,€-IATRITMK 1 3 R o Summer Day Camps 2015 SCHOOLS Somethi Brookside Tots Day Camp for Boys & Girls 22 Zebras On The Case 8 ]. 41 1116..\ ages 3 — 4 Brookside Day Camp for Boys & Girls F21 .01 business & professional Jeff Abrams works remotely to make your computer run faster. .1181± - ages 5 — 6 Allan Nahajewski Contributing Writer Cranbrook Day Camp for Boys ages 7 — 14 I Kingswood Day Camp for Girls ages 7 — 14 Summer Theatre School for Boys & Girls ages 7 — 19 Summer Art Studio for Boys & Girls ages 7 — 14 Jazz Ensemble for Boys & Girls W tiR ages 11 — 15 TECH NO-botics Robotics Camp for Boys & Girls ages 6 — 17 Youth Multi-Sport Camp for Boys & Girls ages 5 — 10 Young Authors Day Camp for Boys & Girls ages 6 — 14 A Camps available by the week For best pricing — register early Rush enrollment fee added after May 31 Fore & Aft Care Program for Boys & Girls ages 3 — 14 National Music Institute for Young Artists & CONCERT PRODIGY° For more information online visit: 04.1' schools.cranbrook.edu/programs/day Phone: 248. 645. 3674 :frk. E-mail: summer@cranbrook.edu DE' ages open, by audition www.YoungArtistsMusic.org 1961600 NOW OPEN! FREE Your DELIVERY NEW Neighborhood Pharmacy rranKilli Health Mart Pharmacy FREE MEDICATION CONSULTATION 20% Franklin Health Mart Pharmacy 29113 Northwestern Hwy. DISCOUNT Southfield ALL NEW 248.355.1910 20% OFF ALL CASH PRESCRIPTIONS! ii PATIENTS OTC Medications I Blood Pressure Monitors I Diabetic Supplies I Immunizations I Medical Equipment 1.0/11S ‘1111°Wegin 1978990 - I Keep your company top of mind with our readers. ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 248.351.5101 Visit theJEWISHNEWS.com 42 April 23 • 2015 jp f you've noticed an increase in problems with your computer, you're not alone. "Especially in the past year, I've noticed a jump in the number of viruses, malware and adware," said Jeff Abrams, founder and owner of 22 Zebras Computer Repair in Wixom. He cites two reasons for the increase. First, such bugs are so easily installed that most people do not real- ize when it's happening. Also, as more fixes to common problems become available, the trickier the perpetrators become. While virus removal programs can improve computer performance, often the situation calls for professional help. 22 Zebras helps consumers and busi- nesses with various computer issues. Services include wired and wireless assistance, infrastructure maintenance, hardware diagnostics and trouble- shooting, data recovery, equipment purchase consultation, and setup and repair of networks, printers, laptop screens and motherboards. All new customers receive a free 15-minute phone consultation. How does a company get a name like 22 Zebras? "Just about every other name was taken:' said Abrams, 37, who grew up in West Bloomfield, attended Adat Shalom and West Bloomfield High School before studying computer sci- ence at Oakland University. His entry into the computer repair business was almost accidental. He was working in a casino on a cruise ship when a friend noticed his knack for making computers work better. "He suggested that I go into business for myself by putting an ad on Craig's List. So I did:' he said. "That was several years ago. I started getting phone calls and the rest is history." Most of his customers are home offices or small businesses. Abrams does 60 percent of his work remotely. "Every PC or laptop user has an occa- sional problem, but most can be fixed via remote services over the Internet:' he said. Abrams offers the following tips for maintaining a healthier computer: • Stay away from games or videos that require you to download a plug-in or add-on. Jeff Abrams • Get your computer tuned up at least once a year for optimal speed, security and functionality. • Beware of malware like Mindspark, which is advertised on Facebook and other websites for gaming. • Beware of Ransomware or FBI scams that say you owe money. • Be careful when installing file converters and other programs that automatically install various adware or malware programs. • Use a reputable malware protec- tion product like Malwarebytes. • Be wary when updating Java or Adobe products that try to install a toolbar. While these products should be updated, decline this toolbar. • Uninstall programs you don't use or recognize. Often, software you don't remember installing is adware or mal- ware. • Use AdwCleaner to help clean up low-grade malware and adware. Another tip is to use the disk check tool in Windows to see if the issue is with the hard drive. "This is a good last step before seek- ing help:' Abrams said. "It can take from one hour to 10 hours and you can't use your computer during the check, so you may want to run the pro- gram while you sleep. In some cases, it's a necessary step to get your com- puter running again." As his business grows, Abrams is looking to add an employee this year. "I like to educate people on how to help themselves:' Abrams said, "but computers are like teeth — no mat- ter how much you brush and floss, tartar still builds up and a professional cleaning is needed. The same goes for laptops. Tablets and cell phones are becoming extremely advanced and could also be at risk." For more information, visit 22zebrascomputerrepair.com or call (248) 812-9637. ❑