The Desert Computer Tutor

Category: Internet Security

  • OpenOffice.org

    Sometimes I Feel Stupid Too!  Computer User Feeling Stupid

     

    One of the biggest challenges for me in my work is that so many of my clients say they feel so stupid.  No one is stupid!  One of my goals in my work is to help my clients feel better about themselves.

     

    No one is born with all the information they need in order to navigate life.   We either educate ourselves or we “wing it” based on what we are told by others (who may or may not have the best information).

     

    Even those of us who take the time to do research, study and practice, will make mistakes. It’s part of the learning process.

     

    My goal is for you to benefit from my mistakes and those of my clients.

     

    Here are some really useful tips based on my work in the field this past week.

     

    Great Money Saving Tip

    OpenOffice.org

    There is a great free office suite called Open Office that looks very much like the apps in Microsoft Office and has many of the same tools.  You don’t need to pay for Microsoft Office suite.

     

    The Pitfalls

    The address for Open Office is www.openoffice.org not “.com”  There is another site, http://www.openoffice.us.com that looks reputable but will download a bunch of malware programs on your computer.

    firefox-os_logo-wordmark_RGB-vertical-300dpiThe Solution    Google Chrome

    You should be using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.

     

    If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer as your web browser, you are at risk of getting add pop ups installed on it and having your home page changed to something you don’t want.  This is called “hijacking your web browser”.

    Norton Internet Security

     

    If you have installed the W.O.T (Web of Trust) extension on your web browser or if you are using Norton with Internet Security, you will see a notification that http://www.openoffice.us.com  is not safe.
    (Buy Norton from Dom at Desert Cow Computers and save $20.) www.mydesertcow.com

     

     

     

    Do a Google search for reviews of any app you are considering downloading before you proceed.

    The Rules In Review

    • Use the right web browser and search engine
    • Have safety extensions on your browser
    • Do your research
    • Be sure you are going to the reputable site

     

    If none of his makes sense to you, just call for an appointment.

    The promise of successEverything will be OK.   We’ll do it together.

     

    Hope this helps you “make peace with the ups and downs of modern technology.”

     

  • Critical Safety Tips

    I learned some Important tips this week from my friend and technical specialist, Dominique Fruchtman of Desert Cow Computers.  She is the one I refer for cleaning up the mess when clients get those nasty viruses.
    First, be aware that delivery services like UPS and Fed Ex will not send you emails saying there is a package you have not picked up.  If you receive emails like this that have a link to click, don’t do it.  They contain dangerous virus installation programs.
    Secondly, there is an important distinction between your computer slowing down gradually or slowing down suddenly.  

    If your computer is suddenly running slow, that’s a sign that you might have a virus.  Do not wait!  Call Dominique right away for a diagnosis.  If you wait, you run the risk of having your files stolen and held hostage for ransom.  Seriously!  One of her business clients was told they needed to wire $500 within an hour to get their files back or the ransom would go up to $1000.

    On the other hand, if your computer has been getting slow gradually, you may just need a tune up.  Dominique and her husband Mark can do that for you too.

    Owning techie gadgets is like owning cars, they require maintenance and repairs from time to time.  It’s not wise to wait when you hear funny noises or experience reduced performance.

    Please don’t get upset or stressed about all this.  There are always solutions. Dom and I are here to help you.  The advantages of owning these devices, far out weigh the occasional inconvenience or expense.

    If you, or someone you care about, have questions or frustrations that are clouding the full enjoyment of computers or gadgets, call me for an appointment now.  With a little instruction, everyone can get past the storm and experience the joy. I promise!

  • Change Your Web Browser

    Please Change Your Web Browser ASAP!internet explorer

    So many of my appointments involve problems with Microsoft Internet Explorer!  Internet Explorer is frequently hacked and hijacked and it’s very disconcerting to have your home page suddenly switched to something you never authorized and you cant find your familiar Google search box.     firefox-os_logo-wordmark_RGB-vertical-300dpi

    Please use the Google Chrome or Firefox internet browser instead. I prefer Google Chrome because I use a myriad of awesome free Google products. Ask me about them next time we get together.

     

     

     

    chrome

    According to a report by the cybersecurity firm Bromium, the latest version of Internet Explorer is still the number one target for hackers.

    For the first half of 2014, the report found that Google Chrome has actually had no publicly known security flaws, making it safe from malware attacks.

    Other important facts in the report:

    1. Microsoft Internet Explorer set a record high for reported vulnerabilities in the first half of 2014.
    2. Internet Explorer also leads in publicly reported exploits.
    3. Web browser release cycles are becoming more frequent – as are initial security patches.
    4. Adobe Flash is the primary browser plugin being targeted by attacks this year.

    Microsoft quickly schedules updates that Internet Explorer uses to patch its holes but it’s still one of the most commonly-attacked browsers by far, and I know that many of my clients ignore the updates. It’s a huge problem!

     

    Keeping your Adobe Flash player up to date is also very important. Always update your Flash player to avoid security flaws like this. Apple won’t even let you play a video if you don’t have the latest version of Flash.

    I hope these Techie Tips will ensure that you are protected and enable you to take advantages of all great things technology can do for you.

    As always, if you, and your friends and relatives, need help with any of these things, just call me to set up an appointment.

    In Joy,

    Mardi Boettcher

    “Helping you make peace with the ups and downs of technology.”

  • Important Reminders From “The Trenches” This Week

    If anyone calls you and says they are from Microsoft and you have a problem on your computer, hang up.  It’s a scam!  Microsoft does not have the time or staff to monitor your computer.  Never let someone access your computer remotely unless you know them.  One of my clients was victimized this week so I wanted to remind you again.

     External hard drives are not the best solution for your back ups!  Hard drives can fail and, if your house were to burn down or be burglarized, you could lose your back up along with your computer.  It’s so sad when people lose valuable docs and precious photos.  There are many cloud-based back-up options available.  Many of them offer free storage.  Please be sure you have back-up systems in place. 

    It is really dangerous to continue to use Windows XP!  Recently a local business was held hostage by a hacker who kidnapped their files and demanded a ransom of $500 within 30 minutes or $1000 if it took more than 30 minutes.  You must have an operating system that is supported by frequent updates and always allow the updates to install.  

  • Summer Special

    Indoors for the SummerSummer’s here and everyone is spending more time indoors and online. Want your internet faster? Want to get rid of those annoying ads? Who doesn’t? I’ve learned some tricks I can pass along to you in my Summer Special (one hour @ $40).  If you aren’t in The Desert, we can do it online.

    I’ll get rid of those ads and speed up your internet browsing experience without you having to call Time Warner or Verizon and pay more for your Internet. Let me come over and make a few adjustments and before you know it, you’ll be amazed at how much faster (and safer) your web pages are loading. Call today for an appointment!

  • Having A Computer is Like Having A Car

    _MG_2157 copyThis Wednesday was my turn to present my business at the Desert Networking Professionals  (DNP) weekly breakfast meeting.  My topic was “Having a Computer Is Like Having a Car.”

    I believe one of the reasons my clients are frustrated by their computers and gadgets is due to unrealistic expectations.  If you consider that having a computer is like having a car, you will have a different perspective.  First, you don’t even have to have a computer or car if you don’t want to.  Really…some people don’t have one.  However, you might think it’s a necessity for your lifestyle or your business.   If you choose to get one, there will be some training involved in learning to drive it.  There are rules you need to follow, or you’ll get into trouble.  You have to have insurance (back ups and anti virus protection), and, from time to time, it will need tune-ups, and repairs.  You can pay a professional to teach you to drive it and to do the repairs, or you can get a book or do research online and learn how to do it yourself.  It’s a choice.  If you choose to do it yourself, there is going to be a learning curve, some mistakes, and it’s going to take longer.  That’s just the way it is.  And you have choices.

    I hope that this analogy will help everyone to have more realistic expectations and make peace with the ups and downs of the technology world.  I hope that everyone will have the insurance of backups and anti-virus protection.  I hope that everyone will choose to learn how to use the gadgets and gizmos and be able to function with ease and joy.  And, I recommend that you call a professional when there are problem or questions.  After all, having peace and joy in our lives is all about expectations.  Let’s be realistic, do the few things that need to be done, and focus on enjoying the many benefits of computer technology.

    If you need help with any of these things, please let me know.  I promise I will make it as easy, fun, painless  and affordable as possible.

    _MG_2151 copy

  • Pre-purchase Consultation Questions

    One of my services is consulting with people to help them choose the best computer or gadget for their individual needs.  So much frustration can be avoided by buying the right product in the first place, and I have already test-driven quite a few of them in order to pave the way for others to have a more pleasant experience.  See my previous posts for the gruesome details.  LOL

    Here are the questions I use for my consultations.  Please forward this to your friends and relatives so they will have it when they are considering a computer or gadget purchase.   They will thank you for it.

    1. What is your budget?

    2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?

    3. What screen resolution do you want?

    4. Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?

    5. How much battery life do you need?

    6. Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low, Medium or High)?

    7. What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, etc.)

    8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?

    9. If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.

    10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?

    11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer, Blue Ray ROM/Writer, etc ?

    12. Please tell me about the brands that you prefer and the brands that you don’t like and explain the reasons.

    13. What country do you live in?

    14. Please tell me any additional information if needed.

    Additionally… you should consider available support options in your area. If you buy something abroad, will you be able to have it fixed near where you live? Does the warranty apply? How quickly do local accredited technicians fix laptops?

  • Making Passwords More Manageable

    The common issue that I seem to be helping with lately is Passwords.  I know…don’t groan, I will get you through this!

    I have spent a lot of time helping people go through the process of re-setting passwords because they didn’t remember them and didn’t have them written down.  You know I don’t mind doing it, but I would like you to be able to save yourself the time and money.

    Please, write down your user names and passwords and store them –separately from your computer–in a place where you can find them (and an intruder would not).  A file folder in a file drawer would be good.

    If you change your passwords, for some reason, be sure to update the file folder.

    If your children or grand children set up accounts for you, be sure they give you the login name and passwords for your folder.

    Also, be sure your passwords are secure.

    This past week, I received three emails from friends whose accounts had been hacked.  That means that someone figured out their passwords and was sending emails to everyone in their address books.

    Not only is this a problem for them, but  their friends email addresses are exposed and they are at risk of being spammed.

    Another issue is, if you use the same password for other accounts, you are vulnerable to the hackers accessing those accounts also.

    So let’s get serious about passwords.

    I know it’s inconvenient and I’m sorry we have to deal with it, but creating effective passwords and keeping track of them is a whole lot less work than straightening out the mess if you get hacked.

    It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, big deal.

    Here are some easy solutions from my friend and favorite Computer Tech, Dominique Fruchtman of Desert Cow Computers.  See her website:  http://mydesertcow.com/  It moos!

    1) For dumb stuff you don’t care about, make it something really easy, like all numbers such as 22223333.

    2) To be more secure, substitute numbers for letters as follows:

    1 = i
    3 = e
    0 = o
    4 = a

    Example: CAROLINE becomes C4R0L1N3

    3) Or, use the first letter of each word in phrase you know well:  ‘Four score and seven years ago, our forefathers”…  becomes 4s&7yaof

    4) Or, use a very old home address, (that hackers won’t find) with the numbers behind the street name.

    Example:   Adams3201

    Passwords that have a combination of numbers, letters, symbols, and upper and lower case, are harder to crack and the above are easy ways to accomplish that.  Also, they are easy to remember.  But write it down too.  Please!

    Now you are all set and, hopefully, peace and joy have been restored to your computing experience.

    If you, or someone you know, have other challenges or questions, just call for an appointment and I’ll “make it all better.”   ; )

    In Joy,
    Mardi

    “Restoring peace and joy to the world through computer education.”

  • Which Websites Are Sharing Your Personal Details?

    This is very interesting information about common websites that are sharing information about us. I don’t worry about it too much because I don’t seem to have much in the way of unwanted advertising showing up in my email or anything. As a business owner, I know how challenging it is to reach a target market now. I’s like to think that most of this data sharing just aimed at helping businesses pitch ads that are relevant to people so businesses can get customers at an affordable price per customer. I don’t see it as an extreme security issue to be worried about. That’s just my perspective on things, you may not agree.

    Click here to see report

  • What Is The Cloud?

    I’ve been explaining “The Cloud” to a lot of people lately and decided that a visual would help. The Cloud is just a sexy name for server computers that host your stuff–your email, your photos, your docs, your blogs, your Facebook pages,

    etc. The companies that run the server computers are constantly adding new ones and improving security for you. The reason “The Cloud” has become so important, is that so many of you have multiple computers and gadgets. When you use the computers and gadgets to go to The Cloud, you see everything in real time and you don’t have to synchronize changes between gadgets. Also, if your computer breaks, you can see your stuff using any computer–at your neighbors, your kids, or the library. Another advantage is that your stuff is secure–if you choose the right company to host it. You should always have a backup on The Cloud. Much of my tutoring these days involves teaching folks how to do cloud based backups and how to use web mail.
    Facebook’s Arctic Server Farm – wordlessTech  www.wordlesstech.com 
    Facebook announced that the social network will locate its new data center in The North Pole.