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Phishing Attacks come in many different forms, but the end goal is always to get your personal information. You need to be aware and pay close attention to the emails you open and the websites you go to. For more information on various phishing attacks, click on the picture above to follow the link.

One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from phishing is to increase your security. Set up accounts with multi-factor authentication and keep your software up-to-date to help avoid phishing attacks. You can also install security software like anti-malware protection to help filter out and prevent attacks. Another great idea is to back up your data so you have it in the unlikely case you need it.

It’s a good habit to avoid clicking or following any links in emails unless you are certain the sender is safe. The most common way hackers get your info is by making you follow a link, where they trick you into entering your personal information. If you question whether something is legitimate, then don’t click on the email and follow the link. You should only follow links if you know the person or the email comes from an official source.

Phishing attack attempts are so common that everyone has seen one, possibly without even realizing it. Contact us if you are worried; we can help.

Today we will discuss how to avoid the Microsoft Defender scam. Email and pop-up scams are becoming more and more regular as the reach of the internet grows. Staying aware and knowledgeable is your greatest weapon against these scams. Various scams exist, and scammers are clever and use real-feeling pop-ups and emails to get your information and scam you. One of these more popular scams is the Windows Defender scam, which is what we will help you understand today.

The Pop-Up

Look at the picture above, and you can see what this attack looks like, so you know what to avoid. The pop-up may look like an actual Microsoft window, but this is most certainly an attack on your computer. The most significant way to know that this is not legitimate is this it will block all other functions of your computer and take the whole screen up. An actual Microsoft window will never take control of your computer like that. This is the most crucial step in how to avoid the Microsoft Defender scam.

What To Do

If you receive this pop-up, it is important not to click on any links or buttons and not call the phone number attached to it. Leave your computer exactly as it is, and give us a call here at Millennium Group while it is up, and we will take care of it for you without having to worry about infecting your computer. We can install software that will block ads of this nature so you will be safe in the future.

It is also important to note that your computer is not infected, or your data is at risk just by receiving the pop-up. Lastly, the only real danger comes from clicking links or calling the phone number at the bottom.

If you run into something suspicious like this, call us, and we can help you figure out the problem and fix it! We are happy to help you set up the software to protect you in the future!

Setting up a printer properly is critical to ensure the printer works the way it should. There are several factors to consider when setting a printer up, such as hardware, software, and network settings. It’s fairly common to have printers that are not set up correctly. We have some tips to help.

Hardware Installed Incorrectly

One of the most significant issues with printers is the way it connects to the computer. Ensure your cables are correct and the proper drivers are installed for your system so your computer can connect with the printer properly. When setting up a new printer, read the manual that comes with it and follow the steps.

Software Is Incorrect

As mentioned above, drivers are crucial to making the printer run correctly. Usually, when you perform a new install, it loads the proper drivers, but not always. Check the manufacturer’s website and ensure you have the most up-to-date drivers if you’re having issues.

Settings Are Incorrect

Many new printers have lots of settings to adjust print quality, but it can become overwhelming to someone with little or no tech experience. Leaving the settings at default can be an excellent place to start ensuring everything is working correctly. Refer to the owner’s manual to see what each setting does and ensure you use it correctly.

If you still have issues with your printer, call us, and we will help you fix it! We are happy to help you set up a new or existing printer!

Deciding what kind of cooling system will work the best for your PC can sometimes be daunting. There are three main cooling times: heat sinks, fans, and liquid cooling. We will discuss the significant differences and how they apply to computers.

Heat Sinks

A heat sink is a standard temperature control component with CPUs and similar parts. A heat sink works by dissipating the heat away from the attached piece and allowing it to stay at a maintained temperature. This effect is achieved by the fact that the metal that the heat sink is made of works as a conductor for the heat, pulling it away from the component.

Fans

Fans are an active system running off the same power as your computer. These fans actively push the hot air away from the computer’s insides and move it to the outside of the case. Typically you will see fans in conjunction with a heat sink so that you have active and passive systems.

Liquid Cooling

Liquid cooling forces a sealed and pressured amount of liquid over the components, cooling them to a specified temperature. Typically they use distilled water as it is a thermal conductive. Liquid systems are based on an internal combustion system in cars and trucks. Liquid systems are the most efficient on the market.

If you still have issues with your computer cooling needs, call us, and we can help you figure out the problem and fix it!

Today we will be discussing video cables functions and more. Choosing the correct display cables can be intimidating because of how many choices there are. Modern computers will provide a few different options for video, depending on how new the parts are on your computer. Knowing the difference between these plugs can save you time and hassle.

RCA, Composite Video, is the oldest type of display and audio cable on this list. RCA will also offer the lowest video and audio quality.

VGA, an analog cable, is an older-style display port. This type of cable will only transmit video and does not carry audio.

DVI, another video-only cable, is another older cable associated with older monitors.

HDMI, High Definition Multimedia Interface, is a typical modern video and audio type cable. This cable will be the most common cable you see associated with monitors and video.

DisplayPort is another standard video and audio cable associated with modern computers. They can offer higher bandwidth than HDMI cables, but not always.

USB-C, The most versatile cable on this list, can be used as your video and audio cable. The big difference is that USB-C can also handle data and video and audio signals.

Thunderbolt, The Apple proprietary video, audio, and data cable, is the standard for almost all MACs and Apple products. Thunderbolt also offers the highest bandwidth of any video cable on the market.

If you still have issues with your video cables and functions needs, call us, and we can help you figure out the problem and fix it!

Printer: quick fixes. Diagnosing printer issues can be a hassle. We will discuss some quick tips to help you fix or figure out the problem.

The Printer Does Not Have a Power Indicator LED On

Firstly, check to ensure the power supply is fully connected. If the LED is not showing green or whichever color indicates undoubtedly you will know there is an issue.

The Cables Are Loose or Not Connected

One of the most reliable printer quick fixes is to ensure all cables are connected correctly, and the connectors are seated fully into the printer.

The Indicator LED is Blinking or Flashing

If the indicator light is not displaying the standard green color and is flashing or blinking, typically orange or yellow, you may have a printer error. Refer to the owner’s manual to see a list of possible errors, or check the website for possible solutions.

No Paper or Paper Jam

However, a printer with no paper will display an error light. Additionally, if there is a paper jam, it displays the same message, and the jammed piece of paper will need to be removed.

Printer Toner or Ink is Low or Empty

When the toner or ink is low, it will display an error message to ensure you are aware of the levels. This is a good indicator that it needs to be changed.

However, if you still have issues with your printer, then give us a call. We can help you figure out the problem and fix it!

RAM, Random Access Memory, is what your computer uses to process tasks. If your Hard Drive is your computer’s long-term memory, then RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. RAM is what your computer uses when you have multiple applications open or if you are working on a data-heavy application. Let us discuss how much you will need.

The minimum amount of RAM a modern PC should have is 8 GB. 8 GB is the required amount to operate Windows 10, but if you perform any task beyond email and basic web browsing, you will run into issues. 16 GB is the recommended lowest amount to operate above bare minimum functions. This amount of RAM is perfect for the average person’s computer and gives them a comfortable everyday use feel.

If you perform tasks above the usual common uses, such as gaming or any Adobe Suite programs, you will want to jump to the next level of RAM. The next level would be 32 GB, giving your computer a significant performance jump from the 16Gbs of RAM. Gaming and Graphic/Web Design are hungry programs that require you to jump to the next level to operate them smoothly. The jump to 32 GB will also give you a noticeable boost to your ability to have multiple windows open. 

If you are utilizing CAD software, music production, or 3D rendering programs, you will need to jump up to 64 GB. These programs and software are some of the most intense actions you can put a computer through. The computers that run these programs and software are very specialized as well.

If you still have questions, call us, and we can help you figure out how much RAM you need for your computer!

A standardized cable plugs into any computer or device USB, Universal Serial Bus, or port. Handling data transfer is the most common use of these cables. Data transfer cables have many uses and can even power devices! We’ll go over some of the different types and their benefits.

• Type-A is a standardized USB cable. Most USB cables have a Type A connector and are the most recognizable data transfer cable. The most common use of this cable is to transfer data from commonly used devices such as computers, mobile phones, and external hard drives.

• Type-B is common on printers, wireless routers, and other devices which typically upload data. Type-B cables perform the singular task of uploading data and are not designed to download data. Most modern printers you see that have online access have one of these cables. Wireless routers also use these cables to transfer the internet signal to devices and access driver updates.

• Type-C is the newest USB connector on this list. USB Type-C is a jack-of-all-trades type that can handle uploading and downloading data. Type-C cables can be used on many devices, but only if they have a suitable input connector. While it has become prevalent as time goes on, there is still a catch-up period with the connectors. Luckily, it is effortless to find adapters that convert it into a Type-A connector.

If you still have questions, call us, and we can help you figure out your cable needs!

A (UPS) Battery Backup is a solid investment for any computer owner. (UPS), Uninterruptible Power Supply allows the power going into the machine to flow clean energy constantly. Even if there is a power outage or a spike, the flow will stay at a constant level for your computer and allow it to perform uninterrupted.

A battery backup’s ability to keep the technology sensitive to a power outage running is a massive benefit. For example, you could hook up a battery backup to a fish tank and never have to worry about issues with the water system because it would always have access to that power. These UPS systems offer an infinite amount of technological possibilities! 

Depending on the model of the battery backup, they can filter the power so that your machine only runs on clean energy. The power that comes in through a standard power outlet is unregulated and prone to power spikes and drops. Your device is engineered to run at a particular power level, and spikes and dips can damage your machine over time. Hooking your device or computer up to a battery backup removes that and maintains a clean flow of energy that is the exact amount it needs to run correctly.

There are a variety of models ranging from in-home use to company-wide server protection. Look at the link on the picture to learn more about battery backups and see a few of the products offered. For any other questions, feel free to call, and we can give you personalized advice regarding power and battery backups! 

If you still have questions, call us, and we can help you figure out what model would work best for you!

USB, 2.0, and 3.0 technology has advanced quite a bit over the past ten years. 2.0 is the generalized USB technology most people are used to seeing—the standard 2.0 has the white box inside the connector head. 3.0 is the upgraded model and is quickly becoming the new standard because it is much more efficient than its predecessor. Easily identified, USB 3.0 has the blue box in the connector head.

USB 2.0 was released onto the market back in April 2000. It quickly became the most used data transfer device commercially. There were many variations of the USB 2.0 cable. These different configurations allowed you to connect almost any device and begin the transfer process. 2.0 is the most recognizable computer cable on the market, with more sold than any other cable besides a CAT5.

USB 3.0 was released onto the market back in November 2008. 3.0 was a gigantic technological jump in terms of raw data transferring ability. Like its predecessor, The 3.0 had many variations of the cables allowing for specific technical needs. USB 3.0 has more than double the speed of the 2.0 while maintaining reliability and ease of use.

One of the most significant differences between 2.0 vs. 3.0 is the transfer speeds. A standard 2.0 USB transfer speed is about 480 Mbps. 3.0 USB transfer speeds are about 4.8 Gbps. That is roughly ten times faster. Allowing for many more possibilities and uses for the 3.0 configuration. On top of that, USB 3.0 allows for a larger bandwidth of power, allowing you to not only charge faster but allowing you to charge more devices on one USB connection.

If you still have questions, call us, and we can help you figure out which version of USB would work best for you!