Computer Callout News

Phone call scam warns of virus infection

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Raven) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:53:00 +0000

A number of Trading Standards organisations are warning of a new phone based scam whereby thieves attempt to get credit card numbers, computer access and other personal information from victims.

The scammers operate by calling you and telling them that their computer system is infected or running slowly and that it will be " severely damaged" or "damaged beyond repair" unless they purchase security software and or online support from the caller's company.

Victims are persuded to pay for bogus antivirus software which is usually infected with Trojan viruses that allow the scammers access to the victims PC. Other variations get the victim to access a web site and enter a pin number which allows the scammer remote access to the PC, where they can install fake security software which then allows them free access to the infected PC in the future.

If you receive such a call, just hang up as there is no way that the scammers can firstly find your PC on the Internet, then link it to you and then find your phone number.

To keep yourself protected make sure you have a good and up-to-date antivirus software package and occasionally run a free scanner such as malwarebytes.

Fireworks online

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Raven) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:28:00 +0000

As part of our project for the Firework Warehouse, I went along with their display team to see how they set up and fire a professional display. I was amazed at the planning that goes in to the design of the display each firework is timed so that the next effect fires just in time to keep the display seamless.
The wedding was already in full flow at the church when we arrived at the reception. The guys had already seen the site and knew exactly where each firework was to be placed. Holes where dug to bury the mortar tubes deep in the ground. I was warned that the mortar shells would loud as they were category 4 fireworks (not available to the public) but would be best part of the show. Each mortar would launch a shell high into the air where it would detonate, lighting up the sky with brightly coloured Chrysanthemum and peony effects.

The team had also set up some lance work, which is where the couple's name was traced out in fireworks inside a pair of wedding bells. The framework was secured to a couple of poles in the ground, center stage and where to form the center piece of the finale, with a number of mines and fountains framing their names.
The display was stunning to watch and although this post is not really about computers, the firework display was too fantastic to not write about.

Beat the credit crunch

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Raven) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:40:00 +0000

As you are aware we are in the middle of a credit crunch and trying to save money. Believe it or not you can save money with your computer. The best way to save money is to do a little preventative maintenance keeping your PC fit and healthy rather than having to buy a new one in the sales.
Firstly you should run the disk defragmentation tool or defrag.

Under construction... more to come

Beware the popup spyware warning

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Raven) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:17:00 +0000

We have seen a rise recently in the number of machines infected with malware and spyware that has been willingly downloaded and sometimes actually paid for by our customers. It all starts with a popup warning from a web site, which states that their machine is infected with 100's of spayware or malware programs and if you download our program, we can clean your computer. THIS IS A LIE! we cannot stress this strongly enough.

These warnings use clever social engineering to scare computer owners into thinking their machine is under attack. But if you think about this logically, would you accept home security advice from a random bloke stood outside your house? I wouldn't and neither should you. As long as you are running a good antivirus program, which is updated regularly and some anti spyware program and a firewall you will by safe.
If you do get one of these messages and feel your machine is at risk, do some homework about the program you are about to download. Search in Google, ask in forums or phone your computer guy, just make sure that the program you are about to download is from a legitimate source.

If you think your computer is at risk our engineers can help www.computercallout.co.uk

New wholesale client

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Raven) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:30:00 +0000

We have a new web client, who has commissioned us to create a site to specialise in wholesale fish and seafood for the hotel and catering trade. Fish4Chefs.net is currently under construction, but should be opening soon.

Computer Callout can offer a wide range of web services, from basic web pages to e-commerce sites or even a bespoke application, written to your specifications.

Keep your PC free from virus and spyware

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Raven) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:41:00 +0000

AVG Technologies, producer of Internet Security and safe web surfing software, have released their new version - AVG 8.0. It contains over a dozen new and enhanced features to deliver exceptional threat detection, usability and scanning efficiency.

The product is free to home users, and is every bit as good as any paid for product available. It offers Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware Protection against viruses, spyware, adware and identity-theft. All updated regularly via the Internet.

You can get it here... AVG Free

Computer Callout has been recommending and installing AVG on customers computers for over 2 years now and our customers just love it. Unlike some of the full blown and expensive anti-virus packages available for over £40, AVG has almost no impact on your computers performance under normal use. Even when running a full system scan, the computer is usable for things like Internet and email etc. We also like the fact that AVG 8 now includes anti-spyware which means there is one less program to install and maintain.

AVG 8 is completely free to download and Computer Callout does not get any bonus or incentive to promote this product, if however you feel that removing your old anti-virus product and installing AVG is a bit daunting, please feel free to call us for a hand.

Computer Callout News

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Raven) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:54:00 +0000

The new look Computer Callout web site now features news.

The news section will keep all our customers informed about security issues that effect our customers, handy hints and tips to keep your PC or laptop running smoothly and new services we offer our customers.