Author Archives: Kristin Willis

Windows Update Ransomware Exploit

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Magniber ransomware is spreading like wildfire thanks to a coordinated effort that began in early April and involves the exploitation of bogus Windows 10 patches.

What is ransomware?

In the simplest words, ransomware is a type of malware that affects your computer and demands a ransom in exchange for access to it. It encrypts all of your files and directs you to contact the hacker in order to negotiate a payment arrangement. As a result, we have RANSOMware!

According to BleepingComputer, “Based on the submissions to VirusTotal, this campaign appears to have started on April 8th, 2022 and has seen massive distribution worldwide since then. While it’s not 100% clear how the fake Windows 10 updates are being promoted, the downloads are distributed from fake warez and crack sites.”

This particular exploit targeted consumers instead of companies.

To avoid any and all unwanted cyber assaults, make sure that your antivirus software is current on your computer. Keep in mind that Windows 10 and 11 updates are sent through the operating system. Microsoft will never send updates through other channels such as e-mail or social media.

If you ever have an issue with any Windows 10 updates, give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog article was written by a member of our team at the Garland Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Garland, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

New Windows 11 Feature Available

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A new dedicated feature coming to Windows 11 has tech blogs talking. Named “Voice Clarity”, this particular newcomer is being tested to some PC’s, but not all.

According to WindowsLatest, “Unlike Teams noise cancellation, which is baked into the Teams app, Microsoft’s new Voice Clarity feature works at the OS level and it aims to capture the entire audio spectrum of your audio at higher bandwidth.”

For now, it’s said Voice Clarity only works on Surface laptop Studio, but will hopefully start rolling out to other devices soon.

If you’re experiencing any Windows 11 or computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Lakewood Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Lakewood, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460. 

A Brief Insight of File Extensions

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Following the last period in a file name, a series of characters known as the file extension, or file name extension, is used to identify the file and locate it in the file system.

For example, the file extension “.txt” is the same as the word “txt” in the dictionary. As soon as you double-click on a file, the extension informs the version of windows about the sort of file you are opening and the software you want to run.

Aside from the fact that it must begin with a period and have at least one letter, there are no additional formatting requirements for an extension. In most cases, file extensions are made up of three characters, which can be either letters or numbers, and which textually describe the type of file being referred in the text. Text files, mp3 files, jpeg picture files, and files compressed using the gzip application are all signified by the file extensions.txt,.mp3,.jpg, and.gz. Text files, mp3 files, jpeg picture files, and files compressed using the gzip application are all denoted by the file extension.txt.

Text files, mp3 files, jpeg picture files, and files compressed using the gzip application are all denoted by the file extensions.txt,.mp3,.jpg, and.gz. The file extensions.txt,.mp3,.jpg, and.gz denote text files, mp3 files, jpeg picture files, and files compressed using the gzip application, respectively.

This information is contained inside the extension’s real name. It shows you what sort of file is being referenced to and where it is located.

If you’re needing help with computer problems, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Boulder Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Boulder, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Change Default Browser on Windows 11

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Microsoft appears to have grown particularly active in pushing its own programs over the default apps installed before to the update in its latest version of Windows. If you updated to Windows 11, you may find Microsoft Edge is the default browser.

Changing Windows 10 default applications are quite easy. However, according to The Verge, “the process for changing your defaults in Windows 11 has become more complicated than it was in Windows 10. So you may not get that handy request — or if you do, it may land you on a complicated-looking page headed App > Default apps.”

Here’s how to change your default browser on Windows 11:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps
  2. Type in preferred browser name (Firefox, Chrome, etc.)
  3. Click on “Set default”

If you’d prefer your file and link types to coincide with the same browser, you can change those as well.

For help with computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Miami Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Miami, FL please call the local office at (786) 780-1540.

What if files or applications are missing?

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The fact that something isn’t saved where you expect it to be doesn’t always indicate that the application or document you’re looking for is no longer available to you. Erroneous clicks can cause folders and files to be dropped into locations where they were not intended to be.

First, make sure you haven’t mistakenly deleted any files or shortcuts by checking your Recycle Bin. If the object you’re looking for happens to be in there, delete it immediately before accessing it or saving any modifications to it.

Next, take a quick peek at your taskbar to see if the application or document you’re looking for is already running.

The final option is to simply put the name of the application or file into the Search Box on the taskbar, which is clearly displayed next to the Windows button. If you’re looking for a certain document or spreadsheet, you may also utilize File Explorer to locate it. In Windows, choose the folder icon from your taskbar and type anything into the search box at the top right of the window that appears.

Aside from that, the Word and Excel programs in Microsoft Office also include a “open recent” option that is really useful. All you have to do is click the File tab, then “Open,” and either Recent Documents (in Word) or Recent Workbooks (in Excel) will be the default selection. If your lost file is located somewhere else, such as on OneDrive, you can utilize this navigation window to locate it.

For inquiries with computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at Fort Lauderdale Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Fort Lauderdale, please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Low Resolution on Desktop

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It can be frustrating, indeed!

When you restart your computer, you may notice that the resolution has changed or that desktop icons and text have been shortened. Your workspace is in a bit of a jumble.

It’s possible that it’s due to a problem with your video card. Many times, all that is required is an update to your graphics drivers. You can easily go to the manufacturer’s website and download the most recent software for the device. Look on your graphics card for the make and model.

If completing this step does not resolve the problem, it’s likely that there are more serious problems with your hardware.

You may need to replace the graphics card entirely in order to resolve the problem. However, in the vast majority of situations, the problem is caused by software. Karls Technology can help you figure out the solution to your problem.

If you are needing help with computer-related issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Las Vegas Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Las Vegas, NV please call the local office at (702) 800-7850.

Update to Microsoft’s Paint App

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Last month, Microsoft revamped its ever popular Pain App. Round edges and Mica are just two of the new features of Microsoft’s revamped Paint program. A new toolbar based on Office and the rest of Windows 11’s programs was included as part of the redesign.

After a long cosmetic revamp, Microsoft is going to release a new version of Paint.

What is Mica?

According to Microsoft Docs, “Mica is an opaque, dynamic material that incorporates theme and desktop wallpaper to paint the background of long-lived windows such as apps and settings. You can apply Mica to your application backdrop to delight users and create visual hierarchy, aiding productivity, by increasing clarity about which window is in focus. Mica is specifically designed for app performance as it only samples the desktop wallpaper once to create its visualization.”

When Windows 11 version 22H2 is released later 2022, this Paint software will more than likely be pre-installed. We shall see!

If you are needing assistance with any PC issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the North Richland Hills Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in North Richland Hills, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

Check Out Time Machine on macOS

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Time Machine is a tool on Macs that allows you to recover files if you accidentally delete them. Throughout the day, the function takes several photos of your macOS device.

Using this built-in backup feature, you can ensure that all of your personal data is safe and secure.

Time Machine automatically makes hourly backups for the past 24 hours, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups for all previous months. The oldest backups are deleted when your backup disk is full. The first backup might take a long time, but you can continue using your Mac while a backup is underway. Time Machine backs up only the files that changed since the previous backup, so future backups will be faster.

Source: Apple

Here’s how to access Time Machine:

  1. Go to System Preferences
  2. Search for Time Machine
  3. Checkmark the Back Up Automatically, or set up your preferred backup disk

For help restoring, or dealing with any backup issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Pembroke Pines Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Pembroke, FL please call or text the local office at (754) 241-1655.

There’s already talk of Windows 12?!

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Windows 12 rumors have already begun to surface in the computer sector. Microsoft released Windows 11 only a year ago, and some people are still unable to install it on their PC owing to hardware requirements.

Tech blogs from all across the world express their thoughts on the work of a new operating system:

Computerbase reports that “developments on the new operating system are already set to begin,” according to a now-redacted tweet from security expert SwiftOnSecurity.

The original post has been taken down now, with the tweet having “not been well received by Microsoft,” says Computerbase. But the fact this came from a user who’s touting an official ‘Most Valuable Professional’ (MVP) award, coupled with the fact Microsoft took notice all, adds yet more plausibility to Deskmodder’s claims that work on Windows 12 would be starting from March this year.

Source: PCGamer

So what improvements and new features might Windows 12 bring with it? Users have been peppering Microsoft with feature requests, with some of these wishes set to be granted in upcoming updates to Windows 11, tentatively called Sun Valley 2.

Source: TechRadar

There’s no word from Microsoft about the speculations. And we probably won’t hear any kind of confirmation for a while.

If you’re needing help with computer problems, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Boulder Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Boulder, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Fraudulent Anti-Virus Apps Removed

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Bogus Android antivirus apps that were being used to distribute malware were removed from the Play Store by Google earlier this week.

According to TechRadar, “These malicious apps were carrying Sharkbot, a malware strain that steals passwords and banking information. It shares push notifications and offers up fake login prompts, through which users share their credentials with the attackers.”

Source: Checkpoint Research

Uninstalling the apps immediately is advised for Android users who had downloaded them before they were withdrawn.

For inquiries about device vulnerabilities, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Goodyear Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Goodyear, Arizona please call or text the local office at (623) 295-2645.