Archive for the ‘All’ Category
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Can I just ignore a virus and save some money?
Do you run better in crutches?I Didn’t think so.
Continuing to operate a system that you know full well is infected is tempting. Many people do just that and continue to limp along until the system comes to a grinding halt or they get the blue screen of death. Why is this a problem? (Do you like seeing the blue screen of death? I don’t know about you but MY nerves can’t take it!)
Besides all of the annoying things that happen with an infected system – like running sllloowwwllly, obnoxious pop-ups and inexplicable bouts of freezing there are also more worrying things that accompany them such as malware, spyware and scareware. Not only do these things threaten your identity and bank balance but viruses will destroy your data bit by bit (literally). Further, some can do damage to your hardware. If caught early, you can largely avoid these problems and spend far less to repair it. If you are thinking…”so what, I can just buy another system!” Are you going to by one every time you get infected? How cost effective is that solution?
The better solution is to go ahead and get it taken care of properly (by a real professional) as soon as you suspect an infection. Then, purchase and properly configure top quality anti-virus for your system to help cut down on infections.
Copyright © 2012 Help Me!!® Tech Team, a division of HELP ME!!® Computers, LLC
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Gone Phishing
I don’t have to tell you that identity theft is a big problem in today’s highly electronic society. I also don’t have to tell you that cyber criminals feed off of our private information. Now, given that our private information is so vital to their mere existence it stands to reason that they are going to find a way to acquire it. Right?So, they can go about it the hard way – like having to actually “hack” into your account(s), tap your network or physically steal your computer. OR they can go about it the easy way – which in fisherman terms – is to cast out a great big net onto naïve victims to see who might literally hand them the information they require.
Now, being a fisher of men is a pretty good thing. Phishing to steal from them is another story. To protect oneself from being a victim of the later kind you must first understand what “phishing” is.
Phishing is a way of attempting to acquire private data such as a person’s username and password, credit card information, and/or account numbers by masquerading as a seemingly trustworthy entity. Phishing is typically carried out by e-mail or text message, and it often directs the user to enter details at a fake website that looks almost identical to the legitimate one.
The first thing to know without question is that no legitimate bank (for example) will ever lose your username and password nor send you an email requesting that you “update” your account information. Period. The same can be said for Facebook, Ebay or any other site that you may have purchased from or joined.
With that said, they might send you an order confirmation but typically you would know if you just ordered something. At least I hope you would. Further, if you just joined a site you would know that too. So you could expect a “thank you for joining” email. Pay close attention to emails that confirm a password or username change. These requests are a little harder to ignore. In fact, you may very well have just engaged in these very things. Remember timing and stupidity gullibility are what “phishermen” are hoping for but there are some rules of thumb that will help keep you out of their nets.
First is action. When you receive any email asking you to respond in some way – DO NOT click on the link provided within the email. Instead, go directly to the site yourself. This will insure that you have gotten to the legitimate site and not the fake phishing site. Once there, look for the https:// in the URL before entering in information that you prefer be kept secure. Keep in mind that “security questions” are helpful to include when you set up new accounts and be sure to always use “complex” passwords.
Second is avoidance. Enlist the help of an “email filtration device” that will help weed out many of these phishing emails and spam in general. This piece of hardware is especially helpful to businesses that receive email messages in greater volume. They lower the risk by catching most spam, phishing and virus infected emails in their OWN nets and keep the user from being confused by them in the first place. They also keep your inbox clean and keep your network running proficiently.
Finally, embrace your inner skeptic and second guess everything you receive in an email or text message – including items that give the appearance that they came from a friend OR your friendly neighborhood banking institution.
Copyright © 2011 Help Me!!® Tech Team, a division of HELP ME!!® Computers, LLC
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The Validity of On-Line Reviews
Ohhh the dreaded negative on-line review. Now I know this might shock you – given the delightful personality that is ME and my brand – but yes, even I have received a negative on-line review (or two) over the years. No, I’m not whining about it (okay maybe a little) and I appreciate honest constructive feedback but sitting in my “business owner” chair, I also see the big picture.Behold the power of the internet and 5 little stars. Most people know that a five star review can help a business. Most people also know that a 1 star “This place is horrible!” review can hurt a business. I bet that we could agree that for most people to take the time to make any kind of review on-line they would have to feel pretty passionately about something – positive or negative. Therefore, most people are going to post either a 5 star or a 1 star comment. But let’s explore this further…shall we?
Most people who legitimately experience 5 star service, unfortunately, do not take the time to tell others about it. I mean you really like the place, but gosh…time is on short supply these days and well, you just forgot. Sure most people are good intentioned so they mean too and they certainly would mention it if the subject comes up, but they typically won’t go out of their way to make a post on-line telling the world about their awesome experience. HOWEVER, if they feel they’ve been WRONGED…now that’s another story.
We love to tear people down (just ask Lindsay Lohan) and it is just so easy to do it. We can use our real name or just make an anonymous comment. When tempers are high and emotions raw we go onto the internet to “warn” anyone that will listen instead of notifying the store, the management, the owner or even the Better Business Bureau that there WAS a problem.
Competitors are also keenly aware of the direct impact a negative review can do to another business and so are disgruntled ex-employees. You can bet that some engage in “review warfare” to help snuff out the competition. Again, it’s just so easy. Anyone with an email address can create a fake account and make it seem legitimate.
Truth be told, not even all of those POSITIVE reviews are real. Of course MINE are (it’s an integrity thing). But, some companies do recruit the help of their employees, friends and family and even pay people to post fake 5 star glowing reviews. Shocking right? Not really. They have figured out that the total number of reviews drive up their placement on search engines like Google, Yahoo, Yellow Pages, etc. Why does that matter? Paid advertising is VERY expensive (I know…I pay for it). By placing fake reviews these companies do two things. One, they add “credibility” to their business by posting positive comments about themselves. Two, the total of reviews bumps up their visibility and therefore their ability to attract new victims customers.
Long story short, because I DO care, it DOES bother me when I get a bad review. Being a small business owner, it also HURTS. It hurts my reputation, which hurts my company and if it hurts my company then it hurts my employees, and because we are a family business, it hurts my family (and NOBODY is allowed to hurt my family but me).
Given that there is so much hurting going on maybe before you post a negative on-line review you could take a deep breath and consider what you are doing. These reviews stick around FOREVER and once you’ve had a glass of wine and calmed down you might feel differently. If you do and you already DID make that post, then remember to go back and include an update.
Finally, before being so quick to believe ANY on-line review perhaps time should be taken to consider the source of the review. Did their Mom write it? Does it sound fair or just mean spirited? IS IT IN ALL CAPS? What specifically was the complaint? Did the company respond? When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask about it and get their explanation. If they seem reputable and appear to be long standing in the community dig a little deeper and check other reference sources such as the BBB. After all, a trusted service provider is hard to find and putting in a little effort to find a good one can pay off for years to come.
Copyright © 2011 Help Me!!® Tech Team, a division of HELP ME!!® Computers, LLC
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Sink that Pirate Ship!
Ahhh…don’t you just love a good pirate? After all…some pirates can are pretty sexy and what women doesn’t have a “special appreciation” for a bad boy occasionally? I can think of at least one that I wouldn’t mind sailing away with myself…and you’ll be sure to find me at the movie theater this spring when his new movie comes out! Remember these (not so subtle) words that greeted our beloved Captain Jack in the first movie? “Pirates…Ye be warned!” This message was displayed on a crudely made sign and placed on some hanging skeleton’s (nice touch) just to make a point. Well…don’t say I didn’t warn ‘ye.This is a topic that we have educated our clients on for years. Pirated intellectual property (and yes, it should concern YOU).
Today we have instant access to so much over the internet and we…well…kind of forget that a lot of the “sharing” that goes on is illegal. Of course, most of us are law abiding, God fearing, tax paying, hard working citizens and we certainly wouldn’t consider ourselves thieves. But, there are some pretty upset people working for the entertainment and software industries that would beg to differ with you…and they are eager to make an example of you. Luckily no lynchings will be involved but it’s sure to take a few years off your life (and savings) non-the-less.
So even if you look like Johnny Depp (and if you do, please feel free to call me) you’ll have to follow the rules like the rest of us. If not, you just might get a surprise knock on your door…and it won’t be the Publishers Clearing House people. Oh they will have something for you alright. A hefty fine and/or some jail time. Not the kind of visit I’d like! <insert inappropriate Johnny Depp joke here>
Our advice? These rules apply to everyone. If you are responsible for others (i.e. business owners or parents) make sure everyone is educated on them (employers should have a usage policy). You are ultimately liable for their actions.
What exactly is illegal?
As a general rule of thumb all music, movies, photos, software and even website content is protected by copyright. It does not have to be labeled “copyright” to be considered such and protected under copyright laws. Unless the author specifically says “go ahead and share.” Unauthorized downloading, uploading and/or distribution (sharing) is actionable as copyright infringement, even if not done for profit. Further, claiming “ignorance” may not save you as a defense.
How does someone typically get caught?
Every time you log onto the internet you are assigned an IP address from your internet provider. This IP address is how you can be tracked down. Contrary to popular belief you are NOT anonymous on the internet. Private companies (such as movie, music industry, etc.) can petition your internet provider for information about downloads and find offenders.
Individuals can turn in offenders for a reward (money talks…friends walk).
Updates. When your programs update they link up to the manufacturer (i.e., Microsoft, etc.) where they have several “ways” to verify that your software is genuine.
What can I do to keep it legal and stay out of trouble?
Photos, text content, graphics, creative, etc. Always give credit where credit is due. Site links when sharing information from other websites. Remember photos, logos, specialized fonts and graphics are protected by copyright too. If someone else created it – it is not yours. Most often you can find ones to use on free sites or just pay for the rights to use them. Typically we are talking really small usage fees (even as low as a single dollar).
Software. Don’t let your friends do you any “favors” by installing programs or a new operating system onto your computer. If it is legitimate you will have a genuine license sticker adhered to your system or an actual disk from the manufacturer. If downloading yourself, look for terms such as “shareware,” “freeware,” “trial” (usually in terms of software programs) these are okay to use. Software companies work long and hard to put out a good product. Don’t rip them off by “sharing” it. Besides, you get some perks for paying to use it in way of support and full functionality of the product that you won’t get in those borrowed copies. Be sure to read the license agreement to see how many of YOUR computers you can put it on. How do they find you out? When your system asks you to run updates you will be connected to the manufacturer.
Music. When purchasing music to download read the terms and conditions. Don’t assume that you can copy it to multiple devices within the same household. Make sure kids stay away from sites like Limewire, Kazaa and BearShare where they can engage in peer-to-peer sharing. Again, while it is not illegal to share files it IS illegal to share copyrighted material. These are the types of sites where kids (and their parents) can get into serious trouble because they might start innocent enough but before they know it hundreds or thousands of people have “borrowed” their downloaded music. This is what makes the record companies REALLY unhappy and you could be fined EACH TIME someone has downloaded that piece of music from your kids (or your) computer via the peer-to-peer. You may then get a letter in the mail from your internet provider telling you that the IP address assigned to use has engaged in illegal distribution of copyrighted material over the internet.
Movies. Many people use torrent (or download) sites such as Pirate Bay and Demonoid to engage in “sharing.” The production companies are allowed to monitor these sites and again, with the help of your IP address you can be caught. Movies are so cheap to rent now with the help of Blockbuster, Netflix, Red Box, PPV, etc. it’s not worth it.
Remember there are millions of dollars lost to pirating in these industries each year and they take it very seriously. Sure, lots of people do it but it doesn’t make it right and in the wise words of Mama’s everywhere… “IF anyone’s going to get caught, it’s probably going to be you!” So, just how lucky ARE you?
Copyright © 2011 Help Me!!® Tech Team, a division of HELP ME!!® Computers, LLC
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Resolutions…shoulda woulda coulda
With the New Year well underway now, there is likely no doubt that you’re getting tired of hearing about all the resolutions that you should have made or did make and perhaps by now, haven’t kept. I understand. My year too started off with such gusto and promise for a better tomorrow…I exercised, cleaned stuff, planned, read and was so sure that I would keep it up. Well that was January 1st. By January 2nd I was tired, overwhelmed and spent most of my Sunday as a couch potato. So what if the Christmas decorations are up another week? Now, I’m not giving up on my resolutions but instead just added another. I resolve to “accept my imperfections” and when I falter on resolution #2 (which is to not procrastinate) I will just try again tomorrow. Sure, maybe that in itself qualifies as procrastination but hey…at least I’m trying to do better.When re-reviewing your New Year’s Resolutions for self improvement how about making some resolutions for your home or business computer? These resolutions might actually be something that you CAN live with (since it doesn’t involve dieting or exercise) and will just make you feel better, more organized and help protect your identity. Thereby keeping your checking account balance AND sanity in place (well during 2011 anyway).
Our advice? Follow these simple New Year’s Resolutions for your computer:
Repeat after me. “I RESOLVE…”
1. to purchase a top rated anti-virus for my computer AND take the time to configure it (or have a professional do it) AND keep it updated.
2. to NOT horde 10,000 emails in my in-box but instead will archive my old emails and delete what isn’t necessary.
3. to keep two separate emails. One for family/friends and one for signing up on websites to cut down on spam. Business should always be separate.
3. to be mindful of the websites that I go to and stick to known reputable sites whenever possible.
4. to NOT place my laptop on anything soft while it is on thereby blocking the fan (i.e. air supply) like my LAP, sofa, carpet or soft kitty.
5. to be careful about whom I allow to “fix” my computer (i.e. “armchair” experts, friends, family or salespeople at big box retailers). I will also be wary of any television or internet advertisement that says it can “fix” my computer with one simple call or click of the mouse.
6. to not subject my computer to “free” anything (anti-virus, games, sweepstakes, ring tones, music, movies, software) as it might infect me and be illegal (sound familiar?).
7. to not click open attachments through my email or social networking sites without giving it careful consideration.
8. to never enter my credit card information on an unsecure site (look for the lock in the url and an https://).
9. to always use complex passwords and never write them down.
10. to not use my laptop as a plate and/or cup holder.
11. to have a professional checkup of my computer once a quarter (if I rely heavily on it) to look for malware/spyware/viruses and overall performance to avert disaster as much as possible.
Copyright © 2011 Help Me!!® Tech Team, a division of HELP ME!!® Computers, LLC
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