Virus Alert: CryptoWall Ransomware

If you attempt to open your MS Word, Excel, etc. documents and they appear corrupt or display an error message, it is possible that your computer has been infected by the CryptoWall virus.

CryptoWall is file-encrypting ransomware that was released around the end of April 2014 that targets all versions of Windows.  The CryptoWall virus is a Trojan Horse that encrypts your computer's data files and holds the user hostage, requesting payment of $500 in Bitcoins to release and decrypt their files. 

If you are not experienced in dealing with this type of virus we suggest contacting an experienced company to deal with the problem.  MBC Solutions is one such company that can help you remove the virus and also suggest a schedule of backups, and anti-virus software to help avoid such issues in the future.

The bottom line is this virus is sophisticated and almost scary-friendly in how it offers to decrypt your files for a price.  The ultimate decision is yours as to whether you pay the ransom or not.  Paying a criminal will validate their actions but there may not be another method of recovering your files. Your decision depends upon any backups you may have and the value of your data files.  An experienced technician can explain your options in greater detail and help you through the process.

As always...software protections, regular backups and avoiding clicking any links in emails are common and required precautions these days.

Learn More: A Technical Overview of the CryptoWall Virus from TechRepublic.

Need Help?”": Contact an Experienced Technician at MBC Solutions.

What Do Your Website Users Really Want?

This article by Paul Boag is an excellent overview that is very factual and important to understand as a business owner.  While the discussion centers on websites, I believe this applies to many areas of your business.

“The truth is people have no interest in using applications or websites. They are tools for a goal. They want to use your website or application for the smallest amount of time. Just enough to achieve the result that they are looking for.

People don’t use Facebook for the user interface. They use it to keep in touch with their friends. They don’t visit your website to see your gorgeous branding or engaging video. They just want to get the information they need and get out.”

Read The Article Here!

I’ve meet many business owners who I would call “Old School” in their vision of what to show customers.  From websites, to print advertising, to billboards.  This “Old School” vision is understandable from the owner’s perspective.  They are paying good money for an advertisement and want to cram as much information into that ad-space as possible.  More bang for the buck…they say.  The reality is that they desire an ad they like and often forget that they should be creating an ad their customers like.  That owner will read their own ad carefully…their customer will only skim.

In this modern world, time is very limited.  Customers want the facts and only the facts, and if you want to live in the customer’s memory, if you want them to remember your message…you need to be short, sweet, simple, repetitive and consistent.

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You Need a Website…and You Need One That Doesn’t Suck

If you own any business and don't have a website, you need to correct that now!  If you don't have a website, you won't be taken seriously.  It is today's equivalent to not having a phone number.  The world today is about being online and if your business isn't...you don't exist, you appear to not care about your customers or your company and you look unprofessional.  It doesn't matter if you don't believe a website is important.  As with most things in business, you don't do it because you like or want it...you do it because your customers want and expect you to have one.  A nice one.  A helpful one.  One they can visit, see who you are and what you do, contact you, call you and judge you based upon the effort you put into presenting them with something beautiful, functional and informational.  If not...you come off looking like you don't care about your customers.  And if your website is junky, customers will believe your product or service is of the same caliber.

Read The Whole Article Here!

Includes:

Your Business Needs a Website!

You Are Not A Website Designer!

Google Doesn't See What You See!

Over 60% of Website Visitors are Using Mobile Devices!

I Don't Like Social Media Either...But That is Where Your Customers Live!

Online Advertising Works When Done Correctly!

Microsoft Edge Browser is Nothing Like Internet Explorer…Thank God!

While Internet Explorer is dead with it's carcass buried deep within Windows 10, there is a new kid on the block preparing to make his debut. The new Microsoft browser, built from the ground up with little regard for IE is named Edge and with the exception of the slightly confusing icon, bears little resemblance to Internet Explorer.

Edge is fit and trim, secure and an up and coming competitor to Google Chrome and FireFox. Scrapping the bloat, the baggage and ActiveX support (what a mistake THAT was) is the right direction for this fledgling browser whose modern interface and cool new technologies and features continue Microsoft's redirection to producing performance software for the people, instead of for it's own ego.

Edge will be at least Microsoft's browser of the future and is included with Windows 10 out of the box. And Edge is the default, and it will be available across Microsoft’s product line, from PCs to smartphones to Holo Lens and Surface Devices. Microsoft said it built Edge to be clean, tight, and responsive and in our testing...they have mostly succeeded.

After IE, Microsoft has some work to do to rebuild users' trust, and the company says the days of cluttered, unwanted task bars are long gone. Edge uses its own HTML rendering engine, which is built based upon the engine in IE 11...but put on a diet. It is fast, responsive and modern but with a lot of room to grow. It is more standards compliant meaning that the vast majority of websites will render perfectly in Edge and Javascript has been tested running faster in Edge than even in Chrome. As many of you know, Chrome has grown a bit fat and slow, not to mention it's memory issues, over the years. But that is what happens when you get lazy.

So while even I, personally still use Chrome more often than Edge...I'm hopeful for the future. But I design websites and write computer software. My personal and professional needs are different from the day to day Windows user and I believe that if you haven't taken Edge for a ride, it is time to do so. Edge is very consumer friendly and built to handle their every need. So give it a try, decide for yourself and don't be prejudiced by IE's history. Edge is something completely different.

While Microsoft's browsers, IE specifically haven't been given much consideration over the last few years, Edge will likely change all that. Embedded as the default browser in Windows 10 is a good starting point...but there is work to be done and minds to change. Edge needs to complete the addition and management of extensions (specifically Ad Blocking) to complete into today's browser marketplace where Google Chrome is still king. But with the financial and technical backing of a newly refreshed Microsoft...Edge may just be, the browser of the future.

One FREE Month of Managed Google AdWords Advertising!

Skinny’s Webworks is now offering one FREE month of Google AdWords Advertising with any website design or re-design package!

This offer includes one month of Skinny’s Webworks ad authoring, keyword matching, management and $30 worth of advertising ($1 per day for 30 days) with any new website design or re-design package purchase. We have found that a well managed, Google AdWords campaign is the most effective method of building your internet presence for the cost and we want to prove it to you! Yes…advertising is always a “necessary evil” but with Google’s pay-per-click campaign style, effective location targeting and text, image and video advertising options, we can typically double or triple your website traffic with eager and interested potential customers.

Visit us at Skinny’s Webworks to find out more about what we can do to make your business dream a successful reality!

Welcome…

Welcome to the PA Business Technologies blog…a free service by MBC Solutions and Skinny’s Webworks to inform and educate the Northeastern Pennsylvania business owner of upcoming and important technologies including computers, networking, websites, internet advertising, online marketing and more!

Technology is one of those creatures that is constantly changing and growing.  Keeping up with it is not only important, but difficult.  It is our goal to present here, in plain English, the most important aspects of the internet and more to keep you updated and effective in your business efforts.  With multiple authors experienced in hardware, software, accounting systems, website design and social media…we plan to provide you with an overview of the tools you need to grow your business into a successful reality.
Of course, we also provide services via MBC Solutions and Skinny’s Webworks if you need assistance in these technologies.


MBC Solutions, LLC was conceived in order to offer computer and technical solutions to the people and businesses of Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Owner John Maros has been providing computer solutions in this area since 1989 and still runs MBC Solutions with sound, proven values that have stood the tests of time. Our staff of professionals are here to help our clients every step of the way. There is no problem too small or too large; we have the personnel, experience and expertise to handle any IT needs you might have.
Our customer’s satisfaction is our number one goal.  MBC Solutions has the resources and know how to take on your IT needs head on.  Our vast experience with small to medium sized businesses affords us the ability to ascertain needs and create definitive action plans to best satisfy those needs. The entire MBC  Team works together to make for a formidable IT Powerhouse.
Please do not hesitate to contact our offices at 570-341-1300 with any questions or concerns.  We would be glad to speak with you and look forward to helping you with all of your computer and IT needs.
 

Skinny's Webworks is a professional business services company offering internet, marketing, media, social, graphics and advertising services. From website design to television commercials and e-commerce, our experienced group of creative and individuals excel in helping you take a business idea...and make it a profitable reality.
We enjoy creating, growing and making things awesome.  From selling a single product to helping grow a business, the success we can provide for you and your company is what makes our jobs exciting and fulfilling.  That is what we do, that is who we are and we believe...that makes a difference.
Visit us at SkinnysWebworks.com or give us a call at 570-390-0637.  We would love to create something beautiful for you.
So with the introductions out of the way, we again welcome you to our PA Business Technologies Blog and hope you find the services and information we provide, rewarding and actionable to make your business wishes come true.