--- title: Northampton Computer Repair Blog (2) description: Our learning center blog is about you the customer. We believe answering questions and helping to educate the consumer about all things IT is what a business should do (2) --- ## [Northampton Computer Repair](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/) 413-341-3571 12 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060 # Our Blog ## [Can't Connect to the Internet? Here's what to do. Some simple and easy tips to help you get reconnected.](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/cant-connect-to-the-internet-heres-what-to-do.-some-simple-and-easy-tips-to-help-you-get-reconnected) Posted by [Nate Alekna](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/author/nate-alekna) on Mon, Aug 22, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](http://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn1.hubspot.com/StockImages/Laptop%20Work/7K0A9914.jpg) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/cant-connect-to-the-internet-heres-what-to-do.-some-simple-and-easy-tips-to-help-you-get-reconnected) It’s a dark and stormy night. You sit down to binge watch 3 entire seasons of some obscure show no one has ever heard of, but you’re pretty sure it’s even better than “Lightbug”, which got canceled by Wolf News Network after its first season. Dread slowly sets in as the browser comes up with nothing more than an “Oops! We can’t seem to connect to the internet!” You aren’t connected to the internet. And you don’t know why.** *Thunder crashes.*** ****** [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/cant-connect-to-the-internet-heres-what-to-do.-some-simple-and-easy-tips-to-help-you-get-reconnected) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/cant-connect-to-the-internet-heres-what-to-do.-some-simple-and-easy-tips-to-help-you-get-reconnected#comments-listing) Tags: [IT](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/it), [Internet](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/internet), [troubleshooting](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/troubleshooting), [wifi](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/wifi), [drivers](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/drivers) ## [Why has my computer been locked? Is it this ransomware virus I've heard about?](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/why-has-my-computer-been-locked-the-ransomware-threat) Posted by [Timothy Taylor](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/author/timothy-taylor) on Wed, Jul 20, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hubfs/27154419376_8bda89fac1_b.jpg) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/why-has-my-computer-been-locked-the-ransomware-threat) **Why has my computer been locked?**    You’re working on your computer and an oddly worded message pops up with the words “Your computer has been locked”! After having a short panic attack you’re scared to read on but more importantly you don’t know what you should do next. [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/why-has-my-computer-been-locked-the-ransomware-threat) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/why-has-my-computer-been-locked-the-ransomware-threat#comments-listing) Tags: [Backing Up](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/backing-up), [Malware Prevention](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/malware-prevention), [Data Backup](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/data-backup), [ransomware](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/ransomware) ## [How to download an older version of an app when it requires a newer iOS than you are using - QUICK FIX](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-to-download-an-older-version-of-an-app-when-current-version-requires-a-higher-version-of-ios-than-you-are-using-quick-fix) Posted by [Chris Allard](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/author/chris-allard) on Thu, Jun 02, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hubfs/App-store-icon.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-to-download-an-older-version-of-an-app-when-current-version-requires-a-higher-version-of-ios-than-you-are-using-quick-fix) --- If you have an older generation iPhone (4/4s/5/5c/5s) or iPad (1st/2nd/3rd generation) that has an older version of iOS than the most current one, you may run into a problem trying to install apps made for higher version of iOS. You will get an error saying "This app requires iOS version 8.xx or later" or something similar. Don't give up until you've tried this quick and easy workaround. [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-to-download-an-older-version-of-an-app-when-current-version-requires-a-higher-version-of-ios-than-you-are-using-quick-fix) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-to-download-an-older-version-of-an-app-when-current-version-requires-a-higher-version-of-ios-than-you-are-using-quick-fix#comments-listing) Tags: [iOS](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/ios), [apple](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/apple) ## [How long does a computer’s hard drive last?](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-long-does-a-computers-hard-drive-last) Posted by [Timothy Taylor](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/author/timothy-taylor) on Wed, Apr 13, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hubfs/newspaper-rehash-cropped.jpg) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-long-does-a-computers-hard-drive-last) Anyone that has experienced catastrophic Hard Drive (HDD) failure might understand the uncomfortable feeling of not being able to use their computer, and not knowing whether or not their data is safe. Seemingly happening at the worst of times, HDD failure often leaves people caught off guard (with no back up), wondering “Well, how long was it supposed to last?”. ** ** [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-long-does-a-computers-hard-drive-last) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-long-does-a-computers-hard-drive-last#comments-listing) Tags: [external hard drives](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/external-hard-drives), [Hard drives](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/hard-drives), [PC Hardware](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/pc-hardware), [Hard Drive Recovery](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/hard-drive-recovery), [Data Backup](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/data-backup), [ELI5](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/eli5) ## [How can I speed up my computer using registry and disk defrag software?](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-can-i-speed-up-my-computer-using-registry-and-disk-defrag-software) Posted by [Timothy Wenz](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/author/timothy-wenz) on Wed, May 27, 2015 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hubfs/Image/Screenshot_2015-05-27_11.17.20.jpg) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-can-i-speed-up-my-computer-using-registry-and-disk-defrag-software) ## How can I speed up my computer using registry and disk defrag software? Everyday use of your computer will eventually make your computer slower. If you have tried adding more memory, removing unused software, [clearing browser cache](http://www.bnl.gov/itd/webapps/browsercache.asp), and other speed enhancement tricks it might be time to work on defragmenting (defrag) your system. If you have ever asked the question "How can I speed up my computer?" this is a way to squeeze more speed out and gain some more storage space. [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-can-i-speed-up-my-computer-using-registry-and-disk-defrag-software) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/how-can-i-speed-up-my-computer-using-registry-and-disk-defrag-software#comments-listing) Tags: [Defragmenting](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/defragmenting), [PC tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/pc-tips), [productivity](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/productivity), [Windows](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/windows), [Registry](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/registry) ## [Network Security: How can I keep my printers from being hacked?](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/network-security-how-to-keep-my-printers-from-being-hacked) Posted by [Chris Allard](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/author/chris-allard) on Mon, Mar 16, 2015 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/hub/166626/file-2623147724-jpg/images/_hp_printer_prank_lcd_display_change.jpg) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/network-security-how-to-keep-my-printers-from-being-hacked) ### **Why would a hacker want my printer?** Networked printer security is often an overlooked security vulnerability area and being overlooked is what a hacker with malicious intent (we'll call them ["black hats](http://www.howtogeek.com/157460/hacker-hat-colors-explained-black-hats-white-hats-and-gray-hats/)" here) looks for when wanting to penetrate a network or subnet. [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/network-security-how-to-keep-my-printers-from-being-hacked) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/network-security-how-to-keep-my-printers-from-being-hacked#comments-listing) Tags: [Hacking](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/hacking), [wireless security](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/wireless-security), [Hackers](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/hackers), [Security](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/security) ## [Pros & Cons of Free Vs Paid Antivirus Software](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/pros-cons-of-free-vs-paid-antivirus-software) Posted by [Chris Allard](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/author/chris-allard) on Mon, Mar 16, 2015 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/hub/166626/file-2621619383-png/images/www-safety-road-sign-579551_1280.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/pros-cons-of-free-vs-paid-antivirus-software) The complicated, and sometimes dangerous world of the internet means that is makes very good sense for you to invest in some type of virus protection software. There are many companies offering a myriad of solutions that will help you keep your PC or laptop free of dangerous viruses, that are so prevalent on the internet. Some are free and some paid for; so it is important to consider the values of both. [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/pros-cons-of-free-vs-paid-antivirus-software) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/pros-cons-of-free-vs-paid-antivirus-software#comments-listing) Tags: [Antivirus](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/antivirus), [Malware Prevention](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/malware-prevention), [antivirus software](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/antivirus-software) ## [The 3 Most Important Factors when Choosing the Best Antivirus](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/the-3-most-important-factors-when-choosing-the-best-antivirus) Posted by [Chris Allard](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/author/chris-allard) on Thu, Jan 22, 2015 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/file-2351137973-png/images/Which-antivirus.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/the-3-most-important-factors-when-choosing-the-best-antivirus) Choosing which anti-virus protection is best for you isn't always that easy. There are a lot of options out there, with varying price tags. What makes one anti-virus program better than another? There are usually 3 important factors that you should judge them by. [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/the-3-most-important-factors-when-choosing-the-best-antivirus) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/the-3-most-important-factors-when-choosing-the-best-antivirus#comments-listing) Tags: [Viruses](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/viruses), [Hackers](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/hackers), [Antivirus](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/antivirus), [Protection](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/protection), [Virus](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/virus), [internet security](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/internet-security), [kaspersky lab](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/kaspersky-lab) ## [Computer Repair And Malware Prevention With Online Tech Support](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/computer-repair-and-malware-prevention-with-online-tech-support) Posted by [Henry Dallow](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/author/henry-dallow) on Fri, Oct 17, 2014 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hubfs/help-153094_1280.jpg)                                                                                             What To Expect When Expecting (Remote Customer Support) We should all be so lucky to be able to have some type of remote tech support for our PCs. Luckily there's OnBoard Support. This is a great IT solution handled by computer experts who pride themselves in the level of professionalism in computer repair and privacy policy implementation. Let me tell you what [OnBoard Support](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/computer-repair-and-malware-prevention-with-online-tech-support) can do: [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/computer-repair-and-malware-prevention-with-online-tech-support) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/computer-repair-and-malware-prevention-with-online-tech-support#comments-listing) Tags: [How to Speed up a Computer](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/how-to-speed-up-a-computer), [Computer Repair](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/computer-repair), [Malware Prevention](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/malware-prevention), [Online Support](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/online-support), [Remote Support](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/remote-support) ## [The Cloud, Security and Your Business ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/the-cloud-security-and-your-businesses) Posted by [Henry Dallow](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/author/henry-dallow) on Fri, Sep 26, 2014 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) --- **![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hubfs/security-574079_1920.jpg)THE CLOUD:** By now most of us have a basic understanding of what the cloud is or at least  the core concept. Recently cloud computing has come under fire for its vulnerability to hacks. The technology is sound and lives up to its functionality, that is not the issue. [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/the-cloud-security-and-your-businesses) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/the-cloud-security-and-your-businesses#comments-listing) Tags: [cloud](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/cloud), [Security](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/security), [online storage](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/online-storage), [byod](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/byod), [cloud management](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/topic/cloud-management) [Previous](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/page/1) [All posts](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/all) [Next](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/noho-pcs-blog/page/3) Search for More Posts Find it! ### Subscribe to Email Updates *Disclosure: We may include links in our articles for products and services we recommend, in very few cases we may receive an affiliate referral fee if you purchase or subscribe via our link* ## Our Most Popular Posts | **Kaspersky Lab's Award-Winning Software** **_____________________________________** **Data Security Has Never Been So Easy** **[![How Much Is Your Data Worth to You? Read This Free Guide!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/166626/399657de-c3b0-4cab-8600-0dad89aa0cc0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/166626/399657de-c3b0-4cab-8600-0dad89aa0cc0) ** | ![Kaspersky-boxes-CTA-img](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/hub/166626/file-2268380118.png) | | --- | --- | © 2016 Northampton Computer Repair