Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Malware: To Pay or Not To Pay?

For years PC home end users have been bullied into believing that they must pay for anti-virus software in order to have their systems protected, when in reality, that just isn't the case. Most "Geeks" do not pay for anti-virus software or any system tools for that matter. There is no reason to spend money on such software when there are some great products out there that have been proven to be tried and true over the years.

One of my personal favorite free anti-virus software applications is AVG. AVG has been making anti-virus and anti-spyware solutions since 1991. They offer free solutions to home users, and low cost solutions to businesses. Their interface is simple to navigate and practically maintenance free.

Another favorite of mine is Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes came around in 2005 with a free method of removing pesky adware, malware, spyware, and trojans. They continue to offer their software in both a free and a paid version. When installing, make certain that you chose the free option and not the trial, or you may run into a problem down the road.

My final favorite pick for free utilities should really only be used by those that are a little more tech savvy. CCleaner is a GREAT system tool! CCleaner is made by Piriform Software (they have other tools available as well), and it is a full blown system cleaner. CCleaner allows the user to uninstall programs that may not show in the Windows uninstaller, as well as modify start-up items, delete temp files, and fix the registry.

All of these applications can be downloaded for free at CNet.com - which also performs virus scans on all files it offers for download.... but that is for another blog.

How to select the correct computer your needs

I am often asked, “How do I know that this computer is good enough for me?” And the answer may come as a surprise to most people. The truth of the matter is that very rarely do people need to purchase the latest and greatest computer available on the market. In fact, if you are working on a small budget, I more often than not, recommend upgrading the system that you already own. 

Determining whether or not to upgrade can be tricky, but it is worth the effort. 

•  If your system is less than 3 years old, and was top of the line at the time that you purchased it, it may just need a thorough cleaning. For this task, I recommend using Malwarebytes, and CCleaner.

• If your system is older than 3 years old, depending on the make and model, a thorough cleaning, Operating System Upgrade and a RAM upgrade may be in order. You will need to determine whether or not you have any open slots for the RAM and determine what type of RAM that is required for your motherboard. I recommend talking to a pro for this information if you aren’t certain. Some pros offer free consultations, or will offer consultations for low fees that they will then apply toward the cost of the upgrade. *

o   If no additional slots are available, it is time for a new computer.

• If your system is older than 5 years old, it is time for a new computer.

Now that we have determined that you do indeed need to purchase a new computer, here are some key points to consider in the selection process. 

• Do I need a desktop or a laptop?

o   Are you often on client site?

o   Are you constantly taking work home with you?

o   Do you travel for work?

o   Do you need to be able to make presentations in places other than your main office location? 

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then I would recommend going with a laptop. 

  How much Memory / RAM** do I need? 
 

o   Are you working with a lot of graphics or photographs?

o   Do you work with music editing or production?

o   Are you working with multiple programs at the same time? (Example: I currently have MS Word, PhotoShop, PaintShop Pro, Thunderbird, FileZilla, Serif Font Manager, Safari, FireFox, Bluefish, and ITunes running. It is standard for me to have at least these programs up and running, and on occasion a few others.)

o   Do you deal with large files on a regular basis, such as Excel Books with multiple Sheets, or large PDF files?

o   Do you edit or produce videos? 

If you answered yes to the above questions, you should consider a system with 6GB or 8GB RAM / Memory installed and make certain that it still has the capability of being upgraded in the future. So, the system should support up to 12 GB of RAM / Memory.

o   Are you using your computer for the following:

• Checking / Sending emails
• Surfing the internet
• Sharing the occasional family photo
• Writing papers for homework / work
• Simple spreadsheet manipulation
• Social Networking with Facebook / YouTube / Pintrest or others
• Online Banking

If you answered yes to the above, you should be fine purchasing a system with 4GB of RAM / Memory installed. Again, make certain that the system supports future upgrades. So, the system should support up to 8GB of RAM / Memory.

*Please note that you should NEVER have to pay more than $40.00 to have RAM installed (not including cost of the actual RAM), anyone charging more than $40.00 is raking you over the coals, and I recommend finding someone else.

The price of RAM varies widely depending on the type of RAM required. I would recommend checking prices on both TigerDirect.com and NewEgg.com. Also, keep in mind that some RAM must be installed in matching pairs. Much like shoes, the system can’t run with just one. 

**Memory, or RAM (Random Access Memory), relates to the computer's ability to transfer data. The more RAM/Memory, the faster a system will be able to process calls made by software applications. 

Q & A Session with Heidi Peterson

Below is a Q&A Session that I answered on Thumbtack.com, while some of the answers are specific to Savannah Site Design clients, I think people may find some of the information very useful when selecting a web designer.

Question and answer

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Savannah Site Design will design a web site presence for your company that includes domain name registration and hosting at no additional cost! We pride ourselves on keeping prices reasonable and great service. Savannah Site Design provides professional web design services that include everything from logo design and custom graphics, to integrated shopping cart solutions. We pride ourselves on offering remarkable services at competitive rates.

Q. Describe three recent jobs you've completed.

A. MicheleSoha.com is a website that was recently complete for a Savannah artist who is known for her Watercolors, Pastels, Photography and Fine Art Reproductions. Her site includes a customize shopping cart and complete Flash photo gallery.

Bulldog-Defense.com is a site dedicated to self defense, and not becoming a victim. Crystal Webb carries a complete line of non-lethal tools to aid the average citizen should they become a victim of violence. Her site features streaming video, and a complete online shopping cart system.

CamWoodBats.com - Frank Greggory contacted Savannah Site Design because he wasn't satisfied with his previous website designer. His site features a full shopping cart solution, embedded video, mailing list, rotating banners, and more!

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. When searching for a web designer, always look at their website. If their website isn't clear or presented in a light that best displays their company, that should be a red flag. Next, look at their work, not just templates that they have, but actual customer sites that they have created, because while templates are a great tool, not everyone knows how to utilize them. Last but not least, shop around. Make certain that you are getting the best quality site and service for your money!

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Most people who are in the technical industry talk in jargon to make things sound much more complicated than they actually are... if your web designer isn't willing to try to communicate in a clear easy to understand fashion, I would question their integrity.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. A consumer should most definitely ask the following questions of their potential designer:

1. How long have you been creating web sites?
2. What software did you use to create your first website? (hint... if they say NOTEPAD... they are probably a talented design with some serious coding background)
3. What are the keys/tools that use for SEO?
(hint... this should include Google Webmaster Tools and Google Analytics along with the standard meta tags)
4. Will you be using templates? (templates are not a bad thing, they can save time and money, and be completely customized for your company)
5. Will I be able to edit my site?
6. Will I own my site once you have been paid? (believe it or not, the answer to this can surprise you)
7. Do you charge monthly maintenance fees?
8. If yes, what do those fees cover?
9. Are there any extra hidden fees?
10. How often do you preform back-ups?

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. 
1. What is the goal of your site?
2. What features would you like your site to include?
3. What domain name would you like? (hint... have several variations as the name you want might already be taken)
4. What is your budget?
5. What is your timeline?

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. What are the advantages to having video embedded in my site?

There are many advantages to embedding video into your website.

Below are just some of those advantages:

1. Video is Visual - People tend to relate to a visual experience. People want to "see" what they are getting more so than read what they are getting, and a well thought out video allows them to do just that.
2. Video is emotional - Video can demonstrate how products work and relate to prospective customers much better than static pictures can. Videos allow the customer to "experience" your products.
3. Video is informative - Video allows you to address many FAQs to put prospective clients at ease while they research your products.
4. Video is on demand - A prospective customer can watch and re-watch your presentation anytime THEY choose. They have the ability to rewind or fast forward at their will meaning that they have some control over how your product is being presented to them.
5. Video is versatile - Video that is displayed on your main website, can also be displayed on your Facebook pages, YouTube page, UStream, and other various outlets, allowing for greater market coverage without greater cost!

How long will my site take?

The time it takes to design and publish a web site depends on the site. A basic business site typically take approximately one week to complete provided that the client sends all copy and photos required in a timely manner.



I already have a site, how long will it take to re-vamp my site?

The time it takes to redesign and publish a web site depends on who the previous site webmaster is, who the current host is, and who has control of the domain name. We try to make this process as seamless as possible, but sometimes this process can be cumbersome. We ask that you please have the following information available when contacting us for a site re-vamp:
Current Hosting Company
Username / Password
Current Web Design Company Contact
Current Domain Company
Username / Password



How long will it take for my site to appear in the Search Engines?
The time it takes to appear in search engines from site completion depends on the site and when the keyword list was provided by the client. Typically the site should appear in Google within 2 weeks of going active.



What is the importance of video in business?

We belive that this short video does a great job of pin pointing the real importance of video in business today, whether video is being used for internal or external communication, it can be a very powerful tool!




Will I be able to make changes to my site?

We offer content management systems (cms) through Customized WordPress installations should you choose. CMS will allow you to make modifications to your site to include adding photos and updating text content.



What shipping options are available by default in the shopping cart?

The default options for shipping available in the shopping cart are:
Citylink
Flat Rate
Free Shipping
Per Item
Parcelforce 48
Pickup From Store
UPS
United States Postal Service
Weight Based Shipping



What payment options are available by default in the shopping cart?

The default payment options available through the shopping cart are:
AlertPay
Authorize.Net (AIM)
Bank Transfer
Cheque / Money Order
Cash On Delivery
Dwolla Standard
Free Checkout
LIQPAY
Moneybookers
NOCHEX
Paymate
Perpetual Payments
PayPal Website Payment Pro
PayPal Standard
SagePay
SagePay Direct
SagePay (US)
2Checkout
Web Payment Software
WorldPay







What search engines does Savannah Site Design submit my site to?

Savannah Site Design submits all sites to Google, YaHoo, and Bing other search engines will then spider these search engines to pick-up your site for listing.



Is social media really important to my business?

According to CNN contributor Sandy Carter “If your organization plans to stay competitive it can’t afford to ignore the impact of social media on the workplace. Companies that have adopted social practices and tools early on to create a more collaborative work environment are already gaining competitive advantage in their market and becoming more innovative, smarter and more profitable. As social businesses evolve, we’ll continue to see studies around the ROI of social and just how transformative this cultural and technological shift can be. But be warned, if you wait to see what social business can do, what value it brings to other companies, you’ll find yourself left in the dust of your competitors. Can you afford to be left behind?”



What social media networks does Savannah Site Design work with?

Savannah Site Design will be more than happy to set you up with ANY social media network, whether it be Facebook or Vimeo, Savannah Site Design can setup your social media account, and integrate it into your website seamlessly for a competitive low rate. We will even provide you with useful Quick Start instructions to help you get going.

Introduction

SavannahSiteDesign.com is a web design firm established by me, Heidi Peterson, in Historic Savannah, GA. in 2012. Originally SSD was in business under PCTechCon.com (a specialty Technical Consulting company of mine) for years, but I decided that having both under the same name was a bit confusing for some customers; Thus the split.  

The purpose of starting this blog is to share some information regarding finding the right design firm for your company. I will also share some fun new technologies that are available from time to time. It is my goal to always communicate in clear "English". In other words, I am going to try to leave all of the tecno-geeky-speek at the door. 

It is my desire, after some of the horror stories that I have heard, that people not be taken advantage of just because they don't understand the jargon or what is going on "behind the curtain".  Over the past few year I have heard some of the most outlandish, heart wrenching stories regarding small mom and pop startup companies and their attempts to publish a simple website. Even if it is not my company that is hired for the job, I don't want anyone to have to go through what some of the poor people have gone through; ever! 

With all this having been said - I am Heidi Peterson, and welcome to the Savannah Site Design blog!