Support Services

Here at HCS we offer support services to both home and business users. Based in Barnhill Broughty Ferry, just outside Dundee, we are within easy reach of many homes and companies.

No Job too big or too small we support them all.

Call us to see how HCS can help prevent costly repairs.

HCS Top Tips

  • 7 tips to keep your computer running well
  • Keep your kids safe online
  • What to do if my computer gets a virus
  • Strange icons on desktop Malware?
  • Is this email safe to open?
  • Cyber Bullying
  • Social Media

We still operate in a Covid safe manner, ensuring we utilise hand sanitiser, mask and gloved working and Covid safe drop offs.

We understand the annoyance in dismantling your system and dropping it off to a shop. So we can come to you.

Computer not booting? Don’t throw it away, give us a call. We specialise in system and data recovery. 

When we visit you, we will always come with our staff ID visible, We want you to know who we are and for you to feel safe and comfortable.

To get the best outcome we always work with you. We also have a selection of partners we collaborate with to provide extra services

Here are 7 Ways to Help Prevent Computer Issues from Impacting Your Work:
1. Get Training – Perhaps, your computer-related issue is due to a lack of knowledge. Even for us techs every day is a school day. Never be scared to ask for help. 
Remember we are only a call away.  
 
2. Fix Issues Before They Become a Problem – Big problems usually start small. That warning message your laptop keeps giving you? (And you keep cancelling…) Address it before a catastrophic loss. Don’t wait until you lose all your files before contacting a computer support company.
 
3. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute – Waiting until the last-minute is always a recipe for disaster. Doubly so when technology is involved. Want to know when the printer isn’t going to work? Try 10 minutes before you are trying to print something urgent.
 
4. Replace Broken or Worn Down Equipment – “Don’t fix it if it’s not broken” is a good slogan. However, when it comes to computers you run the risk losing data or worse if you wait until it’s broken. Replace older computer equipment before it fails.
Contact HCS and allow us to visit you and carry out a  FFP (Fit For Purpose). Sometimes all it needs is a general service like a car.
 
5. Back It Up – What happens when you do have a computer failure? You have your important data backed up, right? A good backup plan can make all the difference when you end up with a serious computer failure.
We can’t emphasise this enough . Keeping a copy on a USB drive is OK, but not ideal, as these drives can fail.
Contact HCS and allow us to offer advice on backups.

6. Seek an Expert – Sometimes you need an expert. A computer issue that takes you hours to fix, might take an expert only minutes. Keep your productivity on track and reduce the temptation to throw your computer out the window.
Remember we are only a call away. 
 
7. Get Rid of Poorly Designed Tech – Don’t put up with technology items that hinder more than they help.  Get rid of these. They are time wasters. Return them or if it is too late, admit that you made a bad buy and seek a better solution.
Before rushing out to buy an expensive computer give us a call and we can assist with your choice. 

Kids Safety Online

Danger stranger use to be someone you could see, Sadly not so easy now. Thanks to the internet and social media.
 
We all want our kids to use the internet and keep in contact with their friends, HCS can help advise you to ensure they remain safe and you have ways to monitor and know how to report indecent activities.
 
Always monitor their activities but be open about it. Never go behind their backs as this will lead to them been sneaky with what they do. Explain the dangers.
 
We can advise you on a range of free and paid software that will monitor your kids online and keep them safe.
 
Always “Stop — Think — Connect”

Suspect your computer has a virus?

Important!
Don’t be tricked by a webpage popup informing your computer has a virus and you need to call this number …………
This is malware and a trick, so someone can connect to your PC and cause all types of problems.
Only carry out the following steps if you have some computer experience.
 
If you are in any doubt its best to turn off the computer and call a local computer repair shop
In the steps below, we’ll outline how to create a recovery tool that you can use to boot up your computer when it’s refusing to play nicely. You will need access to a second machine and either a blank CD or DVD or a USB drive.
1. Download the Norton Bootable Recovery Tool
2. If you’re using a blank disc, insert it into the drive now. Browse to the Norton Bootable Recovery Tool file, right-click NBRT.iso and choose ‘Burn disc image’. In the Windows Image Burner select the disc drive and click Burn
3. If you’re using a USB drive you should download and install the Rufus tool. Insert a USB drive (which will be wiped in the process). Under Format Options select ‘ISO Image’ from the drop-down menu next to ‘Create a bootable disk using’. Click the disc drive icon, navigate to the Norton Boot Recovery Tool file and select NBRT.iso. Click Start, then Ok
4. Insert your recovery disc/drive in the infected PC
5. Restart or boot up the machine, but rather than letting it start up normally you want to enter the Bios menu. A key on your machine – often F2, though it will be displayed onscreen during start-up – will allow you to do so
6. Navigate the Bios to find Boot options, then select the disc or USB drive
7. Save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your machine will now boot up from the specified drive
8. If a boot menu appears on the ‘Welcome to NBRT page’ select Boot, then follow the prompts to begin a scan
9. Once complete you’ll be presented with any found threats and recommended next steps. Be sure to ‘fix’ only genuine threats because your actions cannot be undone
10. Once you’re happy with your selections click Fix, and OK when prompted for confirmation
11. Click Reboot when the process has finished
How to stop your Windows computer getting another virus
 
The best way to keep your computer safe on the internet is to ensure that your antivirus
 is up to date. Windows 10 has a built-in firewall, and an effective antivirus in the form of Windows Defender. Extra protection is always a good idea though, and the easiest way to get it is to purchase some security software.
However, take care not to open email attachments unless you are certain about what they contain and who they are from, and to download software only from trusted sources. When you are browsing the web double-check the URL to ensure the site you think you’re browsing is the real deal and not a fake looking to steal your login details or trick you into downloading malware.

Malware

10 easy steps to clean your infected computer
You log onto your computer and it takes forever to boot. When it finally does, a few unfamiliar applications litter your desktop, and your browser immediately sends you to an ad for hair loss products, or worse.
 
Sounds like your PC has a problem with malware.
 
So what should you do? Before you flip out, try these simple steps to clean up your infected computer.
 
1. Computer acting suspect? Do a little digging and check for symptoms.
Look for issues characteristic of a malware infection:
Does your web browser freeze or become unresponsive?
Do you get redirected to web pages other than the ones you are trying to visit?
Are you bombarded with pop-up messages?
Does your computer run slower than usual?
Do you see new icons on your desktop that you don’t recognise?
Are your fans spinning suspiciously louder or harder than usual?
Unfortunately, even if you see nothing wrong with your computer, there may be trouble brewing under the surface, sneaking around and screwing with your files undetected. So it’s a safe bet to move on to Step 2 even if you can’t find a symptom.
 
2. Use protection: Enter safe mode.
Remove CDs and DVDs, and unplug USB drives from your computer. Then shut down.
When you restart, press the F8 key repeatedly. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter. Only the bare minimum programs and services are used in this mode. If any malware is programmed to automatically load when Windows starts, entering safe mode may block the attempt.
 
3. Backup your files.
This includes documents, photos, and videos. 
Do not back up program files, as those are where infections like to hide. You can always download these programs again if files are lost.
 
4. Download an on-demand malware scanner such as Malwarebytes.   https://www.malwarebytes.com/products/
If you had no trouble connecting to the Internet before you suspected the infection, you can leave Safe Mode after having backed up your files and return to using your “normal” system.
If your Internet was jammed up by a suspected infection, try using a friend’s computer to download your scanner and move it to your machine using a USB drive.
Follow set-up instructions and install the program.
 
5. Run the scan.
If you truly believe you are infected, do not pass go, do not collect $100. Just go directly to the scan. If you do have an infection, your on-demand scanner should let you know that you in danger, girl. A list of scan results tells you what malware was found and removed.
Some cyber-security software also flags potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and puts them in the corner with Baby. If you’d like to keep a program your malware scanner deems is suspect, you can add it to an exclusions list and go about your day.
 
6. Restart your computer.
After all, everyone deserves a second chance, so does your computer.
 
7. Confirm the results of your anti-malware scan by running a full scan with another malware detection program.
You can try a program such as AdwCleaner, which targets PUPs and adware (those obnoxious pop-ups littering your browser).
Restart again if the program found additional infections.
 
8. Update your operating system, browser, and applications.
If there’s an update available on any of your software, go ahead and do it. Some of the most dangerous forms of malware are delivered by exploits that take advantage of out-of-date software.
 
9. Reset all of your passwords.
Before being deleted, malware could have captured your passwords and forwarded them to criminals. Change each and every password you can think of, and make sure they’re strong. None of this 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 passwords. 
 
10. If, after all of these steps, you’re still having problems with a possible infection, Then call us out and we can assess the issue.
 
You may not be able to carry out the above steps , and that’s OK , That’s where we at Home Computers Support are more than happy to assist.

How safe is this email?

Nowadays there is various ways an attacker can get files onto your computer and email is one way. Here are some ways to protect you and your computer:

HCS says

  • NEVER run an attached program without knowing exactly what it is.
  • Always stop and check before replying to emails.
  • Any email from your bank is very likely a scam and you should report it.
  • Be careful with links in the email asking you to go there and log in.
If you have opened an email and your computer starts to behave strange then you may have a virus or malware . Power off your computer and seek advice.
 
Always edge on the side of caution.

Cyber Bullying

Did you know that 43% of kids have been victim to cyber-bullying, but 58% of them have not told their parents?
Cyber-bullying is one of the most common online dangers, and kids and teens are particularly susceptible because they tend to take their tormentor’s words to heart and resist confiding in their own parents. And with these statistics in mind, it’s an especially important part of parenting to recognise the signs of cyber-bullying.
 
These ten signs could signal that your child has fallen victim to a cyberbully.
 
  • Appears nervous when receiving a text, instant message, or email
  • Seems uneasy about going to school or pretends to be ill
  • Unwillingness to share information about online activity
  • Unexplained anger or depression, especially after going online
  • Abruptly shutting off or walking away from the computer mid-use
  • Withdrawing from friends and family in real life
  • Unexplained stomach aches or headaches
  • Trouble sleeping at night
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
As my child grew up, it’s crucial to keep my eyes peeled for these warning signs that something is going wrong in their world.
If you notice some of these signs creeping into your child’s behaviour, it’s time to talk about what’s going on. Being the victim of cyber-bullying is miserable, so don’t minimize the problem or ignore it. This is the time for your child to know that you are on their side, no matter what.
 
They are lots of good sites where you as the parent or guardian can get advice and assistance.
 
HCS are more than happy to point you in the direction for support.

Social media and kids

 
We think that a social network, whether Facebook or any other, is not a safe place for kids to be. However, we do acknowledge that kids need to communicate online, and in an increasing number of cases, parents just put up with their kids chatting over social networks: unfortunately, no one ever succeeded in creating a truly convenient and popular all-kids social network.
 
Therefore we need to remind parents of all dangers awaiting kids in the social network environment and provide tips, which would help to ensure your child is as protected as possible. Social networks are the most dangerous part of the virtual world, full of all kinds of threats ever seen on the Internet.
Reputation damage, cyberbullying
These three issues are presented under a single ‘umbrella’: all of them are, in essence, ‘social’ threats, with risk levels to a high degree correlating to the kid’s online behaviour. First, let’s see what those dangers are.
 
Cyberbullying.

This term made a lot of headlines; Cyberbullying is especially dangerous, due to the fact parents are not always informed about their child being cyberbullied. As in most cases, bullies get away with their actions, cyberbullying as a social phenomenon continues to propagate. See our link to information on cyberbullying.

Reputation damage is not so obvious, if compared to the rest of dangers we discussed above. Hardly all parents and children fully acknowledge risks of the damaged reputation: it might reverberate through many years and resurface later, when children become adults. It might have a serious impact on both work and personal life in the future.
There are means of reducing those risks: one should follow these simple recommendations:
 
• Explain to your kid they should not befriend anyone they don’t know personally.
• Apply adequate privacy settings, so your child’s posts are visible only to him and his friends.
• Be in a direct and sincere relationship with your child, ensuring they come to you with any problems and report all bullying incidents.
• Keep your home address and phone in secret: this is not the kind of information you should keep on your child’s page.
• Make your kid understand one should not publish incriminating information online, such as explicit photos, confessions, photo and video reports from parties, etc. This information should be private, even if your child considers it appropriate for all of his or her online ‘friends’.
• Create your own account on the social network, ‘befriend’ your child and consider hiding your friend list: children below certain age are not found through the search, yet are perfectly ‘searchable’ through their parents’ or teachers’ friend lists.
Fraud, phishing, malware
 
One of the most serious online dangers is fraud. Under ‘fraud’ we mean any activities designed to lure your child into performing undesirable actions: clicking on a malicious URL or submitting user credentials of financial data.
This is a vital issue not only for kids but for adults as well; however, kids are easily tempted and are not always able to tell lies from truth, which makes them an easy target.
 
How is fraud performed on a social network? Usually, the cybercriminals use direct messages or posts containing a malicious or phishing link. Even with correct privacy settings, your child is not 100% safe from online threats: if one of his or her friends has account hijacked, such rogue messages can come from a trusted source.
Now, social networks are battling this issue, applying additional security measures to protect user credentials and trying to react really fast if they spot a malicious or phishing campaign. However, the efficiency of these measures is not high enough, so let us remind you basic rules of using social networks and Internet as a whole:
 
• Never, under no circumstances, tell anyone your login credentials, passwords, credit card data and other personal information that might be used to access your online profiles and bank accounts. Even the service administration would never ask you for this.
• Install antivirus on all connected devices and update it regularly.
• Use all security recommendations provided by the social network: for example, add your mobile number to be able to restore password.
• Explain to your kid that she or he should not click on external links. Every time a user tries to follow the external URL, a notification would appear, suggesting external links could be malicious. Your kid should follow this advise and return to the ‘safe harbour’.
• Before typing your login and password, make sure you are on a legitimate web page (check address in the address bar very carefully).
 
Inappropriate content
Social networks are full of content that might be inappropriate for your child. This is a serious issue, as almost all the content on the social networks is user-generated and is mostly not moderated. As a result, your child might come across porn, violence, and information on guns or drugs.
Just as a simple experiment, try to type ‘sex’ in the Facebook search bar. The top result would be a group full of porn videos. Finding websites devoted to marihuana or containing graphic violence and acts of cruelty is also a piece of cake.
 
In order to make sure your kid does not stumble across such content, follow our recommendations:
 
• First of all, talk more to your child and tell him, in a frank and sincere manner, that there’s content which is not meant for his eyes and ears.
• As a rule, try to monitor your kid’s activity online and have open conversations whenever you find inappropriate websites or communities. Don’t do it secretly, discuss the terms of your involvement beforehand.
• Install and use parental control software which would block inappropriate pages on social networks.
 
Browser games
 
Social networks were initially meant for adults and thus their creators seek ways to monetize them. If you are a parent of a child who is very active online, you are not really happy about such tricks. First, social networks are monetized via social games which are abundant in any of them. In-app purchases is a bread and butter for developers and the majority of games are designed to make people spend real money.
Second, social networks are filled with ads promoting everything, from shoes to MMORPG. Who knows what your child would like to spend money on?
 
To prevent your child from doing spontaneous purchases, just stick to these rules:
 
• Educate your child. She / he needs to understand money is not made easily, and it’s wrong to waste it on digital pics.
• Don’t give your child access to your credit card data and don’t leave it lying around.
 
Here at HCS we can point you towards a host of sites and software that can assist in protection your children.