Dispose of Your Computer Properly

February 21, 2012 8:26 pm Leave a Comment

According to a recent online article, “The safeguarding of your PC does not end with just a virus protection plan and a firewall. Individuals should think about security beginning at the time of purchase and all the way up to the disposal of the device,”

I can not agree more.  You need to be very aware of the dangers to both your privacy, finances, data and more that are waiting for you online.  It can be a scary world out there.

However, that does not mean that you should retreat from it.  You just need to take some common sense precautions.

You need to use virus protection.  That is important enough to repeat a second time – You need to use virus protection.

There are a number of free virus software programs available.  One of my favorites is Microsoft Security Essentials.  This is free software for home and even for some business use.  Check the licensing requirements for small business use.

It is free and effective.  Additionally, it is not an intrusive virus protection software.  You will not see any significant online performance after it is installed and running.

Like all virus software, you need to keep it updated and you also need to run regular virus scans.  You should never disable any portions of your virus protection unless directed by a technician that you trust.

Disabling a portion of the virus protection is almost as bad as having none at all.

One area that the article touched on that is often overlooked – the disposal of your computer or other device.

It is important to recognize that your old computer has a lot of personal information on it.  It is a gold mine for hackers and those who steal identities.  If you dispose of your computer, have someone knowledgeable that you trust clean off your data first.

This requires not just erasing your data, but erasing it so that I can not be retrieved.  That is a bit more difficult and requires some technical ability.

Another resource for disposal is to use one of the many electronic recycling companies.  Many of them will give you a certificate ensuring your data will be removed and/or destroyed.  However, I would recommend you investigate the company to make sure they are an established firm that you can trust.

Disposing of your computer is just as important a part of your total computer protection as is using virus software and a firewall.

 

 

 

Filed Under: General Techie Stuff, Internet Security, Viruses Tagged With: , , , ,

Protection – Protection – Protection

January 16, 2012 11:08 am Leave a Comment

Typosquatter

Your computer has malware on it.  I can say that with almost certainty.  The malware may not be very harmful.  It may just be a cookie mining data or tracking the sites that you visit.

The reality is that half of all computers have some virus or malware infection.  Yours is probably one of them.

Here are some facts from the real world.

Every second and a half a new strain of malware or virus is being created.

Each day over 8,000 new websites are created and launched that contain some king of malware or virus.

If I harp on having proper anti-virus software, that is the reason.  You can not be too careful.

The hackers are sitting out there just waiting for you to go to the wrong site at the wrong time.

You need to have good anti-virus software.

You need to have good anti-malware software.

You need to keep your software updated.

You need to schedule scans on a regular (make that daily) basis.

You need to practice safe browsing techniques.

You need to have complex password.

Do I need to continue?

Common sense would dictate that you follow these simple rules.  However, most of you will get lax and a virus or malware will slip through.

If that happens – call an expert – call a Geek. If your in Ocala or Marion County that would be me! 352 427 5935.

Be safe out on the internet.  Keep your computer and your data protected.

Filed Under: General Techie Stuff, Internet Security, Malware, PC, Viruses Tagged With: , , , , ,

Do not let the malware Grinch ruin your Christmas

December 22, 2011 3:07 pm Leave a Comment

Yes if you are not careful you will have malware for Christmas.  No matter if you have been naughty or nice.  It is not Santa delivering the malware.  It is our evil friends the hackers or hacker elves.

Watch out for those cute Christmas themed emails.  They could contain Christmas themed malware.

This is nothing new.  Sophos an anti-virus and technology company, reports that it dates back to 1987.  The first Christmas malware was for the larger mainframe computers.  However, it did enough damage and froze a number of large computer networks.

No holiday or time off for the hackers or for malware.  Beware of what you open or download.  Think first, do you really need the blinking Christmas tree screen saver that plays “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”?

Protect yourself.  Give yourself the gift of a malware free computer by staying away from unknown emails and downloads.

Come join me for Coffee With The Geek.  Our next Coffee is on December 8th at 9 am.  Location is Great American Coffee Roasters, 816 South Magnolia Avenue, Ocala.  Come enjoy great coffee and great information.

 

Filed Under: Coffee With The Geek, Internet Security, Malware, Viruses Tagged With: , , , , ,

Protect your smart phone. You have heard that before.

December 19, 2011 2:30 pm Leave a Comment

You may get tired of me repeating myself.  However, here we go again.

You need to protect your Android or smart phone.  Viruses, malware and other unwanted software is lurking, just waiting to infect your phone.

A recent study showed that malicious software for the Droid operating system has increased nearly 17 times since the beginning of 2011.  That is a lot of bad stuff just waiting to mess up your phone.  Protect your self.

There are an estimated 1,600 Trojan horse viruses and nearly 750 spyware codes out there just waiting to infect your phone and steal your personal information.
The increase is due to a couple of factors.

  • Droid and smart phone usage is skyrocketing.
  • There are a number of readily available tools on the internet that make it easy to hack phones.
  • There are many, many unofficial sites that sell apps.  These apps can easily be the way in for a hacker.

Secure your phone.  I have been using the free version of Lookout Mobile Security.  I has been working fine and has not caused any problems.

It provides protect you from viruses, malware and spyware, the ability to backup and restore your data, and tools to help locate lost or stolen phones.  All for free.

Protect your private and personal information.  Protect your smart phone.  It is just the “Smart” thing to do.

Our next Coffee is on January 12th at 9 am.  Location is Great American Coffee Roasters, 816 South Magnolia Avenue, Ocala.  Come enjoy great coffee and great information.

Filed Under: Coffee With The Geek, Data Backup, Droid Devices, Internet Security, Malware, Viruses Tagged With: , , , , , ,

How to pick an anti-virus software program.

December 14, 2011 1:07 pm Leave a Comment

Good story – it will help you pick a good anti-virus software.  Price should not be your main concern when protecting you business or personal information.Come join me for Coffee With The Geek.

Story.

Our next Coffee is on January 12th at 9 am.  Location is Great American Coffee Roasters, 816 South Magnolia Avenue, Ocala.  Come enjoy great coffee and great information.

 

Filed Under: Coffee With The Geek, General Techie Stuff, Internet Security, Malware, Viruses Tagged With: , , , ,

Geek Gifts

December 12, 2011 10:29 am Leave a Comment

No I Will Not Fix Your Computer

It is the gift giving season.  Buying something unique for that special geek in your life can be difficult.  After all they are geeks, what do you buy a geek?
They usually have all of the geeky stuff they need.  Games, they have them all.  Technology toys, what they want they go out and buy.
So just how can you find something for that geek?
There are a number of good websites (go figure – shopping for a geek online – how fitting) that offer products for geeks.
One of my favorites is the Listmania feature of Amazon.com.  They have lists created by users in may different categories.
Gifts for geeks under $25.  That is a good one if you are on a budget.  Or simply seach Amazon for “gifts for geeks”.
The site www.uncommongoods.com has a varitey of very different gifts and is fun to look through even if you can not find what you really are looking for.  I was intrigues by the stealth toothbrush sanitizer.  If anyone orders one please let me know how they work or even if they work.
Thinkgeek.com is another geek gift site.  I am thinking of ordering the “No I Can Not Fix Your Computer” tee shirt.
Do not disappoint your geek this holiday season.  Be creative and find something that he or she would never buy for themselves.  And most likely will never use after you give it to them.
Come join me for Coffee With The Geek.  Our next Coffee is on January 12th at 9 am.  Location is Great American Coffee Roasters, 816 South Magnolia Avenue, Ocala.  Come enjoy great coffee and great information.

Filed Under: Coffee With The Geek, General Techie Stuff Tagged With: ,

Notable On Line Articles

December 7, 2011 11:04 am 1 Comment

Here are some on line articles worth taking a look at.  Keeping up on whats new is important – not just for Techies and Geeks like myself – but for any computer user.

The Holidays are coming and there will lots of new computers arriving at homes.  This is an article on how to setup a new PC securely.

I have been recommending Microsoft Security Essentials for both home and small business computers.  The Beta 4 is now available.  Although, I never recommend using the Beta version until it is tested, some of you who are a bit on the Geeky side may want to see what is new and exciting.

This article talks about some of the biggest snafus of 2011.  Hopefully, you avoided most if not all of them.

Use safe browsing practices.  Keep your virus software and operating system up to date.  And pay attention when you are out on that World Wide Web.

Come join me for Coffee With The Geek.  Our next Coffee is on December 8th at 9 am.  Location is Great American Coffee Roasters, 816 South Magnolia Avenue, Ocala.  Come enjoy great coffee and great information.

Filed Under: Coffee With The Geek Tagged With: , , , , ,

Protect Your Business Data

December 5, 2011 10:04 am Leave a Comment

Most businesses do not care to protect their data.  Yes that is a startling fact.  Study after study shows that less than half of businesses make any real effort to protect or secure their business data.

Here is what a lot of businesses are doing that puts their data at risk.

  1. No regular data back up.  Yes, many businesses do not back up their data.  They may back up part of their data but not all.  They may back up once a month but not on a regular basis.
  2. They do not verify the data they back up.  Very few companies take the time to verify that the back up they do actually has data in it.  Very companies check to see that the back up runs on a regular basis.
  3. They use no passwords or very simple passwords.  This not only puts your computer and network at risk – it also puts your customer information at risk.  Your customer database is important to your business.  Beyond that, the information in that database is full of confidential information that should no be put at risk by weak passwords.
  4. No anti virus software or not updating virus definition files on a regular basis.  Despite all of the warning and all of the free anti virus software available, many businesses still do not have software to protect them.  If they do have software, many do not run scans or keep the definition files updated.
  5. No fire wall.  Your computer has a built in firewall that should only be taken down or modified by an IT tech.  Additionally, all routers have a built in firewall.  They are there for a reason, use them.
  6. Unsafe internet browsing habits.  Your work computer should not be browsing unsafe or questionable sites.  If you really, really want to see the site, use your home or personal computer.  Do not put your business computer and the entire business network at risk by going where you should not go.

These are just some of the problems that can put your business data at risk.  Let common sense prevail.  Protect your data and protect your customer’s private information.

Due to a family emergency Coffee With The Geek will be canceled in December.  It will resume in January.  I will be posting the date for our next Coffee later this month.

Filed Under: Coffee With The Geek, Data Backup, General Techie Stuff, Internet Security, Malware, Passwords Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Smartphone viruses: real danger or just hot air?

December 1, 2011 1:51 pm Leave a Comment

Good article on the dangers that lurk out there for your smartphone or mobile devices.

Smartphone viruses: real danger or just hot air?

Due to a family emergency Coffee With The Geek will be canceled in December.  It will resume in January.  I will be posting the date for our next Coffee later this month.

Filed Under: Coffee With The Geek, Droid Devices, Smart Phones Tagged With: , ,

Where To Buy A PC or Laptop

November 30, 2011 11:46 am Leave a Comment

I am constantly asked where is the best place to buy a PC or laptop?  My answer is almost always the same – Buy with the store you are comfortable with.

For those who like big box stores I have found Best Buy, Staples and Office Depot have good prices and reasonable return policies.

For those who want reconditioned computers I have found New Egg and Tiger Direct to be great places to but.

I am sure there are other places to buy and they may even offer better deals.  Shop where you are most comfortable.

Due to a family emergency Coffee With The Geek will be canceled in December.  It will resume in January.  I will be posting the date for our next Coffee later this month.

Filed Under: Coffee With The Geek, General Techie Stuff Tagged With: , , ,
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