How Bad is Malware?
Malware is an umbrella term for any form of “malicious software,” including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. There are also a number of ways to get infected with malware, like phishing emails, Trojans, and hacking attempts. Either way, once malware is on your device, it might steal your identity, install unwanted programs, or hold your files for ransom.
Malware only exists to attempt to exploit your device or personal data in some manner, for example, stealing your online banking details – but sometimes it effectively represents random acts of virtual violence, such as a virus which just nukes your entire system.
So yes, it can be dangerous – which we’ll discuss further in a moment – and to defend against some of the disastrous potential scenarios malware can bring about, it’s a good idea to use antivirus to protect your PC.
How do I know if I'm infected with malware?
Look for issues characteristics of a malware infection:
- Does your web browser freeze or become unresponsive?
- Do you get redirected to web pages other than the ones you are trying to visit?
- Are you bombarded with pop-up messages?
- Does your computer run slower than usual?
- Do you see new icons on your desktop that you don't recognize?
Call or come in today. You can get a full year of premium protection for only $14, this month only.
Windows 7 - No Support - No Security
Microsoft made a commitment to provide 10 years of product support for Windows 7 when it was released on October 22, 2009. This 10-year period has now ended, and Microsoft has discontinued Windows 7 support so that we can focus our investment on supporting newer technologies and great new experiences. The specific end of support day for Windows 7 was January 14, 2020. Technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC are no longer available for the product. Microsoft strongly recommends that you move to Windows 10 to avoid a situation where you need service or support that is no longer available.
If you continue to use Windows 7 after support has ended, your PC will still work, but it will be more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Your PC will continue to start and run, but will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft.
Call or come in today to get your computer checked out and upgraded.
Save on Repairs & Upgrades
During the month of November, before the Holidays hit and family & friends arrive, Take some time to get your computer repaired or upgraded. We can speed up that old outdated hard drive with a new SSD and transfer all your data. Need a screen replaced? Keyboard missing keys? We've got you covered. Is your computer acting strangely? Is it crashing more often, popping up annoying ads even while you are browsing trusted sites, or trying to download and launch programs you don't want it to? Yes, we can handle that as well!
Come on in, no appointment needed. Save $20 on any repair this month
Want To Encourage More Great Ideas In Your Workplace?
Here are some valuable strategies for organizational leaders who want to encourage creativity and diversity in the workplace.
One of the most important things every leader should always be doing in their business is to keep asking questions. Never forget to ask questions to yourself as well as your team members. Asking questions can help focus attention to important goals and milestones. It also allows for more meaningful input from everyone in the team; leaving no one excluded! Another thing that would benefit a leader is to keep in mind that it’s okay to have a little room for errors. If there is no space allowed to make errors, important things can get pushed to the side or neglected and only realized when it's too late.
Constructive conflict is another surprising thing in the workplace that can be beneficial. As long as the conflict is being used in a proactive way it can be used to establish a business rationale. Business leaders can do this by letting team members know that even if they disagree, their input is valuable. This relates also to having an open door policy in the workplace. If a leader admits consistently that they are not omnipotent and do not have the whole story at all times; this can only be beneficial in the workplace. Having open conversations with team members expressing your interest in hearing their side can cause creativity and new ideas to form in the workplace.
And finally, keep in mind to never disregard or dismiss ideas that come from members of the team. It is true that internal ideas can seem threatening at first. Leaders do not want to admit that an idea of a subordinate may have bee better than theirs. This is a mistake many leaders make; it can cause you to miss out on great ideas that would be perfect for the organization as a whole.
All in all, it's up to a leader to direct the team and the organization to reach milestones and knock down walls. Never forget that being compassionate and powerful do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Learn more here
