RK Computer Services

07/05/2018

New less expensive Microsoft Surface laptop spotted.

Today, the new Surface tablet has been spotted at the FCC. The FCC documents were first discovered by WinFuture and it reveals that a new Surface-branded device is likely on the way.

10/16/2017

Here is a list of manufactures that have released firmware and or Driver updates. Please check this site regularly to see when your Wifi manufacture has updated your modem / Router.

This article will contain an udpated list of firmware and driver updates that resolve the Krack WPA2 vulnerability.

10/16/2017

New WIFI WPA2 Exploit. The only way to combat this is to update your firmware. Please call RK Computer if you have any questions. I will be posting updates as they come available.

Mathy Vanhoef, a researcher from the University of Leuven (KU Leuven), has discovered a severe flaw in the Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) protocol that secures all modern protected Wi-Fi networks.

09/27/2017

A lot of my construction contractor clients are getting hit with a virus that is attached in an email. The body of the email has these words. " Morning, Please see attached and confirm. It looks like a response from an email that you sent someone or that someone sent to you so basically it looks legitimate. Attached in the email is was a word document titled request.doc or something very similar that if opened can give a hacker access to your PC. If you have a newer version of office it will ask you to enable macros when you open the document which is a red flag. Do not open the word doc and immediately delete it. Please update your anti virus application ASAP. If you did open the document and your antivirus did not warn you of an infection please call me to discuss removing the virus from your PC or if you have questions. 561-351-3679

09/01/2017

Current Hurricane spaghetti models for Hurricane Irma. Are you backed up?

10/28/2016

How to guard yourself against ransomware infections?

You need to get smart, first of all, by taking precautions so you don’t get infected by ransomware in the first place, or can recover your precious devices or data if you do:

The best defense against ransomware is to outwit attackers by not being vulnerable to their threats in the first place. This means backing up important data daily, so that even if your computers and servers get locked, you won’t be forced to pay to see your data again.

Back up your important files on a regular basis using the 3-2-1 rule: create three backup copies on two different media, with one of the backups in a separate location. Cloud-sync backup services can help to fulfill the last requirement. External Hard drives are cheap. Buy at least two and rotate them. Unplug them from your system if you are not using them.

Regularly update your operating systems and applications, to ensure you’re current, with the latest protections against new vulnerabilities.

Your best defense is to block the malware before it can infect your PC. Use an antivirus program, keep it running whenever your PC is on, and keep it up-to-date. Avoid opening unverified emails or clicking on their embedded links, which can start the ransomware installation process—and be careful about doing the same on social media. Finally, be careful about downloading and installing software.

10/07/2016

Looks like we missed the brunt of the storm in WPB. Please be safe out there. If you or company need help turning on or reconnecring your server / company computers please call me. I will be glad to help.

10/03/2016

Great website for hurricane info.

10/02/2016

Hurricane Preparedness for Computers

We may still be spared from a Hurricane this year but there are some things you can do to ensure that you are not a storm victim. It’s not too late to start your Computer Disaster Recovery Plan.
The primary threats to your computer equipment from a storm are:

1. Wind/rain intrusion due to structural damage.
2. Total structural collapse.
3. Flood Damage.
4. Lightning & electrical damage.
5. Theft due to looting after the storm.
6. Loss of data

Any of these can be disastrous for a person or company.

Plan ahead by doing at least the following before the storm:

Make multiple backups of all of your data and send it home with different employees. Also send a copy to a relative or friend out of state away from the path of the storm. There are many ways to backup your data from Tape, external Hard Drive, NAS and Online backup. For quick backup with multiple copies and ease I would recommend a local backup. Do not use Carbonite or Moxie for your business. They are good for home but not for business.

If possible bring your Server home with you or take it offsite to a secure weather-proof location. If you cannot take it with you make sure the room has no windows and is in the center of your building with strong walls and off the floor.

Unplug all electronic equipment from their sockets if possible. This is due to the high likelihood of lightning and electrical surges as power lines are short circuited on one another. Move all equipment away from windows preferably to another room with no windows and off the floor.
Secure your equipment with a plastic cover (in case of wind-storm damage). Make sure the plastic over the computers will not come off in high winds. Use a high mil bag rating for the bags along with strong tape. I recommend using the stretch trash bags. Use Duct tape to secure the bags (Packing tape may work but is really not water resistant as duct tape). Do not operate your computer once you have wrapped it in plastic as it will over-heat.
Charge your phone and laptop so that you will have battery power when the power is lost. Only use your phone for emergencies or to find local news. Turn off all apps that drain your power and Save battery power. It might save your life!

Test your UPS or battery backup to make sure it works. A typical test would be to unplug the server from the power and see if it runs for a least 10 min. If it fails replace it or replace the batteries.
After the Storm.
Inspect your equipment for water damage. If water was able to cover or pool near the equipment it might still have condensation in or on the bag. 24 hours in an air conditioned room will remove the condensation collected on the inside of your equipment.

Restoring power after the storm will be a problem for some. After a storm the power will be going on and off constantly. To prevent any damage you will need a good UPS (uninterruptible power source) for your equipment. This will help your PC or server stay on during short outages and brownouts. Even if your building has a generator the voltage will vary greatly.
Also if you plan on running your laptop, pc and or tv on a gas generator at home I would highly recommend installing a small ups on these devices. I have installed a ups on all three of my TV’s, stereo, and four Pc’s in my house. Also make sure you ground your generator to your house. An ungrounded generator can cause significant damage to any equipment you connect. You can ground your generator on a water main pipe. The key to determining if the generator needs to have a grounding electrode in a portable situation is whether or not the neutral is grounded to the case of the generator or not. Almost always if the generator has receptacles mounted on the frame for cord and plug equipment it will have the neutral grounded to the case. This requires a grounding solution to limit surges, static, lightning, and contact to higher voltage thus limits the voltage to ground on conductive metal parts. If your manual says you have a grounded neutral to the case of the generator you need to drive a ground rod or other suitable grounding electrode attached to ground.
If you have any questions please call me
561-351-3679

09/26/2016

Apparently windows 10 is still free. Click on this link to install. Remember it will take a while so you might want to to do this at the end your day. If you have any questions please hit me up.

People who assistive technologies still quality for the free upgrade, though Microsoft doesn't ask for any evidence that you actually use such tools.

01/29/2013

Well my 5 year old Gateway Laptop bit the dust and I purchased a new Laptop with Windows 8. I know that MS wants us to embrace the new OS but I'm too old school and I need to work like I did until I learn what W8 has in store for me. Fortunately I found a great web site to install a shell that will allow you to have windows 7 menus on windows 8 desktop. The web site is below

We reveal how to water down or ignore some of Windows 8's more controversial features and restore functionality you thought had vanished.