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About kc7txm

Matt Karls has a PhD in IT and is an Electrical Engineer. He works in management within the software development, IT and SEO fields and is the owner of Karls Technology. He has four kids and lives in the Phoenix metro area (when he is not travelling around to our different offices).

Guide to Antivirus Brands in 2024

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Karls Technology’s Comprehensive Guide to the Best Antivirus Brands in 2024

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. With the increasing number of cyber threats, from malware and phishing attacks to ransomware and identity theft, having reliable antivirus software is a necessity. The market is saturated with numerous antivirus brands, each offering unique features and levels of protection. This article will explore the different antivirus brands available now, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Overview

Bitdefender is known for its cutting-edge security technology and excellent malware detection rates. Founded in 2001, Bitdefender has quickly gained a reputation for offering robust and reliable antivirus solutions. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is their entry-level product, providing essential protection without compromising system performance.

Key Features

Real-Time Threat Detection: Bitdefender’s advanced algorithms detect and block malware in real-time.
Anti-Phishing: Protects against phishing attempts and fraudulent websites.
Multi-Layer Ransomware Protection: Ensures your files are safe from ransomware attacks.
VPN: Secure your online activities with Bitdefender’s built-in VPN.
Autopilot: Automatically optimizes security settings based on your usage patterns.

Strengths

Outstanding malware detection and removal rates.
Lightweight and does not slow down the system.
Affordable pricing with high-quality protection.

Weaknesses

Limited features in the basic plan compared to higher-tier offerings.
VPN has a daily data limit on lower-tier plans.

2. Kaspersky Internet Security

Overview

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity company founded in Russia in 1997. Kaspersky Internet Security is one of their most popular products, offering a balanced mix of protection and features. Kaspersky’s antivirus solutions are renowned for their high detection rates and reliability.

Key Features

Multi-Layered Protection: Kaspersky uses multiple layers of security to protect against malware, ransomware, and other threats.
Safe Money: Secure your online transactions with Safe Money, which provides an isolated environment for banking and shopping.
Privacy Protection: Prevents unauthorized access to your webcam and microphone.
Parental Controls: Manage and monitor your children’s online activities.
File Encryption: Encrypt sensitive files to keep them secure.

Strengths

Consistently high malware detection rates in independent tests.
Strong focus on privacy and secure online transactions.
User-friendly interface and easy setup.

Weaknesses

The VPN is limited to 200MB of data per day on the basic plan.
Some users may have concerns about using software developed in Russia, although Kaspersky has taken steps to address these concerns.
Some Kaspersky servers are located within the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB)
There is debate as to weather the Russian Government owns a controlling interest in Kaspersky Labs or just has a minor position in ownership.
Kaspersky software is banned for use on any US government computers or any systems that connect to US government agencies.

3. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security

Overview

Trend Micro is a Japanese cybersecurity company that has been providing antivirus solutions since 1988. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security is designed to offer essential protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats. The brand is known for its user-friendly interface and robust security features.

Key Features

Real-Time Protection: Trend Micro’s AI-powered technology detects and blocks threats in real-time.
Ransomware Protection: Advanced ransomware protection ensures your files are safe from encryption attacks.
Email Scam Protection: Protects against email-based phishing attacks and scams.
Web Threat Protection: Blocks dangerous websites and prevents them from downloading malicious software to your device.
Pay Guard: Secure your online payments and banking transactions.

Strengths

Strong protection against ransomware and phishing attacks.
User-friendly interface with simple navigation.
Affordable pricing for basic protection.

Weaknesses

Limited features compared to higher-tier competitors.
May cause a slight impact on system performance during scans.

4. ESET NOD32 Antivirus

Overview

ESET, a Slovak cybersecurity company, has been providing antivirus solutions since 1992. ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a lightweight and powerful solution designed for users who want essential protection without the bloat. ESET is known for its low system impact and fast scanning capabilities.

Key Features

Advanced Threat Detection: ESET’s multi-layered security approach ensures comprehensive protection against malware and other threats.
Anti-Phishing: Protects against phishing attempts and fraudulent websites.
Exploit Blocker: Safeguards against targeted attacks and exploits.
Device Control: Manage external devices like USB drives to prevent unauthorized access.
Low System Impact: ESET NOD32 is designed to run quietly in the background without slowing down your system.

Strengths

Lightweight and efficient, making it ideal for older or less powerful systems.
Excellent malware detection rates with low false positives.
Fast scanning with minimal impact on system performance.

Weaknesses

Lacks some of the advanced features found in more comprehensive security suites.
The user interface may feel outdated to some users.

5. Avast Free Antivirus

Overview

Avast is a Czech-based cybersecurity company that has been providing free and paid antivirus solutions since 1988. Avast Free Antivirus is one of the most popular free antivirus products on the market, offering basic protection for users who don’t want to pay for a premium solution.

Key Features

Real-Time Protection: Avast provides real-time protection against malware, viruses, and other threats.
CyberCapture: Automatically sends suspicious files to the cloud for analysis.
Wi-Fi Inspector: Scans your network for vulnerabilities and security issues.
Behavior Shield: Monitors your applications for unusual behavior to prevent malware infections.
Browser Cleanup: Removes unwanted browser toolbars and extensions.

Strengths

Free to use with no time limitations.
Comprehensive protection for a free antivirus solution.
Regular updates to keep the software up-to-date with the latest threats.

Weaknesses

The free version includes ads and prompts to upgrade to the paid version.
Some users may find the frequent upgrade prompts annoying.
Collects user data for marketing purposes (can be disabled in settings).

6. AVG Antivirus Free

Overview

AVG, a subsidiary of Avast, offers another popular free antivirus solution. AVG Antivirus Free is designed to provide essential protection against malware and other online threats without costing a dime. AVG has been in the cybersecurity business since 1991 and has a solid reputation for reliable protection.

Key Features

Real-Time Protection: AVG’s real-time scanning engine detects and blocks malware and viruses.
Email Protection: Scans incoming and outgoing emails for malicious attachments and links.
Web Protection: Blocks unsafe websites and prevents malicious downloads.
File Shredder: Securely delete files to prevent them from being recovered.
Performance Optimization: AVG includes tools to help optimize your system’s performance.

Strengths

Free to use with robust protection features.
Simple and easy-to-use interface.
Regular updates to stay protected against the latest threats.

Weaknesses

The free version includes ads and upgrade prompts.
Some advanced features are only available in the paid version.
Similar to Avast, AVG collects user data for marketing purposes (can be disabled).

7. Sophos Home

Overview

Sophos is a UK-based cybersecurity company that has been protecting businesses and individuals since 1985. Sophos Home is a consumer-focused antivirus product that offers enterprise-level protection for home users. Sophos Home is available in both free and premium versions.

Key Features

Advanced Threat Protection: Sophos Home uses the same technology as Sophos’ enterprise solutions to protect against malware, ransomware, and other threats.
Web Filtering: Block inappropriate websites and protect your family from harmful content.
Remote Management: Manage the security of multiple devices from a single dashboard.
Real-Time Protection: Continuous scanning for malware and other threats.
Privacy Protection: Safeguard your webcam and microphone from unauthorized access.

Strengths

Enterprise-level protection for home users.
Simple remote management for multiple devices.
Strong web filtering and privacy protection features.

Weaknesses

The free version has limited features compared to the premium version.
The user interface may not be as intuitive as other consumer-focused products.

8. Malwarebytes Premium

Overview

Malwarebytes is a relatively new player in the antivirus market, founded in 2008. However, it has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best tools for malware removal. While Malwarebytes started as a secondary tool for removing malware, it has evolved into a full-fledged antivirus solution with Malwarebytes Premium.

Key Features

Malware Removal: Known for its excellent malware removal capabilities.
Real-Time Protection: Protects against malware, ransomware, and other threats in real-time.
Web Protection: Blocks malicious websites and prevents phishing attacks.
Ransomware Protection: Protects your files from being encrypted by ransomware.
Lightweight: Designed to work alongside other antivirus programs without causing conflicts.

Strengths

Excellent at removing malware that other antivirus programs might miss.
Lightweight and does not slow down your system.
Can be used alongside other antivirus software for added protection since Malwarebytes is primarily an anti-malware application.

Weaknesses

Lacks some features found in more comprehensive security suites.
The free version is limited to on-demand scanning and does not include real-time protection.
Designed primarily as an anti-malware application so it only has light duty anti-virus capabilities.
Anti-Virus capabilities lacks high level or independent certification.

9. Avira Antivirus

Overview

Avira, a German-based antivirus software company, is known for its strong and reliable antivirus solutions. Established in 1986, Avira offers a range of products that cater to both individual and business needs. Its free antivirus version is particularly popular for providing comprehensive protection without cost, though the premium versions add more advanced features.

Key Features

Real-Time Threat Protection: Avira offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Privacy Protection: Includes a VPN for secure browsing and privacy protection.
System Optimization: Tools to enhance system performance by cleaning up junk files and optimizing processes.
Password Manager: Securely stores and manages passwords.
Free Version: Avira Free Security provides excellent basic protection without cost.

Strengths

Lightweight and does not slow down the system.
User-friendly interface.
Comprehensive free version.
Strong performance in independent lab tests.
VB100 and AV Test Top Product certifications.

Weaknesses

Most advanced features require a premium subscription.
Occasional pop-ups promoting premium versions.

10. Norton Antivirus

Overview

Norton is one of the oldest and most trusted names in the antivirus industry. Developed by Symantec, Norton has been providing cybersecurity solutions for over three decades. Norton offers a range of products, from basic antivirus software to comprehensive security suites that include VPN, parental controls, and identity theft protection.

Key Features

Real-Time Threat Protection: Norton’s advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) detect and neutralize threats in real-time.
Password Manager: Securely store and manage your passwords.
Secure VPN: Browse anonymously with Norton’s built-in VPN service.
Parental Controls: Monitor and manage your children’s online activities.
Cloud Backup: Safeguard your important files with 50GB of secure cloud storage.

Strengths

Excellent real-time protection against malware and other threats.
Comprehensive features in higher-tier plans, including VPN and identity theft protection.
User-friendly interface.

Weaknesses

Can be resource-intensive, affecting system performance on older devices.
Higher price point compared to some competitors.
Not properly or consistently certified with VB100 or AV Test Top Product

11. McAfee Total Protection

Overview

McAfee is another well-established name in the antivirus industry. Founded by John McAfee in 1987, the brand has evolved to offer a wide range of cybersecurity products, including antivirus, firewall, and identity protection services. McAfee Total Protection is their flagship product, designed to provide all-in-one security.

Key Features

Cross-Device Protection: McAfee Total Protection covers multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets.
Firewall: Advanced firewall protection to keep hackers at bay.
Identity Theft Protection: Monitor your personal information and receive alerts for any suspicious activity.
Secure Web Browsing: McAfee WebAdvisor helps you stay safe online by alerting you to potentially dangerous websites.
Encrypted Storage: Protect sensitive files with 128-bit encryption.

Strengths

Strong focus on identity protection.
Excellent multi-device support with a single license.
Comprehensive security features, including firewall and encryption.

Weaknesses

The user interface can be cluttered and less intuitive.
Some features, like identity protection, may require additional setup.
Not properly or consistently certified with VB100 or AV Test Top Product

Conclusion

Choosing the right antivirus software depends on your specific needs, budget, and the level of protection you’re seeking. Whether you need basic protection from free antivirus programs like Avast or AVG, or you require comprehensive security suites like Norton or McAfee, there’s a solution available for every user.

It’s essential to consider factors such as real-time protection, system performance, additional features (like VPN or identity theft protection), and user interface when selecting an antivirus brand. Each of the antivirus programs mentioned in this article has its strengths and weaknesses, so take the time to evaluate them based on your unique requirements.

Ultimately, the best antivirus software is the one that offers the protection and peace of mind you need while fitting seamlessly into your digital life.

If have any questions about Anti Virus software brands or need to remove a virus from your computer, give us a call at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer repair company with offices in most metros with remote computer repair service available nationwide. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Minneapolis Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Minneapolis, MN please call or text the local office at (612) 404-2240.

Southwest Airlines changes $8 internet prices

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Southwest Airlines has recently announced a change in its in-flight internet pricing model, shifting from an $8 daily internet fee to an $8 per flight segment internet access fee. This decision has sparked conversation and interest from consumers, as they consider how this change may impact their travel experience and budget. We will explore the reasons behind this shift and analyze its potential effects on Southwest and its passengers.

The primary reason behind this change is to align with Southwest’s business model of keeping costs low while offering reliable services. Southwest has not made much public statements about this change but we were able to review and confirm this internal Southwest Airlines company communication:

To support the current and upcoming WiFi enhancements, Southwest is implementing a new internet pricing model. Effective Tuesday, February 21, internet will remain $8 but will be purchased per-leg (being introduced as “Takeoff to Landing”). We will no longer offer an $8 DayPass for internet.

The new per-leg model, entitled $8 Internet

Supports the introduction of Viasat and allows us to use two vendors without integrating the two payment systems.
Provides an experience with which Customers are familiar, as most other airlines follow a per-leg internet pricing model.
Impacts a small subset of Customers due to our robust network of nonstop flights and a small percentage of internet Customers choosing to use paid internet across connecting flights.

The old pricing model of $8 daily internet fee did not generate enough revenue for the airline to justify the expense of providing this service on all flights. This pricing model also meant that passengers who were traveling on connecting flights did not have to pay the daily fee multiple times, reducing their overall travel expenses. By changing the pricing model to $8 per flight segment, Southwest can now offer in-flight internet access to all passengers while ensuring that the cost of providing the service is covered. This pricing model also ensures that passengers who are connecting on multiple flights are not penalized for using the service.

Another benefit of this new pricing model is that it aligns with Southwest’s “transparency” philosophy. By breaking down the internet fee to a per-flight segment basis, passengers can easily understand the cost associated with using the service. This move by Southwest is consistent with their overall strategy of providing straightforward and transparent pricing, which has been a key factor in the airline’s success.

While this change may seem like a small adjustment, it could potentially have a significant impact on Southwest’s bottom line. With in-flight internet access becoming increasingly important to travelers, offering this service can be a competitive advantage for airlines. By making in-flight internet more affordable, Southwest is making their service more appealing to passengers who are looking for a cost-effective way to stay connected while in the air. This move may also attract more business travelers, who often need to stay connected during their flights.

However, there are potential downsides to this change as well. One of the main concerns is that by charging per flight segment, passengers who are taking longer flights or multiple flights may end up paying more than they would have with the daily fee. For example, a passenger taking a flight with two segments would end up paying $16 for internet access, while they would have paid $8 under the old pricing model. This increase in cost may deter some passengers from using the service, particularly if they are traveling on a tight budget.

Another potential downside is that this change may create confusion among passengers who are not familiar with the new pricing model. The daily fee was a simple and straightforward pricing model that was easy for passengers to understand. The new pricing model of $8 per flight segment may require more explanation and could lead to confusion, particularly among infrequent travelers.

Southwest Airline’s decision to change its in-flight internet pricing model from a daily fee to a per flight segment fee is a strategic move that aligns with the airline’s business model and overall philosophy of transparency. While this change may create confusion and may increase costs for some passengers, it has the potential to attract more passengers who are looking for a cost-effective way to stay connected while traveling. Overall, this change reflects Southwest’s commitment to providing affordable and reliable services to their passengers while maintaining their competitive advantage in the airline industry.

If have any internet connectivity issues, give us a call at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer repair company with offices in most metros. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Dallas Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Dallas, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Upgrade to Windows 11 now or wait longer?

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Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, first released in 2022. This updated version of Windows was highly anticipated by the millions of users around the world who have been eagerly waiting for it. In this article, we will take a closer look at Windows 11 and what it has to offer.

First and foremost, Windows 11 is designed to be more intuitive and user-friendly than its predecessors. This is achieved through a new, modern design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The start menu has been completely overhauled, making it easier to access your most frequently used apps and settings. In addition, Windows 11 will have new customization options, allowing you to personalize the look and feel of your device to suit your style.

One of the key features of Windows 11 is its improved performance. Microsoft has optimized the operating system to run faster and more efficiently on a wide range of devices, including both traditional desktops and laptops, as well as newer devices like 2-in-1s and tablets. The company has also made improvements to the battery life of devices running Windows 11, making it easier to stay productive on the go.

Another major addition to Windows 11 is the integration of virtual and augmented reality technologies. The operating system will support both AR and VR, allowing users to experience new levels of immersion and interactivity. Microsoft has also made it easier to access and use these technologies, with new tools and apps that are specifically designed for VR and AR experiences.

Windows 11 will also bring a number of new security features to keep your device and personal information safe. Microsoft has made improvements to the operating system’s existing security measures, as well as adding new ones. For example, Windows 11 will have built-in antivirus software, a new firewall, and improved encryption to protect your data.

Another major change in Windows 11 is the new Microsoft Store, which will be more than just an app store. The new Microsoft Store will be a central hub for all of your digital content, including apps, games, movies, and more. You will be able to purchase, download, and manage all of your digital content from a single location, making it easier to find what you need and keep your content organized.

In addition to the new features mentioned above, Windows 11 will also have a number of other improvements, including better support for touchscreens, improved multi-tasking capabilities, and new accessibility features to make the operating system more accessible to users with disabilities.

One of the most exciting aspects of Windows 11 is its compatibility with a wide range of devices. Microsoft has designed the operating system to run on both new and older devices, making it accessible to a large number of users. In addition, Windows 11 will be available on a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, 2-in-1s, tablets, and even smartphones.

Finally, it is important to note that Windows 11 will be a free upgrade for many users. Microsoft has announced that the operating system will be free for users who currently have Windows 10 installed on their devices. This means that millions of users around the world will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 without having to pay anything.

In conclusion, Windows 11 is shaping up to be a major update to the Windows operating system. With its new features, improved performance, and increased accessibility, Windows 11 promises to offer users a better and more efficient experience. Whether you are a traditional desktop user, or you are looking for a more mobile solution, Windows 11 has something to offer for everyone.

Having issues with any version of Windows? Call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer repair company with offices in most metros. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Tampa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Tampa, FL please call or text the local office at (813) 400-2865.

Statement on SolarWinds Breach

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On Monday, Dec 14, SolarWinds reported that its Orion platform had been breached by an insertion of malicious code. This code was then distributed through the system to approximately 18,000 potential users. The code targeted large scale corporate and governmental network infrastructure(s). This exploit impacted emails through the Treasury and Commerce departments, as well as the Department of Homeland Security prompting an immediate disconnect from all services based on the Orion platform by US government agencies.

Fortunately, the SolarWinds software that we provide to our clients is not a part of the corporate scale Orion system and our systems and the software we use was not subject to any data loss or breach.This attack targeted large scale, multi-server networks at the corporate and government level and is in no way connected to the SolarWinds services we provide to our clients. Despite not being the targets of this hack, our SolarWinds team is working proactively to monitor the situation and maintain the integrity of our own services to ensure that our client’s information is safe and remains private.

At this time, the server the attack originated from has been identified and federal cybersecurity experts are working to identify the individuals responsible as quickly as possible. We value the trust and faith our clients place in us and hope that this announcement will calm any uncertainty resulting from this situation. Any of our clients that would like to ask questions about this incident are more than welcome to call into our head office at 1-800-620-5285 and speak with the Helpdesk for clarification on the circumstances of this breach. We understand that our clients trust us with their information and we are working tirelessly to monitor the situation and provide proactive support and response — should other platforms under the SolarWinds banner become compromised. Any further updates will be provided as quickly as possible.

Thank you,
The Karls Technology Team

Hard Disk Operational Overview

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As an illustration, I’ll describe here in words how the various components in the disk interoperate when they receive a request for data. Hopefully this will provide some context for the descriptions of the components that follow in later sections.

A hard disk uses round, flat disks called platters, coated on both sides with a special media material designed to store information in the form of magnetic patterns. The platters are mounted by cutting a hole in the center and stacking them onto a spindle. The platters rotate at high speed, driven by a special spindle motor connected to the spindle. Special electromagnetic read/write devices called heads are mounted onto sliders and used to either record information onto the disk or read information from it. The sliders are mounted onto arms, all of which are mechanically connected into a single assembly and positioned over the surface of the disk by a device called an actuator. A logic board controls the activity of the other components and communicates with the rest of the PC.

Each surface of each platter on the disk can hold tens of billions of individual bits of data. These are organized into larger “chunks” for convenience, and to allow for easier and faster access to information. Each platter has two heads, one on the top of the platter and one on the bottom, so a hard disk with three platters (normally) has six surfaces and six total heads. Each platter has its information recorded in concentric circles called tracks. Each track is further broken down into smaller pieces called sectors, each of which holds 512 bytes of information.

The entire hard disk must be manufactured to a high degree of precision due to the extreme miniaturization of the components, and the importance of the hard disk’s role in the PC. The main part of the disk is isolated from outside air to ensure that no contaminants get onto the platters, which could cause damage to the read/write heads.

Here’s an example case showing in brief what happens in the disk each time a piece of information needs to be read from it. This is a highly simplified example because it ignores factors such as disk caching, error correction, and many of the other special techniques that systems use today to increase performance and reliability. For example, sectors are not read individually on most PCs; they are grouped together into continuous chunks called clusters. A typical job, such as loading a file into a spreadsheet program, can involve thousands or even millions of individual disk accesses, and loading a 20 MB file 512 bytes at a time would be rather inefficient:

The first step in accessing the disk is to figure out where on the disk to look for the needed information. Between them, the application, operating system, system BIOS and possibly any special driver software for the disk, do the job of determining what part of the disk to read.
The location on the disk undergoes one or more translation steps until a final request can be made to the drive with an address expressed in terms of its geometry. The geometry of the drive is normally expressed in terms of the cylinder, head and sector that the system wants the drive to read. (A cylinder is equivalent to a track for addressing purposes). A request is sent to the drive over the disk drive interface giving it this address and asking for the sector to be read.
The hard disk’s control program first checks to see if the information requested is already in the hard disk’s own internal buffer (or cache). It if is then the controller supplies the information immediately, without needing to look on the surface of the disk itself.
In most cases the disk drive is already spinning. If it isn’t (because power management has instructed the disk to “spin down” to save energy) then the drive’s controller board will activate the spindle motor to “spin up” the drive to operating speed.
The controller board interprets the address it received for the read, and performs any necessary additional translation steps that take into account the particular characteristics of the drive. The hard disk’s logic program then looks at the final number of the cylinder requested. The cylinder number tells the disk which track to look at on the surface of the disk. The board instructs the actuator to move the read/write heads to the appropriate track.
When the heads are in the correct position, the controller activates the head specified in the correct read location. The head begins reading the track looking for the sector that was asked for. It waits for the disk to rotate the correct sector number under itself, and then reads the contents of the sector.
The controller board coordinates the flow of information from the hard disk into a temporary storage area (buffer). It then sends the information over the hard disk interface, usually to the system memory, satisfying the system’s request for data.

The PC Guide
Site Version: 2.2.0 – Version Date: April 17, 2001
© Copyright 1997-2004 Charles M. Kozierok. All Rights Reserved.

This is an archive of Charles M. Kozierok’s PCGuide (pcguide.com) which disappeared from the internet in 2018. We wanted to preserve Charles M. Kozierok’s knowledge about computers and are permanently hosting a selection of important pages from PCGuide.

Hard Disk Platters and Media

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Every hard disk contains one or more flat disks that are used to actually hold the data in the drive. These disks are called platters (sometimes also “disks” or “discs”). They are composed of two main substances: a substrate material that forms the bulk of the platter and gives it structure and rigidity, and a magnetic media coating which actually holds the magnetic impulses that represent the data. Hard disks get their name from the rigidity of the platters used, as compared to floppy disks and other media which use flexible “platters” (actually, they aren’t usually even called platters when the material is flexible.)

The platters are “where the action is”–this is where the data itself is recorded. For this reason the quality of the platters and particularly, their media coating, is critical. The surfaces of each platter are precision machined and treated to remove any imperfections, and the hard disk itself is assembled in a clean room to reduce the chances of any dirt or contamination getting onto the platters.

City paid Hackers $600,000

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Riviera Beach, FL recently paid ransomware hackers $600,000 to unlock their computers. The ransomware hackers had locked all the government computers and encrypted all their data. The Riviera Beach City Council gave into the ransomware hackers’ demands. They currently appear to be in the process of getting their data back right now.

The city of Riviera Beach apparently had no backups of their data. The infection appears to have started on a single computer from clicking on an email. The ransomware spread to their entire network network before it encrypted all their data.

We have seen this same sort of attack at many businesses and home user’s computers. Inside a small network running off a single router at your home or business an infected computer can spread infections across all your systems. Windows and Apple computers inherently trust other computers within your own local network. They only have minimal security protections against other systems on your own network.

All of Riviera Beach’s problems could have been solved with having a backup of their data.

What to do to protect Yourself?

Ransomware and hackers can strike at any time and the most cost effective protection is to have a backup of your entire system and data. We recommend all our clients have both an on-site and off-site backup. A $50 external USB hard drive is all you need for an on-site backup. Off-site backup services like Carbonite start at $72 a year and backup all your data instantly upon creation.

The are several reasons why you want both an on-site and off-site backup of your data. On-site backups are often targeted by ransomware attacks before they encrypt your local data so that you have no method to restore your data without paying them. On-site backups are also more susceptible to fire, theft and just general wear and tear (all hard drives eventually ware out). Off-site backups are very slow to restore from, sometimes taking up to a week to download all files if you need to do a total restore.

By having both an on-site and off-site backup you minimize your risks. On-site backups are great for a quick restore of a deleted file or going back quickly to a previous revision of a file. Off-site backups allow for a greater length of time to restore files. Backup services like Carbonite store multiple revisions of your data so you will have 5-7 snap shots over time to restore from. Off-site backups are great for a home, business or an entire city that has been hit with ransomware where you lose all access to your computers and data.

How to restore after ransomware?

After you have been hit by a ransomware attack often your best move is to reformat the computer. Additionally, all computers on your network should be turned off or isolated from one another. You will need to keep them off until you can verify that all systems are clean.

Windows 10 and MacOS allow quick methods to format the entire hard drive and start from scratch. Once you have a base Operating System up you should install anti-virus software immediately. If you have a on-site backup (hard drive, flash drive, NAS, etc) that is not encrypted or infected with the ransomware you can restore off it.

Off-site backups are the clear advantage for post ransomware cleanups. Even if encrypted data has been uploaded to their service you can restore a previous version of the file. You can often restore from as recent as the previous day’s version of a file. We often see clients after a ransomware attack and off-site backup services like Carbonite have entire teams dedicated to assisting you with restoring files after a ransomware attack.

For professional help with backups, proactive ransomware security or post ransomware cleanup, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Phoenix Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Phoenix, AZ please call our local office at (602) 445-9862.

New Chromebooks run Linux

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Google just announced at their Google I/O event something amazing. Starting immediately, all new Chromebooks will include Linux and ChromeOS.

Even though Chrome OS is based on Linux, it is not a native Linux desktop environment. Chrome OS started as a fork of Ubuntu Linux. Later on Google forked Gentoo Linux and that is their current kernel base.

I thought we had Linux previously?

Last year, Google released a way to run desktop Linux within Chrome OS. There have also been methods for years to run different Linux distros with Crouton in a chroot container. But this is different, Linux will now come pre-installed and ready to launch with any new Chromebook.

What does Linux bring to Chromebooks?

Allowing Chrome OS to natively run Linux applications means more things you can do on your Chromebook. You will be able to run Linux applications directly from Chrome OS. Linux applications will now become like any other Android or Chrome OS application.

Previously, your inexpensive Chromebook that was limited to Web applications, now it can be a full fledged power house laptop. Almost any application available for Windows or MacOS have an equivalent Linux application.

Which Linux distros will be supported?

Google has already said Debian Stretch is going to be the first Linux distro. You can already get a near production version of this out. Subscribe to the Beta or Dev channel release of Chrome OS for the PixelBook and you can play with this new feature.

Google says security will still stay at the forefront of Chrome OS. Chrome OS uses Linux’s kernel based VM. All Linux distros will run in VM sandboxes. This will block Linux applications from accessing or controlling your chromebook. This means you can now use your Chromebook for more serious use like software development or security testing.

The mainstream Chrome OS release channel should support Linux distros by end of July 2019. You can switch to the Beta or Dev release channel if you would like to experience this today. You can expect to be using Linux applications some time soon!

For help with your Chromebook or any other Linux computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Phoenix Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Phoenix, AZ please call the local office at (602) 445-9862.

What is Wi-Fi 6?

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Wi-Fi 6, originally known as 802.11ax, is an expansion of 802.11ac, which is now called Wi-Fi 5. Are you confused yet? Okay, let’s start by defining how the Wi-Fi Alliance is redefining and more importantly renaming the last twenty years of Wi-Fi naming conventions.

The Wi-Fi Alliance is international organization that define the specifications for the various different wireless standards. They create rules and define how different pieces of wireless equipment can talk to one another so manufacturers can make wireless devices that all speak to one another.

Thus, over the years not everyone has conformed to all the standards and that’s why in years past you had to purchase only Netgear MIMO wireless equipment to work with Netgear routers (or insert any other brand that didn’t want to conform to published standards).

The Wi-Fi Alliance has decided that naming each standard based on their specification policy name within the IEEE’s standards policies was confusing to consumers. So they have decided to rename the new standard from 802.11ax to Wi-Fi 6 and retroactively rename all the previous standards at the same time.

New names for Wi-Fi standards

802.11b launched in 1999 is now called Wi-Fi 1
802.11a launched in 1999 is now called Wi-Fi 2
802.11g launched in 2003 is now called Wi-Fi 3
802.11n launched in 2009 is now called Wi-Fi 4
802.11ac launched in 2013 is now called Wi-Fi 5
802.11ax which was just finalized this year (2019) is the new Wi-Fi 6

How is 802.11b before 802.11a?

So this is a little confusing but essentially both the a and b specification of 802.11 were adopted at the same time. The 802.11a amendment allows for higher speeds and more channel selection but it cost significantly more than 802.11b did back in 1999. 802.11a was the first user of the nice and empty 5.7 GHz band. 802.11b was the first user of the HIGHLY congested 2.4 GHz band (which has held all wireless development back for years).

Both the a and b standards were available to manufactures in 1999 and the b standard was much less expensive to produce, that was the primary standard for years (and the first to market in 1999). 802.11b works at a maximum speed of 11 Mbit/s and had only 3 independent channels (there are 11 total, but all but 3 overlap one another….this is still true today if you are on a 2.4 GHz wireless network).

802.11a works at a maximum speed of 54 Mbit/s and has 12 independent channels (none of which overlap). 802.11a is obviously the superior standard, thus why the Wi-Fi Alliance rebranded it as Wi-Fi 2 even though it was not an evolution of Wi-Fi 1.

What does 802.11ax mean?

For any wireless nerds (like me) the IEEE 802 is the standards dealing with Local and Metropolitan networks. the .11 is the eleventh defined standard which deals with wireless communications. Every amendment to the standard is given a new letter. Initially the first wireless specification to be standardized was 802.11a, the second was 802.11b. After a dozen years of this the IEEE ran out of characters and switched to two character standards with 802.11ac (much like Excel when you pass column Z and the next one is AA). The current standards have defined specifications up through 802.11ay (which is a 60 GHz wave spectrum system).

Will old equipment work on Wi-Fi 6 wireless networks?

Wi-Fi 6 is just like all previous versions of 802.11x wireless networks in regards to backwards standard compatibility. You will be able to use your 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or previous wireless devices on the new network at the reduced performance level they operate at. Wi-Fi 6 does a better job as isolating older equipment on your wireless network so you will not see as much degradation of your bandwidth using older wireless devices like you have seen in previous versions.

Do I need to get a Wi-Fi 6 router now?

There are only a few routers out that conform to 802.11ax. The Netgear AX8 is probably the best consumer model on the market that we have setup for a client. Expect other brands to start releasing 802.11ax / Wi-Fi 6 routers over the rest of 2019. If you need to replace your router you may as well upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 today since all new wireless equipment will be based on the standard soon.

If you would like to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 or have any issues with your wireless network and would like to have a professional computer service company consult with you and set it up for you, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Aurora Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Aurora, CO please call the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Dells vulnerable to remote hijack

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A security flaw in the DellSupportAssist that comes preinstalled on all Dell computers could allow a remote hijack of your computer. The attack exposes a vulnerability DellSupportAssist has with remote code execution.

How the remote hijack works

A Dell computer user would have to go to a web page where the attackers would place compromised Javascript. The Javascript can trick the DellSupportAssist into thinking Dell is trying to remote into the computer to fix a problem. The attacker has to be on your same network to then take control of your computer. Attacks on home computers are unlikely (unless other computers are already compromised). Attacks emanating from public wifi (coffee shops, large public venues), hotels and on corporate networks are much more likely.

Proof of concept attack already published

A proof of concept showing how to implement the attack was published on Github several days ago. The attack and vulnerability, called
CVE-2019-3719, is already live and can now be reproduced by anyone.

What Dell Computers are affected?

All recent and old Dell computers that have not disabled the built in DellSupportAssist are vulnerable to this attack. Dell is working on a security patch / update for DellSupportAssist but we would recommend that you disable the DellSupportAssist service for now.

If you have a Dell computer and would like to have a professional computer service company verify your system is secure, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Lakewood Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Lakewood, CO please call the local office at (720) 441-6460.