A wireless router is quickly becoming one of the most critical pieces of electronic equipment in most homes.  Serving as a virtual gateway to both the home network and the internet, we have become increasingly more dependent upon this device than ever before.  Whereas just a few years ago the only things connected to a router were one, or perhaps 2 computers, in many homes today we have gaming consoles, smart phones, tablets, printers, smart TV’s and streaming media devices (e.g. Roku, Apple TV, etc.), appliances, as well as laptop and desktop computers all requiring access to the internet.  An older router can become a bottleneck as all of these devices compete for bandwidth.  If your router is more than a few years old, you may want to consider replacing your device with one which will better serve your home networking needs.  

What is a router and why do I need one?
Quite simply a router allows information from devices on one network (e.g. your home network) to connect to devices on another network (e.g. the internet), either via wires (Ethernet cable) or wirelessly.   A home router may be a separate piece of equipment from the modem (the appliance which actually connects you to the internet), or the router and modem may be combined into one unit.  If you have multiple devices which need to access each other or the internet, you need a router.  

Your First Consideration:  Buy or Rent?
Many folks choose to use whatever piece of equipment that is supplied by their Internet Service Provider (ISP).  What they may not be aware of, though, is that there is usually a monthly charge of between $8.00-$10.00 to “rent” this device.  While that might not seem like a lot of money, over time those monthly charges accumulate and supersede the actual value of the device many times over.  The good thing about this arrangement is that if the modem/router exhibits problems or stops working, customers can usually get a replacement at no charge.  However, most home modems and routers have fairly basic settings, do not offer the latest features and cannot always be configured the way that the customers may prefer.  Therefore, it may be a good idea for home users to purchase their own equipment.  Routers, like many other electronic gadgets, have come down in price significantly over the past few years.  However, it can be a little intimidating for many folks to know just what to buy, especially since routers range in price from $40.00-$250.00.  Let’s take a look at the differences.

Breaking down the specs:

Single Band or dual band: Remember that routers are basically small radio transmitters and receivers.  Most routers broadcast on either one or two frequencies:  2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz.  Older routers (802.11b/g standard) only use 2.4 Ghz band. Routers utilizing the N wireless standard can broadcast on both bands (sometimes called mixed mode).  While many wireless devices, including things like baby monitors and garage door openers, can cause signal interference on the 2.4 Ghz band, it does offer greater coverage than the 5 Ghz band.  Newer routers which use the 802.11ac standard only use the 5 Ghz.

Wireless standards: b/g, n, ac – The oldest wireless standard in common use today is the b/g standard.  Most new devices (bought within the past 3-4 years), utilize the N standard.  The ac standard has come out within the past couple year, though not all equipment (phones, computers, tablets, etc.) are using this standard yet. While this alphabet soup of standards can be confusing, just remember that the more recent standards offer better performance (faster data throughput, more devices communicating simultaneously) and greater coverage (i.e. you can be further away from the router and still connect.)

Mbps:  The speed at which data travels over the network via the wireless signal is called Megabits per second.  Older routers which utilize the b/g standard typically provided 54 Mbps throughput.  However, this could be less the further away you are from the router. The newer standards, N and ac, are advertising 150 Mbps, 300 Mbps or even higher.  However, whether or not you actually get these speeds will depend on whether or not the router and the wireless device you are using (phone, laptop, etc.) are both operating on this standard.  That is, if you have a fast, new router, but if you have older wireless equipment on the other end, the connection will not be any faster.  

Security standards: All new routers being sold today have WPS2 wireless encryption.  This enables home users to “lock down” their wireless networks so that only users who have the password to the router can connect to the network.  

Extras:
Many of the differences in prices for routers are due to the extra bells and whistles that they offer.  The higher-priced ones, of course, usually offer more features or provide greater coverage and performance.  Many routers today actually allow two separate networks – a regular internal home network in which all of the devices (computers, printers, etc.) are permitted to “talk” to each other, and a guest network (with a separate password) which only grants users access to the internet.  It can be helpful to offer guest network access to visitors in your home who only need internet access for a short time.  Some routers include USB ports into which you can plug a flash drive or external hard drive.  Router configuration settings can be saved to these removable devices and they can also be configured to share the storage space across the network.  Likewise, some routers offer slots for SD cards (commonly used in cameras, phones, tablets, computers, etc.) to make sharing data on the network a little easier.  For those who need their wireless network to cover a large area, such as two floors in a home, some routers offer a bridge mode which essentially allows them to re-broadcast the signal from another router, thereby extending the range of the wireless network. 

Though router manufacturers have attempted to make setting up a new router less complicated, it can still be intimidating for many home users to navigate all of the various settings and connections.  If you need some assistance to get the most out of your home router, or if you are thinking of upgrading your device and need some guidance, please send me a note or give me a call.   


Want a discount?  Like my Facebook page for 10% off your next service call.  This includes any service I offer, including the Windows 10 upgrade special in this article.  The discount is limited to one time per customer. 

Many of you may be aware that Microsoft has released the latest version of their operating system this summer, July 29th to be exact.  There are some great new features in the tech giant's offering.  However, you may want to wait, or at least be very careful, before you make the jump to Windows 10. Below are some things that you need to be aware of before you make the move.  

What's Great About Windows 10?
I have been running a preview of Windows 10 for several months now and I can say that, overall, I really like it.  While no computer program or operating system is perfect, Microsoft is getting a lot of things right with Windows 10.  Here are some highlights:

• The return of the Start menu (well, sort of).  Many of the folks who experienced the previous operating system, Windows 8, were very put off by the Start screen, which highlighted "metro-style" apps and live tiles.  However, in Windows 10 they bring back a more familiar style start menu in the lower left corner of the screen.  It's a bit of a hybrid between the Windows 7 start menu and the Windows 8 app-driven start screen.  However, it's highly customizable and makes it easy to get to most of the things that you need on a daily basis.  Further, Microsoft gives users the option of using the new start menu or the Windows 8 style start screen. 
• Cortana, Microsoft's digital assistant.  Cortana is a bit like Siri, Apple's voice-driven assistant.  In Windows 10, though, Cortana will be available on every device - phone, tablet, desktop and laptop.  You can essentially talk you your computer to perform searches or access information on your computer.  Further, Cortana is a learning robot.  That is, she will use what she knows about you and offer you increasingly relevant information when you ask for it.  For example, you will be able to ask/tell Cortanta, "find me pictures from last month," and she will present you with all pictures on your computer (or in OneDrive) from the past 30 days.  Or you can say something like, "Is my flight going to leave on time today" and she will be able to give you a fairly accurate answer, based on current airline schedules.  
• Microsoft Edge, the new web browser.  A big change for users in Windows 10 will be that Internet Explorer will no longer be the default program to browse web pages on the Internet.  Instead, Edge will be the new, streamlined browser experience.  Edge will be very minimalist compared to Internet Explorer.  There will be no toolbars, icons and settings to get in the way of viewing various web pages.  However, Internet Explorer will still be installed in Windows 10 for users who must use it.  Keep in mind, though, that you are free to install other web browsers, like Google Chrome or Firefox, if you wish.  
• Virtual desktops - Users will be able to set up multiple desktops on their Windows 10 computers.  For example, you can set up a desktop with all of your work-related icons and a separate desktop for all of your personal items.  Another use might be to set up a different desktop for each user in your home, rather than separate accounts for each user.  
• Free upgrade for the first year.  For users who are running Windows 7 (service pack 1) or Windows 8.1, Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade for the first year after it is released.  However, if you don't upgrade within that first year, you will have to buy the operating system if you decide to upgrade.  Microsoft began pushing out this offer for the free upgrade by installing an update on Windows 7 & 8 machines.  You may have seen a small Windows flag in the lower-right hand corner of your screen encouraging you to sign up for the free upgrade.

Should You Upgrade to Windows 10?
While I believe that Windows 10 will be successful for Microsoft, I would strongly caution you about upgrading, from your current computer, at least at first.  The initial release of Windows 10 may still have some bugs to work out which may cause issues on your computer.  It may be better to wait a few months for these to be worked out.  If you do decide that you want to upgrade, here are some things that you will need to do first:

• Make a complete backup of everything on your system.  If something goes wrong during the upgrade process, you want to have a way to restore your computer to the way it was before the upgrade.  The easiest way to do this is to use the built-in tools with Windows 7 or 8 to create a system image on an external hard drive.  
• Install all of the latest updates on your operating system.  It would be best to run Windows updates on your system prior to an upgrade to be sure that you have the latest security and system patches.
• Make sure that your current software and hardware is compatible with Windows 10.  It may be that, though everything is running just fine on your current system, it may not run smoothly on Window 10.  Microsoft may release a compatibility tool which you can run to test & see if your hardware and software will work with Windows 10, but they have not done so yet.  We recommend that you install the latest device drivers for your computer (particularly video and network devices) prior to upgrading.  
• Be sure to back up your data.  In addition to a full system upgrade, it would be wise to create a separate copy of your critical data (documents, pictures, music, videos, etc.) prior to upgrading.  Of course, you should be doing this on a regular basis anyway.

Truly, upgrading is a daunting task for most home computer users.  If you feel that this is beyond your technical ability, I encourage you to give me a call.  I will be offering a special Windows 10 upgrade service to my customers for a flat rate of $100.  This package will include all of the above recommendations.  

Want a discount?  Like my Facebook page for 10% off your next service call.  This includes any service I offer, including the Windows 10 upgrade special in this article.  The discount is limited to one time per customer.  

Unfortunately, my source for this series of blog posts went belly up before I was able to complete the series.  I was hopeful that I would be able to get the final posts from them directly, but no response in weeks.  So...  Let me finish the series but simply saying: Be careful what you install.  And when you do install a program, read everything.  Make sure it is not trying to install something you really do not want.

One program I highly recommend is called Unchecky.  This program will run in the background and when you are installing a program, it will uncheck the boxes for the extra software you do not want.  This also works for updating software.  Java is really bad about wanting to install additional software even for updates.  Unchecky will uncheck the boxes for the unwanted software automatically.  

Be sure to check out my ProActive Care Managed Services. Unchecky is included in the basic ProActive Care service.

Stay tuned!  I have a surprise for next month!

Driver Booster 2
Following on in our series “what happens when you install the top 20 download.com apps” –  We are now onto Driver Booster 2

So, how did we do with Driver Booster 2

First the download went fine.  Come to the installation.

We find that Driver Booster 2, wishes to install IOBit Malware fighter.

Driver Booster 2, mentions that 2 of our drivers are out dated.  We know this is not the case.

It also wants to download the ‘latest’ flash player, as ours is ‘old’.  We know that we have the latest version currently installed, so do not let it continue.

To update the ‘old’ drivers, we need to activate Driver Booster 2.

Now it asks us for a licence key.

So for only $24.95 compared to $134.73 (HUGE saving right?!), we can activate Driver Booster 2, and get smart defrag 2, windows tweak ebook, and some picture collage maker software.. Thanks but I think I’ll pass.

Next time, we will deal with Internet Download Manager.

Be sure to contact me if you have any questions about any  found yourself on the other end of some of the tactics these people play.

GOM Media Player
Following on in our series “what happens when you install the top 20 download.com apps” –  We are now onto GOM Media Player.

So, how did we do with GOM Media Player?

Pretty standard, nothing to worry about.. yet.

Again nothing to concern yourselves over.. just yet.

Everything is going so well, are we at the finish yet?

I knew it wouldn't be too long before something extra wanted to be installed..

This time its a ‘Free Trial' of 'Tune Up Utilities’.  Supposedly a comprehensive system utilities suite which helps ensure your computer is running at its best potential.  Cough: Yeah Right.  Next, to accept, and on we go.

We will deal with this later in the series.

Amazon this time.  Cool, Amazon is a great site, however the Pokki Platform is not good.  Pokki is another form of malware. Be warned readers.

Next again, and onwards to:

Skype.  Once this is accepted, we are off and running.

Next time, we will deal with Driver Booster 2

Be sure to contact me if you have any questions about any  found yourself on the other end of some of the tactics these people play. 

Download App
Following on in our series “what happens when you install the top 20 download.com apps” –  We are now onto Download App.

So, how did we do with Download App?

First read what Download App actually is.

“The Download App is a free application from Download.com that helps keep the software on your Windows computer up-to-date, as well as clean up the junk that accumulates on your system over time. Using the software catalog that powers Download.com, the Download App provides secure, spyware-free software updates. The Download App scans your computer and notifies you when updates are available for the software you have installed. Software updates contain new features and patches that make your computer more secure. You can also use the Download App to remove unwanted software from your computer using the Uninstall feature, and clean up the junk files that might be slowing your computer down using the Utilities features. The Download App makes it easy to keep track of all your software updates in one place.”

Note particularly where it states that it cleans up junk files from slowing down your computer..  Hmm ok.

Above Step 1 of 5 (Again?)

Again we have the usual ‘Decline’ Button in Grey, making it appear that you cannot click on Deny, therefore having to click Agree and Install.

This time, we are ‘agreeing’ to install the following.

Extensions by Spigot (Browser Extensions (IE)
Slick Savings . Start Page / Ebay Assistant (FF)
Set yahoo to be your default search, home and new tab pages in IE, FF, and GC. – What this means, is that yahoo will be your ‘default’ search engine.  Yahoo will also be your ‘new’ home page, and Yahoo will also be the first thing you see, when you open a new tab in your chosen browser.  It doesn't matter which browser you use, Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Google Chrome, it WILL be amended.

Again even if you click on the custom install (which is greyed out), you have to untick the 3 listings from above, else again all the above will be installed, and WILL slow down your computer.

This time we are prompted to install Pro PC Cleaner.  We dealt with what this does in a previous article. Click here for details.

Step 4 actually starts to install Download App.

Step 5 has installed the program for us.

We will show how good / bad download app is at a later stage in the series.

Next time, we will deal with GOM Media Player.

So remember, if it states Decline, then please attempt to click it first in the above scenario, to see if it actually will allow you to decline the additional installations.  If so, you may also have to untick some boxes as well.

Be sure to contact me if you have any questions about any  found yourself on the other end of some of the tactics these people play. 

Following on in our series “what happens when you install the top 20 download.com apps” –  We are now onto IObit Uninstaller

So, how did we do with IObit Uninstaller?

Well surprisingly enough, everything went well with this installation.

Apart from the following.

Why oh why would a uninstallation program, basically a program which uninstalls programs, want to get you to install one?

Easy.  Because the program they want you to install is one of their own.  In this case Smart Defrag.

Note:  If your computer or laptop is using a SSD Drive.  Then PLEASE DO NOT DEFRAG IT!.

Just cannot stress this enough.  So until the next installment,

PLEASE BE CAREFUL ON WHAT YOU CLICK, AND AGREE TO INSTALL!

Be sure to contact me if you have any questions about any  found yourself on the other end of some of the tactics these people play.  

Thanks to Cadishead Computers for the use of this series of articles.

YTD Video Downloader
Following on in our series, we are now onto YTD Video Downloader.

So, how did we do with YTD Video Downloader?

First, do you see the ‘External Download Site’ Under the download now button?.  It’s kinda grey, and it by itself doesn't appear to be anything obtrusive.  Or so you would think.

Part 1.  Ok, this is fine.  We click on Next.
Step 2:

You are agreeing to the following: The Spigot Terms of Service (which you have agreed to, because you have clicked Agree and Install)

Browser Extensions in Internet Explorer.

Shopping Aid / New Tab Aid in Google Chrome

Slick Savings / Start Page / Ebay Shopping Assistant in Mozilla Firefox.

If you click on the Custom Install (advanced), then you have to UNTICK the following:

Make yahoo! your default search engine in Internet Explorer/Google Chrome/Mozilla Firefox.

Make Yahoo! your home and start up page in Internet Explorer/Google Chrome/Mozilla Firefox.

Install the extensions by Spigot (Browser extentions (IE), Shopping Assitant / New Tab Assistant (GC), Slick Savings / Start Page/Ebay Assistant (FF).

So which ever way you install this program, unless you untick the boxes, the above WILL be installed on your machine!.

Also play close attention to the terms and conditions that you are agreeing to.

The full terms and conditions you are agreeing to can be found on their website.  However, for quickness sake, these are the parts I have the main issues with.

1:The Program allows you a convenient way to help find search results online by collecting your requests for information and processing them through our search engine partners. Our partners may compensate us for making this information available to you.  So they can (read will) be paid by the search engine partners they are affiliated with they put forward to you.

2: Use of the Program and its features as described below requires that you agree to the following Terms of Use (the “Terms”).

If You do not agree to or with any and each and every of the terms or conditions in these Terms, do not install or use the Program. Your use of the Program is deemed to be Your agreement to abide and be bound by each of the Terms set forth herein, and each amendment as and when made and effective.

3. MODIFICATION OF TERMS

We may make changes, modifications, and amendments to the Terms at any time.  We may change, update, amend, and modify the Terms from time to time. The latest Terms may be posted or be available through (EDITOR their website), and You agree that You should always review them prior to using the Program so that You may always be aware of what has changed, if anything. If any modification is unacceptable to You, You will cease using the Program right away. If You do not cease using the Program You will be conclusively deemed to have accepted the change(s) and amendments. Except as stated elsewhere, all amended Terms will automatically be effective as soon as they are initially posted by Us, except if We state in writing that We are giving advance notice of any amended term to be effective on a date in the future.  You’re expected to read pages of diatribe each time you wish to use the program, in case the terms and conditions have changed.  And not changed for the better!.

We are not obligated to provide notice of amendment to the Terms by way of any method other than the making available or posting of the amended Terms, or any Spigot Platform (any means of accessing the foregoing website, the Terms, or the Program, including mobile devices, smartphones, tablets, apps, readers.

4: Rights You Grant to Spigot.

By installing the Program on your computer, you expressly authorize and request Spigot to:

a) act as your search agent to conduct inquiries on your behalf using Spigot’s search engine and technologies and partners’ sites, and collect relevant information and display it to you;

b) take actions Spigot deems appropriate to provide the Program to you and to act on your behalf in obtaining information from partners and displaying that to you;

c) read and interpret your search requests and results on certain sites and use this information to conduct searches on your behalf, offer alternative results and to personalize the Program for you;

e) start the Program automatically when you start your computer, and to appear as extensions/add-ons/plug-ins in your Microsoft Internet Explorer and/or Mozilla Firefox and/or Google Chrome browsers. You may change how the Program starts and appears using the respective browser options;

g) communicate with Spigot servers from time to time to check for available software updates including bug fixes, patches, enhanced functions and new versions (collectively, “Updates”). By installing the Program, you agree to automatically request and receive Updates.

7. Disclaimers.

c) Some or all of our Program business affiliates or partners (including those associated with the new default home page, 404/DNS pages, new tab page, and/or search engines) may have their own terms and conditions, terms of use, or end user license agreements, and You agree with and to those in connection with those Program and business affiliates or partners, however, in relation to Us only if there is any conflict between these Terms which would give You greater rights the provisions of these Terms will govern.

10. ADDITIONAL DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND PROMISSORY ESTOPPEL

SPIGOT DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY WARRANTIES AGAINST VIRUSES, SPYWARE, OR MALWARE THAT MAY BE INSTALLED ON YOUR COMPUTER [ALTHOUGH WE TRY TO PROTECT AGAINST THAT].

Hmm.. Funny this, as SPIGOT themselves is a well known source of malware.  And is REMOVED from your computer, by using a good malware removal tool!

The list goes on, and on.  But I’m sure you get the picture.

All the above just by clicking agree and install.  So irrespective of which internet browser you use, it WILL be affected in some shape or form. UNLESS you UNTICK the box(es)

So we click Agree and Install and continue on our quest

Next is Rockettab.  Again Rockettab is a well known source of malware.

It apparently ”enhances" your search experience by bringing together all the best local content from sites such as Yelp, Groupon, CityGrid and More.

Again, we click on Accept, and continue

At this point Avast (Remember the Number 1 downloaded program, YOUR antivirus) clicks in, and basically states that

It has found a virus within the YTD video Downloader, and had blocked access to it. As shown above.

Also the infection was blocked as you can see below.

Note: This is the first time Avast caught something ‘wrong’ with the machine.

So from here, we decided not to continue with the YTD Video Downloader program for obvious reasons.

As per above, where it stated that YTD Video Downloader would change our home page(s) to Yahoo, etc, we checked this out, and as you can see from the picture below, it did.

So until the next installment,

PLEASE BE CAREFUL ON WHAT YOU CLICK, AND AGREE TO INSTALL!

Be sure to contact me if you have found yourself on the other end of some of the tactics these people play.  

Thanks to Cadishead Computers for the use of this series of articles.

Free YouTube Downloader
Following on from part 3 of our series “What happens when you install the top 20 download.com apps – Advanced SystemCare".  We are now onto number 4 on the list Free YouTube Downloader

So, how did we do with Free YouTube Downloader?

First, do you see the ‘Secure Download?.  It’s kinda gray, and it by itself doesn't appear to be anything obtrusive...  Or so you would think.

Part 1.  Ok, this is fine.  Note Step 1 of 3.  We click on Accept.

Step 2:

You are agreeing to the following: SafeSearch.  SafeSearch is apparently created by AVSoftware.  Reading what is states here, is that it is a unique search engine that filters malicious sites or sites with bad reputations.  Every website is weighted on several critical factors – vendor reliability, child safety, privacy issues, user opinions and ratings.

Now you would think with this, it is ok.  But after doing some research we find out the following.

What is SafeSearch?
SafeSearch is an ad-supported (users may see additional banner, search, pop-up, pop-under, interstitial and in-text link advertisements) cross web browser plugin for Internet Explorer (BHO) and Firefox/Chrome (plugin) and distributed through various monetization platforms during installation. The browser extension includes various features that will modify the default or custom settings of the browser including the home page, search settings and in some cases will modify Internet Explorer’s load time threshold, place a lock file within Firefox to prevent competing software from changing its settings as well as disable the browser’s Content Security Policy in order to allow for cross site scripting of the plugin. The software is typically bundled as part as an additional offer with the StartInstall download manager.


About  (from AVSoftware)
SafeSearch created by AVSoftware is unique search engine that filters malicious sites or sites with bad reputation. Every website is weighted on several critical factors – vendor reliability, child safety, privacy issues, user opinions and ratings.

Overview

• Loads into the web browser
• Installed as part of a co-bundle
• Injects advertisements unassociated with the underlying web page
• Hijacks the web browser’s home page
• The experts agree, you should remove it!

SafeSearch has been found to be bundled with 3rd party software. If you have not purposefully installed this, you should be safe uninstalling it.

• MaxPerforma Optimizer
• SoftPlanet Software Assistant by Secure Download

So again, your browser will be hijacked, home page amended.  Only this time, it places a lock within Firefox to prevent other software from changing its settings, as well as disable the browsers content security policy.

So again we click Accept.

Now we are given the chance to ‘accept’ Crime Watch!.

Crime Watch allows you to stay informed of crimes committed around the world.  And THOUSANDS of users have installed it.

To be honest, I am not surprised that thousands have installed it, as the Decline button is Grayed out.  Making you believe that you HAVE to click on Accept!.

So we click accept.

Finally we can installed Free YouTube Downloader.  About time if you ask me!.

Clicking on Next.

Will install SpeedUpMyPC 2015.  In doing so, a free scan to detect issues and find available tweaks.  Ohh Goody!.  More on this very shortly.

Clicking on Next.

This time we are agreeing to install Skype.

Now Skype itself is a wonderful program, and we utilize it each day to contact clients, and keep in touch with friends and family from around the world.

Clicking Next, installed Free YouTube Downloader.

So until the next installment,

PLEASE BE CAREFUL ON WHAT YOU CLICK, AND AGREE TO INSTALL!

Be sure to contact me if you have found yourself on the other end of some of the tactics these people play.  

Thanks to Cadishead Computers for the use of this series of articles.

Thanks to Cadishead Computers for the use of this series of articles.

Advanced SystemCare
Next on our list of the top 20 programs, is Advanced SystemCare.

First, note the number of Free Download buttons shown above.  I see 3.  More on this later in the series.

OK, so I have decided I want to download Advanced SystemCare.  Now which download link do I choose?

Do I choose this one?

Well clicking on this link, brings up this page.

Hang on.  This isn’t Advanced SystemCare.  It’s a PC fixer program, and my machine does need looking at.  I’ll download it and see.

Well after waiting for at least 5 minutes, K9-PCFixer failed to download.  So it looks like I may have to find another way of fixing my computer.

Back to Advanced SystemCare

This part is fine.  Click next, and up comes

Install Iobit Malware Fighter.  Which claims to be “The World’s leading Anti-Malware tool”.

Lets see about that shall we..

Click next, and Advanced SystemCare gets installed.

So Advanced SystemCare is now installed, and we allow it to run.

We have clicked Scan, and let it run through all the ‘repairs’

Results page

Ok.  Our PC is clean!  Woo Hoo.. Or is it?

Dear readers, what are your thoughts?

So we click on activate.

So they ‘Promise’ to speed up the PC by up to 200%

Boost my internet speed by up to 300%

Clean and do a deeper optimization of the computers registry. (Remember our previous warnings?)

Finally do a real time active protection and Optimization of the computer.

Sounds good yes?

Oh.. how nice, they are offering me Advanced SystemCare Professional, Smart Defrag Pro, IOBit Uninstaller Pro, and AMC security Pro for only $19.99.

Well with my IT technical head on here.

Their promises are nothing short of ‘Rubbish’ for lack of a better expression.

200% faster computer? – Impossible by the way they claim to be able to do.

300% faster internet speed? – Impossible.  Only a call to your Internet Service Provider (ISP), can speed your internet speed up.  That’s if they can.

Deeper clean and registry optimisation – I wouldn’t let them near my registry with the proverbial 10 foot barge pole.

Technical notes.

Read http://betanews.com/2012/10/24/iobit-advanced-systemcare-6-pro-review/ for a independant review between the pro and free version of advanced system care.

In IOBit’s own forums – this is what they claim is the difference between smart defrag pro and the free version.

Smart Defrag Pro and Smart Defrag v2.8 are not the same, pro has a couple of more options such as defragmenting fragmented registry in the boot time and another defragmentation algorithm as fast smart defrag.

We could not find any differences between the IObit Uninstaller PRO and the usual edition.

AMC Security Pro – This is designed for Mobile Phones.  We cannot comment on this program, as we did not download or use it.

Computer in a bind?  Give me a call!  Be sure to check out myProActive Care services to help maintain and protect your computer.