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Finnegan Computer Services
Providing quality computer sales, service, and on-site repairs since 1995.
Today marks our 30th year in business!✨ We have seen so many changes in technology through that time. Here are a few most common questions we get with some answers to guide you. Thank you all for your business!![]()
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❓ My internet isn’t working – how can I get back online?![]()
This is a common problem with computers. More often than not, a simple reset of the modem and router will straighten things up and get you back online. Here are the easy steps to follow:![]()
• Turn off or pull the power cord from both modem and router.![]()
• Wait 30 seconds…..wait…..wait.![]()
• Plug in the modem first and wait till all the lights stabilize.![]()
(May take up to 2 minutes, again…..wait…..)![]()
• Turn on or plug in the router and wait till the lights stabilize.![]()
(Usually the lights turn green or blue when ready.)![]()
Bingo! You should be back online. Modems and routers are minicomputers and can lock up just like your regular computer.![]()
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❓ How do I back up my files?![]()
• Plug in your external or thumb drive![]()
• Verify the drive letter (E:, F:, G:, etc.)![]()
• Open the Documents folder (or wherever your file/folder is saved)![]()
• Right-click on the file, select “Send to” on the menu, then select the drive you’re sending it to.![]()
The procedure is the same whether you want to back up individual files or an entire folder. Remember to back up your files at least once a week!![]()
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❓ Does it hurt to leave my computer on all the time?![]()
Here are 3 of my top reasons why you should shut your computer off at night:![]()
• You’re wasting electricity. Even with power saving turned on, the computer is still running and using electricity.![]()
• Wear and tear: There are several cooling fans running as well as the hard disk drive. The more they run, the sooner they wear out, costing you money! You are also exposing your computer to lightning and voltage surges from storms.![]()
• Virus and spyware infection: The big one! And the main reason I believe turning it off is best. While you’re sleeping, European and Middle Eastern countries are 7, 8, or 9 hours ahead of the U.S., and hackers and organized crime rings, and even some governments, are actively trying to attack U.S. computers with viruses and spyware bots. They will try to infect or possibly take over your computer to snag personal info, or use yours to attack business or government computers. This is all while you’re sleeping.![]()
Many experts believe that 90% of all computers have some sort of infection on them. Shut it off at night and stop the attacks cold!
🖥 Security Tip: ❌ Don't Trust Pop-ups![]()
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If you’re known to dabble in a little online browsing, odds are you’ve encountered a pop-up once or twice. There are times when a user may think, “Wow, that’s a great deal!” and click on a pop-up. To those users: put down the mouse. Why? That pop-up could be malicious or dangerous.![]()
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There used to be a time when malicious pop-ups were only on questionable sites, but those days are gone. Hackers are smart and develop ways to inject malicious malware into pop-ups and online advertisements—even on the most trusted sites.![]()
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One of the most common attacks we see occurs when you visit a site and a pop-up appears that says, “Your computer is infected! Download our antivirus now!” If you click on this, a bogus virus scan will start. After the “scan” completes, you’ll be asked to pay for a full-version of the software or to call a helpline to connect with a support representative.![]()
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Spoiler alert: The software is not real and the fake support representative will take control of your computer to try and “fix” the issue, but end up causing more damage.![]()
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How to prevent pop-up attacks:![]()
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Although hackers are smart, you can be smarter. Here are some tips to protect yourself from these types of attacks:![]()
• Avoid clicking on pop-ups.![]()
• Update your operating system regularly—don’t postpone or snooze updates!![]()
• Use web-filtering software to warn you before accessing potentially harmful sites.![]()
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Remember, these attacks are only successful if we fall for them. Stay alert and be cautious!![]()
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Source: KnowBe4
Be very aware of scammers impersonating Microsoft. If you ever see a message on your computer similar to this, know that is NOT legitimate and is absolutely a scam. Microsoft will NEVER contact you — period. If this type of message ever appears on your computer, DO NOT click any links, DO NOT call the number listed, and DO NOT give out any of your personal or financial information. Immediately turn off your computer by pressing and holding down on the power button, and then give us a call so we can guide you through the rest of the clean up process. This is a continual issue that we see every week. Don't be the next victim — scammers are relentless!![]()
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Photo courtesy of malwaretips.com