RUPERT-TECH - Computer & Laser Printer Services

Cybercriminals are circulating a new piece of fake security software that spoofs a Microsoft security tool. It’s called the “MS Removal Tool.”

When you start your computer, you see a MS Removal Tool window that restricts you from accessing your desktop. You cannot start Task Manager, and you cannot open Internet Explorer or any other programs. This situation is the result of malware (a variant of Win32/Winwebsec) that is infecting your computer.

If you see a pop-up ad or an email for the “MS Removal Tool,” ignore it.

If you already have this malware on your computer, you might not be able to access Internet Explorer or any other programs.

As always, we highly recommend our users having their computers up to date and running a good antivirus application.

A good and free choice is Microsoft's own Microsoft Security Essentials.

If you can access Internet Explorer or another web browser, you can also use the Microsoft Safety Scanner to scan your computer and remove the MS Removal Tool.

Be safe!

Dust is all around us, indeed, but some places and/or things collect much more than others.

Air filters on an air conditioner, cooling fins on a refrigerator, a fan blade... anything that has a fan pushing or pulling air through will inevitably collect more as the airflow is increased. 

Your computer is no exception.

As the number one enemy on a computer device is heat, there are severe repercussions that arise from such dust accumulations:

• Blocks the air flow inside the computer, effectively preventing heat from being transfered to the outside of the case thus creating overheating problems, and eventually processor failure.
  
• Makes fan blades heavier, noisier and prone to breaking down.
• Can create shorts on board circuits.
• Can be a nest for nasty pests.
• And more...

None of which you would like to (nor should) have in your system.

As a preventive maintenance procedure, whenever you see a little dust accumulated on the vents on your computer, you can use a vacuum to suction that dust out.

If you decide you want to clean the interior as well, please note that:

1. Opening the case might void your warranty.
2. Electrostatic Electricity created by the airflow on the vacuum plastic can damage the components inside your computer.
3. Touching any component inside without following proper ESD guidelines can cause component failures.

Alternatively, you can also use a pressurized air can, but then again, certain precautions should be used, least component damage might occur.

1. Do not tilt the bottle, least the liquid might come out and short the components inside.
2. Make sure the computer is off, and let it cool down before cleaning it. Blowing cold air from a pressurized container into hot components can cause serious problems to them.

If you're unsure or don't know exactly how to safely perform this task, please contact a professional technician that can do the job safely and efficiently.