The Desert Computer Tutor

Tag: Firefox

  • 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.”

     

  • 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.”