TIPS & TRICKS

SCAMS

The Microsoft Scam

Perhaps one of the most effective scams today is the Microsoft Scam. It has fooled thousands of people, even the brightest have fallen for it. The scam is so believable that almost anyone can fall for it.

HOW IT WORKS: Fist you mistype a web address or navigate to a site by mistake. You are greeted wit ha popup like this one.

Most people freak out because the popup won't go away. Sometimes a voice reads it to you. It tells you that Microsoft has detected a virus on your computer and instructs you to call them so that they can remove it, or your computer will be locked up. You are given a toll free number to call. Once you call, a person get's on and ask you to give them access to your computer. From there, any number of things can happen. They might open a command box and type in DIR /S which displays every file and folder on the computer (like in the video below). While this list is running, they type in another command TROJAN VIRUS DETECTED. This displays right after the DIR command completes, resulting in a BAD COMMAND OR FILENAME error. They use this to scare you into thinking that you have a virus.

Another tactic they use is running a fake scan. Or sometimes they do nothing at all and just tel lyou that they have found traces of spyware and that your personal info is being stolen. The end result is the same, The price tag comes next. They no longer ask for prepaid cards because everyone knows that this is a common scam tactic so they use a legit eCheck system where you write them a check. But by this time, they have already gotten your personal details.

They ask your name, then your phone number just incase you get disconnected. Then they ask you for your address so they can setup your account. They begin to tell you about the cost for repairs which are usually $600+. When you complain or mention the cost being too high, they offfer a reduced package but tell you that it's for the life of the computer. Still too high? Well they have a $199 package that is good for 3 years. Eventually you agree the fee.

They load an eCheck site on your computer (funny, your computer is working fine because now it's loading sites) and they fill it out. Then you enter your routing number and account number. They already have the amount filled in. Now let's say you decide to not go through with the offer, well they already have your info and your bank info. But what if you go ahead and get the service? Well now they tell you that from here on out, you are contracted to let them handle all repairs. So they tunnel in once a month or so and foul it up. Now when you call to have them fix it, they actually charge you for that service. If you say no, they lock your computer up.

SO WHAT DO YOU DO? Simple, you bring it into us. We will check it out to make sure no virus has been installed. Typically, as long as you do not give them access to your computer, the odds are that there is nothing wrong and we can make sure. If you have received one of these unsolicited telephone calls from Microsoft, please call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808. If you are concerned you already may be a victim of identity theft, call local law enforcement as well as the Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338 or go online to www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

I NEED ANTIVIRUS

Antivirus protection is simply a must in today's world. But how do you know which one to get? Well we are here to tell you. The best 2 Antivirus's are FREE for home use.

We recommend either AVAST or AVG.

Both are very effective. Both have a PAID version if you're so inclined, and both are easy to install. Here's the links below

AVAST ANTIVIRUS

AVG HOME EDITION

SHORTCUTS

The following shortcuts will make your life so much easier.

WINDOWS KEY +
R
 Launches the RUN box
WINDOWS KEY +
E
 Launches the Windows Explorer
WINDOWS KEY +
P
Launches the Projection / Video selection tool
WINDOWS KEY +
A
 Opens your Notifications
WINDOWS KEY +
S, Q
Toggles Cortana
WINDOWS KEY +
D
 Minimizes all windows and returns you to the DESKTOP
WINDOWS KEY +
X
 Opens your Control Center
WINDOWS KEY +
W
Launches your Windows Ink Workspace
WINDOWS KEY +
F
 Launches your FEEDBACK HUB
WINDOWS KEY +
G
Launches the Game Bar
WINDOWS KEY +
U
 Opens your DISPLAY SETTINGS
WINDOWS KEY +
I
Opens your WINDOWS SETTINGS
WINDOWS KEY +
D
 Minimizes all windows and returns you to the DESKTOP
WINDOWS KEY +
L
 Locks your computer, keeping your work and programs open.
WINDOWS KEY +
K
Launches your Wireless device connection tool (connect to audio players etc.)
WINDOWS KEY +
M
 Minimizes the current window.
WINDOWS KEY +
P
Launches the Projection / Video selection tool
WINDOWS KEY +
B
 Shifts focus to your hidden icons section of the Taskbar
WINDOWS KEY +
S, Q
Toggles Cortana
WINDOWS KEY +
1-0
 Launches the programs on the Taskbar corresponding to the position
WINDOWS KEY +
X
 Opens your Control Center
CRTL +
P
Toggles the PRINT function within the program you are working in.
CRTL +
C
Copies highlighted text or data (images, videos, audio, files, etc) to the clipboard
CRTL +
V
Pastes the contents of the clipboard into the program you are using.
CRTL +
Z
UNDO last command. (Ex. deleted text)
CRTL +
Z
Toggles the PRINT function within the program you are working in.
CRTL +
A
Highlights all text
CRTL +
Q
Exits the current program (prompts for saving your work)
CRTL +
R
Refreshes the screen
CRTL +
T
Opens a new tab in your browser
CRTL +
D

Creates a bookmark in Google Chrome

Deletes the object in focus (files)

CRTL +
G
 Launches Google Chrome
CTRL +
F
Opens the text search tool.
ALT +
F3
Toggles screen clip
ALT +
F4
Exits the current program (prompts for saving your work)
ALT +
F5
Records the screen in video
ALT + CTRL +
DEL
Launches Emergeny Controls