Data loss: prevention is key! – 4/12/2024
We hope this newsletter finds you well! In today’s digital age, our lives are increasingly dependent on the data stored on our devices. Whether it’s personal memories, important work documents, or valuable information, the loss of such data can be distressing and costly. That’s why we’re excited to share with you some valuable insights and tips on data recovery in this edition of our newsletter.
Understanding Data Recovery
Data recovery is the process of retrieving lost or deleted data from storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), USB drives, memory cards, and even smartphones. It involves specialized techniques that allow for the retrieval of files that have been accidentally deleted or corrupted due to hardware failure, software issues, viruses, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Causes of Data Loss
There are several common causes of data loss:
Accidental deletion: We’ve all been there—mistakenly deleting an important file or folder.
Hardware failure: Hard drives can fail due to mechanical issues or electrical problems.
Software corruption occurs when operating systems crash or become corrupted.
Virus attacks: Malicious software can compromise your system and lead to data loss.
Natural disasters—fires, floods, earthquakes—all pose a risk to physical storage devices.
Steps to Take Immediately After Data Loss
If you find yourself facing a potential loss of important data:
a) Stop using the affected device immediately. Continued use may overwrite deleted files and complicate recovery efforts.
b) Disconnect from the internet: This reduces the risk of malware spreading further into your system.
c) Do not attempt DIY solutions unless you have expertise in data recovery; this could lead to permanent damage.
Professional Data Recovery Services
Engaging professional data recovery services is often the best course of action when dealing with complex cases or critical data loss situations. These experts possess the specialized tools and knowledge required for successful recoveries.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of data loss, taking preventative measures will help safeguard your valuable information:
a) Regularly backup your files using both local external storage devices (hard drives) and cloud-based solutions.
b) Invest in reliable anti-virus software and keep it updated regularly.
c) Be cautious when opening email attachments from unknown sources; they may contain viruses designed to compromise your system.
DIY Data Recovery Tools
For less severe cases where there is no physical damage involved, DIY recovery tools can be used cautiously. These software options scan storage devices for recoverable files but should only be used if you have technical knowledge regarding their safe usage.
Remember that prevention is key! Taking proactive steps towards securing your digital assets will save you time and stress if a catastrophic event occurs.
We hope these insights have given you a better understanding of how crucial it is to protect your valuable data. If ever faced with a challenging situation involving lost files in the future, don’t panic! Call (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page for professional assistance from trusted experts in the field! Stay safe online!
Keeping Kids Safe on Discord and Online Platforms – 9/25/2023
You might remember setting up a “telephone” with a friend made with cups and a string. Or feel nostalgic for the novelty of having your own phone line in your home growing up. Meanwhile, we’re raising the digital generation. They game online, chat online, stream TV online…everything is online. One popular channel for kids’ conversations? Discord. Here’s help keeping your kids safe on this and other online platforms.
Discord is a popular communication platform connecting communities of people online. It’s particularly popular with gamers. But kids use it for real-time voice and video calls, screen sharing, and group or private chats.
Ultimately, Discord is a versatile and powerful platform. That means it’s important to guide young users in using it responsibly.
Keeping Kids Safe on Discord
Discord requires its users to be at least 13 years old, but this is not enforced. Protecting your kids requires communication, as well as an understanding of the platform’s safety features.
Discord users can share text messages, images, GIFs, videos, and links in their channels. That means your child may encounter inappropriate content.
Reduce the probability by setting up Family Center to connect your account with your child’s:
Open Discord.
Tap on Family Center.
In user Settings, toggle the Enable Family Center tab.
Scan the QR code under your child’s Connect with Your Parent option in their Family Center tab.
Once you’re connected, you’ll be able to see friend requests, who they make calls to, and who they have messaged, although you won’t be able to see the content of those calls and messages. You can also track which servers (think of it like a text thread) they take part in. You can also receive weekly recaps via email.
It’s also a good idea to:
Encourage your child to accept friend requests only from people they know in real life;
Review their friend list to ensure no unfamiliar users are added;
Set up Safe Direct Messaging, which prevents direct messages from users not on the friend list;
Review and adjust privacy settings to enable content filters and to control who can send friend requests, see their online status, and more.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on the account for added security.
Online Safety for Kids
Controls can help, but you probably want to pair online safety with giving autonomy.
Communicate with your child about online safety. Teach them about not sharing personal information and reporting any uncomfortable situations. Remind them that someone may not be who they say they are. Warn them of the risks of meeting up with someone they meet online.
Setting screen time limits can also help curtail your child’s online activity. This encourages them to set boundaries and continue to develop other interests.
Lead by example by limiting your own online time and treating others with kindness. Encouraging critical thinking can also help your child’s digital literacy. Ask them to think about a cyberbully’s motives, or discuss why taking responsibility for online activity is important.
Finally, let them know they can come to you with concerns or uncomfortable situations. Online safety is an ongoing process. Stay involved in and updated about your child’s online activities.
Need help understanding new technologies your child is using? Our IT experts can help set up a safer online environment for your entire family. Call us today at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page.
Mobile apps let us play, teach us, give us social media or music, and more. No wonder there were more than 142 billion downloads in 2022! Going to Google or Apple’s mobile stores to find the app you want feels safe, but even these heavy hitters can’t guarantee you’re downloading something secure.
Google and Apple do their best, but they are vetting many thousands of new apps submitted monthly. The vast majority of their offerings aren’t a threat, but some malicious apps can make it through.
What do malicious app downloads do?
Apps downloaded from mobile stores are typically more secure than your Web activity. On an app, you’re within a contained system, whereas on the Web, you click through various links and visit websites which could have viruses or malware.
Still, a malicious app can infect your smartphone and cause several issues:
Ad fraud. The app runs in the background and sends ad clicks to different websites. This runs down your battery and slows your phone activity.
Data theft. If you give a malicious app permission to cross the app/data divide, it could lead to information being stolen.
Browser hacking. The app may open website browsers that put you at risk of sharing sensitive data.
Apps access all your information (SMS, camera, contacts) and take control of your device.
Keep your mobile phone safe
When looking to download a mobile app, do your research. Look at the ratings and how many downloads it has had. Application reviews can also help you verify the credibility of the app. Check the logo and the name of the creator, too. You don’t want to install something from Microsaft instead of Microsoft.
Keep your mobile device’s operating system current. Installing the manufacturer’s updates can help cut your vulnerabilities.
Also, take a moment to review the permissions for that new app. There’s no reason a calculator app needs access to your entire address book and camera. If the app asks for too much access, it can be a good idea to delete it and look for another option.
Be wary if you decide to download an app directly from a website other than the app store. This is a greater risk. Plus, know that illegally pirating software or media is a real risk for viruses.
Also, keep an eye out for common signs of a virus on your phone such as:
other apps taking longer than usual to open or install;
phone battery running down faster than normal;
your monthly data usage increasing;
your contacts receiving odd messages from you via email, text, or social media.
Worried you may have a virus on your device? We can check and see. We can also help backup your data and, if necessary, wipe a compromised phone. Call us today at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page.
Deepfake Voice Scams: Don’t Fall for Them, 5/8/2023
Deepfake has gone mainstream. You’ve probably seen a movie or TV show with a character complaining about images or videos that look real. You should also be wary of deepfake voice scams.
Deepfake is a mashup of the words deep learning and fake. The technology uses artificial intelligence and machine-deep-learning algorithms. This can create convincing representations of people for special effects or silly videos, but these fake videos or images can also be more dangerous.
Malicious deepfakes spread false information or can defame or scam people. That’s what we want to talk about in more detail here: fake voice scams.
What is a “deepfake voice” scam?
This type of scam manipulates synthesized speech to convince you that someone is saying something they didn’t actually say. This increasingly common scam tricks you into providing sensitive information or sending money.
Criminals first record a voice sample from their victim. They might use speeches, TikTok or YouTube videos, podcasts, or phone conversations. Then, they turn to a tool such as ElevenLabs, Resemble, Overdub, ReadSpeaker, or Voice.ai. These platforms analyze speech patterns and create a voice mimicking the original. The bad actors can then generate a new speech that sounds like the original speaker said it. They script it, and the Ai voice says it.
Examples of deepfake scams include creating a voice that mimics a family member. They’ll script a request for help in an emergency situation. Or you might get a call from a lawyer claiming to need payment to help defend a family member.
You might also hear from a celebrity who wants you to donate to their charity. The fake voice might also ask for sensitive information, such as banking details. After all, who wouldn’t trust Liam Neeson if he called personally?
A tech support scam is another common one. The scammer creates a voice for a customer support representative from a prominent company. They request remote access to your computer to “fix” a non-existent problem. Instead, they’ll steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, or install malware.
How do I defend against deepfake scams?
This technology does a good job, and the scam can be very convincing. Be cautious of unexpected requests for personal information or money made by phone. Be especially suspicious if the request makes an emotional appeal to you to act now.
Confirm before you share sensitive data or transfer money. For example, if you’re asked to pay a lawyer to help your grandson in an accident, check in with him first. Or, if someone calls from your internet service provider, use a trusted phone number to confirm their authenticity.
We can help you combat deep-fake scams. We can install email and Web filtering, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and endpoint protection. Our IT experts can also watch networks for signs of attack and respond to minimize potential damage. Call us today at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page.
Gaming on Laptop Dust: Life and Performance- 1/24/2023
Let’s be real: most gamers rely on performance and higher usage frequency to achieve success and move on to the next level. These are two factors to take into consideration when discussing why a computer, specifically a laptop, should be periodically cleaned. And I’m not talking about PUPs, bloatware, viruses, or other software stuff. I’m talking about hardware and dust and debris accumulation. And you can “game” the accumulation of dust at some point!
Here’s an example case
Last week I had a client come in with a high-end ASUS ROG gaming laptop. He complained about higher than normal operating temperatures, especially under higher than normal GPU loads. In my process of diagnosis, I opened up his laptop and noticed both the CPU and GPU fans were caked with dust, and the GPU fan was not spinning. My conclusion was that rather than clean the fans and heatsinks, the best plan of action, being that the GPU fan was bad, was to replace both the GPU and CPU fans. Most fans have a lifecycle, and it’s my belief that if a laptop has two fans, it’s always best to replace them both at the same time. They are rather inexpensive. This saves you the cost and effort of replacing the other fan shortly down the road. The client agreed, and we proceeded with the quotation for the work to be performed. In terms of fan replacement, traditional productivity laptops are fairly straightforward. However, higher-end gaming laptops are a bit more difficult and involved. There are multiple theories we can come up with as to why the GPU fan failed, but two theories come to mind in this case. 1.) The fan simply reached the end of its lifecycle. 2.) The buildup of dust and debris caused excessive heat and resistance on the fan. I’m more apt to think #2 was the case here based on the overall age of the laptop.
Not every case is the same
Now, I’m not saying that every case will require fan replacement. In most cases, you’ll only need thorough dust removal within the chassis. Taking a can of compressed air and blowing it through the laptop vents is absolutely the wrong approach. This just moves the dust around the inside of your computer, which blankets the motherboard. It can also cause dust to wad up in the fan’s spin zone, causing an obstruction. Doing the job the right way involves opening up the laptop chassis and disassembling down to the motherboard level, removing the fan(s), cleaning the fan(s), removing the heatsink, cleaning the fins on the heatsink, and removing and reapplying thermal grease to the GPU and CPU. We then reassemble the laptop and run it through a benchmark test to monitor temperature levels.
If you are experiencing excessive operating temperatures or fan noise and are unsure of the inner-workings of your computer, feel free to contact the professionals at Twin Cities PC Repair at (651) 456-8655 or send us a message from our Contact page.
The New PC Tune-Up – 11/29/21. How exciting! You got a new computer for Christmas. It’s sleek, shiny, and so much faster than what you had before. That’s great, but it doesn’t mean you should leave it untouched. This article shares several steps you might take to secure your data and keep that new device in tip-top shape.
First things first. Before even logging into personal email or other top sites, you’ll want to update the operating system (OS). Yes, most computers come out of the box with Windows, but you can’t know when that item was boxed. There could be important updates that you don’t want to miss.
You’ll also want to install the latest drivers during your tune-up. Different hardware on your computer can need specialized drivers from the manufacturer. Gamers, for instance, may want to ensure they download the latest to boost performance.
While you’re doing all this uploading and upgrading, also look to remove junk that may have come on the computer. It’s no longer as common, but manufacturers can reduce cost to the consumer by pre-installing software.
You might not have any need for the tools that come already installed. Meanwhile, they slow down your computer. Remove the clutter to improve your computer’s processing. Head to your PC’s Control Panel and look to uninstall programs and utilities that you don’t want. Be careful, though. Just because you don’t know what it is doesn’t mean it’s not serving a valuable purpose.
Starting out on a new computer is also a great time to set up the free software. For many of us this includes:
Google Chrome – the internet browser;
Skype – for instant messaging, voice and video calling;
VLC – a multimedia player;
FoxIt Reader – to create, edit, sign, and secure PDFs;
7Zip – used for archiving files.
Involving an IT expert for Your Tune-Up
If you had a great sales experience, you may not want to seek IT help with your new computer. Still, it can prove useful.
Your new computer may also need BIOS updates during your tune-up. Again, the hardware was current when your computer was boxed up but may be lacking the latest by the time it gets to you. A note of caution: this is not an update to do alone. BIOS updates don’t add new features, security patches, or performance improvements, but they may fix a bug with a piece of hardware or add support for your central processing unit (CPU). These updates can be risky if done incorrectly, so work with an IT tech.
Talk also with an IT tech about the best data backup plan for your needs. You’ll be creating important documents, downloading sensitive data, and uploading valued images. Don’t risk their security by failing to back up.
IT support will also suggest the best security tool for you to use to protect against malware. With so many free and fee-based third-party alternatives to Windows Defender, you may want help deciding on the best one.
We’re here to help you get the most out of your new computer. Or, if you’re not sure yet which one to buy, we can consult with you on that, too. Contact us today at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page!
DIY Computer Repair: Don’t Do It! – Most people like to take a shot at fixing things something themselves. With some things that works out great, but when it comes to do-it-yourself computer repair, it’s probably not worth the effort. This article shares some of the things to consider before trying to do that repair solo.
#1 Computers are complicated
Computer developers put a lot of work into making it easy for you to use your computer. A good user experience is part of the appeal for one brand over another. But that doesn’t mean that what’s going on inside the actual device is simple to fix.
There are a lot of complicated connections “underneath the hood” of your laptop or desktop, and prying the device open to see if you can do a DIY repair could prove disastrous. It’s going to be safer to turn to a trained repair tech instead.
#2 You could make things worse
Maybe you’ve done this around the house when trying to be “handy.” That leaky faucet becomes a full-blown broken fixture thanks to your efforts.
You might think that you can watch a YouTube video and do an amateur fix, but know that just hitting the wrong key combination could create a different problem. Digging into the backend of your programs could change something for the worse.
Tip: If you do try to fix something solo, don’t erase your history. It could be important for the tech expert to retrace your steps to figure out where you went wrong.
#3 You risk being scammed
Bad guys are always finding ways to exploit people, and there are scams out there that appear to be repair assist programs. You may be looking for a fix but instead you click on a link that installs malware on your device. Now, you’ve got another problem to deal with!
#4 You could lose your valuable data
We store a lot of our lives on our computers or smartphones these days. If you attempt to fix your device without first backing up your files, media, and other data, you could lose it all.
#5 It may not be worth it
It’s not that difficult to find a reasonably priced computer today. You may end up paying for expensive repairs for an old computer when you could have bought new. Take your computer to a fix-it shop. You’ll get expert input into whether your device is worth the time, effort, and money to repair before you go too far down that road.
Choosing the right repair service
With age comes the wisdom to ask for help when we need it. Regrettably, not all repair services are as reliable. When looking for computer fix-it help, read reviews, and check credentials and service guarantees.
Don’t hesitate to contact our IT experts for your computer repair needs. You have your skills, we have ours. Let us do the hard work and keep your devices ship shape for you. Contact us now at (651) 456-8655 or visit our CONTACT page.
Twin Cities PC Repair Receives 2019 Best of Eagan Award
Eagan Award Program Honors the Achievement
Patrick Jensen (Owner)
EAGAN October 14, 2019 — Twin Cities PC Repair has been selected for the 2019 Best of Eagan Award in the Computer Repair Service category by the Eagan Award Program.
Each year, the Eagan Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Eagan area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2019 Eagan Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Eagan Award Program and data provided by third parties.
About EAP
The EAP is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Eagan area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The EAP was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.
The solid-state drive (SSD) has swiftly become the go-to upgrade to breathe new life into an aging computer, and for good reason too. An SSD swiftly brings an old laptop or desktop up to date with modern machines in just a single step.
Patrick Jensen (Owner)
The price of solid-state memory has fallen dramatically in recent years. As costs have dropped, the popularity of the technology has increased exponentially. At one time an SSD was a rare treat for serious PC enthusiasts, now it’s cheaper and more readily available than ever. No other single solution is as cost-effective, quick to swap, and impressively effective as swapping out an old hard drive in favor of the faster and more modern SSD.
Out with The Old
The hard disk drive (HDD) is a technology that dates back as far as the 1950s. They became the default solution all PCs would use for decades to come. Most old laptop and desktop machines still contain their original, worn hard drives they left the factory with.
The HDD was a mostly mechanical device. Inside a solid outer casing was a series of spinning disks arranged in a delicate stack known as a platter. Each disk could read and save data using a tiny needle moving across the disk’s surface.
The technology looked and worked much like a miniature record player. Like a record player, widely in use at the time that hard drives were developed, the hard drive had some serious drawbacks in their use.
The series of tiny disks and needles that made up the HDD were incredibly fragile. Vulnerable to dust or movement, computers commonly succumbed to hard drive failures that rendered the machine and its stored data unusable. Occasionally, simply moving a laptop while reading or writing data can damage a hard drive’s spinning disk.
In with The New
The primary reason to switch to a more modern SSD, on top of their impressive durability, is the incredible increase in speed. The SSD has no moving parts at all, working more like a digital camera memory card than a vinyl record player.
An SSD simply makes the process of retrieving and saving data to storage many times faster. Eliminating the mechanical component, removing the need to move a physical disk, and not needing to physically pick up the data means a much faster and smoother operation.
Computer startup, where the operating system loads all its data from storage, can take as little as one-quarter of the time of a comparable HDD. Additionally, loading regular applications and data from an SSD takes a fraction of time of an HDD.
An SSD completely breathes new life into an old machine. Computers with an SSD replacement for the hard drive feel like using an entirely new machine for a fraction of the cost.
Replacing the main mechanical component additionally eliminates wear and tear working to break down your machine. While an HDD slows over time, degrades, and can eventually suffer mechanical failure; an SSD remains as durable as the day it was purchased.
Ideal Laptop Upgrade
In a laptop setting, the SSD makes complete sense. They require less power than older hard drives, making the most of your battery charge.
In addition, not needing a large disk platter, mechanical parts, or protective outer case means they are about half the weight of a mechanical drive. Making an old machine lightweight brings it another step closer to a modern machine.
They run almost silently too. The familiar click-clack of the hard drive inside a laptop is a thing of the past. Many users comment on the noise their laptop used to make starting up and loading programs. Noisy laptops are a tech throwback we’re happy to leave behind.
For many who feel like their old laptop or desktop is showing its age, the prohibitive cost of purchasing a whole new machine keeps them invested in their old one. A simple, fast SSD upgrade can make your old machine new again at a much smaller price. If swapping long startups, and slow load times sounds right for you, consider upgrading to an SSD. You won’t look back.
We know computers always break at the worst possible time, but what exactly prompts that failure? It’s easy to think it was something you did since you were using it at the time, but while your online gaming frenzy might cause a temporary crash, normal user actions are rarely the cause of a broken computer.
Physical Damage
Accidents happen, but they don’t always mean you need to buy a new computer. As an electrical item, liquid spills are a big problem. This could be anywhere from a spill on the keyboard, going overboard with the screen cleaning spray or even a flood that reaches the computer. Laptop users need to be especially careful when choosing their work surface, as cafes and kitchen tables often have small puddles left behind. If you’re lucky and the liquid didn’t fry the circuits, ongoing corrosion is still likely, as is stickiness to gum up the internal parts. Similarly, a dropped computer isn’t going to be happy, nor is one that’s been knocked around. Even a light thump of frustration can cause loose cables, disconnections and internal damage.
Age
Computer parts have an expected lifetime, especially moving parts like fans or mechanical hard drives. Some computers can run 24/7 for up to a decade, while others can be barely used but fail within warranty. When age is the issue there are usually early warning signs like extra noise or slowing down, but the actual ‘break’ generally happens when you go to turn the computer on, perhaps after a crash or overnight – either it makes a valiant effort before giving up, or nothing happens at all. Sometimes lasting age is the luck of the draw with how it was manufactured, and quality does play a big part in how long it can keep churning.
Power Surges
We like to think electricity is a constant stream that never varies, but computers are particularly sensitive to both surges (too much electricity) and brownouts (not enough electricity). You might notice the lights dimming or flickering during a brownout, or glowing just a tad too strong during a surge. These variations never last long, and they’re not something you can control unless it’s just your house (it’s worth checking with your neighbors), but they can easily break your computer. A surge protector can guard against mild increases in voltage, but brownouts and strong surges will still cause damage.
Heat
Overheating is a big contributor to premature computer death. Some computer parts run hot and need plenty of cooling to keep them working. You might not feel it from the outside, but internal components can rapidly build up heat that needs to go somewhere. When your airflow vents get blocked with dust or pet hair, the temperature continues to increase until components literally bake themselves to failure. At set temperatures, the computer will automatically switch off to try and cool down, however the more often this happens and the higher the temps, the more likely your computer is to die.
Hard Drive Failure
Your data is stored on a hard drive, and if you’ve got a mechanical hard drive (most people do), it works a bit like a record player with a spinning ‘platter’ and a needle that reads it. Small bumps, liquid, age, surges and overheating can all trigger hard drive failure. Along with making your computer unusable, hard drive failure means your data is also lost. While sudden breakage might leave you surprised, take note of any strange noises or repeated crashes and back up your data in advance.
Like a car, your computer needs to be serviced too. We can check your computer, both hardware and software, to make sure it’s running right and working its best for you. Give us a call at (651) 456-8655 or visit our contact page HERE.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.AcceptNoPrivacy policy
Here’s an example case
vents is absolutely the wrong approach. This just moves the dust around the inside of your computer, which blankets the motherboard. It can also cause dust to wad up in the fan’s spin zone, causing an obstruction. Doing the job the right way involves opening up the laptop chassis and disassembling down to the motherboard level, removing the fan(s), cleaning the fan(s), removing the heatsink, cleaning the fins on the heatsink, and removing and reapplying thermal grease to the GPU and CPU. We then reassemble the laptop and run it through a benchmark test to monitor temperature levels.
Recent Comments