Group meetings via computer?

You've probably tried Skype to "video chat" with someone.

• It's free for one-to-one chatting.
• Both parties need to download and install Skype.
• Both parties need to "friend" each other and know each others Skype name.
• Some (very old) computers cannot run the current version of Skype.
• To have a group get together via video-call requires that one person have a paid premium account.

Has anyone tried "Meetings.io"?

https://meetings.io/ 

This is what their website identifies as the benefits:

• Meet with clients, co-workers & teams.
• No software or signups needed.

• Works on all web browsers.
  Best of all, it's free.
• Meet with up to 5 people at a time.
  Hear and see everyone at once.
  Invite others within the room.
  Meet as long as you want.
• Send messages and text as a group.
  Copy and paste paragraphs to share.
  Share links to web resources.
• Take notes during your meeting.

  Automatically saved for you.

  Search notes in your profile.

  Your notes stay private.
• Share your screen with your peers.
  Show anything on your computer.
  Give interactive presentations.
  Run product demonstrations.

Minutes in a Minute?

Do you ever get tasked with "taking the minutes" at a meeting? I sure do!

I am going to try out this browser-based (and free) possibility to see how it works.

https://minutes.io

According to the website, you can use this DURING the meeting... it's designed that way. And, it can even be used without internet connection, so that if you're in a meeting where the wifi is iffy... it's not a big deal. Take minutes and have them go out once you connect.

Sounds pretty simple... let us know how it works for you!

Oh, no... what did I do? Can I undo that?

It happens to the best of us. Oopps.... now what did I do? How can I go back? In most Windows programs, you can! Hold down the CTRL key and tap the Z key. That should make you "go back" one step, to "undo" whatever you (even accidently!) did! Clever, huh?

Ransomware?

Ransomware isn't new, but it apparently IS becoming a bigger problem "out there," particularly for businesses. Unfortunately, anti virus programs do not stop this type of problem from occurring.

Safe computing is our best first defense...
========================================

Ransomware has quickly become a huge threat to businesses of all types and sizes. Not sure what ransomware is all about? Allow us to explain: ransomware is a form of malware that infects machines, then encrypts all of the files on the machine; and unless the victim pays a hefty ransom fee, the files remain encrypted, and as a result, unusable and inaccessible forever.

 

Warning: Cryptowall 2.0 is Striking Left and Right - Don't Become the Next Victim!

Cryptowall 2.0, a very dangerous and worrisome ransomware, has been striking businesses left and right. In fact, a law firm in Fort Lauderdale, FL was recently infected and left down for weeks before they were able to remove the virus from their system.

So how does the ransomware infect machines? Well, cybercriminals send an email that contains a zip or PDF file, which is disguised as an invoice, purchase order, bill, complain, or other business issue. Once the victim double-clicks on the fake zip or PDF file, the ransomware is downloaded and installed on the machine.

After the ransomware is installed, it scans the machine for data and encrypts the data using RSA encryption; then a notepad window opens to display instructions on how to pay the ransom fee and access the decryption service. Unfortunately, the ransom fee starts at $500 USD, and after 7 days, the ransom fee goes up to $1,000 USD.

What Can YOU Do to Protect Yourself? Follow This Simple Rule: NEVER Open Attachments from an Unknown or Unverified Sender!

What can you do to protect yourself? That's simple: do not openany zip or PDF files without verifying the sender. If you do receive a suspicious message, simply call the sender and verify prior to opening the attachment. Keep in mind, the ransomware is designed to bypass firewalls, anti-virus software, and anti-malware software.

In addition, there's no known way to block the ransomware. Ultimately, it all comes down to data backup - make sure your data is backed up and recoverable, in order to guarantee accessibility in the event of an infection. Otherwise, you're left paying a hefty ransom fee and losing valuable time; as the recovery steps are extremely time-consuming.

Our neighbor's house got burglarized....

..and electronics (tvs, tablets, computers) were the main things stolen.

This certainly raised our awareness of how tempting these daily-used pieces of hardware are!

Think about it-

What can people walking by see of your electronics each evening as they go by?

If someone came in a window... how many TVs, cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. would they be able to "grab and go" within about 90 seconds of entry?

And, worse yet... how much time are YOU willing to spend following up on all the passwords you will need to change, all the accounts that will be vulnerable, and all the software and programs you'll need to reinstall on your replacement hardware?

Are those 9,000 digital pictures of your newest grandchildren ever replaceable? You know...the ones stored on the hard drive of the desktop computer they took?

Gulp.

Here are some specific and timely tips:

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/stop-entire-desktop-pc-home-office-stolen/

Obviously, these apply to offices as well as homes. This article focuses on desktop machines, but the concepts apply to any electronic item.

And, don't think your large screen TV is too big to steal either. Our neighbors lost two. I suspect two strong people could carry one off in a matter of moments...

Do you get your news from the internet?

Many of us do these days.

But, if you get your news through Google+, Facebook, or another service, it's not really YOUR news. It's THEIR news- what they choose to feed to you.

You can do better. And, it's quite simple.

In fact, that's it's middle name: Really Simple Syndication, or RSS.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-is-rss-and-how-can-it-improve-your-life/

Why not check it out?

Wow- a treasure thanks to the internet!

If you ever need a template for a resume... here's an amazing resource!

http://www.hloom.com/download-professional-resume-templates/

277 different resumes- for free!

Do you use Gmail?

I have a personal account, and I also have to use it for work... so I have had a chance to dig into some of its many features... and yes, there are MANY features.

While some people don't like that Google uses all their data (what you search for, where you log in from, etc.) for marketing purposes.... others DO like the power of the application Gmail (and those it comes with... the entire "Google suite" of applications).

Anyway, here's some very neat stuff you can do just using your gmail account:

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-turn-gmail-into-your-central-productivity-hub-1626946674


As you can see, it's a link to one of my favorite websites!

Let us know if YOU have some creative things you do to make your Gmail productive for your needs.

Darn it...that print is so small!

This from a new favorite website at http://www.blifaloo.com/info/computer-tips.php

 from which I copied/pasted this! Thanks!!

HOW TO MAKE THE INTERNET BIGGER!

While holding down the Ctrl button on your keyboard -- rotate the scroll wheel in the middle of your mouse. (see image on right)

Go ahead and give it a try, right now.

On most computers this will magnify / shrink the size of websites.

Rolling the mouse wheel up will make everything bigger, while rolling the mouse wheel down will have the opposite effect.

So, next time you are having trouble reading small text on a website, simply hold down control and use the scroll wheel. Very handy -- pass this on to your friends.

Alternative method: hold down CTRL and tap on the + and - buttons on the keyboard for the same effect.

Search text within any Web page

Ever end up on a site from a search engine, but can't find the exact words you are looking for? The answer is:

Ctrl + f

Go ahead and hold down the Ctrl button on your keyboard and press "f" -- you should see a search box pop-up somewhere on your screen. (Usually near the bottom of the window). Now you can type any word into that search box and your internet browser with find and highlight each instance of that word as it appears on the page. You can also click the "next" button to allow the page to auto-scroll to the next instance of the word.

Neat, eh? I use this feature all the time.

Learn a Language Using Your Computer?

This sounded like a pretty cool website. Read the description I found on Make Use Of, and then click through to take a peek at the actual site!

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/learn-language-talking-real-people-using-wespeke/

Which should I buy?

Sometimes, I like to create a spreadsheet to compare the key features of a piece of computer or electronics gear. I fill it in as I roam around the web looking at reviews.

And, sometimes it's just easier to go to one place and look at comparisons. That's what you can do here:

http://www.engadget.com/compare/

Clever passwords are not enough.

This informative article by LifeHacker points out that today's security requires more than "fido123" as a password. LOTS more.

http://lifehacker.com/5937303/your-clever-password-tricks-arent-protecting-you-from-todays-hackers

IT courses for free!

You may have noticed- I love FREE stuff!

I came across this article from Lifehacker. It's a compilation of free online courses which are about equal to getting a degree in computers, but you don't have to pay a nickel!

So, if you're ready to deepen your computer capabilities in a more structured way, or if you want to learn more to get ahead at work, this might be your chance. No degree or certificate, but lots and lots of learning!

Enjoy!

http://lifehacker.com/get-a-college-level-computer-science-education-with-the-1573535378

Don't yank out that USB...

I know- no one ever told you.
But, that little flash drive thingy you're using to save all your recipes, or your list of library books, or ..whatever?

And... that little bitty memory card on which you have all 2,765 pictures of your brand new niece?

Your data's at risk each time you pull it out of your computer without following the right disconnection process.

Thanks to Gizmo, once again:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/easily-and-safely-eject-usb-drives-and-memory-cards.htm

Free for your Kindle

Or, for your Nook, or for your MP3 player!

I've posted this one before, but you know what? I love FREE STUFF and since the offerings on these sites keep changing, the free stuff changes constantly. Can't beat that!

http://www.techsupportalert.com/free-ebooks-audio-books

How to Stay Safe While Online

This older (well, not THAT old!) article posted on Gizmo's Tech Support Alert hits the nail on the head when it comes to safe computing.

It's a solid compilation of tips- from very basic, to more advanced- and is worth a perusal!

Thanks, Gizmo!

http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-stay-safe-while-online.htm

Safer Computing

Sometimes, I just get flat out tired of taking malware off of people's machines. So, when I found this article, I used it to create a check-list. Now, if someone asks me to help them, I also ask them to let me set up their machine so that it is safer!

I even make them a little folder on their desktop that says "Weekly Cleaning." In it, I organize shortcuts to the top five things (programs, usually) they need to do, in order, each week.

For beginner level users, I install, configure, and then provide links and basic "how to" instructions to run (in the order indicated):

1. Ccleaner
2. Spybot Search and Destroy (free version)
3. Mozyhome (free version)- this one backs up key files, usually their "My Docs", to a free account in the cloud. You can set it to do so automatically, too, but I ask them to do it weekly manually, as part of their "Weekly Cleaning".)

Of course, I also double check their antivirus. In particular, I make sure they are getting auto-updates of it, and of virus definitions.

Want a ton more details on ways to "lock down" your machine?

http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/safe-computing-under-hour.htm

Who are the "bad guys" anyway?

Worms? Trojans horses? Viruses? Key Loggers? Huh?

I call them, collectively, "Bad Guys," but then, that's just the term I started using when teaching a group of elderly nuns how to stay safer on the internet.

Here's a succinct description of all sorts of "bad guys" that seem to be lurking everywhere, waiting for us to do something so they can invade!

http://vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/malware-definitions.htm

Do you dance the two-step (authentication)?

Two-step authentication is a way to help secure certain types of account so that, even if someone does steal (or guess!) your password, they STILL can't get in.

Two-step authentication (also called "two-factor verification") adds a second, additional layer of security so that, when you log in to an account (an email account, bank account, etc.), you prove TWICE that you are really you.

Here's a good article on it:
http://gigaom.com/2013/10/07/what-is-two-step-authentication/

Don't get tricked! Ad "injection" and how to stay safe on the internet

Last week, a friend downloaded a free game from a website. And, then, she noticed that her browser started behaving weirdly, including serving up some advertising she'd never seen before.

 Yup, turns out she had an infestation of malware, software that can infest your computer and take over your browser, or worse!

How does malware like this get on your computer?

This article, on a Microsoft blog, explains about "ad injection" and how malware gets on your machine. It also describes how to prevent this.

It was worth a look!

http://blogs.technet.com/b/mmpc/archive/2013/06/20/ad-injection-and-you-how-adware-gets-on-your-computer.aspx

Free online SUDOKU

Are you a sudoku fanatic? Even if you've never tried this numbers game, it's worth a peek! It's a logic puzzle that keeps your mind sharp and here you can play for free, including printing out a puzzle!

http://www.websudoku.com/

Free Computer Learning

I just found this site: http://www.gcflearnfree.org/
It includes free "how to" tutorials on topics like:

• How to unsend an email in Gmail
• A typing tutorial
• Computer basics
• Internet safety
• Windows 7 and Windows 8
• Digital photography
• Facebook 101
• Skype
• And a TON MORE!

There are also non-technical topics. Fun!!!

"Heartbleed"- should you worry, or not?

What is it?

It's not really a "virus," but rather a sort of "hole" in the code that is behind up to two thirds of all websites. They're calling it a "bug" as in "a bug in the code." 

This "hole" means that if you go to that website, you become vulnerable, because if someone exploits that "hole", then the site could be forced to reveal passwords and in principle let others create a bogus version of the Web site

Should I worry?
According to CNN, sort of yes: 
http://www.cnet.com/news/heartbleed-bug-undoes-web-encryption-reveals-user-passwords/

According to ZDNet, you probably shouldn't panic. 

What should I do? How?

Experts seem to agree on a two step process:

1. Figure out if a website has already updated its code, essentially closing the "hole."

2. Then, change YOUR password for that site.

If you are not sure if the website has already closed the hole, they generally are suggesting you change your password anyway, and perhaps change it again in a week or so, to give that site a chance to update its code.

Here's a list you can look at that gives some good indicators of which sites you SHOULD change your password for right away:

http://mashable.com/2014/04/09/heartbleed-bug-websites-affected/?utm_cid=mash-com-fb-main-link

http://www.zdnet.com/sans-warns-end-users-against-heartbleed-patch-panic-7000028361/

Lastpass.com, as well as some others, has created a nifty tool so you can check websites to see if they are places that are dangerous for you:
https://lastpass.com/heartbleed/

And, if you already subscribe to Lastpass.com (which is not affected by this bug, by the way), they have a free tool that actually analyzes your sites/passwords and creates a list with links to click to easily change passwords. That's what I did- and I have a LOT of passwords! I guess it was a pain, but then again, you're SUPPOSED to change passwords periodically anyway, so I'm chalking this up as an opportunity to do some "spring cleaning!" If you decide to sign up for Lastpass,can you please use this referral link? It gets both of us a month of premium use... https://lastpass.com/f?2882976  Thanks!

Safe to play in the Sandbox(ie)?

Here's a way you can continue using Windows XP and be safe!

Run everything (your browser, downloaded games, videos, etc.) inside a "sandbox" on your machine!

I use Sandboxie, a long-time, well-known program (free version available) that sets up a "safe zone" on my computer so I can safely use programs or download things, or surf... and no "bad guys" can get in or out.

I have had it for a while.. but it was not until I read this article that I really got the hang of it!

http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/introduction-and-quick-guide-sandboxie.htm

Getting rid of an old computer? Here are important safety tips!

First, you celebrate! You got a new computer!!

Then, you consider whether you want to park that old machine somewhere in the far reaches of your basement....

Right. Me either. I'd rather get rid of it.

Even if it is at least a dual core machine (in which case, hint-hint, you'd want to consider donating it to a nonprofit!)... you want to clear your hard drive.

It's not hard.

Here are some links to help you out:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/safely-dispose-computers-and-devices.aspx

http://www.wikihow.com/Safely-Get-Rid-of-an-Old-Computer

Three ways to get rid of an old computer (Microsoft)

REMEMBER: Deleting stuff from your hard drive isn't enough. Deleted files often can be recovered. At the very least, you should format the hard drive. See my article, Clean the hard drive before dumping your PC, for instructions on how to do this.

You're safest if you overwrite the disk. There are free programs that will make the disk unreadable. PC Inspector's e-maxx meets U.S. military standards. Another good program is Eraser, free through Heidi Computers.

I wish you could just show me how...

You're at home at your computer. You're on the phone with your brother-in-law, friend, neighbor, kid-down-the-block who knows a lot more about computers than you do.

He or she is telling you the steps to make something happen. And, you think to yourself, "Wow, this would sure be easier if you could just show me how..."

They (the helper) and you (the helped) can share screens using a free (for personal and non-commercial use) software product called Team Viewer. http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx

It links two computers together securely so that your helper can see your machine as if he or she was sitting right beside you! And, you can see them move the cursor, or open and change a file or setting.. while they do it from across town (or somewhere else in the world!)

Yes, it feels like magic. But, just think of the stress it can avoid!

Who knows, if you send them homemade chocolate chip cookies periodically, they might even be willing to help you "fix" your computer remotely whenever you run into a jam!

Super User?

Well, maybe not YET.
But, here's an interesting site where:
> Anyone can post a question.
> Anyone can answer one.
> Best answers get voted to the "top" of the list.

Most of the questions pertain to technology.... some pertain to working in the field of technology.

http://superuser.com/

Should you be using social media tools?

Here's an "infographic"  with 25 they say you SHOULD be using:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/85849936620965723/

And here's a link about that infographic: Click

Which do you like best for your group, self, or business?

Thinking of getting a tablet?

Here's a pretty good resource downloadable from "Make Use Of":

http://bit.ly/1fEby3t

I'm really likin' "Snapfish" these days

Snapfish is one of those on-line ("in the cloud") photo storing and printing services. Well, more than that. You upload your digital pictures and can organize them into "Albums" and then in a few clicks, create books, mugs, calendars, and more. I haven't tried any of those (too pricey for me!) but I do use this service for printing photographs really easily.

1. Take the picture.
2. Upload it to my Snapfish account.
3. Tell it I want prints.
4. Order the prints.
5. Have them delivered to the nearest Walgreens (which is right up the block) within about 2 hours.
6. Go get them and pay. Walgreens costs about $.20 per print.

I also did try ordering the prints by mail (only 9 cents each!) However, it took nearly three weeks to get the prints. And, with postage, it was close to the same cost as it would have been to walk three blocks to Walgreens and get them right the same day!

Give it a try? www.snapfish.com

Free Alternatives to Expensive Word?

I recently got a new laptop. I decided I'd try using a free alternative to the very expensive Microsoft Office Suite that has been "industry standard" for some long time!

Right now, I am trialing:

Google Docs: This is a Google product, so you need to have a google or gmail account. It's part of a suite that includes spreadsheets, wordprocessor, presentation software): seems like plenty of space and features, and I can save a document as a Word document after creating it in Google Docs, so I can then send it to anyone.

OpenOffice: This is "opensource" software and has a license to be used for free. Very robust. And I can open /save Microsoft Word docs with no problem so far.

LibreOffice: This is sort of like OpenOffice. I think. Because I couldn't really tell, as I could not get it to download and install on my Win 8.0 laptop at all. Well, I could download the .msi file, but after three tries at installing, I gave up.

Here's a link from an article on Digital Trends with more information on these and a few others:

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-microsoft-office-alternatives/