Computer Mechanix discontinues support for Windows 98 and Windows Me with the release of Vista.

With Windows XP now out for over 5 years we feel it’s important to help forward the modernization of computing by discontinuing support for all OS’s prior to Windows XP.

Microsoft stops support of Windows 98 and Windows Millenium Edition.

Within March 2006, Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 98 by retiring public and technical support, including security patches. Because of this, Computer Mechanix can no longer guarantee any system’s security if it is running Windows 98. On July 11, 2006, Microsoft stopped offering public, technical, and security support for Windows Millenium Edition so the same security issues apply.

For more information, please click here to open a news article in a new window.

What operating systems does Computer Mechanix currently support?

As of February 9, 2007, Computer Mechanix supports:

Windows PCs running:
- Windows XP (all versions - Home, Professional, Media Center, etc.)
- Windows 2003 and later Server
- Windows Vista (all versions)

- Windows 7 (All Versions)

Mac PCs running:
- All versions of Apple Mac OS/X (version 10.4 and newer)

What operating systems do you not support?

Windows PCs: 
- We do not support Microsoft Windows 2000 and anything before.

Mac PCs:
- We do not support any Mac operating system prior to the first release of OS/X 10.4.

The History of 3D Accelerators – In Brief

At Computer Mechanix, games are the best way to figure out what specifications our newest computers need to have. Back when Woody and I started gaming on our computers, video cards weren’t much more than a glimmer in the engineers’ eyes. All video games were efficiently programmed to run on pretty much every available computer system. As long as you had the processor and the memory, you knew you could run any video game out there. Of course, back in those days, the idea of a CD-ROM was years off and it would be even longer still before games stopped coming out on floppy disks (sometimes even those “floppy floppies” that were black and held a whopping 1.2MB).

Those days are long gone. Thanks to a company named Voodoo in the mid-1990s, the world was introduced to the 3D accelerator, a video card that was built with 3D graphics in mind. With the introduction of the 3D accelerator, video game companies started getting lazy and decided that they wouldn’t optimize their programming to run on any computer – only the biggest and baddest gaming rigs need apply.

As the late 1990s came upon us, other video card manufacturers jumped into the fray with a huge number of choices existing as we headed into the new millennium. Fortunately, those days are behind us, too, as the lesser-quality technology fell out of the industry along with the days of pets.com and groceries-delivered-to-your-door.com. Right now, there are only two main video chip manufacturers – ATI and Nvidia. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “If there are only two manufacturers, why do I see so many different brands of video cards?” Simple. Both ATI and Nvidia have licensed their 3D accelerator chips so that other people can make the cards, too. Ever since the advent of the 3D accelerator, computers have evolved to become consistently faster – not to keep up with business applications but to keep up with the more important part of computing – video games and multimedia entertainment.

What exactly are 3D Accelerators?

3D accelerators used to be additional video cards that you would put in your computer so that when you tried to play a game with 3D graphics, the accelerator card would take over video processing duties and run your games. Then, when you quit the game, your main video card (or 2D accelerator) would take over basic operating system duties.

As 3D accelerators evolved, the companies that created them started making cards that could handle both two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics. All of today’s 3D accelerators are 2D/3D combination cards; the days of separate cards are long gone.

The 3D accelerator is actually a collection of different chips on processors on the video card itself that have been specifically designed to handle the high-end mathematics of calculating three-dimensional objects and tracking their movement through space.

What is the difference between ATI and Nvidia?

Ah. A big question. The difference between ATI and Nvidia changes depending on which generation of video card you’re talking about. ATI’s lineup is usually called Radeon while Nvidia’s is called GeForce. Up until Q1 2004, you could judge which card was best depending on the number after the name. ATI’s leader was called the Radeon 9800 (with cards numbered 9200-9700 as well) while Nvidia’s top contender was called the GeForce 5950XT. Both companies have since released their newest video cards – the ATI Radeon X800 series and the Nvidia GeForce 6800 series. When it comes to the performance differences between the two, you’re going to have to do your research or check out our reviews sections. Both companies have strengths and weaknesses, and depending on your budget, one card will invariably suit your needs better.

Do I really need a 3D accelerator if I don’t have one?

Not yet. However, the next version of Windows, due in Fall 2006, will require a 3D accelerator to see it in all of its gorgeous Microsoft glory. Yes, your operating system will require a 3D accelerator. Right now, if you don’t play games, you don’t really need a 3D accelerator. However, if there’s anyone in your family who wants to play any of the big games like Half-Life 2 or Doom 3, you won’t just need a regular 3D accelerator, you’ll need one of the fastest out there.

Where can I get one?

Glad you asked. At Computer Mechanix, we’re more than happy to help you pick out the best video card for your needs, whether your needs happen to be in video games, computer-aided drafting, or just business applications. Give us a call at 828-281-4379 or email us directly at contact@computermechanix.com.

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a piece of software (a computer program) created by someone with bad intentions to purposely damage or confuse computers and computer systems.

How do they work?

Viruses work in a multitude of different ways: they can damage important operating system files, they can collect important information about the users of the computers the viruses infect and send it back to the author, they can produce annoying pop-up advertisements (even when you’re not on the Internet), they can crash websites, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. After infecting your computer, they spread themselves to other computers by using your Internet connection when you’re online. Viruses almost always spread themselves. They can send emails (without you even opening your email program) to everyone in your address book from you that contain the virus. They can also spread through other connections that your computer maintains to the Internet.

How do I get infected?

Most viruses infect computers through application files of some kind (attachment files with a .EXE or .SCR extension are the most typical). The user of the computer (you) has to physically open the application file. Most viruses come through as an attachment to an email message. However, since 2003, viruses have become more advanced and can actually infect your computer through open connections to the Internet.

Why do people write them?

People can write viruses to collect important information (like credit card numbers) for malicious intent, to see how many computers they can infect and, in some cases, people write viruses to crash websites (like the Blaster worm of August 2003 which was written to crash Microsoft’s website).

Are Macs safe?

No. Macs are no longer safe. In the past, virus writers targeted Windows computers because there are more computers with Windows than there are with Apple’s Operating System. However, Apple’s new operating system (OS X or OS 10) is based on UNIX, an operating system that has often been the target of virus writers as it is widely used in major businesses. Because of this, virus writers have figured out how to infect Macintosh computers and write almost as many viruses for Macintosh computers as they do for computers that use Windows.

Are broadband (cable, DSL, or other direct connection) users more at risk?

Yes, but only slightly. Because most viruses are spread via email, Dial-Up users are just as likely to receive an email message with an infected attachment as broadband users are. Viruses that infect computers through other forms of Internet connections are more likely to find and infect broadband users because cable and DSL connections are always on.

How can I protect myself?

Get a virus scanner. In the old days, saavy computer users could avoid catching viruses by being extremely careful. This is no longer the case and every computer should be equipped with up-to-date virus scanners. Computer Mechanix uses Norton AntiVirus exclusively for both Windows and Apple computers. In addition to using a virus scanner, be very careful about opening application files that are attached to emails. Emails sent by viruses are often very conspicuous. Though they will often come from someone you know, the email itself will be very suspicious. A good rule-of-thumb is to simply avoid opening attachment applications unless you’ve spoken with the sender on the phone or in-person and they’ve told you they’re sending you an application in your email. It’s extremely important to remember to update your virus definitions regularly. Newer versions of Norton will auto-update, however it doesn’t hurt to check your program to make sure it has recently-dated virus definitions (anything over ten (10) days old is too old).

Are all virus scanners created equal?

No. Be very, very wary of trusting online virus scanners. They are not as efficient as scanners that you install directly on your computer. In addition, Computer Mechanix has found that virus scanners made by companies other than Norton are often not as effective at catching viruses, or, in some cases, can cause other problems to your computer (like preventing you from accessing the Internet entirely or, worse, crashing your operating system).

How do I know if I have a virus?

A good rule of thumb on this subject is that if you think you have a computer virus, you probably do. Viruses interfere with activities on your computer from slowing it down to regularly accessing your email program. If you’re seeing strange things on your computer (lots of popups, Norton AntiVirus popping up over and over again, etc.) then you probably have a virus. Have no fear, however, as Computer Mechanix can repair any computer with, in most cases, no loss of data. Call Computer Mechanix at 828-281-4379 or make an appointment online.

What is File-Sharing?

File-Sharing is the name given to programs that allow users to share files with other users on the Internet. At least one of the examples of these programs is a household word: Napster. Napster enabled people to share the music on their hard drives with other Napster users and then download music from those other users’ hard drives.

File-Sharing originally developed as a way for software developers to distribute their free or shareware programs with others on the Internet. It has also evolved into a good method for musicians to release singles onto the Internet if they choose to do so.

What’s the big problem with it? Is it legal?

File-Sharing is only legal if the creator of the file is allowing it to be shared publicly. For example, Adobe’s Reader program is a free program that the company Adobe allows to be shared publicly so that everyone can read Adobe Acrobat files on their computers. Adobe does not, however, allow the program that creates Acrobat files (called Acrobat Professional) to be shared.

The problem comes when people share files and music that are not part of the public domain; in other words, they are not free. When people share copies of software, video games, MP3s, WMAs, or any other type of file that costs money to purchase, they are breaking the law. It is not legal to share files, music, or programs of any kind that cost money.

Wasn’t it legal back when Napster originally started?

No. File-Sharing has never been legal. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has been instrumental in cracking down on those who are still sharing files using existing Peer-To-Peer (P2P) software packages. The Digital Millenium Copyright Act (2000) has implemented a number of extremely harsh penalties for anyone caught illegally file-sharing including fines and prison sentences.

In fact, copyright laws against piracy within the music industry have existed since the advent of audiotapes in the late 1950s and 1960s:

It is against the law to make copy of a CD, tape, or record and give it to a friend, coworker, or other person.

It is against the law to make a mix-tape or mix-CD and give it to a friend, coworker, or other person.

Both of the above activities have penalties as severe as those given to people who file-share. The only reason we don’t hear more about cases involving these issues is that it is far easier to catch people who participate in file-sharing.

Is Napster still illegal?

No. Napster was purchased by a large media conglomerate who reprogrammed and recreated the service so that you pay for the songs you download. Napster is no longer illegal to use.

How can I avoid breaking the law?

Simple: do not download or participate in file-sharing of any kind. Downloading music using programs such as KaZaa, Gnutella, Mozilla, or Morpheus is against the law. In addition, since it is extremely difficult to determine which files are public domain and which are not, you could be very easily breaking the law while having no knowledge that you are. In addition, poorly-configured P2P software can open your computer to hackers and allow bad people to have access to sensitive information on your computer such as credit card numbers, banking information, pin numbers, and worse.

How can I download music from the Internet legally?

There are a wide variety of websites that now allow you to download music legally for a fee. Sometimes the fee is a monthly subscription price while other sites charge a small fee per each song downloaded. Here are some services we recommend (click the links to open a new browser window) listed alphabetically:

BuyMusic by buy.com

iTunes by Apple

MP3.com

Napster 2.0 (this one is now legal as it has a fee)

Rhapsody by Real.com

What is a firewall?

A firewall is either a piece of hardware or software that prevents hackers and other online criminals from breaking into your computer through your Internet connection. Every computer and piece of hardware connected to the Internet (like a network printer) has a unique address called an IP (Internet Protocol) address that enables it to access the Internet. All IP addresses are easily accessible on the web and are written in a format like this: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (192.168.1.1, for example). Hackers can find your computer’s IP address by “pinging” your computer. Pinging is like calling a telephone number to see if someone has that number. When the hacker pings your computer, your computer responds by telling the hacker that they are there. The hacker then proceeds to try and break into your computer using programming codes and a number of other techniques. A firewall (either hardware or software) will prevent the hacker from getting a response. Whenever a hacker pings an IP address with a firewall connected to it, he/she will get no response. The firewall prevents hackers from receiving a response to pings. Basically, it’s like calling a phone number and getting a “this number has been disconnected message.”

Who needs a firewall?

Anyone with an “always-on” connection like DSL or Cable needs a firewall. If you have a dial-up connection like Compuserve, AOL Dialup or BellSouth Dialup, a firewall is overkill. “Always-on” connections give users semi-permanent IP addresses that will last for 6-8 weeks at a time. Dial-up connections give users a new IP address every time they log on; hackers wouldn’t be able to break into your computer before you logoff again.

Where can I get a firewall?

If you have an Ethernet router, wireless router, phoneline router, or powerline router, you already have a firewall! It’s built into the router. If you have a hub (very different from a router), you do NOT have a firewall. Don’t assume just because you have a network of multiple computers that can access the Internet at the same time that you have a firewall – ask whoever set up your network whether you have a firewall or not. If you only have one computer, chances are you don’t have a router and, therefore, no firewall. If that’s the case, Computer Mechanix can set you up with a hardware or software-based firewall. Just contact us via email (contact@computermechanix.com) or give us a phone call at 828-281-4379.

Are software firewalls better or worse than hardware firewalls?

A firewall is a firewall. Regardless of what people may tell you, software firewalls are no less effective than hardware firewalls. The big difference is that a software firewall will use some of your computer’s resources (memory and processing speed) while a hardware firewall (which will be external from your computer) uses no resources from your system.

Computer Mechanix restarts support for Windows 98 and Windows Me.

After ceasing support in July, many of our customers who still owned Windows PCs with Windows 98 and Windows Millenium Edition (Me) were worried that they would no longer have any way to keep those machines running. We have decided to restart our support for machines running Windows 98 and Windows Me in an effort to provide the high level of service our clients have come to expect.

What you should know about our support for Windows 98/Me.

If you have a machine with Windows 98 or Windows Me, we recommend NOT using it on the Internet if it is your primary computer and/or if it has private information on it. Microsoft no longer provides patches or updates to properly secure any operating system made before Windows 2000. This means we cannot guarantee your system will be secure if it runs earlier operating systems. That being said, we will continue to diagnose & repair software and hardware problems on these machines until otherwise stated.

Microsoft stops support of Windows 98 and Windows Millenium Edition.

Within March 2006, Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 98 by retiring public and technical support, including security patches. Because of this, Computer Mechanix can no longer guarantee any system’s security if it is running Windows 98. On July 11, 2006, Microsoft stopped offering public, technical, and security support for Windows Millenium Edition so the same security issues apply.

For more information, please click here to open a news article in a new window.

What operating systems does Computer Mechanix currently support?

As of February 9, 2007, Computer Mechanix supports:

Windows PCs running:
- Windows 98
- Windows Millenium Edition 
- Windows 2000 Professional
- Windows 2000 Server Edition
- Windows XP (all versions - Home, Professional, Media Center, etc.)
- Windows 2003 Server
- Windows Vista (all versions)

Mac PCs running:
- All versions of Apple Mac OS/X (version 10.0 and newer)

What operating systems do you not support?

Windows PCs: 
- We do not support Microsoft Windows 95 and anything before.

Mac PCs:
- We do not support any Mac operating system prior to the first release of OS/X.

Really, how bad is the situation with spyware right now?

In the fall of 2004, America Online joined forces with the National Cyber Security Alliance, a nonprofit organization that analyzes the security of computer users in the United States, in an effort to determine how well people think they’re protected against the different types of attacks they can suffer while using the Internet. They surveyed 329 people from across the country and then sent PC technicians to their houses to see how closely the system status matched the answers given in the survey. Here are some of the completely terrifying results:

· Only 85% of survey respondents were running antivirus software; only 29% were actually up-to-date with the newest virus definitions and program updates.

· 19% (almost 1 in 5) of those systems surveyed were infected with at least one virus.

· 80% of respondents had some type of spyware on their computers.

· According to Symantec, if you connected an unprotected PC to the Internet in 2003, it would be attacked within 15 minutes. By 2004, that figure had dropped to 15 seconds. 

Source: 2004 America Online/National Cyber Security Alliance.

Here at Computer Mechanix, the majority of our clients have some kind of spyware. In fact, most clients who believe they have a virus on their computer because it is running so slowly actually only have adware and spyware.

Basically, no matter how bad you think the situation is, it’s actually worse than you think.

What is Adware and Spyware?

Adware and Spyware are tiny programs that install themselves automatically onto your computer. Businesses use them to keep track of where you visit and what you buy so they can market to you better. Some adware and spyware is particularly malicious and cause your browser to go to a different home page or, in some cases, actually do damage to your computer. In addition, they can make pop-up advertisements jump on to your screen even when you’re not online. Spyware and adware is constantly evolving so the symptoms will evolve, too.

What are Pop-ups?

If you’ve been online, chances are you’ve seen a pop-up. A pop-up (or pop-up advertisement) occurs when you go to a website and another browser window pops up over the one you’re currently viewing and you didn’t click on a link or other button to make it pop up. Pop-ups are almost as old as the World Wide Web itself and have been a way to squeeze extra advertising into a website.

How do I get this stuff?

Simply surfing the Internet even a small amount will expose your computer to spyware and adware. Getting these programs is practically unavoidable. Surefire ways to get lots of spyware and adware is by installing programs from particularly shady companies or by using P2P (Point-To-Point) File Sharing programs like KaZaa, Morpheus or Gnutella. The easiest way for a nefarious computer programmer to get you to install spyware and adware on your computer is to hide it in a computer program that seems useful. At Computer Mechanix, we’ve seen a number of clients with pop-up ads on their computer that are a result from having installed particular pop-up blockers that started the pop-up advertisements after the trial period for the software was over.

How do I avoid spyware, what should I tell my kids about surfing the Internet?

Basically, if the link looks like it could lead somewhere fun or neat and it doesn’t cost money, don’t click on it. Here are some good rules of thumb to follow while surfing the Internet:

· Never download screensavers or backgrounds from a site where that’s all they offer.

· Never play games that are available for free online (particularly Casino-based games).

· Very malignant spyware exists primarily in downloadable “free” programs — Many screensaver programs, weather programs, and search bars contain spyware and adware.

· Never, EVER click on popups that advertise software to rid yourself of spyware, adware or even stop more popups. These popups are created by the very spyware you have on your computer to try and scam you into buying the software made by the companies that gave you the spyware in the first place!

Unfortunately, there are no tried and true methods of avoiding spyware altogether. It is rapidly becoming an unfortunate fact of life for those of us who use the Internet (in other words, everyone’s a target). The important issue at hand is that the spyware is removed after it’s installed on your computer.

How can I get rid of all of this?

There are a number of popup blockers and spyware/adware removal programs on the market. Some are good. Some are not. Venturing into this territory without a professional can result in further damage to your computer instead of fixing the problem. At Computer Mechanix, we are professionals in knowing what programs work and what don’t and can clean your computer efficiently and effectively. In addition, we can teach you how to use the programs. Simply call us at 828-281-4379 or make an appointment online today.

What is spam?

Spam is the name given to any email sent to you that you didn’t want. Typically, it’s the email equivalent of telemarketers – trying to sell you something you probably don’t want or need. Worse than that, spam can also contain computer viruses that can do severe damage to your computer’s operating system.

What is phishing?

Phishing (pronounced “fishing”) refers to fraudulent communications designed to deceive consumers into divulging personal, financial, or account information, including account user name and password, credit card information, and social security number. E-mail is most commonly used for phishing due to its low cost, greater anonymity for the sender, the ability to reach a large target group instantly, and the potential to solicit an immediate response. However, fraudsters have also used online pop-up windows, direct mail and phone calls.

Phishing e-mails often appear to come from legitimate financial institutions, insurance companies or retailers. Techniques such as a false “from” address, the use of seemingly authentic logos from financial institutions, or Web links and graphics may be used to mislead consumers into believing that they are dealing with a legitimate request for personal information. These fraudulent e-mails often create a false sense of urgency intended to provoke the recipient to take immediate action; for example, phishing e-mails frequently instruct recipients to “validate” or “update” account information or face cancellation.

Why do spammers send spam?

Spammers (the name given to people who send spam) send spam in order to build up clientele for the businesses they represent. Just like telephone numbers, huge lists of email addresses are compiled and sold to companies to bombard unsuspecting Internet users with thousands of useless email offers.

Are Dial-Up users safer than Broadband users?

Nope. Spammers don’t care what you’re using to connect to the Internet as long as you’re downloading email.

How can I protect myself?

First, if you buy online, be careful from where you buy stuff. Companies like Amazon, Buy.com, and other MAJOR retailers are very careful and probably won’t send you spam. Shadier companies are far more tricky to deal with. If the company doesn’t have a brand name (or a public information-sharing agreement like Computer Mechanix’s), chances are they’ll send you spam.

Second, be careful if you’re an eBay user or write to the newsgroups. To protect yourself, get a free email account from Yahoo or Hotmail and use it when writing to newsgroups or selling on eBay. Spammers will scour the newsgroups and eBay sales pages for viable email addresses.

Third, never ever click on the “Take me off your list” link that you can find at the bottom of most spam. This tells the spammers that there is a real person at your email address and you actually read your email. The links only work from reputable companies where you may have signed up for their email list. If they’re trying to sell you prescription drugs for less, chances are they’ll take your email address and give it to all their buddies so they can spam you, too.

Fourth, if you’re like the majority of computer users out there, you’ve already got spam bombarding your email account on a daily, hourly, or minute-by-minute basis. It’s way too late for any of the above techniques (though it doesn’t hurt to employ them now). Fortunately, companies have made anti-spam software that effectively removes spam from your inbox and moves it to a folder where you can delete it without looking at it. Computer Mechanix can easily install our preferred anti-spam software package on your computer for a competitive rate. Simply call us at 828-281-4379 or make an appointment online.