Mac FlashBack Trojan

There is a Mac Trojan that is spreading via a known security vulnerability in Java within Mac OS X. Apple has patched the vulnerability but that does not mean you may not be infected.

This particular variant is Trojan-Downloader:OSX/Flashback.I according to F-Secure.

According to F-Secure – Trojan-Downloader:OSX/Flashback.I connects to a remote site to download its payload; on successful infection, the malware modifies targeted webpages displayed in the web browser.

In other words, it is a browser high-jacker.

Macs are commonly known to not have major issues with virus and malware infections  due to several factors which I will not get into right now – but regardless of what you think about Macs this is a serious issue as there have been many reports of this infection in the wild.

Unlike many other malware threats in the past this does not require the user to enter a password.

 How can I check to see if I am infected?
Thanks to John Welch, @bynki on Twitter, we have a quick little AppleScript that will check the two possibly infected files to see if you are infected. If you want to take a peek at the code in the script, feel free to do so.

Note: We have edited the original script to be a little more friendly.

Download FindFlashback

If infection is found
If the script detects an infection you can follow the instructions from F-Secure, but if you are not comfortable using Terminal commands, please do not try and give us a call.

If no infection is found
Run Software Update. Seriously, do NOT skip this step.

If you have any questions give us a call and we would be glad to help.

Voted Best Computer Repair in Greenville, NC

We are happy to announce that we were voted, by you, the Best Computer Repair in Greenville in the 2011 Best of Times Reader Survey   held by the Greenville Times.

This means a lot to us, as we work hard to make sure we make every customer happy with our work. We take pride in every repair we complete and hope it makes each and every customer happy.

Thanks for your continual support and we look forward to serving you for many years to come.

-Ashton, Brad and Gray.

Something new… iPads

The next time you stop in our store you may notice something different. It is not the new Care Counter, although that is awesome within itself, it is the use of iPads by all our staff.

One of our core values is to make the repair process with us simple, personal and enriching to each customer. It is about the total experience, not just us fixing your issue and getting you out the door. We want to make sure you understand the issue and provide some helpful tips to possibly avoid the issue in the future.

So why are the iPads important?

During check in we use the iPad to come to you, instead of you walking to a counter and someone entering in your data into “the system”. Once we enter in the information and walk you through the steps we are going to take, you can review your info and sign the agreement directly on the iPad screen.

Since each technician has an iPad, documentation is literally at each technicians finger tips. If you call, email, stop by or look up your repair staus online – we have the answer right there in our hands.

We are here to help. This is just one more tool to make that experience better.

So next time you stop by ask us about our iPads and if you are interested in using iPads in your business, let us know. We can help with setup and training.

If you are interested in buying an iPad (or two) we highly suggest contacting Appogee at 1-877-277-6433 as they are a local Apple Reseller.

New Live Updating Average Repair Time

We always strive to be open and honest about every aspect of our repair process, from explaining our process at every check in to answering any question along the way.

Our first step in this process was allowing our customers to check the repair status online. Not only are customers able to view the current status but actually see each action as it is being documenting in our system. This feature has been a huge hit and today we are pushing the envelope even further.

We are now showing a live updating number of our average repair time. This is a live average of our repair turn-around time directly from our repair tracking system. This number includes weekends, holidays and time waiting for ordered parts.

You can view this at the bottom of every page. We are working to move it to a more prominent position on our site but have yet to determine a good placement. Any suggestions or questions let us know.

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Today the technology industry has lost a true visionary. Steve Jobs passed away at the age of 56.

Steve Jobs along with Steve Wozniak started Apple Computer in Steve’s parents garage in 1976. In 1984 Apple changed the way we think about personal computers with the introduction of the graphical user interface and mouse. They reinvented the phone with the introduction of the iPhone and created an entirely new market with the iPad.

The personal computer industry has been forever changed by Steve’s work at Apple.

Steve Jobs was a visionary who saw things differently.

From all of us here at University PC Care, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Jobs’ family, friends and his co-workers at Apple. Steve, you will be missed.