NEW Free SiriusXM Kit

Happening right now, Get a FREE SiriusXM Lynx home or vehicle kit when you purchase the SiriusXM Lynx portable radio kit. 


The Lynx portable radio delivers SiriusXM Internet Radio via Wi-Fi or SiriusXM Satellite Radio when connected to the home kit. Or take your Lynx portable radio on the road and enjoy SiriusXM Satellite Radio with the vehicle kit. 


Simply add both items to cart and the discount will be reflected at checkout.

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

What to do with that old video iPod: Rockbox

Image from Engadget

RockBox is a great way to free your old MP3 player or iPod from iTunes.
Rockbox is a complete replacement for the software that drives your digital audio players. Not to mention more visually appealing. It maximizes the potential of your hardware, with more options for play back quality  and much more.

You can find the release notes here.
and download here

Tips: Save iPhone notes to a Gmail account.

If you add an IMAP email you can enable the feature to save your notes online. Note: the only way to do so is within your iPhone/iTouch.

For Gmail, Apple creates a label called notes, so within your Gmail inbox- simply type in notes (in the search bar) and they should all show up. 

Backing up your data with online services.

We've written before about online storage. We couldn't stress anymore how important backing up your information is. By signing up for a service that automatically backs up your data for you- the burden is removed and down time is minimized. Technology has changed, services like Carbonite back up for you after initial set up- its easy to retrieve files after your system has crashed.

Maybe you want something for free instead? Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage so you can go ahead and back up your documents. They also have this referral program where if you get others to sign up you can increase that storage.

Microsoft Skydrive Offers 7GB of storage and SO MANY OPTIONS. Aside from the fact that its a multi-platform service but its also as easy as dragging and dropping in a folder between- mac, pc and phone. Skydrive however is more of a focus on document storage and editing through the browser. 

Another impressive online back up service was Mozy. 

If you have multiple computers this seems to be a easier to add them and cheaper. They also have automatic backup and remote access.

Tip: Credit card skimmers

Would you spot this credit card skimmer if it were on the ATM?

Brian Krebs from KrebsonSecurity has posted details of a fairly new credit card skimmer that would be seamingly unnoticeable while at the ATM. Looking at the front of this device up against a credit card machine of similar color, you could never tell it was a skimmer at all.

A look inside and you see the entire kit needed to make a credit card skimmer. You can also see a pin hole on the right side of the casing as to watch your pin strokes. So your best bet is to always cover your hands while inputting your PIN number. Read more at KrebsonSecurity

Cloud Computing: Adobe Creative Cloud

According to the Adobe site: Adobe Creative Cloud- digital design hub is where you can explore, create, share and deliver your work using any of the Adobe Creative Suite. Which includes desktop tools- Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom 4 and new applications like Adobe Muse and Adobe Edge Preview. The Creative Cloud also brings the power of Adobe innovation to iPads and Android tablets.Check it out here! and it only costs a subscription of $49.99/month for a year!

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

Speed up my computer: maintainance and optimization

as said on their website:

"CCleaner is our system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware!"


Ccleaner is a great standalone program that combines removing the system clutter that makes your computer slow, its also easy to repair registry errors as well as remove programs from your machine. However if your computer by some chance has an issue with malware you could easily remove all your files by thinking you just needed to-remove cookies. 

 Incase you werent impressed, there are other programs available like- Winutilities Free Edition

Glary Utilities is also another program alternative to CCleaner.

A well maintained computer can go a long way!

Apps we use!: HoursTracker- Available for iPhone

This is a great app to keep track of individual jobs with different amounts even. We use this apps to track hours for jobs with different payment agreements. When a single job is done it is easy to send yourself a receipt.

• Add unlimited jobs to track
• clock in and out as needed
• Start your time clock at a specific time if needed if you forgot to clock in.
• Review hours over a given time period
• Easily view your earnings
• Easily export data

The only downfall is this app will set you back $3.99. You can find it here.

THE BEST Free Anti-Virus: Microsoft Security Essentials

Yeah, that's right. Free, if you haven't already heard of Microsoft Security Essentials let me introduce you to the program.

This program is available for free, so long as you have a genuine copy of Windows XP, Vista or 7. Like all of these programs they can only prevent so much, be careful what you download. check out more information here. Unlike other paid programs that do far too much, this one is plain and simple to the point. It runs in the background as you surf the net almost immediately detecting infections before causing damage.

I specifically LOVE this program because of how easy it is to read more information about what it has detected, here the threat was not critical.

 In the event the program detects a critical virus, its super easy to remove the threat.

you then get prompted to remove the threat.

Its so simple! every program should really be this easy and simple to use. Download it here!

How to speed up your computer, using Disc Clean up on Windows 7

1. 
    Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.
2. When Disk Cleanup has calculated how much space you can free up, in the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list.
   
   
   
   
   
   3. Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.
      
      • For more options, such as cleaning up System Restore and Shadow copy files, under Description, click Clean up system files, and then click the More Options tab.
   4. When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click Yes.
   After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner, performing better, and potentially increasing your PC speed.
   
   Instructions taken from the Microsoft website, more tips can be found here
   

Technology Throwback

For some reason or another I grew up with a TV in my household with one of these connected to it (only pointing this out because I am a late 80's baby). The Jerrold remote control by General Instrument was introduced in the late 1970's according to my Google searches, there isn't much information available online about this device however. Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

unhide files after a virus

This is the 'Smart Check' Rogue anti-virus, which pretends to be a legitimate software. Never give your money out to a program like this!

First let me tell you I do NOT support customers attempting to remove viruses themselves, unless you have experience doing so. A failed attempt can result in many different things including the most obvious- data loss, or even physical damage- needing a new hard drive. All viruses and malware are completely different and do different things, so its important you know what they COULD be capable of and know how to prevent a massive disaster. (I could go on for days......)

In the event that you have successfully regained control of your system I have found a simple and easy to use software that can make all your pictures and documents reappear.  Unhide.exe will revert many of the changes made by the "rogue anti-spyware" program that caused this problem to begin with.

Also, please please please download some sort of protection for your computer you can see some software we recommend here.

XFINITY by Comcast gets Faster!

Comcast has just recently upgraded their internet speeds by up to 25%!
Enjoy zipping around your XFINITY Internet service faster than ever, downloading TV shows and music, or even sharing photos and videos in a flash.

Its just another way XFINITY is continuing to invest in its advanced broadband network to deliver the best communications and entertainment experience available.

We have a wide range of Internet service tiers and pricing to meet all your Internet needs. To learn more, please visit us at xfinity.com or call 1-800-XFINITY. "

Statement was provided by XFINITY

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

Speed up your computer Pt.2

I have quite a few customers ask me about what software to use to maintain the speed of their computer. A well maintained computer could be a process, much like how a car would need regularly scheduled oil changes.    Yes, you can remove your own PC clutter- however, if said computer has a virus/malware you could easily remove all of your data instead of "cookies". A lot of people prefer not to do this on their own, but with a little research its not difficult at all!

My favorite software is Ccleaner, you can remove system clutter and fix registry issues.

watch this video on how to use it!

Clear Unlimited- 4G on the go internet.

Clear offers 4G internet with absolutely no commitments! 

Unlimited internet usage! no long-term contract! No activation fee!

With services starting at $34.99 for basic users this seems like a great deal for internet on the go! They also have options for your home and mobile options. Check out their website for more information http://internet.clear.com/

or stop by our Miramar location to get one today!!!

Simple Mobile

Simple mobile is an easy way to take your existing GSM (T-mobile, AT&T, or most unlocked phone) cellphone and use it on the Simple Mobiles network.

For only $40 you can get unlimited local and long distance. Unlimited texts & internet (up to 3G speeds)
The highest plan only being $60 that includes higher data speeds for Blackberry's and other smartphones.


Stop on by our partner store Cybertek Wireless over in Miramar, FL for more information on switching your phone over to this new service. You can also call 954.589.1577

Windows XP users!!

Did you know Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP?

It might be time to look into getting a new computer with Windows 7, to ensure maximum protection of your data.

One of our favorite review sites for technology for a great combination of user and editor reviews. www.cnet.com

Don't forget to back up your data using an online service!

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

Antivirus Security Options

Which Anti-virus do you use? Out of the hundreds of them out there, which is actually the best to be using currently. Listed below are a couple of programs that SmartFix approves! Check them out and let us know what you all think.


Malwarebytes
http://www.malwarebytes.org/#

• 100 Million downloads worldwide.               
• 5 Billion pieces of malware removed.
• 7 Years dedicated to fighting malware.
• 97 Percent of all online threats are malware.
  
  

Norton 
http://us.norton.com/?sel=nlp 

• Your Stuff is more than information, it's your life. Which is why you should protect the Stuff that matters with Norton.

Kaspersky
http://usa.kaspersky.com/

• Choosing the best possible protection is vital to guard against current Internet-threats. The correct choice can be made by learning more about the capabilities and key advantages of Kaspersky Lab products.

AVG
http://www.avg.com/us-en/homepage

• "We work hard. You play hard."  Ultra-safe shopping and banking, Faster video and gaming, and High quality basic protection, Pro-active protecting and faster running PC.

Visit our website at www.smartfixsolutions.org 

Speed up your computer

Every week we will share another tip on improving the speed of your old PC. Don't fall victim to websites that claim to "speed" up your computer. There are many different things you can do to improve the speed and increase the life of your existing machine!

Under programs if you search under "accessories" and then "system tools" you can run

Disk Clean Up
Disk Defragmenter

Running both utilities built into Windows on a regular basis (every three months or so) can really maintain performance.

Malwarebytes Easter Bunny Bundle

For the next 4 days you can get Malwarebytes bundled with 6 other software titles for only $49.99

http://www.malwarebytes.org/easter/bundle

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO
Acronis True Image (backup software)
SPAMfighter Pro, Photomizer Version 2 (Image editing)
Passware Kit (password recovery)
USB to Ethernet Connector (remote usb access)
Nx Power Lite Desktop Edition (file compression)

Great deal!!

Presentations on a television

Lately we've had customers interested in affordable options to view presentations on a television without a computer with the possibility of Netflix, Hulu, etc. 

Roku 2 XS streaming media player, has the full functionality of regular streaming media players but with USB media formats.


MP4, AAC, MP3, JPG & PNG

Online storage

Cloud storage can be difficult to understand. Anywhere you have internet access available you are able to easily access any file you have uploaded. There are many different services out there we found a few free ones for you to check out. Both work between computers, phones and tablets.

Dropbox offers 2GB of storage for Free!

Skydrive offers 25GB of storage for Free!