Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Updated 1/30/24:

Please take a few moments to read the important information below that every computer user should know.  Print This Page for future reference.

Scams that you need to know about so that you don’t become a victim

If you’re on the phone with someone that wants to remotely access your device to “help/fix” an account or device problem – STOP & HANG UP! Scammers use this technique in an attempt to show and scare computer users into believing that there are serious problems with their computer or network – which they claim they can “fix” for a large sum of money. Fraudulent companies also advertise on Google, Bing and other search sites claiming to provide official support for well-known brands. While it may look like you are calling or visiting a support website for a reputable company, it could really be a fraudulent company trying to scare you into paying lots of money for non-existent problems. For more information see the Top 5 scams to watch out for, and view all of our scam information at scams.CTreno.com.

Do you suggest a regular computer check-up?

Yes! To make sure that all of your devices are operating properly, being regularly backed up, and getting regular security and reliability updates, we have a regularly scheduled Computer Maintenance Plan – similar to scheduled check-ups you do with your doctors and dentists. Please click here for more information.

What’s the best protection against viruses and malware?

Unfortunately there’s no single antivirus that will protect you from all online threats. Security built into modern-day computers and smartphones is sufficient to catch most malicious apps. Scams are a bigger threat – and no antivirus can protect you from them. Education is your best protection. Read more about phishing/SMishing and malvertising…

What to do if your computer becomes unresponsive or locked up by a warning page

Malicious advertisements or links can redirect your web browser to webpage designed to look like an official warning from Microsoft. The fake warnings often have the following characteristics: Read more…

What’s the best way to limit junk/spam EMAIL?

• Use an email service with good junk/spam email filtering. Gmail is our favorite free email service that does a pretty good job at segregating important email from spam, as well as promotional, social, and any other emails you want to filter out of you main Inbox.
• Unsubscribe from specific emails only after you’ve verified that they are from a legitimate sender.
• For any obvious junk/spam email that arrives in your Inbox, report it as spam/junk – but don’t unsubscribe if your email service offers a setting to do so.
• Don’t react to junk/spam email by clicking links or replying. Just delete it.
• Use different email addresses or aliases and/or different email services to segregate personal emails, email addresses you use for banks and financial institutions, travel confirmations, newsletters, etc. Google’s Gmail, Yahoo Mail and Outlook.com all offer such features.
• Use a strong, unique password and enable 2-step verification for your email account so that hackers can’t access your account and steal your contacts list among other dangers.
• When addressing email to multiple recipients, use Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) so that you’re not inadvertently sharing people’s private email addresses with others. Also, compose descriptive subjects so that spam filters and the recipient can tell whether or not your email is spam.
• Realize that you cannot prevent all junk email. The longer you have an email address and the more people and businesses that it is given to, the more junk email you will likely receive.
• More details…

What’s the best way to stop junk/spam PHONE CALLS?

• Don’t answer unexpected calls from unknown numbers. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.
• Answer calls from known or identified callers with caution. Caller ID name and number can be easily spoofed. Just because a call is identified as “(Your Bank)”, “Microsoft”, “Apple”, “Amazon”, etc does not mean that the person on the other end can be trusted.
• Use call blocking tools provided by your phone company.

How can I identify and block junk/spam TEXT MESSAGES?

• Look for misspellings and grammatical errors. Spammers often make mistakes in their text messages, which can be a red flag.
• Large corporations usually use 5-6 digit “short codes”. If you get a text from a 10-11 digit number claiming to be your bank or other business claiming that you need to respond to an urgent matter – that’s a giant cautionary sign.
• Be suspicious of messages that are asking for personal information. Spammers often try to trick people into giving out their personal information, such as their credit card number or Social Security number.
• Be careful about clicking on links in text messages. Spammers often include links in their text messages that lead to malicious websites. If you click on one of these links, you could download malware onto your phone.
• Report spam text messages to your carrier. Most carriers have a way to report spam text messages. You can usually do this by forwarding the spam text message to a special number, or reporting it in your Messages app.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest scams featured in our monthly newsletters.

What’s the best way to manage passwords?

Click here for our up-to-date password management information.

How to self-troubleshoot & fix common computer problems

Click here and print helpful information about how to troubleshoot and fix many computer issues.

How to avoid getting pop-up ads

If you’re getting excessive pop-up advertisements in your web browser, they are likely being caused by untrustworthy browser extension(s) or browser notifications that have been enabled from shady websites. You can go into the settings of your browser to remove or block extensions or notifications. To avoid them in the first place, avoid installing extensions and allowing browser notifications from websites that you don’t know or trust. If you’re on a website that’s offering you something, a large majority of the time it’s in the website’s best interest – not yours.

What other services does computer techs provide?

Click here to view list of services.

More information:

More FAQs & Tips on our customer website – www.ComputerTechsReno.com/tips

Technician contact information

If you cannot get on the internet, please call the number on your technician’s business card.

Or you may call and leave a message with our answering service (775) 624-6888.

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