Computer Tech

[Burke]

The above posters are correct in that no one can intercept your Internet transmissions in a drive-by or another location in your building, for instance -- IF you have it encoded with passwords. They would need that to access. Your computer can also be programmed so that you do not have to enter the password, but it is done automatically -- you never see it. Anyone who has a DSL line or wireless should do this.

[S T]

Thank you

I probably was in panic mode, but finally got a grasp on this issue, and all seems to be well, limited access and passcodes.

Didn't know I was going to have to be a computer tech wizard too! And, I really don't do well when there are computer issues, like I have been having the last few days.

Boy, life can get complicated sometimes!

Thanks to all!

Sandy

[geekgirldany]

I can see all the wireless networks in my neighborhood from my computer. Windows automatically searches for existing wireless networks. Mine is secured with a password. So the only way they can access it is if they have the password. "War Driving" is where people drive around accessing networks. That is what happened at TJMax when they stole all that private information.

I turn my computers off at the office every night. I have removable hard drives setup so I just take the hard drive out when I leave. So If anyone was to break in my office they would not be getting much.

As far as a computer tech, I am not sure how he acted but alot of them are just ummm strange acting. I don't know if it is being in front and around a computer all the time but I think it does something to them

[S T]

No wireless

Dany,

Thanks for posting, I completely forgot about you knowing about computers, otherwise I might have PM you on this issue.

Good thing here, when we brought it up we could find NO other wireless users from our computers after we set up our wireless, Thank goodness. Finally figured out the security and passwords, etc. So I think we are good to go!

Yes, I know computer techs are a different breed and can be strange, and I think my husband could be over reacting, but it was strange during the conversation , that we found out he his moving, he rents a room, drives a Lincoln Navigator with out of state plates, and is trying to raise money by selling a bike as collateral. References were good, but maybe they were manufactured! Seemed knowledgable enough, and not overly so, but who knows!

OMG!

I might be over-reacting!

Sandy

[BOB W]

I can see all the wireless networks in my neighborhood from my computer. Windows automatically searches for existing wireless networks. Mine is secured with a password. So the only way they can access it is if they have the password. "War Driving" is where people drive around accessing networks. That is what happened at TJMax when they stole all that private information.

I turn my computers off at the office every night. I have removable hard drives setup so I just take the hard drive out when I leave. So If anyone was to break in my office they would not be getting much.

As far as a computer tech, I am not sure how he acted but alot of them are just ummm strange acting. I don't know if it is being in front and around a computer all the time but I think it does something to them

It has something to do with "Social Skills"...............................Too much non-contact with people.

[Burke]

I turn my computers off at the office every night. I have removable hard drives setup so I just take the hard drive out when I leave. So If anyone was to break in my office they would not be getting much.

Am curious about the "removable hard drives setup." Is that something you had to purchase?

[geekgirldany]

Dany,
but it was strange during the conversation , that we found out he his moving, he rents a room, drives a Lincoln Navigator with out of state plates, and is trying to raise money by selling a bike as collateral.

Yeah he sounds like he hasn't had much contact with people if he told you all that LOL Looks like he needed someone to talk to. If he had good references then he should be okay.

I do alot of computer repairs for accounting customers. One that had moved to Florida actually brough their computer back up to Georgia for me to fix. Said they did not trust the GeekSquad.

Burke, go to NewEgg.com it is called a mobile rack. Kingwin is the best. Here is the link:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121179

It locks in with a key. It won't turn on without it. I really do like them as I can just take them out and take them home with me. I alternate most of the time between the main computer and the backup computer. If you buy one make sure you get it with the dual fans. This helps keeps the hard drive cool.

[Black Bart]

Bees,

I have seen technology that can intercept wireless while someone is driving by your home. What I'm not sure of is if they can intercept only open programs and/or all the programs in your computer??

Do you know the answer to this? This question also occured to me.

OR Dany -- didn't see your post 'til just now and also forgot about you knowing about computers.

[taxmandan]

Removable harddrive

Am curious about the "removable hard drives setup." Is that something you had to purchase?


Burke,
I also remove my harddrive from the office at night. You can get an insert for your desk top computer that will allow you to take that harddrive with you, costs ~$30 at Fry's. What I do is plug in a USB external harddrive and use that for client data files. It's easy to unplug at night and take it home. If someone were to steal the computers in our office, there is NO client data on them. Our state now has laws that if personal data is stolen from a business, that business must pay for credit protection for all customers for one year. That would be around $15,000 for me to do, and no way can I afford such a cost.

[Lion]

Virtual Techies

I had been thinking about using the virtual tech support company formed by ATX techies after that Dutch company closed down tech support in Caribou, Maine, and used Taxwise support in GA. Well, today I couldn't print and my amateur efforts got me in over my head. For only $199 a year, I now have unlimited tech support, 24/7 during tax season, by US-based, English-speaking techies, many of whom I already knew like Kyle and Kerry. I also bought 5 gigs of automatic, secure, encrypted backup at their site on my schedule; well, they set it all up to happen automatically on the schedule I tell them. They will also install virus scanning and spyware scanning, but my Norton doesn't expire for a while. They have multiple-computer packages and choices of back-up space sizes. A delightful gal named Susan got my computer communicating with my printer again and made an appointment at my convenience to set up the automatic backup. I realize someone I never met was controlling my computer, but I felt entirely comfortable. I originally called Kyle who set me up with the package of services I wanted and turned me over to Susan to solve my current problem. I could hear Kyle in the background later checking up on Susan to make sure all was well.

I have an external hard drive to which I back up. But, being a home-based business, I have no good place to store it, swapping it out with another. I could grab it and run in a catastrophe; or following a computer crash, plug it into my husband's computer, install my software, and be back in business. Now with safe off-site backup I feel more secure. I'd been backing up select items to flash drives, but now realize I shouldn't put tax returns on drives with no password protection.

[S T]

Can you share

Lion,

Will you share the contact info on who you called, or give a website?

I get in over my head alot when it comes to computers and software!!

Thanks,

Sandy

[Lion]

Vms

Hi, Sandy,

I called Kyle directly since he'd been talking to us on the ATX Community board, the UNofficial one. But, you can talk to anyone there. I was very pleased with their service, especially for the price. And, the security of knowing I have someone to call, 24/7 during tax season, is priceless.

Kyle Thibodeau | Sales Dept.
Virtual Managed Solutions, LLC.
52 Sweden Street
Caribou, ME 04736
(Toll-Free) 877-VMS-US90
(O) 207-764-1004 x1041
(F) 207-498-2464
(E) sales@vmsus.com
(W) http://www.vmsus.com

[Lion]

Kyle's words

My name is Kyle and I'm working with Virtual Managed Solutions, LLC (VMSUS). I was a fellow ATXer and worked with them for about 3 years. When I started off with ATX I was part of Technical Support via The Total Satisfaction Team, which I then ventured onto Sales and spoke with probably almost all of you at one time or another. As I'm going through previous posts I recognize a lot of the names. It is my goal to know each one of you again. Being a part of VMSUS, we all understand what it is the tax professional needs and goes through during the year.

VMSUS was created by, and currently employs, former ATX employees with the mindset of helping who we know best. We offer all the services that tax professionals have to have. The biggest being Unlimited Technical Support. How we do this is, connecting remotely to your computer and fixing whatever the issue may be. Not only do we deal with the technical side, but we can also help you on the software side. During the tax season, when your livelihood is most important, we will be available 24/7! No longer will have to wait until normal business hours to get your resolution. We understand, during this time, there is no normal business hour and it is our guarantee to respond to your help request within 90 minutes or less every time! The best thing of all, our call center is 100% U.S. based.

VMSUS also offers backup space to store all your important data at a secure off-site facility. It’s awful to think of, but you never know when a natural or manmade disaster will affect you and the life line of your business and at that time, the last thing on your mind should be worrying about the ability to recover your client and company data.

I have named a couple of services, but there are others. If any of you should want to find out more about us, feel free to contact me at any time. Many of you know "MonkeyMan - Kerry" from this forum. He and I sit right next each other, so if you want me poke him in the ribs for you, just say the word and it shall be done. laugh.gif

I do look forward to hearing from you all!

[Lion]

From Redux/Bob

Sometime in the recent past, on this forum, a group of ex-ATX employees announced the formation of their newest enterprise, called Virtual Managed Solutions (VMS US). Their company was formed for the purpose of “remote” support or management of computers and related software.

I had a computer that had had a Trojan in it, which had been discovered and cleaned using Trend Micro. I ran repeated scans using Trend Micro that didn’t result in any further help. The computer was still very sick. Apparently the Trojan installed and imbedded pop-ups and other malware that caused it to slow down and intermittently refuse to do some tasks. Basically, I did all I knew to do with very little productive results.

Today I called VMS US to see what they could do. Well, I’m happy to say that after 4 hours the computer is free of adware, and malware; the registry, that had much wrong with it, was cleaned of all superfluous “stuff.” All in all, the entire computer is now working as advertised. It has its old speed back, is free of pop-ups, always does what is asked and is healthy and normal.

I couldn’t be happier. Keeping in mind that I have no dog in the fight for a successful launch of their company, I just wanted to share my success with you folks. If you have similar problems, I highly recommend VMS US and their services. The cost is $199 per year. You can purchase a single incident if you prefer however, today they only made $50/hour on me and I still have a year of service waiting if I need it. There is no limit on the number of calls for the $199. They are professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and need all the business they can get. Remember these folks are part of the ATX employees who were terminated, so we already “know” many of them and their work ethic. Their phone number is 1-877-VMS-US90, (1-877-867-8790)
Mike Kinder, a founding owner, writes “The number is a part of the effort we are making to get any request for support started within 90 minutes of the initial support request from our customer. The US part is informing people that all of our reps are US based - thus VMS US 90.”

I hope none of you have a need for their services but if you do, especially during tax season, call them you’ll be pleased.


--------------------
Bob

[Lion]

Web site

Their web site is VMSUS.com