Critical Point Technologies...
Frequently Asked Questions....
What is spyware?
Spyware is a software program that secretly collects user's information via an Internet connection. Spyware was designed to gather this information for advertising and marketing purposes. Spyware programs are usually embedded in a hidden file in programs that can be downloaded from the Internet or even from off the shelf programs that you bought at a store. Spyware watches your activity on the Internet then sends that information without your knowledge to someone else. This may include credit card information, e-mail addresses, and even passwords.
What are viruses, worms and trojan horses?
A virus is a program (or fragmented code) that attaches itself to a file (or to a program) so it can spread malicious software, designed to destroy your system, to multiple computers leaving infections everywhere. These viruses can cause mild damage to serious damage to your system. Mild damage might be it disables a program on your computer. Serious damage can be that it physcially damages your system's hardware components, such as, your hard drive. Yes, this has happened before.
A worm, like a virus, attaches itself to a file and replicates itself on your system. It does this so when you connect to another computer or to the Internet you allow that worm to send out hundreds or even thousands of copies of itself. A classic example of this, that everyone uses, and I will use it here...is when a worm grabs your email address book and sends itself out to everyone in that list. Then it gets to your friends email address book and does the same thing over and over and over.
A trojan horse, is masked to be a useful program, for example, an antivirus program that promises to rid your computer of all viruses. However, after you download it you realize it actually added more viruses to your system causing your system to be worse off. Some of the problems trojans can cause ranges from playing around with your desktop icons to using to your computer to launch Denial of Service attacks. Trojans do not self replicate.
Does Critical Point Technologies Systems come with protection?
Yes, all are systems come with anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall protection software programs. These are real programs and not promotional software that will end in shortly. A lot of other computer companies will offer you cheaper computers and advertise free "stuff" but 99% of the time that free "stuff" is limited time software that will end usually in 30 to 90 days. Then after the promotion period ends, and you have to buy the software that you need, you end up spending hundreds of dollars more which makes that cheaper computer become way more expensive than ours. It's sad but true.
Do I need a router?
Yes. If you are using DSL, Cable Modem, or any other high speed Internet connection you will want to purchase a router. A router is used for connecting many computers together and being able to share your Internet connection, as well. Routers come with built in security, as well.
Is downloading music online for free illegal?
Yes, however, some companies will offer you to use their program in order to listen to the music instead of paying for the music download. Be careful though, most companies are not legitmate and if you caught with illegal downloaded music on your computer YOU will be responsible for it and not that company who told you it would be okay. Please FIRST read the terms and conditions for any program that you download from the Internet, especially the programs that allow you to download free music.
If someone downloads illegal music on my computer, without my knowledge, can I still be held legally responsible?
Yes. Even if your child "accidently" downloads illegal music YOU will be legally responsible for that crime. The best way to prevent this is to monitor what goes on your computer.
I've notice you are offering Linux Operating Systems with your computers. Could I possibly get a Microsoft Windows Operating System if I purchase a computer from you?
Yes, absolutely. Please let us know which Windows Operating System that you would like.
Why does your systems come with Linux Operating Systems?
The reason we chose to go with Linux is a very simple one. We wanted our customers to enjoy an Operating System that comes with better security, more programs, and better cost savings than compared to other Operating Systems out there. With Linux, you get Open Office which comes with a word processor, spreadsheet program, a database program, and a presentation program. Open Office is pre-loaded with the Linux Operating Systems that we offer. If you wanted a full office suite with your Microsoft Windows Operating System, usually, you would be offered by other companies to purchase Microsoft Office Suite. This is an additional cost to you.
What type of technical support do you offer?
We offer phone, email, on-site, and remote access support.