Computer Tip of the Day: Signs That You May Need Virus Removal

computer tip of the day signs that you may need virus removal

Keeping your computer running properly requires a certain amount of maintenance and upkeep as you will want to ensure that all of its software is up to date, and that your computer is running as efficiently as possible. However, another important aspect of computer maintenance is knowing when you are in need of virus removal. Viruses, spyware, and malware can cause severe damage to your computer, and it is then important that you have your computer repaired at the first sign of trouble to have these harmful infections removed. Here are a few signs you can lookout for indicated that your computer may be in need of virus removal.

virus removal

Your Computer Is Painstakingly Slow

One of the clearest signs of problems with your computer is if your computer suddenly starts operating much slower than it used to. While it is true that computers will slow down over time, this should not happen overnight. If this occurs, it is likely that a virus, or some of other problem is causing this lagging, and that your computer will need to be professionally repaired.

Many Pop-ups

Seeing a great number of pop-ups on your computer, whether your internet browser is open or not, is a clear sign that there is malicious software on your computer. Spyware in particular can use your computer’s internet connection to create these false advertisements on your computer. If you have suddenly noticed an increase in the number of pop-ups you encounter, or you begin encountering them when you never have before, then your computer likely needs repair.

These are a few of the most common indicators that your computer has been infected by some kind of harmful software, and is in need of professional attention. Contact us to learn more about how you will know when you are in need of professional virus removal.

Computer Tip of the Day – 3 Ways to Record Screen Capture Videos

computer tip of the day 3 ways to record screen capture videos

Being able to capture and record your screen is extremely useful if you want to create a video tutorial and you need to show your viewers specific websites or applications you are using. Here are a few tools that you can use to record screen capture videos.

Record Screen Capture Videos

Camtasia

Camtasia Studio, by Techsmith, is probably the most used screen recording and video editing software out there. You can record your screen movement, and there are numerous editing possibilities that you can apply to your videos. Techsmith also owns Snagit, a tool that you can use to take and edit screenshots.

Screen-Cast-O-Matic

If you’re looking for a free alternative to Camtasia, consider using Screen-Cast-O-Matic. The free version is somewhat limited, but you can still record great screen videos. There are also some editing features available, such as the ability to add captions. Screen-Cast-O-Matic is available for download on Windows PCs.

Nimbus

Another free screen recording software is Nimbus. It can be added to both Chrome and Firefox browsers. Although it comes as a browser add-on, it has the ability to record your desktop as well. It also has superb screenshot taking capabilities, along with editing features, including the ability to add arrows, text, blur, captions, and much more. You can create a Nimbus account and send your captures there to be stored in the cloud. Because it comes as a browser add-on, it is one of the few screen recording software that can be used on Chromebooks, which don’t support regular application downloads.

For more tech tips, just contact us.

Increase Productivity With These 3 Basic Keyboard Shortcuts

increase productivity with these 3 basic keyboard shortcuts

When you do a lot of typing for your job, keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time. Unfortunately, if no one taught you or you don’t remember them from keyboarding class in high school, you aren’t likely to stumble upon them on your own. That is why for our computer tip of the day, we wanted to provide you with 3 basic keyboard shortcuts to increase productivity.

increase productivity

Increase Productivity With These 3 Basic Keyboard Shortcuts

  1. Copy: Don’t waste your time dragging your cursor up to edit/copy. Simply use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C. A little known fact is that Ctrl + Insert will also copy text. For Mac users, use the Command key instead of Ctrl.
  2. Paste: Once you have copied your text, you will probably want to paste it somewhere. To paste the text you just copied, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + V. The copy tool is easy to remember because “copy” starts with “c”. So users of the paste tool might like to think of the “v” like the word “velcro”, as in you are using velcro to paste the copied words into the new location.
  3. Cut: Copying will just make a duplicate of a highlighted text, like if you are taking information from a webpage and putting it into a document. But Ctrl + X or “cut” removes the text entirely so you can paste it in another area if you want. This would not be an option on a webpage, but rather if you are working in a Word document and want to move text from one area to another.

While we admit these are very basic keyboard shortcuts, we hope that a few readers have had their eyes opened to the wonders of keyboarding shortcuts. Stay tuned for a few more advanced shortcuts. For more information on computer help, contact us at AE Technology Group today.