Showing posts with label pc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pc. Show all posts

More Scareware On Major News Sites
Monday, September 14, 2009

More reports are coming in of scareware coming from major news sites including The New York Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

As I mentioned in my previous alert about scareware via Newsweek, it's important to note that these scams can happen anywhere, anytime, even on the most reliable of sites. Please be careful, and bear in mind my recommendations on how to protect yourself from scareware.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 2:31 PM 0 comments  

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Newsweek And Other Legit Sites May Contain Scareware
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

This article caught my attention recently, concerning a scareware scam that is being distributed via Newsweek's web site. I mention this one in particular because it's an example of how bad links sometimes come from good sites.

Scareware is when you receive a popup that insists there's something wrong with your computer. It's a scam to try to get you to click on a link, thus infecting your computer with viruses and possibly also ripping off your credit card. Don't expect your antivirus software to catch this stuff, it often sneaks through. I strongly encourage you to protect yourself through a combination of good computer security, free web site ratings software like McAfee SiteAdvisor or LinkExtend for Firefox, and plain old common sense.

Here are some of my previous articles which may help you out in this situation:

I'll be reprising my class on How To Protect From Cybercrime this November with the Cary Park District if you're looking for further help. See my class schedule for details and registration information.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 3:14 PM 0 comments  

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Microsoft Nixes Special European Version Of Windows 7
Friday, August 21, 2009

I previously wrote about how Microsoft planned to release a special version of Windows 7 in Europe, sans Internet Explorer. Microsoft has since decided not to do so.

To comply with European regulations, Microsoft will offer a "browser ballot" which allows users to select their preferred web browser. I think it's a great idea to allow users to select their own web browsers instead of assuming that everyone will use Internet Explorer unless they happen to be familiar with the reasons why that might not be a good idea. I hope this approach will also be offered in the U.S. because it may encourage users to explore alternate Web browsers like Mozilla Firefox or Opera.

For more computer news, plus bonus product reviews and computer tips, subscribe (free!) to Tech Tips.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 3:46 PM 0 comments  

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2009 Parental Control Software Review
Friday, August 14, 2009

Parental control software allows you to keep tabs on what your children are doing online. Some kids view it as invasive, but I see it as no different than a usage policy at a corporation. As long as you are honest with your kids about the fact that they will be monitored, parental controls serve a useful purpose. They allow automatic blocking of known inappropriate sites as well as content and image filtering. They permit you to schedule when the Internet is available (to curb those late-night surfing sessions) and to log instant messages. Some now include monitoring of social networks like MySpace and FaceBook. Such programs typically have trial versions so you can try them before you buy.

  • NetNanny has a new Macintosh version available. Both the Windows and Mac versions provide content filtering, instant message logging, usage reports, remote management and social network monitoring.

  • SafeEyes has also been revamped since last year. It's available for Windows and Mac and also has a version for mobile devices like iPhones. Its features are similar to NetNanny's.

  • CyberPatrol hasn't changed much over the last year. It's only available for Windows and unlike NetNanny and SafeEyes, doesn't provide monitoring of social networking sites.

  • Intego ContentBarrier is a Mac-only program that, like CyberPatrol, is fairly basic and doesn't monitor social networking sites.
Last year I noted that my least favorite antivirus program Norton includes some parental control features. Many antivirus programs are now doing the same, but I don't consider that a substitute for bona fide parental controls.

Don't forget to subscribe to Tech Tips (free!) for the latest computer news, plus bonus tips and product reviews. In September we'll talk about Computer Housekeeping.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 12:35 PM 0 comments  

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Internet Safety For Kids

Each year I give you pointers on how to protect your kids from cyberbullies and other Internet dangers. We talked about "acceptable use" policies in 2007 and reviewed basic do's and don'ts in 2008. This year I'd like to introduce you to the Internet Safety Pledge, which I use in my Internet classes for kids.

You can find the Internet Safety Pledge on NetSmartz.org. What I like about the Safety Pledge is that it gives you age-appropriate bullet points you can use as a basis for discussion. No documentation can substitute for sitting down and talking with your kids about online safety, or anything else for that matter. I recommend you review the Safety Pledge with your children and reinforce that they should come to you with concerns or questions.

Of course, maintaining a secure computer is a must with kids in the house. You'll find my four steps to computer security and my security software recommendations here on my blog.

I'll be teaching more classes on Internet Safety For Kids this fall, so if you missed my summer sessions be sure to check my web site for registration details. I'm also happy to sit down with you and your kids during any regular tech support visit.

Don't forget to subscribe to Tech Tips (free!) for the latest computer news, plus bonus tips and product reviews. In September I'll show you how to use the Internet to find employment in Web 2.0 For Job Searches.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 12:30 PM 0 comments  

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AVG Antivirus Mistakenly Marks iTunes As Malware
Monday, July 27, 2009

A recent update for the Windows-based AVG antivirus program surprised users when it mistakenly identified several components of iTunes as a malware trojan called Small.BOG. This is called a false positive, when security software quarantines legitimate software.

If you run into this problem, the fix is to update AVG, then update iTunes. This technical bulletin from AVG provides more details.

Don't forget to subscribe to Tech Tips (free!) for the latest computer news plus bonus tips, tricks and product reviews.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 2:42 PM 0 comments  

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Emergency Microsoft Patches Issued Tomorrow

Microsoft is releasing a pair of out-of-sequence security patches tomorrow, to fix vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer and Visual Studio. It's unusual for Microsoft to stray from their regular Patch Tuesday cycle (the second Tuesday of the month). While the Visual Studio patch will affect a small percentage of computers, the Internet Explorer patch applies to any computer running Windows.

To make sure you get these updates, either turn Automatic Updates on (bearing in mind the pros and cons of doing so) or visit update.microsoft.com to check for these latest patches.

Software patches (also called updates) are fixes for bugs that could allow malicious software to enter your computer. By staying current on these patches, you improve your computer's defense.

Don't forget to subscribe to Tech Tips (free!) for the latest computer news plus bonus tips, tricks and product reviews.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 8:28 AM 0 comments  

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Troubleshooting Wireless Networks
Wednesday, July 15, 2009

We've all experienced wireless networking hell. Connections that come and go, passwords that don't work... what's a poor computer user to do? Here's how to troubleshoot your wireless connection.

If you're having trouble with signal strength, check for interference. Something as simple as a monitor, speaker, microwave oven or cordless phone (the 2.4Ghz ones, especially) can wreak havoc. Try moving your wireless access point around until you get a better signal, and make sure the antenna is perpendicular to gravity. Even the heating in your house can interfere if you have copper coils that provide heat through the floor. It's also important to note that older wireless access points are more susceptible to interference. Our old friend the little blue Linksys box (model WRT54G) is particularly known for this. You may want to consider upgrading to a newer access point with better resistance and a boosted antenna.

I always recommend that you set a passphrase to access your wireless network. There are several options for this, but the best is WPA (or WPA2 if your equipment supports it). But what if your passphrase doesn't work? Try disconnecting and reconnecting your access point or, if that doesn't work, resetting power. If all else fails or you've forgotten your passphrase, you'll need to reset your wireless access point to factory defaults. This will mean reconfiguring according to your manufacturer's instructions. I recommend that you change the default password afterward, because the first thing someone trying to sneak onto your wireless network will do is try the well-known default administrator password. Then you can set your passphrase and reconnect from your computer.

Don't forget to subscribe to Tech Tips (free!) for the latest computer news. In August I'll present my 2009 Parental Control Software Review.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 3:17 PM 1 comments  

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Windows 7 And Mac OS X Snow Leopard

This fall we have major upgrades for Windows and Mac. Windows 7, the successor to Vista, is slated to be shipped on October 22, 2009. Mac OS X 10.6, code-named Snow Leopard, is set to ship in September. What will these new operating systems mean for you, and when should you think about upgrading?

Windows 7 will look like Windows Vista, but there are some improvements meant to simplify the user experience such as changes to the Taskbar. Performance should be improved, especially if you have a 64-bit processor. Security is bolstered based upon Vista's User Access Control feature, which disallows administrative privileges without typing a password. I'm also looking forward to BitLocker, Microsoft's encryption option. It's interesting to note that, for reasons related to antitrust investigations, Windows 7 will ship without Internet Explorer in Europe. I'm curious why U.S. users don't rate the same advantage, but I digress. If you want Windows 7 you will likely have to ramp up your hardware. Microsoft claims it will work with a 1GHz processor and 1GB of memory, but since Vista hardly works without at least 2GB we can assume Microsoft's system requirements, as usual, are not the same as the real (read: functional) ones. And just to keep things confusing, Microsoft is offering six different versions of Windows 7.

Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) also offers improved performance for 64-bit Macs. It's supposed to function faster than Leopard while taking up less hard drive space. One thing I already like about Snow Leopard is the price. Existing Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5) users can upgrade for just $29. This is a far cry from the past, when we had to pay full price for the new version. It's about time, Apple! The Mac community is eagerly awaiting improved integration with Microsoft networking. Mail, Address Book, and iCal will provide built-in support for Microsoft Exchange 2007. We'll have to see if this makes life easier in mixed PC-Mac environments, or if it will offer a serious Outlook equivalent for those of us still struggling with Entourage.

As with any new operating system, I don't recommend you jump on the bandwagon immediately unless you have a pressing need for the new features. For example, some Mac users may want to start testing Snow Leopard's integration with Microsoft networks right away. Otherwise, wait a while and see how things go before making your decision.

Don't forget to subscribe to Tech Tips (free!) for the latest computer news. Next month we'll prepare for the start of the school year with Internet Safety For Kids.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 3:12 PM 0 comments  

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Summer Computer Classes
Monday, July 6, 2009

Guidry Consulting, Inc. is offering summer computer classes through the Cary Park District. Don't miss How To Protect Yourself From Cybercrime on July 20, and two classes on Internet Safety For Kids and Internet Safety For Tweens and Teens on August 17. For more information, please visit the Guidry Consulting web site at http://www.guidryconsulting.com/news.html.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 5:14 PM 0 comments  

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Goodbye, Microsoft Money
Friday, June 26, 2009

Microsoft Money has been discontinued. The software will no longer be sold after June 30, 2009. You can keep using the program, although yearly tax updates will cease after January 2011. After that you can still update the tax tables manually, but under Microsoft's lifecycle policy the software will no longer be supported. If you are using an older version of Money, it is not recommended that you upgrade at this time, and I certainly wouldn't buy extended service options.

If you want a specifically Microsoft financial product, there's Office Accounting Professional, which is to Money what Intuit's QuickBooks is to Quicken. If all you want is a basic register, this may not be the right product for you. Besides Intuit, you might also look into Peachtree as an alternative to Microsoft Money. Whatever you choose, make sure you can export your data into a common format like CSV or Excel, just in case your accounting software decides to go the way of the dinosaur.

For bonus tips, tricks, and other computer help, subscribe to the free email version of Tech Tips.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 8:12 AM 0 comments  

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Is Microsoft Security Essentials Worthwhile?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Microsoft has released a beta (test) version of its upcoming Security Essentials program, which is scheduled to be rolled out to consumers in September. Microsoft Security Essentials is, essentially, a stripped-down version of the ill-fated OneCare. The question is, will it do a better job of helping consumers protect their computers from viruses and spyware?

My guess is, not really. Sure it's free, but so are other programs with better reputations for removing the gunk from your computer. Even so, most free programs do not offer the complete protection of a full-fledged security suite. My fear is that the presence of Microsoft Security Essentials may lure some consumers into complacency, with the impression that their computers are adequately protected when they're not. I already see this with programs like Windows Defender and the monthly Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, neither of which are suitable replacements for real security software.

Of additional concern, and the reason I'm mentioning this now even though the software's still beta, is that scammers will undoubtedly glom onto this just as they grab any popular headline in their attempts to con you into fake antivirus software. Just because something claims to be "that new software from Microsoft," don't believe it unless you're downloading from a bona fide site.

For bonus tips, tricks, and other computer help, subscribe to the free email version of Tech Tips.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 2:29 PM 0 comments  

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Quark Offers Upgrade For Older Versions Of Quark XPress
Thursday, June 18, 2009

This is a nice gesture on the part of Quark, although I suspect it has more to do with the inroads on their marketshare made by Adobe InDesign than genuinely wanting to help customers (otherwise why does their tech support still stink?).

Through September 30, 2009 you can upgrade any version to Quark XPress 8 for $299. They can even help if you don' t have your original serial number. You can also continue to use the older version as long as it's on the same computer, which is convenient for those of you who still need to work with the older formats.

It will likely be cheaper to do this upgrade and then use your Quark 8 license to upgrade to the next version down the road, rather than buying the next version outright whenever it becomes available. And believe me, I still see a whole lot of older Quark versions, especially our friend version 4.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 5:35 PM 0 comments  

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Dell Dumps Offensive "Della" Ads
Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I'm glad to report that Dell has rebranded the "Della" web site, less than two weeks after igniting an online furor among women in technology fields. Now called "Lifestyles," the most offensive wording has been removed so women are no longer encouraged to purchase Dell to check their recipes and keep up with the latest fashion news.

Kudos to Dell for listening to the complaints, but fie on them for coming up with the idea in the first place. If the intent was to cater to the non-technical market, they blew it by assuming that all women are non-technical people and all non-technical people are women. Dell would do better by designing an ad campaign for non-technical people regardless of gender. Or... how about an ad campaign encouraging young women to pursue careers in technology? That would be a vast improvement over suggesting that the color of a woman's laptop has to match her outfit. Personally, I'm more interested in how many gigahertz the computer has and whether or not it will suit my customer's needs.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 8:33 AM 0 comments  

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Internet Explorer 8
Thursday, March 19, 2009

You may have heard that Internet Explorer 8 has been released. What does that mean to you? Expect Microsoft to push this new version of their web browser out to you via Automatic Updates sometime in April.

IE8 offers increased security as well as new features. However, some web sites are reported not to work with the new version. That could mean anything from failing to load a page to intermittent unusual behavior. Approach upgrades with caution, and try to use an alternate browser as your primary method of surfing the Web.

Subscribe to Tech Tips to learn more about this and other computer news.

Posted byTriona Guidry at 10:24 PM 0 comments  

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Fake Antivirus On Macs
Wednesday, January 28, 2009

It had to happen. Macs are the latest target of fake antivirus software scams.

For some time I've been warning PC users about scareware scams: warnings claiming that your computer is infected and you must buy "Insert Name" antivirus software or you're doomed. Please don't fall for these tricks. There are perfectly good antivirus programs out there that don't advertise via the electronic equivalent of unwanted solicitors.

My current recommendations on Mac antivirus programs are:

And so you PC users don't feel left out:

I evaluate antivirus software on a continual basis, but you'll always find my recommendations here on the Tech Tips blog (under Windows and Mac in the sidebar).

Posted byTriona Guidry at 5:42 PM 1 comments  

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