National Computer Repair

Experienced in computer repair, data recovery, and a love for all things geek.

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4 Tips to Keep Your Devices Safe from Internet Viruses

Viruses on the internet are super dangerous. It can easily infect your devices with malware. These viruses are harmful and can steal your personal information, delete your files, and slow down your computer. Not only that, but it can also cause your device to stop working altogether. Do you fear internet viruses? Do you wish to secure your device from internet viruses but are not sure what to do? No need to stress! We have gathered some of the best tips that can help you protect your device. Scroll down to start reading!

1. Antivirus software installation.

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When you use the internet, there’s always a possibility of a harmful virus or malware infecting your device. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to protect your device. Your top priority is to install and run a trustworthy antivirus software. This will help you stay safe from online threats, whether you do online shopping, banking, or browsing.

Related: “Tips to Prevent a Computer Virus”

2. Avoid opening suspicious email attachments.

One of the easiest ways to transfer a virus to another computer is through email attachments. Often, people open spam email attachments without thinking, which can lead to massive damage to the device. Therefore, sites like Gmail and Outlook ask for your permission to download the attachment. So next time you receive an email attachment from an unknown email address, think twice before you hit the download button. 

3. Avoid clicking on spam website links.

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If you find websites with suspicious names on the internet, avoid clicking on these links as these fake websites may contain viruses. If you click the link, the virus will enter your computer without you even realizing it and will gain access to all your confidential documents. Moreover, if you find buttons on spam websites or ads with the given below wording, just avoid clicking.

  • Click here 
  • Check me
  • Buy now 
  • Free 

Related: “How to Avoid a Computer Virus”

4. Create a backup for your device.

You cannot fully secure your computer. Even if you install anti-virus software on your computer, there will still be a chance of getting a virus on your device from the internet. Therefore, instead of neglecting all the red flags and regretting later, it’s better to make use of cloud backup. This way, you can store all your essential documents in a secure location that won’t be affected by the virus. Even if your device crashes because of the virus, you won’t have to deal with any unnecessary problems or loss of files. You can easily download and restore essential files from the cloud.

The Bottom Line 

We hope that the above guidelines will help you secure your device from internet viruses. If you want professionals to help you connect your device to a cloud storage or to get rid of viruses, consider National Computer Repair. We are one of the leading and most trusted companies delivering bespoke services at reasonable prices. Visit our website or give us a call at (615) 826-7550, and we’ll fix anything and everything that is wrong with your system.

4 Signs That Your Computer is Virus Infected

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Computers have become the essential drive force of today’s technology. Everybody has one – it could be a desktop, laptop, or even your smartphone. If your computer is not functioning properly, there is a chance that your system has been attacked by viruses and malware. The following are some signs that show your computer is infected by a virus:

1. Your computer is performing slowly.

A slow computer is a real test of patience. If you are experiencing a decline in the performance of your computer, your system might be virus infected. Many viruses out there overload your device through various methods. They then silently steal your resources and information and send it out to the hackers. Remember that it is not always a virus attack that slows down the computer. There can be other reasons for it too. Learn how to speed up your PC’s boot time.

2. There are always weird ads and pop-ups on your computer screen.

Unwanted pop-ups and ads can be extremely annoying. If you are receiving multiple pop-ups and ads, your computer might be malware infected. It is typical behavior of a malware to load more websites in attempts that you will download more malware and viruses. Some websites are designed in such way that they open multiple tabs presenting fake illegal content to download. Set your browser to block and disable all the unwanted ads and pop-ups.

3. You are experiencing sudden system crashes.

Sudden unexpected reboots are a tell-tale sign that something is wrong with your system. This is caused by extreme overheating or your device is running too many programs. It increases the workload on the computer and it’s bound to experience unexpected shutdowns. Suspicious apps and websites are one of the reasons your system might be facing this issue. Here is a quick guide on how you can prevent system crashes.

4. You are getting warnings from your anti-virus software.

This is a sure-fire sign that your computer is infected with harmful viruses. If your anti-virus acts up and tells you that your system might be facing some serious threats, you need to immediately act upon it. Modern anti-virus software works like magic. It will inform you beforehand that a certain piece of content or app is dangerous to your device and may make certain changes. Pay heed to the warning and look for an alternative place to download anything you are looking for. Here is a small list of free yet effective anti-virus software that you can download and save your system from harmful malwares and viruses.

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Conclusion

Getting your system attacked by viruses and malwares can be very problematic. It can result in the loss of your important personal data. But no need to worry, our experts at National Computer Repair are perfectly capable of tackling such issues in a very efficient way. Visit our website and check all the services that we offer to our clients. You can also simply call us at (615) 826-7550 and our professionals will assist you with your queries.   

Hard Drives 101

Along with a screen, motherboard, graphics, and RAM, computers also need a storage drive in order to function correctly. Computers will either need a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HD or HDD), or a hybrid version of the two, and because it’s their main storage device the more it has the better. To further boost your hard drive knowledge, feel confident when shopping for one, and learn troubleshooting tips, continue reading our blog below!

Function

Hard drives are the hardware components that store all digital content on computers. This includes everything from documents, pictures, music, videos, programs, and application preferences. Hard drives are typically installed inside of computers, however they are sometimes located externally too. Oftentimes, external hard drives are purchased as a form of additional backup storage for laptops and computers.

Purchasing

Whether you’re buying a new computer or upgrading a current one, shopping for a storage drive can be a daunting and confusing experience. It’s crucial that you thoroughly research before purchasing as the right storage configuration can have a drastic impact on your day-to-day experience with loading, response times, and available storage space.

Troubleshooting

Common issues consumers encounter with their hard drives include data recovery, backup failures, data transfers, and installations. When a functioning drive fails or begins returning errors, there could be many possible causes.

If having issues but the drive is still functioning, copy and relocate any important information from it as quickly as possible as hard drives are infamous for being fine one moment and not the next. When it comes to something as vital as a hard drive, it’s always best to leave it to the experts to avoid any permanent data loss.

Final Thoughts

From hard drive installations to repairs and replacements, National Computer Repair always has you covered. Our team can remedy various issues and replace different malfunctioning components such as the motherboard, hard drive, graphics card, screen, touch pad, and keys. To learn more about our incredibly convenient and affordable services head to our website or call us any day of the week at (615) 826-7550.

PC Gaming Equipment for Beginners

New gamers often face a steep learning curve after their initial introduction to the world of PC gaming. Taking the first steps in acquiring your own gaming equipment can be daunting and confusing, but this blog, along with our hands-on experts are here to help. Whether you’re investing in an entirely new gaming PC or plan to upgrade an existing one, follow along below as we discuss the four main components to look for when shopping around.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The job of a CPU is to collect, read, and process instructions provided by applications, then act accordingly. Essentially, a CPU is the brain of a PC and is responsible for carrying out all of the essential tasks that allow it to function properly.

While this component is important for general computing needs as well, it’s an especially critical component for optimal gaming. It’s important to note that replacing or upgrading the CPU later down the line will generally require you to also switch out the motherboard.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) or Graphics Card

What would gaming be without the graphics? A graphics card is the ruler of the visual experience because it’s what accelerates your PC’s creation and rendering of images, video, and animations. Your GPU and CPU work as a team to harmonize the graphics with basically everything else.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is a piece of hardware responsible for helping a PC run programs more efficiently. The more RAM a PC has the more information can be simultaneously accessed and translated by the CPU. Gaming PC’s require more RAM than non-gaming PC’s because these programs need more space, or memory, to operate properly and at full speed.

Storage

The amount of storage a PC has directly affects how fast or slow it will load programs and read data. PC storage typically comes in the form of a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), the difference being that HDDs are cheaper and come in higher capacities while SSDs are best for achieving the fastest speeds.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day as long as new gamers invest in enough system memory and storage space to meet the minimum requirements of their games, the overall performance will mostly come down to the CPU and graphics card. At National Computer Repair in Madison, TN, not only will you find high end gaming PC’s, hardware and accessories, but trusted advice from local tech and gaming experts as well. Contact us via our website or in person any day of the week!

The Timeline of Computers

            Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, declared that “the computer was born to solve problems that did not exist before.” Technology is rapidly altering before our very eyes and keeps bringing new expectations and perceptions of life.   Within six decades, computer technology has stemmed from demanding an entire room to function to a table, to pockets, and now operating mainly from a Cloud.  The original intention for computers was merely for a mathematical calculator.  Currently, calculators are in all of our electronic devices. Therefore, computers have and will keep changing the future for generations to come.

Original Computers

            During the 1940s and 1950s, the first large-scale computer called Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) ran at electronic speed without delay by any mechanical parts. The ENIAC needed 18,000 vacuum tubes to function. Also, it required 15-by-meters of space for its sizable built.  This technology was cutting edge. The accessibility of this technology became possible later on. 

            Nevertheless, transistors brought smaller and dependable computers altering from the more expensive computers. Cheaper and tinier, computers started to become a high demand in the market. The IBM 608 was the first transistor-only computer costing around $1,760 a month to rent compared to the IBM 650 being $3,200. The 1950s and ’60s embarked on the current computer industry. The IBM 608 was considered the first commercial calculator. IBM produced 70% of the world’s computers, and 80% were within the United States.

            In 1971, Intel generated the first commercial microprocessor called the Intel 4004. They brought in the next generation of computers called the IBM PC. The cost of computers lowered, and microprocessors were the next step for computers. They empower mass production of custom-made CPU systems. IBM’s larger transistors were no match for microprocessors which brought about miniature computers, PCs, laptops, and even the mobile phone. Eventually, in 1974, Motorola would be a competitor to Intel by making the 6800 microprocessor computer.

Personal Computers

             Within the hardware level of computers, microprocessors were bringing about a menacing completion.  During the 1980s and 1990s, computers’ previous constructions were manipulated to serve customers. Hardware companies like Intel, Zilog, Motorola, and MOS Tech had to contest with each other. An operating system (OS) running by consecutive software increased the demand for mass production of computers. Microsoft eventually saw the need to bring all applications into one operating system.  By the late 90s, Microsoft’s operating system resulted in 97% of all computing devices. Therefore, Microsoft’s operating system and Intel’s microprocessor shaped a new era for computers and led to fierce competition.

Internet and Now

The Web (HTTP) and the introduction of Linux, an open-source operating system, led to the most notable shift of technology in history. Internet browsers escorted users to cross-OS access to terminating the application lock-in benefit of Windows. Also, Microsoft lost the opportunity to shift towards mobile consumption paying particular more attention to software developments. The Linux-based mobile operating system, Android, outshined  Microsoft. Android took the computing market by controlling 85% of the mobile computing market. Mircosoft’s stock went down 20% afterward.

Notably, another creation made for computer users to experience a convenient and connective way of using computers in the Cloud. It allowed users to save data and have storage online. Cloud is now the main focus with tech giants such as Google, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft.

Therefore, many of these tech organizations are still striving to create an experience with computers. Technology will keep changing and transitioning our lives. Computers are always around us and we need them to function properly sometimes. At National Computer Repair, we know how intimidating a computer can be, so let us help you. Call us at (615) 826-7550 to fix all your computer issues. Located in Madison, TN, you can trust our experts to solve all your technical issues. Come on by to our store!

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