Tanarus Computer Solutions

09/25/2026

There's been a recent uptick in scammer emails lately. A friend might send you a link to a private lunch party, or a special invitation. A business might send a link to some Docusign documents they need you to review. You click on the link, and you're informed that you need to download something to view the invitation... but what you're actually downloading allows a scammer to gain access to your computer.

Once the scammer has access to your computer, they'll have access to anything you might normally do with your computer -- online banking, online shopping accounts, accessing your important documents. Typically, they'll use their access to your email and send an invite, from you, to all your contacts -- this is how they continue to spread.

Even if you're expecting an invitation or a document, have a look at the email itself. Move your mouse over any links, and check to see if there's anything weird about the address they're taking you to. A DocuSign email taking you to docusign.net? Probably legitimate. A DocuSign email taking you to a TinyURL or bbbomsghivy.nl? Probably not legitimate. A website telling you that you need to install special software before you can access it? Definitely not legitimate.

If there's ever any doubt as to an email's legitimacy, reach out to the person that sent it to you -- in person, by phone, or by another email address. (Emailing someone while their emails are being controlled by a scammer probably won't do much good.)

At the same time, if people are reaching out to you about a weird email they received from you, chances are good that something has happened to your email account. Immediately change your email password, and closely monitor your computer. If you notice your mouse moving around on its own, especially over a fake 'Windows is updating' screen -- this usually means an attacker is accessing your computer and preventing you from seeing what they're doing. If you see this happen, shut down the computer and get assistance immediately. An attacker can't control a computer that's been turned off.

It's unfortunate that we have to deal with people who prey on computer users like this. Remember to stay safe out there!

09/20/2026

Today is a bit of a milestone for me.
Back when I started at Future Shop, I needed to earn my A+ Certification -- something that proves I know a thing or two about computer repair. It took a month or so of study and practice tests, but when the day came, I passed the exam and earned that certification. That was the day my professional computer repair career finally started.

That day was September 20, 2006. I've been repairing computers professionally now for twenty years.

It's been a heck of a ride! There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for your trust -- trusting me to come to your home or business, trusting me with your equipment and the data on it, trusting that I can turn things around and fix those ugly issues that arise. Thank you again for helping to make this possible and letting me do what I love to do for a living. Here's to another twenty years!

08/06/2026

"What should I do with old electronics once I'm done with them?"

Maybe you've got a computer tower sitting in the back of a dark closet that's just collecting dust. Maybe your microwave blew, and you've just replaced it. Maybe you've got an ancient fax machine -- the kind that a samurai could have used to get in touch with Abraham Lincoln. (For real -- look it up!)

Don't toss those old electronics into the landfill. Instead, Youth for Christ Orangeville provides a convenient drop-off point for all of that old, outdated equipment. The drop-off point (located at 9 Centre Street, behind 7-11) is always open, and it's very easy to leave your unwanted equipment for recycling and processing. (If you have any computers you want to get rid of, make sure you remove any stored data from them first!)

Keep your old stuff out of landfill, let the materials be recycled, and help the youth center make some moolah? That's a win-win-win in my book.

You can read more about their e-waste program at https://yfch.ca/ewaste .

07/20/2026

As seen on a computer I set up years ago. You've really gotta hand it to Apple and their dedication to precision.

06/15/2026

Guess who's got two thumbs and made an appearance in the local paper? This guy. (Picture me pointing my thumbs at myself for the full experience.)

I'm proud to support Headwaters Health Care Foundation and give a little back to the community.

05/12/2026

Here's another informative video that answers some commonly asked questions about cybersecurity and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from bad actors on the internet.

Cybersecurity researcher Allison Nixon joins WIRED to answer the internet’s burning questions about online safety. Does it really matter if you don’t change ...

03/24/2026

RAMageddon is upon us.

No, it's not quite the end of the world. PC parts aren't falling from the sky (though that would be quite nice). As the AI boom continues to progress, data centers have been buying up all the memory and storage, making it much harder for the consumer to purchase computer upgrades and components at a reasonable price. The cost of computer storage and memory has easily tripled over the past six months, and stock shortages have become increasingly common. As the cost of new components soar, more people have been turning to used and refurbished equipment, making that similarly more expensive and harder to find. Some places are speculating that this trend will continue through 2026 and well into 2027. Oh boy.

I currently have a small selection of refurbished HP laptops and Dell micro towers available, and I'm always keeping an eye out to fulfill some of the more specialty requests I have on a waiting list. If you have any questions about computer upgrades or replacements, don't hesitate to reach out!

12/15/2025

Well, it's definitely been a year. Windows 10 mainstream support has ended, so everyone's been busy upgrading their systems and updating their software. I've been doing more networking work, more rural work, more security reviews, more consultations and more sourcing of new and used machines...

I need a break.

Once again, I'll be taking the time between Christmas Day and New Years off to rest and relax, to decompress and prepare myself for the challenges to come in 2026. I'll be sure to record any messages I receive during that time, and I will respond to them at the start of the new year.

As always, thank you. Your support, your continued patronage, and your word-of-mouth all enable me to continue to serve the community and keep on doing what I do best. I really am grateful to have earned your trust and support.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to working with you in 2026!