Jury still out on the new wave of tablet/laptop hybrids

While Apple CEO Tim Cook has been very vocal about his disdain for tablet/laptop hybrids, other computer developers are busily creating a range of new devices that combine elements of both formats. And in the next few years, anyone seeking quality computer, tablet and laptop repair in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. will have to make sure they choose an experienced and adaptive company that has kept up with the trends.

At the Computex Trade Show in Taipei, Taiwan, Jonney Shih, chairman for the computer company Asus, showed off a smorgasbord of new hardware – and almost everything on display involved some sort of tablet/laptop combination, reports PCMag.

Standouts include the Asus Taichi, a laptop with a second screen on the outside display that means it can act as a tablet as well as a laptop. Having a second screen on the outside of your laptop may be an offputting idea at first, but if you're worried someone will be able to see what you're working on, rest assured you are in complete control of what's visible.

Another impressive device was the Transformer book, dubbed "the world's first convertible laptop" by Asus. The laptop's screen is removable, so it instantly acts as a tablet if you want it to.

But as more computer companies experiment with these hybrids, a whole new crop of laptop repair issues are bound to develop. Technicians will have to tackle a number of problems specific to these two-in-one pieces of hardware.

Whatever your thoughts on blending these two types of computers, one thing is certain.  Whether you own a tablet, laptop or some combination of the two, you'll need a reliable resource for efficient Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. computer repair in case your new device malfunctions.

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Password security is getting slacker, study shows

While your online passwords are your key to accessing everything from your social networks to your finances, they are also a major target for cybercriminals. There are countless bots tirelessly working to generate login passwords, so it's in your best interest to make their job as difficult as possible. The last thing you want is to have to call a spyware or virus removal service in Maryland, Washington, D.C. or Virginia because a hacker has cracked your code and invaded your computer system.

But according to a study released by the University of Cambridge in England, online passwords are so lax that 1 percent of them "can be cracked within 10 guesses." Jason Bonneau, a Gates Scholar at the university, had access to 70 million yahoo accounts for his research. The source reports that password security was "low across the board," even for online bank accounts.

And while younger generations are known for being more technologically savvy, they also proved to be a bit more irresponsible in terms of password security. The study showed that baby boomers in general had much stronger passwords, even though younger generations probably have more online accounts containing personal information.

Bonneau also found that little could be done to increase the security of user-generated passwords. If websites implemented stricter guidelines, then account holders tended to simply switch to the new bare minimum. Also, even after someone's account had been hacked into, requiring virus or spyware removal, that user wasn't any more likely to come up with a better password.

The best way to protect your system from a cyberattack is by doing everything you can to keep your personal accounts secure. But if you think your system has been hacked, a quality computer repair company like Geeks On-site can provide quick and efficient spyware and virus removal in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia.

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The problem with touchscreens: a Windows 8 preview

The new Windows 8 update from Microsoft has been receiving a lot of attention since it was first announced last year. The key feature that sets this operating system apart from previous updates is its touchscreen interface, which is set to drastically change the Windows experience for users across the board.

But this much-lauded innovation still has a few wrinkles to iron out. PCWorld reports that the operating system had a number of technical difficulties at a recent consumer preview. Running on an HP TouchSmart 520 PC all-in-one desktop, the new touchscreen technology was a little too glitchy and unresponsive to elicit many oohs and ahs from preview attendees.

Using the device "could involve several flicks and touches to get the system to respond," the source states, warning that the "balky" responsiveness could push users to opt for the traditional desktop mode and forgo the new interface altogether. But braver users may decide to stick with the new technology, delayed responses and all, so computer and laptop repair companies across the board will have to brace themselves for a mass of touchscreen related questions.

Touchscreens in general can pose a whole new range of issues for users and computer repair companies in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The source reports that Windows 8 should work well on computers running Windows 7, but if your desktop or laptop wasn't built with a touchscreen display in mind, it may not transition quite as smoothly as newer devices. There may be times when your computer simply won't respond to touch, making it impossible to access your files or get any work done.

If you're struggling with a touchscreen device, consult a local Maryland, Washington, D.C. or Virginia computer repair service like Geeks On-site. Our technicians can discuss your technical issues over the phone, and, if necessary, send an expert to your doorstep to fix the problem.

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Microsoft announces new tablet at L.A. press conference

On Monday evening, journalists from across the country clamored to get a look at a shiny new device that may give Apple something to worry about: the Microsoft Surface. Though most tech publications had already predicted what Microsoft's big announcement would be when they found out about the press conference last week, the device was met with great fanfare at Milk Studios in Los Angeles.

Microsoft's chief executive officer, Steve Ballmer, announced that the Microsoft Surface was meant for work and play – appealing to serious gamers as well as individuals who just need a device for everyday use.

This new 10.6 inch tablet is 9.3 mm thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds – plus, it comes with two ultra-thin cover options that also function as keyboards, tackling the ever-frustrating issue of the touch screen right from the start.

Microsoft did not provide an official release date or price for the Surface, but Ballmer did explain that it would be available in two different formats. According to Forbes, Microsoft will first release a Window RT tablet, which comes with 28 or 64 GB of storage and acts as a casual-use mobile device.

A few months later, it will release an Intel-powered device that will have all of the power and capability of a laptop or desktop, plus increased storage. Called the Surface for Windows 8, this tablet was intended as a the perfect stage for Microsoft's new operating system.

But, as exciting as this news is, a new device usually means a whole new range of glitches for computer repair experts to tackle.

Thankfully, the technicians at Geeks On-site are keeping a close eye on the latest computer developments, so they'll be able to offer top-notch Washington, D.C, Maryland and Virginia computer repair services as soon as local residents get their hands on these new devices.

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Microsoft Surface could mean trouble for PC makers

Computer repair  technicians are used to fixing Windows PCs of all shapes and sizes, so many are eager to see what software giant Microsoft capable of when it comes to developing and building the devices themselves. However, many computer manufacturers aren't so happy about the company's new venture into hardware production.

Reuters reports that some of Microsoft's biggest partners in PC production weren't actually informed about the pending release of the new Surface tablet. Instead, they had to find out about the company's first device along with the rest of the world at the press conference on Monday. And, according to the news source, even the companies that did know ahead of time had only been told three days in advance.

But, even without the sting of being kept in the dark about the new tablet, this clear demonstration of Microsoft's shift in strategy was already bound to be unsettling for some of its business partners.

Though many people in the industry weren't comfortable going on the record about this issue, one anonymous source told the media outlet that "this has always been a point of contention between [original equipment manufacturers] and Microsoft – Microsoft getting into the hardware space." 

Although the Surface is clearly intended to compete directly with the Apple iPad, by producing its own devices, Microsoft could also have a negative effect on the profit margins of its long-term business partners whose devices use the Windows operating system.

But, however Microsoft's new strategy affects alters the landscape, everyday consumers just need to know one thing: where to get their computers fixed fast. For quick and effective service, local residents can turn to Geeks On-site for Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland computer repair.

For more information about Computer Repair Maryland, please visit our site www.877geeksonsite.com.

Get ready for the latest Apple upgrade

After all of the hubbub over Apple's new Macbook Pro with Retina-display and Microsoft's new Surface tablet, even the most up-to-date Mac owners may have forgotten that a new operating system is about to hit their App store. Mac OS X Mountain Lion is scheduled for a July release, so now is the perfect time for Apple advocates to make sure their devices are ready for the switch.

According to Topher Kessler from CNET, one of the best ways to prepare your computer for a new operating system is to make sure it's running smoothly with your current software. Even if you haven't noticed any glitches, consider taking your computer to a computer repair specialist for a check up. Getting your desktop or laptop serviced before transitioning to the new OS will mean that a Mac repair specialist will able to identify and fix any existing problems before a new element is added to the mix.

On that note, Kessler also recommends that Apple fans wait for a week or two before downloading the upgrade, just to make sure that there are no inherent problems with the software that could damage your computer.

If something is wrong with the upgrade, you can wait for the company to fix the problem and re-release the OS. You'll also give local Mac repair companies a chance to get familiar with the new operating system, so they'll be in a better position to help you if any technical issues crop up down the line.

A new operating system is a great way to give your computer an invigorating boost, but it could cause problems if installed incorrectly. Luckily, the experts at Geeks On-site have been providing Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Mac repair services for years, so they can offer local residents advice and at-home service if needed.

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Teens surf web on computers, not smartphones, says study

It's no surprise that teenagers now spend an inordinate amount of time on the internet. After all, they've grown up in a world where online access is essential for most things including business, education and general social interaction.

A new study by the cyber security firm McAfee shows that American teenagers are online considerably more than their parents think. While moms and dads estimated that their children spent about two hours online per day, the source reports that they spent closer to five hours on the web.

Not surprisingly, 89.5 percent of the teens surveyed said they use Facebook, with 60 percent reporting that they check their social media accounts on a daily basis and 41 percent saying they check them constantly.

But, despite the many people seemingly glued to their smartphones, the study showed that teens are having trouble with their internet connection, they're more likely to need good old fashioned computer and laptop repair, since they reportedly access the web via these heavier pieces of hardware.

According to the study, 37.35 percent of teenagers use the internet on a laptop, while 29.8 percent of them use desktop computers. Comparatively, out of all of individuals between 13 and 17 who took the online survey on general internet usage, only 13.48 percent went online with a smartphone and just 5 percent did so on a tablet device.

These figures show that, even with the rise of tablets and smartphones, laptops and desktops are still a staple in schools and homes across the country. And, as the primary way that young students access the internet, these devices need to kept in good working order.

Families in need of local computer repair in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. can turn to the experts at Geeks On-site for advice and assistance.

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Apple admits to virus vulnerability

The reign of the Trojan Flashback virus was a humbling moment for a company that, until then, had seemed invincible in the eyes of consumers. Now, a few months after the bulk of attacks, Apple has admitted that, occasionally, its devices may require virus removal.

Hamish Barwick from Computerworld-Australia reports that the technology titan has tweaked its marketing language to reflect that Apple products, while fairly well protected, aren't entirely immune to cyberattacks.

Barwick offers examples of a few key substitutions, such as using the line "Safety. Built in" in place of the bolder "Safeguard your data. By doing nothing." While Apple is apparently still confident in its ability to fend off spyware and viruses, this shift shows that now it will at least allow for the possibility of a system infection.

And, to Barwick, this acknowledgement is a good sign. After all, before Mac repair technicians can tackle a device laden with spyware, they have to be aware of which bots could possibly worm their way onto a Mac or Mobile operating system.

For the moment, the corporation has made a few small strides to increase security, such as issuing a security handbook for its iPhone operating system and enabling the latest upgrade, Mountain Lion, with a security application that restricts what can be downloaded on any Apple device.

Plus, now that the organization is aware of its weaknesses, it may invest in more cybersecurity programs, according to the source. Experts in the field have also reportedly expressed the hope that Apple may reissue security updates for older operating systems, too.

However, Mac users in the area may still find themselves in need of spyware removal. If so, they should call the technicians at Geeks On-site for virus removal in Washington, D.C, as well as Maryland and Virginia.

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Boost your Mac security instantly

Now that Apple has admitted that its devices aren't entirely impervious to virus and spyware infection, the tech company is investing a lot more time and money into its cybersecurity efforts. And, hopefully, after following a few simple steps, local Mac users won't be needing Washington, D.C, Virginia or Maryland virus removal anytime soon.

Since Apple has definitively worked its way into private homes and personal businesses, there is no doubt that hackers will continue to devise ways to crack its Mac operating systems. However, a team of writers at the online tech site Mashable have come up with some very easy ways to protect your Mac from future infection.

According to features writer Stephanie Buck, one easy way to give your device the best possible advantage against cyber attacks is to invest in the latest operating system upgrades available. After the Trojan Flashback virus hit Macs everywhere this year, the company did release security upgrades for past systems. However, the new Mountain Lion OS X coming out next month will include a built in security feature called Gatekeeper, which monitors the applications downloaded on your computer.

Another way to keep your data secure is by only downloading applications that Apple has verified as secure. This may seem like a no-brainer, but with so many apps out there, it's easy to get swept up in the novelty of a new device and download a whole range of things without thinking twice.

Finally, bite the bullet and invest in antivirus software from an industry expert like Norton or McAfee. Even though virus and spyware removal experts are working hard to shield their devices against future assaults, it never hurts to equip your computer with another layer of protection.

However, there are plenty of resources available for emergency Mac repair if your hardware does fall victim to malicious spyware. With Geeks On-site, you can have a qualified virus removal technician on your doorstep within 24 hours if necessary.

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Companies think your computer dictates your budget

These days, corporations are investing considerable resources into online analytics to learn more about their customers. And, while the ability to predict the best products for you based on earlier preferences can be handy in some cases, sometimes your personal data can be used simply to boost profits.

Last week, the Wall Street Journal blew the whistle on one ecommerce company that has been tailoring its results based on computer brands. After determining that, on average, Mac owners spend about 30 percent more on hotels than people with PCs, executives at the travel website Orbitz reportedly adjusted their algorithms so that Apple fans were shown more expensive travel options than individuals who accessed the website from other devices.

According to the news source, since he started at the company in 2009, Barney Hartford, Orbitz's CEO, has been dedicated to using data mining as a means to predict user preferences.

Through research, the company has not only determined that Mac users spend more on their trips, but has even been able to determine which hotels they may prefer. The media outlet notes that nearly 50 percent of Orbitz bookings at one luxury  hotel in Chicago were made from Apple devices.

For now, Orbitz only has definitive information about Mac owners' hotel preferences, but if similar trends crop up in terms of flight fares and car rentals, they may adjust their results accordingly.

Executives from the ecommerce company were quick to point out that these measures were meant to benefit customers, and that anyone could opt out of the whole process by choosing to view their search results by price.

But whether or not Apple users do have more cash to burn, there are certain services, like computer repair, that should remain equally cost-effective for any brand. For local users, Geeks On-site offers reasonably priced Mac repair in Maryland, Washington, D.C and Virginia.

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Google asks companies to stop helping pirates

Even though video streaming websites like Netflix and Hulu provide users with more movies and television shows than they could watch in a lifetime, many people still turn to piracy websites to download music and movies.

In an effort to crack down on these practices, the federal government has passed several laws banning online piracy, and even shut down MegaUpload, one of the biggest suppliers of online content, earlier this year.

Based on a report on piracy websites commissioned by Google, Theo Bertram, who acts as the company's policy manager in the U.K., wrote in a blog post that the best way to stop online piracy was not to shut down specific websites or limit online freedoms by law, but to appeal to their financial backers instead.

Google's report that the majority of U.K. advertisers on piracy websites – 86 percent – had made no legal commitment to any rules of conduct. Also, many of the websites under investigation worked with major credit card companies to receive payment. Bertram suggests, then, that government agencies team up with payment processors and advertisers, as well as the official rights holders, to encourage these companies to turn their backs on their pirating clients.

The study also showed that, in the U.K. at least, piracy rates dropped when online content was easier to buy, like in the music industry. Bertram also noted that subscriptions to online content providers were on the rise, which could mean that fewer people seek out music and movies from sketchy sources.

Downloading any file from an unfamiliar website, whether it's a recently released album or the entire second season of the Wire, is one of the quickest ways to infect your device with a virus. If your computer has been corrupted, you can contact a virus removal expert at Geeks On-site. We can provide effective Washington, D.C, Maryland and Virginia virus removal right away.

For more information about Computer Repair Maryland, please visit our site www.877geeksonsite.com