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help@nepageeks.com
152 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
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Author: Dee

11 Jan

Posted at 14:07h in Blog Post
0 Likes

Java Exploit Infects Computers with FBI Virus According to a blog post on Malware Bytes' website, there's a new Java exploit that is being used to infect computers with the infamous FBI virus. The suggested solution is to disable Java. We have links to instructions on how to disable Java listed below. [UPDATE - 1/13/2013 - The latest version of Java eliminates the exploit being used to infect computers. We still recommend disabling Java, however, be sure to install the latest version of Java -- Version 7, update 11 just in case you absolutely need Java on your computer. And if you have been infected, give us a call at 570.474.5100 to set up an appointment or bring your computer to us to have the virus removed. Click here for directions to our office in Mountain Top, PA.] What is the FBI Virus? [caption id="attachment_1346" align="alignright" width="300"] FBI malware locks your computer, demands ransom to unlock it.[/caption] The Reveton Ransonmware, or The FBI Virus as it is more well-known, locks your computer and displays a message that says the FBI is aware that your computer has been used for some "illegal activities." The virus then demands that you pay an outrageous fine or risk further prosecution. In truth, the message isn't from the FBI; it's a scam by computer criminals looking to extort money from any user who falls for the scheme and pays up to have their computer restored. The FBI Virus has been spreading for quite a while, popping up on various tech news sites and security blogs. We first alerted users about the FBI Virus on this blog back in November, warning victims to NOT pay the fine and, instead, bring their computer in to be professionally cleaned. If you have been infected, we still stand by that original recommendation. However, if you haven't yet been infected, we're now suggesting that you disable Java to prevent the virus from infecting your computers. How to disable Java Java is a computer language used to make applications that run in your web browser. It requires a plug-in be installed in your web browser to run these applications. Naked Security, a computer security blog maintained by SOPHOS.com, lists several ways on how to disable the Java plug-in, depending on your preferred web browser. Listed below are direct links to the instructions for each browser: How to disable Java in Internet Explorer How to disable Java in Firefox How to disable Java in Chrome How to disable Java in Safari How to disable Java in Opera Pay the bad guys, or pay us to clean your computer? Choosing to simply pay the ransom to unlock your computer might seem like a cheaper, more convenient way to get rid of the problem. However, you have no guarantee that the computer will be unlocked. Furthermore, your computer will still be infected. That's why we suggest you bring it in to us at NEPA Geeks. We'll make sure the virus is gone and that your data is intact. We charge much less than the amount being demanded and have tools that can help prevent future infections. You get your computer restored to fully-functioning condition AND the bad guys don't get any of your hard-earned money. Doesn't that sound like the smarter alternative? It is. Remember: if you've been infected, DO NOT pay the fine being demanded by the virus. It is definitely NOT from the FBI. Further, if you haven't been infected, we suggest that you disable Java using one of the techniques listed above. Let's stay safe!...

09 Jan

Posted at 12:32h in Blog Post
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A warm welcome to our latest web hosting clients, Antipode! We love sharing news about new clients who have decided to make NEPA Geeks their web-hosting home. For example, the latest clients to settle-in and set up shop with NEPA Geeks are Antipode -- a troupe of geek belly dancers from State College, PA. From their site: Antipode is a geek belly dancing troupe hailing from State College, PA. Fusing the theatrics of acting with a mix of cosplay, pop-culture, and off- beat humor Antipode brings the audience not just dance, but full geek entertainment. I first saw Antipode dance at the 2012 NEPA BlogCon. The troupe's dance theme that day was "Internet Memes," incorporating their dance routines with costumes, music and other props to recreate popular internet sensations that people couldn't stop talking about and sharing on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. The audience was very happy to see them dance as we all took a break from learning about blogging to eat some lunch, relax and network with other bloggers and future bloggers. Would you like to know more about Antipode? For more information about the troupe -- including pictures and information on how to book them for an event -- just visit their website at AntipodeBellyDance.com, proudly hosted by NEPA Geeks. Not only will you learn more about them, you'll also find the answer to a great question: Just what is an "antipode," anyway? While you're at it, take a look at the hosting packages we offer. Our variety of packages will easily fit within your budget. We also offer content and SEO services, just in case you need some extra "oomph" or "pizzazz" to get traffic to your site. Give us a call, today! You'll be in good company with other satisfied clients, like Antipode!...

07 Jan

Posted at 11:17h in Blog Post
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NEPA Geeks PC repair business mentioned in the local news It's always great to hear good feedback on our little PC repair business up here in Mountain Top, but this recent article in the January 2nd edition of The Mountain Top Eagle blew us away! I took a picture of the print article (as seen below) but you can read the whole thing on this blog post by Stephanie Grubert from The Mountain Top Eagle. We just wanted to take this moment to thank Stephanie for her kind words. It was a pleasure working with her and helping to get her computers and iPad back in working order. We never expected to open the paper and see something like this! As always, we look forward to each and every opportunity to help people out, whether they need a virus removed, a custom computer built or an iPhone screen replaced. We promise not to let this recent publicity go to our heads, so if you need help, feel free to give us a call. Although, no autographs, please....

04 Jan

Posted at 12:19h in Blog Post
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Watch out for DNS Services Invoice Scam Have you recently received an invoice from a company called DNS Services charging you for "DNS backup services?" Be warned, it's not an invoice, it's a solicitation from DNS Services. A client recently sent us a copy of an "invoice" he received from DNS Services -- DNSsvc.com, a DNS backup provider. Take a look at the picture below to see the actual letter they received: [caption id="attachment_1653" align="aligncenter" width="448"] (click the image to see full-size)[/caption] On the surface, it looks like a bill, complete with a mailer to send in with a payment of $65. However, if you look closely (the block of text below the total in the account summary details box), you'll notice that it's actually "a solicitation for the order of goods or services, or both, and not a bill, invoice, or statement of account due. You are under no obligation to make any payments on account of this offer unless you accept this offer.” In other words, it's not a bill; you owe nothing. DNS Services simply wants to charge you so they can provide a service that you are not yet receiving. Think of this more like an advertisement -- albeit, one so cleverly disguised to look like a bill that unsuspected customers might feel compelled to pay it, and that's the problem. Unsuspecting customers have been sending DNS Services money for a service they didn't want or need. What's worse, we've read first-hand reports from other sites warning about DNS Services that a lot of these folks are having trouble getting their money back. But what about a DNS backup service? Is this a service you actually want or need? Probably not, especially when you consider that NEPA Geeks already provide a backup domain-name server for web sites hosted with us. In general, 2 domain name servers are all you normally need. A DNS is, basically, an internet-connected computer that resolves a web address (the WWW.COM) to the computer where your website is hosted. It's very rare that these servers go down. Therefore, a backup service isn't really needed. In short, if you receive an "invoice" from DNS Services, throw it away. You owe them nothing. And would you really want to do business with a company that conducts themselves in this way? Probably not....

02 Jan

Posted at 10:38h in Blog Post
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iPhone's Do Not Disturb not turning off? Not getting notifications on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch today? Wondering what the little moon icon on your status bar means? Read on. If you noticed that iPhone's Do Not Disturb won't turn off after January 1st, 2013, you aren't alone. This morning, I noticed that the crescent moon "do not disturb" icon on my iPhone was still being displayed in the status bar at the top of screen despite being scheduled to turn itself off after 7 a.m. I didn't think much of it until I learned that this is a bug that is affecting a lot of iPhone users. For some reason, if you set the feature to turn on December 31, 2012, it doesn't automatically switch itself off after January 1, 2013. Note that the built-in alarm in iOS still functions (as mine did, this morning) but you'll be missing notifications, including those from other alarm apps that you might be using. Fortunately, it's very easy to fix. To fix the Do Not Disturb not turning off bug, just turn it off. Seriously. The Do Not Disturb function will resume functioning as normal, turning back on and off at the scheduled times. Easy, right? Well, just in case, here's how to fix the iPhone's Do Not Disturb bug. Step 1: Tap the "Settings" icon on your iPhone. Step 2: If the Do Not Disturb switch is set to On (as seen in the picture below,) simply tap the switch to turn it off. Notice that the scheduled "switch on" time returns as seen in the next picture. And that's it! We're following along just to see if there are any other problems waiting to pop up since the date change, but this seems to be the one affecting most users. [Update] It seems that, while this does turn off the Do Not Disturb feature, it doesn't completely fix the problem. You can still turn the feature off and on at will, but the automatic scheduler doesn't work. The Do Not Disturb feature can only be switched on and off manually at this time. Apple is aware of the problem but has issued a statement that the bug will not be fixed until January 7. So, it turns out that the fix isn't as simple as we were hoping, but at least it can be routed around until Apple gets around to correcting in come Monday....

19 Dec

Posted at 11:56h in Blog Post
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Paying invoices just got easier with Square Wallet NEPA Geeks is proud to announce that we are now capable of accepting payments with Square Wallet. [caption id="attachment_1612" align="alignright" width="240"] Square Wallet payments now accepted at NEPA Geeks[/caption] What is Square Wallet? Square Wallet is an application that runs on your smartphone. It stores all of your credit card information and allows you to make transactions right from your phone whenever you're at a store that accepts Square Wallet payments. It works on iPhone and Android smartphones. (Check here for Android availability.) How to use Square Wallet Using Square Wallet is simple and quick. It's just like using a credit card, but there's no need to remove your wallet or swipe the card through a reader. In fact, with "hands-free" payments activated, you don't even have to remove your phone! Just say your name at the Square Wallet-enabled register and the clerk will know it's you when your picture pops up on the screen. You get all of these benefits, and it's still just as safe as paying by card! More Options, More Benefits When you use Square Wallet, you'll be able to see all of the other businesses in the area that also use Square Wallet. Many will even be offering deals, rewards and discounts just for using it. For example, we offer 10% off your first purchase when using Square Wallet at NEPA Geeks. You can use Square Wallet to send and receive gift cards, unlock special rewards and much more. It works on both iPhone and Android, so if you haven't already done so, sign up today! And be sure to use it when you stop in to get 10% off your first purchase at NEPA Geeks....

07 Dec

Posted at 14:09h in Blog Post
0 Likes

Give the gift of healthy computing with NEPA Geeks Gift Certificates! [caption id="attachment_1579" align="alignright" width="403"] Mr. T. Claus says, "I pity da foo' who don't buy NEPA Geeks' Gift Certificates for their loved ones this year! Ain't dat right, Nancy Reagan?"[/caption] With roughly 17 days left until Christmas, you might be trying to square away a few of those hard to buy for people who seem to have everything. Gift certificates are a popular option for most people because they allow the gift-giver the chance to offer something meaningful without spending money on an unwanted gift. If you're looking for just such a gift, NEPA Geeks is here to help. Yes, we offer gift certificates! Many friends and relatives will be receiving new gadgets and computers this year. Wouldn't it be great if they had some kind of insurance policy for when things go wrong? A gift certificate from NEPA Geeks will help offset the cost of repairs and maintenance to get those problems taken care of, and they can be applied to anything we do! Repairs, maintenance, service calls, custom installs, web hosting and more. Do you know someone who is “accident prone,” who tends to drop their phone or spill drinks into their keyboards? We can help! Do you have an older family member who refuses to ever give up their old desktop PC? We can get it tuned-up and up-to date for them! Just purchase an NEPA Geeks gift certificate for any amount and they’ll be able to redeem it with us for repairs and other services. We use PayPal, so it's safe and secure to use, just like cash! If you have any questions, about NEPA Geeks' gift cards, just give us a call and we'll be more than happy to help you. 570.474.5100 or email us at staff@nepageeks.com ...

05 Dec

Posted at 16:09h in Blog Post
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Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are having a tiff about who gets to see your pictures. [caption id="attachment_1566" align="aligncenter" width="453"] When social networking sites fight, users lose.[/caption] There's a reason your Instagram photos aren't showing up properly on Twitter today. The New York Times goes into the details of the story, but the basic idea is that, ever since Facebook bought Instagram, the relationship between Instagram and Twitter has been falling apart. Those relationship problems came to a head today, December 5, when Instagram decided to stop supporting embedded photos within Twitter, causing them to show up cropped and off-center. Kevin Systrom, Instagram's chief-executive, confirmed his company's move and added that Twitter will be completely cut off from embedding photos in the future. As Instagram moves to make their photo-sharing more social by integrating with Facebook, Twitter has also been making moves to add the ability for Twitter users to add photo filters in much the same way Instagram does, negating the need for Instagram. In the meantime, the ability to "sync users" -- the ability to place an @ in front of a Twitter user's name and direct the photo at them --  is going away, as Twitter will no longer support the function on Instagram. It's not clear who all of this bickering is supposed to benefit, but one clear loser is us: the users. When social networking sites decide to stop getting along, it makes it difficult for everyday users to share photos with friends and family. Not all of your friends are on Twitter, just as not everyone you follow on Twitter use Facebook, so to cut off a large group of users not only keeps them from interacting with the things you do, but it can hurt your brand if you rely on those networks to bring traffic to your site. So, what can you do? Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about Twitter and Instagram not getting along, but if you hosted your content on your own website, you'd be able to share it with everyone -- regardless of what network they choose. And, by using a content management system such as WordPress, there are plugins available that will allow you to share images easily with both networks, just like before. Why rely on the terrible choices and business tactics of others when you can do everything you want on your own site? That's true freedom!...

26 Nov

Posted at 11:01h in Blog Post
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Our good friend and fellow blogger, Darling Stewie, wrote up a terrific guest blog post to give everyone her top 5 reasons you need a blog. If this post doesn't convince you to purchase a hosting account and set up your blog, right away, nothing will! Get ready to have your ironic, artisanal, hand-knitted socks knocked off.  Top 5 Reasons You Need a Blog! Hey NEPA Geeks blog readers! This is Darling Stewie of DarlingStewie.com stepping in for a fun guest post to bring you some deets on why you should really consider having a blog. I've had DarlingStewie.com for 2 years, and helped run several other area blogs including NepaBlogCon.com/Blog and PepperJam.com/Blog - and I love it! But...

21 Nov

Posted at 12:59h in Blog Post
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NEPA Geeks are proud to announce that we will be taking part in Small Business Saturday, this Saturday, November 24. What is Small Business Saturday? Small Business Saturday is a program sponsored by American Express to support small businesses that create jobs, stimulate the economy and help enrich their communities. American Express founded Small Business Saturday back in 2010 as a way to help small businesses increase their exposure. Last year, over 100 million people shopped at independently-owned businesses, and the hope is that we can all help to increase that number significantly! American Express offers tools that will help us, as a small, independent business, reach out and offer extra benefits and services to our customers. As part of the NEPA Small Business Saturday group on Facebook, we're honored to be a part of what they are doing to promote small business in NEPA! What does that mean for you? This Saturday, November 24, the NEPA Geeks office will be open and ready to serve you with any computer issues you might be having. Even if you don't have a problem with your current computer, we can help you upgrade to a new computer, order parts for your existing system or even set you up with a new website or blog! We're offering free consultations, 15% off computer repair services and 10% off web hosting! And, to top it off, NEPA Geeks offers its Complete Computer Overhaul package for only $99.99 -- a huge savings over our usual price of $129.99. Call or stop in on Saturday, November 24th. We'll be here to help you learn more about what NEPA Geeks can do for you! Our number is 570.474.5100 and our address is 108 N. Mountain Blvd. Suite B, Mountain Top, PA 18707. We can also be reached at staff@nepageeks.com For more information on Small Business Saturday, visit ShopSmall.com....