Computer Repair and Support Tips

Top 9 ways a Free Firmware Update Can Help Improve your Digital Camera

2009-04-26T12:30:00.004-05:00

Updating your Camera’s Firmware to the latest version from your camera’s manufacturer can improve many things.

LCD Brightness
Extend Battery Life
Menu Navigation
Bracketing Options
Noise Reduction
High ISO Performance
Focusing Precision
Auto White Balance
Added Functionality with New Camera Accessories

To find if a Firmware Update is out for your camera, just check on the
Camera’s Manufacturer’s Website.

Below is a few of the main Camera Manufacture Websites
where you can find Firmware Updates.

Common Camera Manufacturer’s

Canon
Nikon
Sony
Kodak
Pentax
Olympus
Samsung
HP
Fujifilm

VERY IMPORTANT!

Follow the manufacturer’s directions when updating your camera.
DISCLAIMER: I take no responsibility if you mess up your own camera while trying to update the firmware. Do this stuff at your own risk, and read the manufacturer’s
instructions VERY CAREFULLY.

Steps to Update your Camera’s Firmware

1. Find your Camera’s Firmware Version – Look on the manufacturer’s website or the camera’s manual for instructions on where to look for the firmware version as every camera is different.

2. Find out if the Manufacture has a Newer Firmware Update available.

3. If newer Firmware is available, READ and FOLLOW Instructions on your next steps to update Camera.

4. Tip: Make sure your Camera Battery is FULL before updating the Firmware. If the battery died durning update, your camera could become useless.

5. If you are not comfortable doing software installs, please have someone who knows what they are doing help you. You need to make sure you follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions to the Letter. Any mistakes, can make your camera useless.

6. Test out your Camera to make sure everything is working right.

Thanks,

Thomas Shay

http://www.tomshayconsulting.com/

Carbonite Online Backup - You Need to Protect your Data!

2009-01-23T10:13:00.008-06:00

Have you considered how much of your life is on your computer? Business records, Photos, Emails, Music, Financial records, Documents, and so much more.

How would you feel if you woke up tomorrow and everything was gone?

Why Carbonite Online Backup?

Carbonite offers a risk-free trial so you can see how simple it is to securely back up your photos, emails, music, financial records and other important documents.

Carbonite launched its online backup service in May 2006. Its industry-first offer of unlimited backup space for a flat low price revolutionized the market for consumer and small business backup services. So far, Carbonite has backed up over 3 billion files and more importantly, restored over 200 million files that would have been lost forever.

Every year, 43% of computer users lose irreplaceable files. Carbonite users do not have to worry! Carbonite automatically and securely backs up the irreplaceable contents of their computers for only $49.95 per year ($89.95 for 2 years) – no matter how much stuff they need to backup. Restoring lost files takes just a few clicks.

Carbonite Will Protect You From

Accidental Deletion: 43% of people lose irreplaceable files every year.

Only 3 out of 100 stolen laptops are ever recovered.
Thousands of files are lost each year to fires, floods, power surges, and other disasters.
Drive Failure Up to 13% of hard drives crash in their first year.

You need to be aware that losing your most valuable files is a very real
possibility. You need to take proper precautions.

Carbonite takes data privacy and security very seriously. We encrypt your files twice before backing them up securely offsite, using the same encryption techniques that banks use. Files remain encrypted at our secure data centers, so only you can see them.

Everything is automatic. Backups run when you are not using your computer. It will look for changed files and back.

How much stuff can I back up? There are no limits on backup storage capacity. Carbonite makes restoring files fast and easy. Restore any file or folder from your backup with just a few clicks. Carbonite Online Backup will only work on Windows XP and Windows Vista. Carbonite for Mac is in the works and should be ready sometime in 2009.

Try Carbonite Online Backup FREE for 15 days and back up your irreplaceable files automatically and securely. No credit card required!

Click Here to Check out my Computer Repair and Support Newletter

Malwarebytes - You need this in your Anti-Virus Toolkit

2009-01-22T15:12:00.005-06:00

Malwarebytes

Anti-Malware

Malwarebytes is one of the best Malware Removers on the Internet.

I have used Malwarebytes for over a year now and it catches many Viruses, Spyware and Malware that my other programs don’t catch.

One good thing is they have a Free Version and a Paid Version.

The Free Version is very good, but only runs when you start the program yourself and you run a scan. There is no difference between the Free or Paid Version on which Viruses, Spyware and Malware will be found and removed. You will get the same protection with both.

No matter which version you get, either one is a must in your toolkit against Malware.

Click Here to Download Malwarebytes

If you can afford it, I recommend that you get the paid version. It's a one
time cost and with buying the paid version you will get these three benefits.

• Real-time Protection

• Scheduled Scanning

• Scheduled Updating

The best benefit of buying the Full Version is you can "Set It & Forget It".

What I mean by "Set It & Forget It" is that once you have installed the program and scheduled the program to scan your PC and update itself then you don't have to do anything else.

With the Free Version you will have to make sure that you setup a time to run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and get any updates and then run a scan on your PC. I would recommend that you do this every two weeks at a minimum.

Everyone needs more than one Anti-Virus Removal Program in your Computer Repair and Support Toolkit.

I recommend that you download and install either version as you need good virus protection if you are to keep your computer running.

Click Here to Download Malwarebytes

Check out my website "Computer Repair and Support Newsletter"

Learn the Four Main Difference between Free and Paid Versions of Virus and Spyware Removal Programs.

2008-12-16T17:53:00.003-06:00

There are Four Main Differences between Paid and Free Versions of Virus, Spyware and Malware Removal programs.

As for removing Viruses, Spyware and Malware both the Free and Paid Versions will remove the same infections from your computer.

With the Paid Version you will get a program that actively monitors your computer and will stop viruses, spyware and malware from infecting your computer. With the Free Version you will need to run the scans to get rid of the infections.
With the Paid Version it will get updates over the internet for your program. These updates will give you the latest virus definitions to help you fight new viruses. With the Free Version you will need to remember to start the program and run the Update part to get the latest definitions.
With the Paid Version the program will Automatically Scan your computer at different times that you can set. (daily - weekly) With the Free Version you will need to run the program and scan your computer when you remember to do it.
With the Paid Version you can get Support for the program from the company you got it from. With the Free version you wouldn't get any support.

I will always recommend people to buy the paid version if you can afford it. With the paid version you can "SET IT AND FORGET IT". You need to be proactive in your fight against these evil viruses and spyware.

If you can't afford the paid version then you need to use the free versions. Just try and setup a time each week to update and scan your computers.

Check out MalwareBytes, a great Malware/Spyware Removal Program.

Click Here to Check out my Computer Repair and Support Newsletter

Computer Repair and Support Newsletter

2008-12-16T12:02:00.003-06:00

Hello Everyone,

My name is Thomas W. Shay and I live in Cloquet, MN. I have worked in the Computer Repair Field for over 11 years. I have worked for Target Co. at their Corporate Headquarters in Minneapolis, MN and also as a Network Consultant in the Twin Cities. I now work for Carlton County, MN as a Help Desk Specialist.

I publish a Monthly Computer Repair and Support Newsletter. It gives you helpful information on keeping your computer running fast and error free. Sign up for my Newsletter and get a FREE copy of my 48 page e-Book called "Virus and Spyware Removal".

Check out my website for help with your computer issues.