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Fake Post Office email gives a severe virus - "CryptoLocker"

26/7/2015

computer virus removal by mobile computer repair service, near Kurralta Park

BE CAREFUL not to open any email attachments from the Post Office, because there's a strong possibility that it's not from the Post Office at all. The above screenshot is from an email that prompts you to download a label, so that you can pick up a missed parcel. When you open the attachment, you are actually running a virus, specifically the very destructive CryptoLocker virus. SO DON'T DOWNLOAD THE LABEL\VIRUS. JUST DELETE THE EMAIL!

The virus copies all your data files (documents, pictures, music etc), encrypts it, then deletes your original data. It then pops up on your screen asking you to pay hundreds of dollars to receive a key to unlock your files. DON'T PAY! In most cases users do not get a key. So now you've lost your data and your money.

So what do you do if this happens to you? You can call Computer Champ or you can have a go fixing things yourself:

Remove the virus.
Try recovering your original data that was deleted by the virus.
Delete your now encrypted\locked data.
Recover your data from your backup, if you do regular backups.
Make sure to do regular backups and disconnect your external hard drive after each backup has been done. (You don't want any virus spreading to your backup.)
Make sure you have an Antivirus program installed and check that it's up to date.

You just got to be careful what you click on these days. An antivirus will stop a lot, but every now and then a virus will get through the cracks, so be on your guard.

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Should you upgrade to Windows 10

24/7/2015

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Windows 10 computer upgrades and repairs - Marleston

Yes, I like it. Especially points 3, 4, 5 and 6:

Pros:

It's free until the 29th of July 2016.
You can go back to Windows 7 (SP1) or Windows 8.1 within a month if you don't like it.
The Start Menu is back with programs and apps shortcuts.
Virtual desktops (like Apple computers) - Use Windows key and Tab key to switch.
Snap up to 4 windows on one screen, including apps.
Apps can now be run in a windowed mode, instead of full screen.
Quicker start up time than Windows 7.
Microsoft Edge replaces Internet Explorer. It's faster and has a Reading Mode which removes all clutter from web pages to make them easier to read. You can also annotate web pages and share them with your friends.
Cortana is a digital personal assistant. (it's like the iPhone's Siri) It provides info about your email, calendar and websites you visit.
Improved Search for files, programs or websites from your taskbar.
Windows 10 is to be the last version of Windows. Like Apple's OS X, it will have updates. So anything else will be very old soon.
DirectX 12 for improved performance and graphical features to new PC games for those with compatible graphics cards.
Stream Xbox games from the console to the PC, when your TV is being used.
For touch screen tablet/laptops, Continuum is a feature where you will be prompted to switch between the touch and non-touch modes whenever you connect or disconnect the keyboard. So the Start screen and apps will adjust themselves accordingly.

Cons:

Windows 10 may not work with old printers. Check the manufacturer's website for your model's compatibility.
Windows 10 may not work with old versions of software, like and old version of MYOB for example. Check their website.
There may be some bugs in the initial release, which should get fixed within 6 to 12 months. This assumption is only based on Microsoft's history with all their operating systems.
It loses Windows Media Center. Not a problem, just download the free VLC.
It loses Windows 7 gadgets. You can download lots of gadgets from the Windows Store.
It loses Microsoft Solitaire, Hearts and Minesweeper. They can be replaced with versions from the Windows store.
Cortana uses Microsoft Bing as the search engine. (Not Google).

Extra Notes:

Like Windows 8, you have to log in with a Microsoft Account, if you want to use OneDrive and have all your settings and apps sync on multiple Windows 10 devices.
Microsoft will keep issuing security patches for Windows 7 until January 2020 and for Windows 8 until January 2023. Even Windows Vista will get security updates until April 2017. So no need to rush.
Windows 10 Home will make updates compulsory.
Here's how to upgrade if you currently have Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. Click on this link: http://www.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/windows-10-upgrade
If you'd like a clean/custom install of Windows 10, not merged with your old operating system, call us to make it a cleaner, faster Windows 10. All correct drivers installed and programs working properly.

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Fake Post Office email gives a severe virus - "CryptoLocker"

Should you upgrade to Windows 10

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