PC HOUSE CALLS:
Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repairs and Removal of Malware:

....... Does your PC seem sluggish?
....... Are the the mouse or keyboard not behaving properly?
....... Do programs, especially e-mail, not function properly?
....... Does the PC crash?
....... Do you get a lot of pop-up ads?

Maybe your PC needs some maintenance.

If your antivirus software has NOT been renewed annually and you have NOT received weekly on-line updates, your PC is vulnerable to malware infection. If your PC has been infected, the malware should be removed or quarantined. Removal is my specialty line of my business.

Donald Jerrems

Preventative Maintenance for taking care of your PC:

1. ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE: Prevents malicious code from damaging your PC. Keep it current by renewing your subscription every year for $40. Keep it current every week or so with Live Update, which downloads your new definitions to guard against new viruses.
2. FIREWALL:  It prevents hackers from penetrating your system and installing programs. Install a firewall if your PC does not already have one. (It comes with Win-XP.) I use Zonealarm, a free download from www.Zonealarm.com.
3. SPYWARE: Spyware -- Software that monitors computing habits, such as Web-surfing patterns, and transmits the information to third parties, sometimes without the explicit authorization or consent of the user. Spyware gets installed from downloads, popups, spam e-mail and hitting links on web pages. As a result, small programs that over-burden your PC and reduce performance can be installed. Using Ad-aware, I removed 107 spyware instances from a poorly performing PC recently.
4. WINDOWS UPDATES: These are security patches to fix breaches discovered in Windows.
   Select Start/Windows/Update while on-line. Let MSFT determine if you need the update.
5. GOOD PC PRACTICES: Take care of your PC with good maintenance including data back-up, desktop maintenance, scan disk, defrags and other smart practices.

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   Your computer may be running unwanted software that compromises your privacy including:
   
   PHISHING - type of spam that attempts to fool recipients into supplying confidential information.
   TRACKWARE - that tracks your Internet browsing.
   ADWARE - that displays advertising on your computer.
   TROJANS - software that can allow others to control your computer.
   KEYLOGGERS - that record what you type, including passwords.
   DIALERS - that initiate unwanted communication with other computers.
   BROWSER HIJACKERS - that change your Internet home or search pages.
   PARASITES - that perform unwanted actions.
   
   If you think your PC is infected, contact me for assistance in detecting and removing the threats.