April 1st Virus
Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2009
I am writing this blog on March 31st… why did I wait until the eve of the dreaded release of the Conficker virus? Well, basically, because I have not had much to write about. From our research, the only computers that will be affected by this virus are ones that do not keep their computer protected and up-to-date. Since all of our customers keep their machines updated and protected, they should be OK. If you are running an illegal copy of Windows, or do not download and install all of the Windows Updates, or do not have an anti-virus program installed and updated… keep your fingers crossed!
My theory is that the virus is a hoax, and that no one will be affected. We will see in a few hours if I was correct. If this virus does become what the media has scared us into beleiving, then I will admit my error. For a great article about this virus, click here.
Stay tuned…
OK.. so it is now April 12th, and none my my customers have been adversely affected by this so called “April 1st” virus. So, was it just a hoax? I do not have enough information to make that assumption. What I can tell you, is that this scare has just reinforced the idea that it is important for every computer user to keep their operating system patched, and their anti-virus updated.
New Fees on Electronic Devices
Posted by admin on Mar 10, 2009
As of April 1, 2009 the Ontario Government has introduced a recycling fee for computer products. We at ICS will be charged a fee on certain items, and we will have to pass the costs along to the customer. The charges are outlined below. For more information, please check out the Ontario Electronic Stewardship website.
Desktop Computers **: $13.44 per system
Portable Computers **: $2.14 per system
Computer Peripherals **: $0.32 per item
(Mice, Keyboards, Hard Drives, Optical Drives)
Monitors(with no embedded TV Tuner): $12.03 per unit
TV (includes any monitors with embedded TV tuners): $10.07 per unit
Printing Devices: $5.05 per unit
** Computer fees do not cover costs for mice, keyboards etc. Any units
shipping with these peripherals will require the applicable peripheral
fee to be added and charged in a bundled price. Please contact us for further details as defined by the OES as to what is included in the above classifications.
Stuck Pixel on your LCD Monitor
Posted by admin on Mar 5, 2009
It does not happen very often, but some times a lone pixel on an LCD screen can get stuck “on”. When a pixel is stuck on, it usually shines a bright white or green colour. When a pixel is dead, it does not shine at all. A dead pixel cannot usually be fixed, but a stuck pixel can… some times. To get instructions, check out http://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Stuck-Pixel-on-an-LCD-Monitor. We have tried these suggestions a few times, and it almost always fixes the problem.
Hack your Wi-Fi Antenna
Posted by admin on Mar 5, 2009
If you want to get more range from your wireless router, and like playing with electronics, then this might be the project for you. It works for petty much any wireless antenna, and costs about 5 cents to make. I have not tried it yet, but it looks pretty nifty!
http://www.instructables.com/id/WIFI-Antenna-Hack!/
