The first step in a long battle...

FTC cracks down on telephone tech support scam, read this first,

Regulators smash global phone tech support scam operation

So in the last 15 service calls that I have processed, 2 have been this scam. With the golbalization of customer support and the ease of remote access to your computer this scam is easy quick and profitable.  

I have seen a even worse situation where the initial target is contacted a second time to let them know that a second virus is on their computer and again the target pays money.  

Signs of the scam, 

- Unsolicited phone call

- Demand to access you computer remotely

- Will to negotiate on the repair price

- Will not provide a call back number

When in doubt, hang up, and as always if you have any security, virus, or malware questions, please feel free to contact me.

The fax alternative, Internet faxing

From Wikipedia, "Internet fax, e-fax, or online fax is a general term which refers to the use of the Internet to send a document fax, rather than using only phone networks (traditional faxing) with a fax machine."

Most businesses have little or no use for a fax machine now days.  With that being said, there are still one or two hold outs.  For the rest of us we need a way to communicate with them, which brings us to the internet fax.  

There are many options to fulfill this need, here are the ones that I think are best, 

www.ringcentral.com

www.myfax.com

www.efax.com

Be warned,  this is a competitive space on the web so if you search you will find a lot of "comparison" sites that are nothing more than sales tools.  These three I have all used, so I can speak from experience.   Compare the ones I have listed and make you own decision. 

Save money on your mobile phone plan

We all wonder what the best mobile phone plan for our needs is, billshrink.com can get you there.   billshrink.com offers several discounting services, but it most helpful service allows you to input your mobile telephone account access information and then evaluates your useage and provides suggestions for the best plan to fit your needs. 

billshrink.com looks at voice usage, text message usage, and data usage.   In addition it takes into account coverage in your work and home coverage area, type of handset or smartphone, and contract cost to buy out your current contract to change plans.

I have used billshrink.com for 4 years now and have been happy with the results.   I usually check bill shrink every three months to ensure that I am getting the best deal.  I recommend billshrink.com as a great way to reduce your mobile phone expense.

Important Internet Explorer issue

Heads up!   Unfortunately there is a pretty significant Internet Explorer security issue.  Using a security flaw exploit in Internet Explorer a hacker can gain remote access and control of your computer.  Due to the nature of the issue, anti-virus and anti-malware programs typically can not resolve the issue.  A download from Microsoft addresses the issue, here is the link, 

Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit v3.0

For more information on the issue here is a fairly concise article on the issue.  

Microsoft urges customers to install security tool

If you have questions, feel free to contact me. 

Another great computer deal at Costco

Here is another great deal, 

Check out more specs here, 

Costco HP PC

PROS: Ivy Bridge, 8 GB RAM, 9.5 hours of Battery

CONS: Color (White), ?

Available only in store at Costco.