The I.T. Advisory – Professional IT Resources.

As a repair technician we are sometimes pressed by customer for Free Alternatives to Costly Anti Virus protection programs. We always try and offer our customers the option of paid software, such as ESET NOD32, but with the ailing economy and tough times, most of our residential customers are finding it hard to afford such a cost.

There has been a lot of hub-bub about Microsoft Security essentials since it’s release. I too was skeptical of it, as is expected of me as a Repair Technician. I have however deployed it on a few machines and to date, it has worked out well. Of course there is no way to protect 100% against security threats or infections, but as a free alternative I found that in some cases it can perform better than some of it’s counter parts such as AVG free and such.

To install MSFT security essentials you should go to http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/ and download it there. Keep in mind that your machine has to be validated as a legitimate copy of windows in order for it to install.

Written by Shaun from Advanced Computer Group, Inc. A New York Based On-site technical support provider.

Recently, we had a customer bounce a check with us. Now normally, we would just try and redeposit it, as everyone can make mistakes. However, it was my strong belief that this particular customer bounced this check on purpose because of the circumstances of the service call. He agreed to our prices over the phone, and on-site, and then after everything was fixed, he tried to say we over charged, and he never agreed to it, despite the signed work order, etc etc. He even almost got physical.

After our bank made it known that the check bounced, they sent us a copy of the check, with the reason it was bounced; Insufficient Funds. I called the local Police department to see if we have to file a police report, as we are preparing for small claims court. They said that they will come down, and take a copy of our paper work, and information on this guy, and then they will arrest him. That’s right Arrest Him! They said it’s certainly an arrestable offense, and they need to make a report, forward it over to the detectives, and from there they will go to the last known address, and arrest the individual. WOW!

It pays to check with your local laws, and police department about things in this business, as it can really help, and let you know the best course of action for your legal situation.

Please excuse our appearance as we get things back in order.