Computers break down for many reasons–one being a computer virus, which is an invasive program generally used with malicious intent. In the same way a viruses infect people, computer viruses infect computers and make them work poorly. Because of this, it is vital that you have virus protection for your computer.  There are several ways to combat computer viruses.

• Ensuring you have installed a functioning anti-virus program that is active. Your program should be updated regularly to keep up with newly released viruses. Schedule an active scan on your anti-virus program to automatically check your computer–this acts as a regular doctor’s checkup to keep the computer safe.
• Ensure that administrative privilege is used sparingly. You can create multiple user accounts to accomodate casual use and limit users from installing or changing programs. This limits the likelihood of a virus getting through.
• Create and use strong passwords. One good method is to select a good quote and use the first letter of every word to make a password. You can add a page number or year so that the password has a number as well. Some people do this with bible verses. To keep everything organized, keep a physical notebook with all the important passwords and store the notebook in a secure place.
• Use Google like a doctor to find a solution to the virus based on the symptoms. Some anti-viruses identify infections by name. Other times, we need to search the symptoms of a problem and find a solution online.

If you are low on time or just want a professional to check if your computer is infected, Seva Call can help you find an immediate solution. Just go to Seva Call’s website and fill out a service request, stating your service need, location and availability. In just 90 seconds, Seva Call can put you in touch with up to three high rated service providers in your area who can solve your problem.

I have a computer virus and it’s ruining all functionality of my computer.  Don’t worry–you’re already one step ahead of the game just by identifying whats causing your computer problems.  Many viruses can go unnoticed for a long time.

First, install antivirus software if you haven’t already. There are many free antivirus programs online if you don’t feel like dishing out the cash.

Once the program is running, it should detect that your computer has a virus. Write down what viruses are on your computer. Most antivirus programs will try to remove, or at least isolate, the virus for you. You can usually tell the program that you want the program to get rid of the virus with the click of a button. If the antivirus software says it has removed the malware successfully, then shut down your computer. Reboot and run the antivirus software again.

If the anti-virus software detects nothing, then you’re in the clear. However if it finds different malware, you might need to repeat the steps. If you keep seeing the same malware pop up after multiple scans or cannot access your antivirus software, try starting your computer in Safe Mode.  Then, run your antivirus software. If you see new malware pop up, you may have hit upon your solution. If it finds the same virus, you may need to seek professional help.

If this does not work, you can use TalkLocal to find a local computer repair shop for you. The process is easy: you fill out a short service request online, including a description of your problem, location, and availability. Within minutes, TalkLocal will connect you directly to three local service providers over the phone. All three service providers are capable of fixing your specific problem and willing to meet around your schedule. TalLocal takes the hassle out of appointment scheduling–because computer viruses are stressful enough.

While most spam is not harmful, it all too often pops up in our inbox against our wishes. You probably want to know how to avoid spam?  Before we dive into it, it is important to understand that an email address that has already been spammed is not savable.  Once spam finds your inbox, you are at risk for all sorts of spamming.

Therefore, you need to create a new email address to avoid spamming.  Since most spammers simply guess at email addresses to find you, avoid choosing an easily conceivable one.  Consider adding numbers or additional initials to your address.  And of course, use discretion when distributing your email.  Giving your email address out on the Internet or by other measures on a wide scale is the best way to attract spam.

Even with these measures, some spam may still make its way to you.  In this case, never “unsubscribe” to a sender.  This is merely a way for them to know they have found you, and you are again at risk for more spamming.  Even opening the email could be a detection method – do not let curiosity get the better of you.  Simply delete the email.

Spam occasionally disguises itself as a message from a contact in your address book.  Although this is more difficult to detect, taking a moment to read the subject line can be an effective preventative measure.  If it seems suspicious, contact the sender before opening to confirm its legitimacy.

There are many email providers that will sort spam away from your inbox automatically–accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail.  As long as you know the settings your provider is using for this, it can be very helpful.  Make sure to approve these settings and occasionally check your spam folder for mistakes.  Spam blockers are also available for purchase on a private basis.  A bit of shopping around can help find the one most appropriate for you.

If you continue to have spam problems despite your best efforts, you may want to seek professional help.  TalkLocal can connect you with a local computer repair business that can help you get rid of spam. Fill out an online service request to talk to a professional in minutes!

Having a working sound system is crucial to watching movies, listening to music and just enjoying your computer so when the sound on computer is not working, it can be brutal. Without a sound system, listening to music and enjoying computer games becomes impossible.  You may also miss important business calls and instant messages without a sound notification.  Don’t let sound problems slow you down.  Here are a few notes on major causes for why the sound on your computer is not working and some advice for how to fix the problem.

Obvious Things That Are Easily Overlooked

First, check to see that there is a power supply connected to the speakers if you are using an external form of sound system. Then check to see that the speakers themselves are not faulty by trying the speakers with another electronic device such as an iPod. Also check to see if the volume controls on the speakers themselves are not turned down. Finally, check to see that the speaker system is plugged into the correct port.

Computer Does Not Recognize the Speaker System

There is a chance that the computer may not notice that it is connected to a speaker system. This problem is fixed by accessing the computer’s control panel, clicking on the sound configuration system, and choosing the correct speaker system.

If the choice for the desired speaker does not appear in the sound configuration menu, check to see that the jacks (plugs) for the speakers are not faulty by trying them on to another computer. Keep in mind that some speaker systems may be defective.

Sound Card Problems

The sound card is the internal computer device that facilitates the exchange of audio signals. It is a crucial component that is responsible for a working sound system in your computer. To ensure that the sound card works properly, connect a working pair of headphones or ear buds to the computer and test the sound by playing an audio file. If that still doesn’t work, chances are that your computer system is suffering from bad hardware.

Bad Hardware

If above recommendations do not resolve the issue and sound on computer is not working still, it is likely that the sound card or the speakers are defective. At this point it is recommended that you call for help from the local experts. TalkLocal can help with finding the correct local expert to fix your computer quickly, saving you time and energy in a stressful situation.