Custom Critical
Computer Care		 Selected Software
Security Solutions		 Website Established: January 1,2008

28 years experience - Since 1981

Serving the Cleveland, Ohio Region
Home Laptop And Desktop Service Software 1_Computer_Buyer Contact

Just a note that the website is still under construction as of Sept 6,2009

Completion should be done by Sept 18,2009

 

Our Mission: To provide the best service and solutions to your desktop or laptop computer.
To provide these services in a timely manner for a fair price.
To offer preventative solutions via hardware or software to keep your computer safe from all known evils.

 

The Problem: Part 1
Threats, Threats, and More Threats.		 Let's face the real world facts.  You have threats from viruses, spyware, adware, malware, Trojans, dialers, worms, keyloggers, hijackers, parasites, rootkits, rogue security products, firewall breeches, robot programs, snooper programs, and many other types of threats coming at you from every possible source.  You computer can be compromised in so many ways that keeping track would be a full time job.  A product from just two years ago may not be able to keep up with all of the new threats. There may be a new product than can, but finding just the right product for the problem can be a real hassle.  And if you discover after the intrusion of one of these threats that you have a problem, protecting your data and fixing the problem can be a real headache. Finding a competent technician that can preserve your data and fix your problem, then protect your computer from any further problems is a real challenge.

 

The Problem: Part 2
Service after the sale and during the warranty period.

 

 Let face some more real world facts. After the sale can be the beginning of problems.  While your computer is under warranty you must return it to where you purchased it and turn it over to their service department.  Any valuable data on your computer will most likely be lost unless you are able to save it before handing it over to their service department.  You could be without your computer for some time and most likely when you get it back it will be restored to the factory condition when it was new. This leaves you to reconfigure your computer to your liking and reinstalling your programs and data. Plus now downloading and installing all the updates for its operating system and programs. Now if you had the misfortune of having some nasty threat compromise your computer you are still left with the task of finding a good program, to prevent this, and installing it.  Are you really wanting to be a part time computer technician or do you have better things to do?

 

The Problem: Part 3
After the warranty period.		 So you have held on to the computer. You purchased the extended warranty and now that has expired. What do you do now?  You could buy a new computer when something goes wrong, or have it repaired. Depending on the nature of the problem will direct your course of action.  A new computer would come with a new warranty and you can purchase an extended warranty and get the newest technology. This is a viable option depending on your needs. Or you can have your old computer repaired at any service center of your choosing or at the original store where you purchased it and repeat the previous paragraph after the completed repair. This option can get expensive and time consuming (see Part 2).

 

A Solution: Part 1
How to build a "fortress" on your computer to keep the bad stuff out.		 Whether your computer is in warranty or out of warranty there is a series of steps you can do to maximize the protection of your computer from letting the bad stuff in.  These steps are further outlined, with software selections and suggestions from this author, on the "Selected Software Security Links" of this website.  So here is a quick list with web sites.

First and foremost make sure your computer is current with all the updates for your operating system (XP or Vista).

1. Antivirus software -- www.avg.com-free -- this is the totally free version for personal use only.  This is not just another anti-virus program but includes many other features to protect you from the "baddies". Be sure to completely un-install any other anti-virus programs before installing a new anti-virus program.  If you are un-installing a Symantec Norton product please goto this web page for instructions on removal: Symantec Norton Product Removal Instructions.

2. Antispyware software -- www.superantispyware.com -- this is a totally free program for personal use.

3. Antimalware software -- www.lavasoft.com -- this is a totally free program for personal use.

4. Firewall software -- www.zonealarm.com-free-firewall -- this is a totally free program for personal use.

5. Get Windows Defender (for XP users only, it is built into Vista) -- Microsoft Windows XP Defender Home page  

Installing these five programs will create a "fortress" of security on your computer.