Windows 8.1 - How to install without a MS Live Account

When installing Windows 8.1 Microsoft have made it look like you need a MS Live account during the installation and doesn't proceed unless you either create an account or enter in your current details.

Well don't despair there is a way around this:

    At the windows asking you to enter in you Live account details click on the "Create account link" and then click "Sign in without a Microsoft Account".

If you still have issues, disable your Internet connect and try the above again.

I hope this helps.

Crilock – Encyption Virus / Malware

 We wish to inform you of a potentially extremely destructive trojan horse / ransom-ware virus that is spreading around the Internet. This virus can effect any networked or stand alone machine.

What the virus does is encrypt all files it has access to on your local computer which can include any network shares, USB hard drives, memory cards, backup system drives etc. Currently the only way to decrypt the files is to pay a ransom fee, but the decryption usually fails or never works. The only other way is to recover files from a recent backup.
This is a really nasty virus because its possible for your backups to be compromised depending on your backup strategy and network topology / server configuration.

Further information on the virus is available from the following link: http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/threat/encyclopedia/Entry.aspx?Name=Trojan%3aWin32%2fCrilock.A

Getting your computer systems up to date on security and application patches is CRUCIAL to stop this virus entering your systems. You should regularly install any patches available from the MS Windows Update website and also update other software which includes – Java, Flash and any other applications installed on your system.

You should also ensure your backups are working and that backups are stored on multiple devices which aren’t all connected to a machine at the same time.

If you don’t know how to update your machines or perform a backup please let us know.

General Computer Hints and Tips

In this blog we talk about some general hints and tips that you can use on your computer.

How to Shutdown Your Computer Properly

Always shutdown your computer and any applications you have open properly. Only use the reset button if your computer locks up and you have no other choice.

If your computer is not responding to the above an application has gone awry you will need to close off the offending application or program. To do this press Ctrl+Alt+Del (all at the same time). The Task Manager window will appear. Select the task you want to end (or the ones that say they are “not responding”) and press End Task.

Unknown Emails

Be very, very cautious of emails especially those that contain attachments from unknown senders.Even if you know the sender and you are not expecting an email from them or are unsure what the attachment is, be careful. Use an antivirus program, keep it updated and set it to automatically scan your incoming and outgoing email. If you are unsure get a professional to help you. Remember you can always contact the sender if you are unsure of the attachment.

Unknown File Downloads

Don’t go around and download every program you can. Be sure you know what you are downloading and from where. Not all downloads are bad, but you never know what may show up and some programs may contain a virus, adware or a Trojan horse. Know exactly what you’re downloading and installing to your hard drive beforehand. If you are unsure stop and get a professional to help you.

It may say that the program you are downloading is free but it may not tell you what else the progrma is going to do with your system.

Incompatible Hardware and Software

Before purchasing new software or hardware be sure that the product you are buying is compatible with your system. If in doubt write down the specifications of your machine and operating system and ask the salesman.

Random Deletion of Files

Do not delete files or applications when you are not sure of what they belong to. You may delete that one file that runs your favourite software or delete that important finance information. If you are unsure, leave the file alone and ask for assistance.

Further Help and Assistance

If you need further help or assistance on this or any other computer problem please contact DP Computing.

 

DISCLAIMER: We will not be held responsible for any damage or data loss to your system. If you are in doubt over something or if the steps are different than what you see on your computer contact a professional.

Troubleshooting Windows 8

Check out our latest video on Troubleshooting Windows 8 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Nzs1xq60Q.

The video goes through the following tips and tricks on how you can troubleshoot and solve problems in MS Windows 8:

- Windows 8 startup options
- task manager.- how to get hardware drivers for windows 8.- Windows update.- Windows diagnostic tool.

Check it out and let me know your comments below.

DP Computing's Youtube Channel

Check out our great new Youtube Channel at www.youtube.com/dpcomputing. It has some great computer tutorials and some other marketing videos.

While you are there check out the great Windows 8 Tutorial.The tutorial will take you through the basics of Windows 8 and show you some of the "hidden" features of the new operating system.

Our Blog Is On the Move!

We have moved our blog from Blogger onto our own website at:
  http://www.dpcomputing.com.au/blog
Please note that our Blogger site will no longer be updated and you will need to go to the above site for all new articles.

Does Having an Antivirus Program Make You Safe?

I have an Antivirus Program so I am safe?

Many people think that because they have antivirus protection that they are protected against all malware.  FYI malware is short for malicious software and includes viruses, spyware, trojans etc. Well unfortunately we have seen malware on or sorts of computers which have been “protected” by all the major antivirus software vendors.

Why can’t antivirus software provide me with 100% protection? Well software can find it hard to protect you from new malware they don’t know about, users can allow problems through, malware writers deliberately have work arounds for antivirus software and malware can target weak links within the operating system itself.

“So how do you protect your computers than?” is what people ask next. Well it is a combination of things:

·         Don’t throw away your antivirus program as they do stop a lot of the problems.

·         Try not to get the malware in the first place (see below for tips).

·         Use a limited user accounts.

·         You don’t physically visit the “dodgy” areas of your city in the middle of the night so don’t visit the dodgy areas on the Internet.

The best defense against spyware and other unwanted software is not to download it in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips that can protect you from downloading software you don’t want:

·         Only download programs from Web sites you trust (Malware can piggy back onto other free programs). If you’re not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.

·         Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download. Don’t blindly click on things.

·         Never click “agree” or “OK” to close a window unless you definitely know what the software is and what the “Agree” or “ok” relates to. Instead, click the red “x” in the corner of the window or press the Alt + F4 buttons on your keyboard to close a window.

·         Be wary of “free” software (whether they be games, music or movie file-sharing programs) and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.

·         If you get a pop up window that is asking you to pay for removal of malware and tells you that you have a virus…that program is the malware! If you get that window, I would do the Alt+F4 and restart your computer. That is the easiest way to avoid having to touch that window. For the more experienced users, go to task manager and stop all the internet explorer windows running. That will close that window too. 

·         If you have had problems since you have recently installed a specific program, it’s probably due to what was downloaded. Uninstall the program and run a malware scan to see if the issue goes away.  

·         Kids these days think everything is safe…”I learned how to do this at school Mom!”….from who? Their friends? The kids today are full of “I know more than you” stories and most of the time what they have installed is what is clogging your computer up with malware! 

·         Remember if something is too good to be true it most likely is. A lot of scams and malware trick users into believing they will get something for nothing. Once you click on “Ok” or “Yes” the malware is let onto your system.

Remember if your computer is running slow, behaving strangely or doing other odd things then call in a professional to give you a proper diagnostics.

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DISCLAIMER: We will not be held responsible for any damage or data loss to your system. If you are in doubt over something please contact a professional.

DP Computing are a computer support company providing IT consulting and support services to SOHO's and SMB's throughout Adelaide, South Australia and the surrounding areas. If you need any type of computer support or IT help please contact us. The full list of services we provide are listed on our Adelaide computer services page.