WASH PC

WASH PC GUARANTEE

Greg — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:41:28 +0000

It’s about time that an IT Service Provider offered an affordable alternative to a “service plan.”

We are proud to introduce the WASH PC Guarantee!

The WASH PC Guarantee is our newest offering that gives your business the ultimate peace of mind. You will never have to pay for a service call again. There are virtually no limitations on your hardware age, brand, condition etc. We are offering the complete solution for less than you would expect. This covers ABSOLUTLY ALL LABOR on your system. And now for the best part; it’s ON-SITE LABOR with NO trip charges!

Details of the plan:

1 payment per year per system \ by serial number covers the entire system for 1 full calendar year. We will take care of ANYTHING your system needs whether it’s a computer virus (current virus protection required) or a bad stick of RAM. We will come to your office, diagnose the issue and if it needs service we will either perform the service on-site or bring it back to our office for thorough maintenance. We will then re-deliver the system, hook everything up and test. If your system needs hardware, we stock most essential computer components, so we will still do our best to maintain a less than 24 hour turnaround. Hardware is extra if needed.

Even better… We will install a very light, secure program on each system that monitors the health of your system and reports back to us 24\7. If there is a problem with your system, we may see it and have it fixed before you even notice a problem!

This deal is limited to Washington, Union and surrounding areas so let a local group of specialists take care of your IT needs without the worry of “how much is this going to cost me this time?”.

Computer system consists of 1 Computer, 1 Monitor and components connected directly to the system.

$300.00 per year, per system, unlimited labor. Satisfaction is guaranteed. Simple as that.

Computer Clean Ups advertised on TV

Thomas — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:05:54 +0000

There are a couple different ads on TV right now that say if you go to their website and click a link, it will clean your computer and remove any viruses for free. THIS IS A SCAM! In reality, when you click on the link, it will install a program on your computer that will scan your files but then to have anything removed, it says you must purchase the program. Not only do they give you wrong information, but they also make it next to impossible to remove the program once it has been installed on your computer. Please, stay away from sites like www.mycleanpc.com or anything like it.

More Antivirus Uninstall tools

Greg — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 04:14:13 +0000

Avast	http://files.avast.com/files/eng/aswclear.exe
AVG	http://www.avg.com/ww-en/download-tools
Avira	http://www.avira.com/en/support-for-free-knowledgebase-detail/kbid/88
BitDefender	http://kb.bitdefender.com/site/article/333/
BullGuard	http://www.bullguard.com/support/product-guides/bullguard-internet-security-guides/uninstall.aspx
CA Antivirus	http://homeofficekb.ca.com/CIDocument.asp?KDId=3125&Preview=0&Return=0&GUID=DF325E0AA0AB4264AF47E4BEA49F571B
Comodo Internet Security	https://support.comodo.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=298
CounterSpy	http://support.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/2VIPRE_Enterprise/3.1/Console/Uninstall%2f%2fReinstall
Cyber Defender Early Detection Center	http://cyberdefender.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/207
Dr. Web	https://support.drweb.com/support_wizard/?lng=en (Only registered Dr. Web users can access support content)
eScan	http://www.microworldsystems.com/download/tools/esremove.exe
ESET	http://kb.eset.com/esetkb/index?page=content&id=SOLN2116
FRISK F-PROT Antivirus for Windows	http://www.f-prot.com/support/windows/fpwin_faq/25.html
F-Secure	http://www.f-secure.com/en/web/home_global/support/article/kba/2109/k/uninstall+f+secure/p/1
G Data	http://www.gdatasoftware.co.uk/typo3conf/ext/dam_frontend/pushfile.php?docID=7982
Kaspersky	http://support.kasperskyamericas.com/knowledge-base-article/1464
Kingsoft	http://www.kingsoftsupport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=59&sid=9e4c506ea22db37a60ab1b7364544d6a
K7 Total Security	http://www.k7computing.com/en/tools/K7RT.exe
LavaSoft	http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?showtopic=28
McAfee	http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe
Norman Virus Control/Norman Security Suite	http://www.norman.com/support/support_issue_archive/67798/en
Panda	http://www.pandasecurity.com/resources/sop/UNINSTALLER_08.exe
Pareto Logic	http://techsupport.paretologic.com/plsupport/consumer/kbdetail.asp?kbid=135&start=81
Sophos	http://www.sophos.com/support/knowledgebase/article/11019.html
Symantec (Norton)	ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe
Trend Micro	http://esupport.trendmicro.com/1/How-do-I-remove-old-or-new-versions-of-Trend-Micro-products-in-my-comp.aspx
Vipre (Sunbelt Software)	http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/support/VPE/AgentRemoval3.1.exe
Webroot	http://support.webroot.com/cgi-bin/webroot.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1761
Windows Live OneCare	http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/c/b/4cb845e7-1076-437b-852a-7842a8ab13c8/OneCareCleanUp.exe
Windows Security Essentials	http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2435760
Zone Alarm	http://download.zonealarm.com/bin/free/support/cpes_clean.exe

Meet our Team

Greg — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:09:06 +0000

Check out this group of people, this is the crew that makes Wash PC.

Is Facebook Safe?

Thomas — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:10:45 +0000

There are literally millions of people on Facebook and other Social Networking sites like Twitter, Myspace, Linkedin and others. When masses of people join up on a single website, this is a big sign to makers of viruses to start doing their dirty work. So, is Facebook safe? Yes. If you are just going on to see what your friends and family members are doing then Facebook is safe to go on. When you start playing the online games and clicking on the links that other people send you is when it becomes unsafe. Many of these links are actually being sent by a virus from your friends system. If you ever receive a message from a friend on facebook that you are unsure about, DO NOT CLICK ON IT!! The chances of it being a virus are far greater than it not being a virus.

How to uninstall a third-party antivirus software?

Greg — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:31:23 +0000

Please click below the link associated with the currently installed antivirus software and follow the instructions on vendor’s website to proceed with the uninstallation:

AVIRA antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Avira GmbH’s website.
AVG antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on AVG Technologies’s website.
BitDeffender antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on BITDEFENDER SRL’s website.
CA antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on CA, Inc.’s website.
VIPRE antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Sunbelt Software, Inc.’s website.
eScan antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on MicroWorld Technologies, Inc.’s website.
ESET antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on ESET, LLC.’s website.
F-Secure antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on F-Secure Corporation’s website.
F-Prot antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on FRISK Software International’s website.
G DATA antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on G Data Software AG’s website.
K7 antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on K7 Computing Pvt. Ltd.’s website.
Kaspersky antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Kaspersky Lab ZAO’s website.
Kingsoft antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Kingsoft Research’s website.
McAfee antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on McAfee, Inc.’s website.
Outpost antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Agnitum Ltd.’s website.
Panda antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Panda Security, S.L.’s website.
Norton antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Symantec Corporation’s website.
Norman antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Norman ASA’s website.
Quick Heal antivirus software uninstallation Quick Heal Technologies
Instructions on Quick Heal Technologies (P) Ltd.’s website.
Sophos antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Sophos Ltd.’s website Sophos)
ThreatFire antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on PC Tools Limited’s website.
TrendMicro antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Trend Micro Incorporated’s website.
WebRoot antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Webroot Software, Inc.’s website.
Windows Security Essentials antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Microsoft Corporation’s website.
Windows Live OneCare antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Microsoft Corporation’s website.
Zone Alarm antivirus software uninstallation
Instructions on Secure Tec Australasia Pty. Ltd.’s website.

Note:
Typical uninstallation from the Control Panel in Windows can be insufficient in some cases. Some records may still remain in the system and prevent avast! from being correctly installed. Most vendors offer special removal tools to uninstall their antivirus software completely from the system. If there is mentioned an option to use removal tool in the instructions linked above, we recommend to use it for proceeding with the uninstallation.

Useful keyboard shortcuts for MS Windows

Greg — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:36:48 +0000

Windows system key combinations

F1: Help
CTRL+ESC: Open Start menu
ALT+TAB: Switch between open programs
ALT+F4: Quit program
SHIFT+DELETE: Delete item permanently
Windows Logo+L: Lock the computer (without using CTRL+ALT+DELETE)

Windows program key combinations

CTRL+C: Copy
CTRL+X: Cut
CTRL+V: Paste
CTRL+Z: Undo
CTRL+B: Bold
CTRL+U: Underline
CTRL+I: Italic

Mouse click/keyboard modifier combinations for shell objects

SHIFT+right click: Displays a shortcut menu containing alternative commands
SHIFT+double click: Runs the alternate default command (the second item on the menu)
ALT+double click: Displays properties
SHIFT+DELETE: Deletes an item immediately without placing it in the Recycle Bin

General keyboard-only commands

F1: Starts Windows Help
F10: Activates menu bar options
SHIFT+F10 Opens a shortcut menu for the selected item (this is the same as right-clicking an object
CTRL+ESC: Opens the Start menu (use the ARROW keys to select an item)
CTRL+ESC or ESC: Selects the Start button (press TAB to select the taskbar, or press SHIFT+F10 for a context menu)
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC: Opens Windows Task Manager
ALT+DOWN ARROW: Opens a drop-down list box
ALT+TAB: Switch to another running program (hold down the ALT key and then press the TAB key to view the task-switching window)
SHIFT: Press and hold down the SHIFT key while you insert a CD-ROM to bypass the automatic-run feature
ALT+SPACE: Displays the main window’s System menu (from the System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the window)
ALT+- (ALT+hyphen): Displays the Multiple Document Interface (MDI) child window’s System menu (from the MDI child window’s System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the child window)
CTRL+TAB: Switch to the next child window of a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) program
ALT+underlined letter in menu: Opens the menu
ALT+F4: Closes the current window
CTRL+F4: Closes the current Multiple Document Interface (MDI) window
ALT+F6: Switch between multiple windows in the same program (for example, when the Notepad Finddialog box is displayed, ALT+F6 switches between the Find dialog box and the main Notepad window)

Shell objects and general folder/Windows Explorer shortcuts

For a selected object:

F2: Rename object
F3: Find all files
CTRL+X: Cut
CTRL+C: Copy
CTRL+V: Paste
SHIFT+DELETE: Delete selection immediately, without moving the item to the Recycle Bin
ALT+ENTER: Open the properties for the selected object

To copy a file

Press and hold down the CTRL key while you drag the file to another folder.

To create a shortcut

Press and hold down CTRL+SHIFT while you drag a file to the desktop or a folder.

General folder/shortcut control

F4: Selects the Go To A Different Folder box and moves down the entries in the box (if the toolbar is active in Windows Explorer)
F5: Refreshes the current window.
F6: Moves among panes in Windows Explorer
CTRL+G: Opens the Go To Folder tool (in Windows 95 Windows Explorer only)
CTRL+Z: Undo the last command
CTRL+A: Select all the items in the current window
BACKSPACE: Switch to the parent folder
SHIFT+click+Close button: For folders, close the current folder plus all parent folders

Windows Explorer tree control

Numeric Keypad *: Expands everything under the current selection
Numeric Keypad +: Expands the current selection
Numeric Keypad -: Collapses the current selection.
RIGHT ARROW: Expands the current selection if it is not expanded, otherwise goes to the first child
LEFT ARROW: Collapses the current selection if it is expanded, otherwise goes to the parent

Properties control

CTRL+TAB/CTRL+SHIFT+TAB: Move through the property tabs

Accessibility shortcuts

Press SHIFT five times: Toggles StickyKeys on and off
Press down and hold the right SHIFT key for eight seconds: Toggles FilterKeys on and off
Press down and hold the NUM LOCK key for five seconds: Toggles ToggleKeys on and off
Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK: Toggles MouseKeys on and off
Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN: Toggles high contrast on and off

Microsoft Natural Keyboard keys

Windows Logo: Start menu
Windows Logo+R: Run dialog box
Windows Logo+M: Minimize all
SHIFT+Windows Logo+M: Undo minimize all
Windows Logo+F1: Help
Windows Logo+E: Windows Explorer
Windows Logo+F: Find files or folders
Windows Logo+D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop
CTRL+Windows Logo+F: Find computer
CTRL+Windows Logo+TAB: Moves focus from Start, to the Quick Launch toolbar, to the system tray (use RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to move focus to items on the Quick Launch toolbar and the system tray)
Windows Logo+TAB: Cycle through taskbar buttons
Windows Logo+Break: System Properties dialog box
Application key: Displays a shortcut menu for the selected item

Microsoft Natural Keyboard with IntelliType software installed

Windows Logo+L: Log off Windows
Windows Logo+P: Starts Print Manager
Windows Logo+C: Opens Control Panel
Windows Logo+V: Starts Clipboard
Windows Logo+K: Opens Keyboard Properties dialog box
Windows Logo+I: Opens Mouse Properties dialog box
Windows Logo+A: Starts Accessibility Options (if installed)
Windows Logo+SPACEBAR: Displays the list of Microsoft IntelliType shortcut keys
Windows Logo+S: Toggles CAPS LOCK on and off

Dialog box keyboard commands

TAB: Move to the next control in the dialog box
SHIFT+TAB: Move to the previous control in the dialog box
SPACEBAR: If the current control is a button, this clicks the button. If the current control is a check box, this toggles the check box. If the current control is an option, this selects the option.
ENTER: Equivalent to clicking the selected button (the button with the outline)
ESC: Equivalent to clicking the Cancel button
ALT+underlined letter in dialog box item: Move to the corresponding item

Note This is a “FAST PUBLISH” article created directly from within the Microsoft support organization. The information contained herein is provided as-is in response to emerging issues. As a result of the speed in making it available, the materials may include typographical errors and may be revised at any time without notice.

How to properly clean out your computer

Greg — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:32:34 +0000

How to clean your computer

Do you have a dirty secret? Have you never cleaned your computer? Sure, you’ve dusted your monitor, but have you taken off the cover or tried to reach the crumbs lurking inside your keyboard? And do you know the difference between pressurized air dusters and compressed air cleaners.

“Your computer could fry if you don’t keep it clean,” says Jonathon Millman, chief technology officer for Hooplah Interactive.

Whether it’s a desktop or laptop/notebook computer, dust and lint can clog the cooling vents. This can cause your computer’s brain—the central processing unit (CPU)—to heat up. And heat is the biggest cause of component failure in computers. Regular cleaning could save you costly maintenance fees down the road.

Follow the five simple steps in the cleanup and maintenance routine below to keep your computer and accessories looking shiny and new. It’s an easy, do-it-yourself solution to help them run smoothly and last longer.

Not what you were looking for?

Are you trying to clean up your computer in the antivirus software sense? This guide on the Microsoft Security website provides instructions, a free safety scan, and a malicious software removal tool you can download. Or, if you’re trying to find tips on cleaning out system clutter and unwanted files to make your programs run faster, you may find these articles helpful: Speed up your PC: Automate your computer maintenance schedule, Optimize your computer for peak performance, and How to delete programs you no longer need.

Preparation

You’ll need:

Standard (flat-tip) and/or Phillips screwdriver
Can of compressed air (available from computer dealers or office-supply stores)
Cotton swabs (do not use a cotton ball)
Rubbing alcohol
Soft, lint-free cloths, paper towels, or anti-static cloths
Water
Safety glasses (optional)

Important: Always turn your computer off and disconnect it from the power source before you begin any of these steps.

Step 1: Inside the case

If you see dust or other debris accumulating around the vents of your desktop or laptop, you can bet there’s more inside—and it’s only going to cause trouble. To remove it, you’ll need to open the case. That may sound more intimidating than it really is. Before you begin, of course, make sure the computer is turned off and disconnected from the power source.

One more consideration: Manufacturers’ policies vary, but, in some cases, opening your computer case may void your warranty. You may even encounter a warning sticker on the case. Review your warranty terms before continuing.

For desktop computers. Desktop computer manufacturers employ a variety of fastening mechanisms to secure the case. Face the back panel: Modern cases typically use two or more small knobs that you can turn by hand, or buttons that you press in, to release a side panel or the entire shell of the case. Others may require you to remove two or more slotted or Phillips screws. If in doubt, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
For laptop and notebook computers. Set the computer upside down on a table or other stable surface. (You may want to place a towel or paper under the computer to prevent scratches and scuffs.) Remove the battery. On most laptops, the vents on the underside will be grouped on a removable panel, secured to the case with several screws. Typically, these are very small Phillips-type screws, which may be of different lengths. Remove them, and be sure to keep track of which goes where.

After you’re inside either your desktop or laptop, touch as little as possible inside the computer—keep your fingers away from cards and cords. Look for any dust bunnies or other bits of fluff in the nooks and crannies. Pick these out carefully with tweezers or a cotton swab. Blow compressed air around all of the components and along the bottom of the case, keeping the nozzle at least four inches away from the machine. Blow air into the power supply box and into the fan.

Try to aim the stream of pressurized air in such a way that it blows debris out of and away from crevices and recesses, rather than driving it deeper in. Safety glasses are a good idea, too, to keep the flying dust out of your eyes.

Take particular care when blowing the delicate fans. Overspinning them with excessive pressure can crack a blade or damage the bearings. Position the compressed air can well away, and use short bursts of air rather than a steady blast. As a precaution, you might also carefully immobilize the fan blades with your fingertip or a cotton swab while using the air can.

Lastly, blow air into the floppy disk, CD or DVD drives, and I/O ports—but again, not too aggressively. Wipe the inside of the cover with a lightly moistened cloth, and dry it before replacing it.

Millman recommends doing this every three months if your case sits on the floor, if you have pets that shed, or if you smoke. Otherwise, every six to eight months is fine.

Step 2: Outside the case

Run a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol around all of the openings on the outside of your case. Give them one swipe with the damp end of the swab and one swipe with the dry end. Do this as often as you clean the inside of your computer.

Step 3: Keyboard

Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Most of the crumbs and dust will fall out. Take a can of compressed air and blow into and around the keys. Next, take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol. It should be damp, but not dripping wet. Run the cotton swab around the outside of each key. Rub the tops of the keys. Don’t be stingy with the swabs. Discard them when they start to get dirty, and switch to a fresh one. If you have a laptop, follow the same procedure but take extra care with your machine—treat it as gently as you would a carton of fresh eggs. If your laptop has a touchpad, use the damp swap to wipe it clean, as well. Do this keyboard cleanup monthly.

It’s tempting to use a vacuum cleaner to suck the debris out of the keyboard and other parts of the computer, but technicians warn that it can create a static electrical charge that can actually damage the computer’s sensitive electronics.

Worried about spills?

If a spill happens, immediately turn off your computer, disconnect the keyboard, and flip it over. While the keyboard is upside down, blot the keys with a paper towel, blow compressed air between the keys, and leave it to air dry overnight. Check to ensure that all traces of moisture have evaporated before using the keyboard again. Laptop spills need more attention because liquid can easily penetrate the keyboard and damage internal parts. For laptop spills, immediately turn off the computer and remove any external power source and other items plugged into it. Turn the laptop over, remove the battery, and then bring it to your nearest repair center to check for internal damage. Simply blowing compressed air into the keyboard and letting your computer air dry upside down overnight aren’t enough, because liquids can sit inside a laptop for days.

For all spills, be aware that anything other than plain water may cause severe damage, and never attempt to dry a keyboard or laptop in a microwave or conventional oven.

Step 4: Mouse

Disconnect the mouse from your computer. Rub the top and bottom of your mouse with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol. Scrape hard-to-remove grime with your fingernail. If you have an optical mouse, ensure that no lint or other debris obscures the light-emitting lens on the underside of the mouse.

If you use a mechanical mouse, open the underside of the mouse and remove the ball. (In most cases, you simply need to rotate the plastic ring encircling the ball one-quarter turn counterclockwise.) Wash the ball with water, and let it air dry. To clean inside a mechanical mouse, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub all of the interior components, paying particular attention to the little rollers, where gunk tends to collect. Finally, blow compressed air into the opening and ensure that the interior is dry. Replace the ball and the cover.

Clean your mouse monthly.

Step 5: Monitor

For liquid-crystal display (LCD) laptop and flat-panel monitor screens, slightly moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with plain water. Microfiber cloths are excellent for this purpose. Avoid using paper towels, which can scratch monitor surfaces. Don’t spray liquid directly onto the screen—spray the cloth instead. Wipe the screen gently to remove dust and fingerprints. You can also buy monitor cleaning products at computer-supply stores.

For glass CRT (television-style) monitors, use an ordinary household glass cleaning solution. Unless your manufacturer recommends differently, don’t use alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners on your monitor, as these can damage anti-glare coatings. And never try to open the housing of a CRT monitor. Capacitors within can hold a dangerous electrical charge—even after the monitor has been unplugged.

Clean the monitor weekly. Finally, make sure that everything is dry before you plug your computer back in.

Article adapted from an original article written by Alyson Munroe.

Happy PI Day!!

Greg — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:53:46 +0000

Did you know that today (March 14) is known as PI day. PI is the mathematical numerical value 3.141592654…… and so on which currently has no end. March 14 is 3-14, hence the name PI Day.

My computer has a a blue screen. What does this mean?

Jason — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 03:12:41 +0000

The dreaded “Blue Screen of Death” isn’t always the demise of your PC. More often than not, it is caused by a hardware or software error(s). We have tools that can diagnose hardware issues as well as software problems. In many instances we can repair and recover your computer to a working state again.