brought to you by Intelligent Computer Systems, Fergus, Ontario

Programs to Stay Away From

Posted by admin on Oct 18, 2007

We have been asked several times by our customers about the programs you see in “pop-ups” and advertisements when you are surfing the ‘net.  How do you know if they are legit?  Well, it is getting much harder to determine that now, since they look very professional, and even provide support information.  The main problem is that these programs almost never do what they claim, and sometimes, even make the computer run worse than it did before.  Of course, you usually discover this after you pay for the software.  So here is a list of some of the software that we have come across that you should stay away from.

• Drivecleaner
• WinFixer and WinAntivirus

We will be updating this list as we discover more.

Maintenance & Backup

Posted by admin on Oct 2, 2007

Are you tired of worrying about your computer and backing up your data?  We can take care of that for you.  Arrange for one of our technicians to come into your home or business, at the interval you choose (weekly, monthly, quarterly).  We will make sure the systems are virus-free, running at their optimum, and that all your software is updated.  We can then perform either a system backup, or just the data only.  If you are interested, let us know, and we can provide a price. 

IP Surveillance Cameras

Posted by admin on Oct 2, 2007

Monitor your home or office from anywehere in the world.  These cameras are easy to install and monitor up to 16 cameras at a time.  You can even record directly to your hard drive for easy reviewing.  Some models even have two way audio, pan/tilt/zoom, and can be used inside or outside.   Click here to get more information http://www.dlink.ca/products/category.php?cid=58&sec=1

New Symphonex Audio System

Posted by admin on Oct 2, 2007

We are now the dealer for the Symphonex Audio System.  This system is great for bars, restaurants, hotels, retail centres, DJs, Karaoke and more!  The system comes complete with an easy-to-use software, touch screen, and music subscription service.  You can automate everything – from playlists, to announcements and more.   Check out their website at http://www.symphonex.com/english/index.htm  We offer complete audio/visual solutions.

WE ARE MOVING

Posted by admin on Oct 2, 2007

By the end of October, we should be in our new place.  Come in and check our our new digs at 820 Gartshore Street, Unit 105 (beside Centre Wellington Hydro).  We will be able to offer you better sales and support, plenty of parking, and we will continue to offer on site service.  Our phone, fax, email and website will all remain the same.

Simple Networks

Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2007

1) Phone Line Networks – Simple to set up, and low start up cost make this network solution very popular.  This option is the slowest of all of the other types, and the “server” system has to be on all the time to share an internet connection.

2) Cat5 Networks – This solution is a little more costly and is harder to set up initially, but the superior speed and reliability more that compensates.  Sharing an internet connection can be made through a gateway (dial-up and high-speed), and adding workstations is a snap.

3) Wireless Networks – This is the newest solution to networking.  It is really simple to set up, is the most costly, and is not very secure.  Also, speed can some times be an issue.  This is the best for mobile computing devices, or areas where wiring is not possible.

4) Hybrid Networks – You can use a combination of several types of networks at one time.  The best option is to network all possible systems using the Cat5 system, and attach a wireless hub to the Cat5 hub, and link the remaining systems up with the wireless network.

There some web sites I just can’t access. I’ve checked with friends, and they can access these sites. Any idea why I can’t?

Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2007

First thing to do is wait a few seconds, and click “RELOAD”.  If that does not work, you can always check with your ISP and verify that their service is working properly.  The most likely reason is that your security settings are set too high.  In Internet Explorer, click on TOOLS -> INTERNET OPTIONS -> SECURITY.  Click on INTERNET, and click the button marked DEFAULT LEVEL.  Check the site again.  Continue to lower the security level until you can view the site properly.  You can also check the CUSTOM LEVEL area and adjust the settings in this area.  Also, some sites require 128-bit encryption to view correctly.  Make sure that you have the correct cypher strength and try the site again.

Costello Calls To Buy A Computer From Abbott

Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2007

Comedians of the 1930’s-1950’s, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello did a comedy sketch about baseball called  “Who’s on First?” It might have turned out something like this in our day of cell phones and computers: Read the rest of this entry »

New Customer Support

Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2007

Last week my wife and I purchased a new computer.  We ran into some difficulties while setting it up so we decided to call the customer support phone number we found in the manual.  I picked up the phone and called the number.  A man answered the phone and I explained the problem to him.  He began rattling off computer jargon.  This confused us even more.  “Sir”, I said politely, “Can you explain what I should do as if I were a small child”.  “Okay”, the computer support guy said, “Son, could you please put your mommy on the phone?”

The Forwarders 12-step Program

Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2007

1. will NOT get bad luck, lose my friends, or lose my mailing lists if I DON’T forward an email!

2. I will NOT hear any music or see a taco dog, if I do forward and e-mail.

3. Bill Gates is NOT going to send me money, Victoria’s Secret doesn’t know anything about a gift certificate they’re supposed to send me.

4. Ford will NOT give me a 50% discount even if I forward my e-mail to more than 50 people!

5. I will NEVER receive gift certificates, coupons, or freebies from Coca Cola, Cracker Barrel, Old Navy, or anyone else if I send e-mail to 10 people.

6. I will NEVER see a pop-up window if I forward an e-mail… NEVER–NEVER!!

7. There is NO SUCH THING as an e-mail tracking program, and I am not STUPID enough to think that someone will send me $100 for forwarding an e-mail to 10 or more people!

8. There is NO kid with cancer through the Make-a-Wish program in England collecting anything! He did when he was 7 years old.  He is now cancer free and 35 years old and DOESN’T WANT ANY MORE POSTCARDS, or GET-WELL CARDS.

9. The government does not have a bill in Congress called 901B (or whatever they named it this week) that, if passed, will enable them to charge us 5 cents for every e-mail we send.

10. There will be NO cool dancing, singing, waving, colourful flowers, characters, or programs that I will receive immediately after I forward an e-mail.  NONE, ZIP, ZERO, NADA!!

11. The American Red Cross will NOT donate 50 cents to certain individual dying of some never-heard-of disease for every e-mail address I send this to.  The American Red Cross RECEIVES donations.

12. And finally, I WILL NOT let others guilt me into sending things by telling me I am not their friend of that I don’t believe in Jesus Christ.  If God wants to send me a message, I believe the bushes in my yard will burn before He picks up a PC to pass it on!  Now, repeat this to yourself until you have it memorized, and send it along to at least 5 of your friends before the next full moon or you will surely be constipated for THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!.

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