesses who do not want to pay or wait for an on-site technician,” said Luke Ford, president of My Computer Works. “Our service is only $19.95 per month with a low activation fee, and our customers get access to unlimited, expert, live technical support all year long.”

“Our customers don’t need to carry a machine into a store; they don’t need to wait for a technician to arrive to their location; they simply call our toll free number and get the instant help they need. We don’t care if it is a complicated problem on their computer or a simple question; we still charge our same low monthly rate.”

About My Computer Works®, Inc.: My Computer Works, Inc. is a remote computer help desk service company offering safe, secure and simple personal computer solutions for the home and small business computer user. The company was incorporated in 2004 in Scottsdale, Arizona and utilizes a virtual technician service center to support its customers. The company’s technicians solve personal computer issues seven days a week remotely through high-speed Internet access. Sign up for their service by calling 1-877-839-8057.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jade Waterman
My Computer Works
480-922-3567
Service: 1-877-839-8057
www.mycomputerworks.com

© 2005 My Computer Works. All rights reserved.