There’s always a little magic in the air during December, whether it’s from glistening snowflakes or simply the sparkle of the holidays. Our gift to you is an issue filled with ideas for making this season even more magical.
In the Pinterest section, find inspiration for a whimsical Christmas tree cupcake, a fragrant stovetop potpourri, and a dazzling centerpiece made from old bulbs. In Sites of the Month, check out holiday presents to make in your kitchen and too-cute photos of snowmen (and snowwomen) to create in your yard. In Two to View, take a minute to enjoy a heartfelt love song performed by a husband for his wife.
This December issue also contains more serious Internet-related information. Take a few minutes to read the warning about CryptoWall 2.0 ransomware, discover the difference between phishing and whaling, and learn how to delete or edit your Facebook posts.
We think you’ll find the information contained in this newsletter to be a valuable tool for enhancing your Internet experience.
Here’s what’s inside our December 2014 Newsletter:
GO PINTEREST-ING! COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS
SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN DECEMBER
SCAM ALERT – THREATENING RANSOMWARE IS GOING AROUND
THIS MONTH’S FAQ – I’VE HEARD OF PHISHING, BUT WHAT IS WHALING?
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO DELETE OR EDIT A FACEBOOK COMMENT YOU POSTED
The Gulfcoast Networking Team
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
———————————————————————-
NEWS FROM THE SHOP
Get that special someone on your list a subscription to one of our Safe Computing packages. Antivirus software, telephone support, remote support, and in-shop repairs for one price. Check out the Safe Computing package options on our website. Special pricing now through Christmas. We’ll even provide you with a gift certificate to give that special someone.
Looking for something less expensive? We have a wide range of computer accessories at very attractive prices. Come in and check them out.
———————————————————————-
GO PINTEREST-ING! COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS
Christmas Tree Cupcake Will Light Up Your Table
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852864293/
Stovetop Potpourri Makes Scents For The Holidays
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852864056/
Turn Burnt Out Lights Into A Dazzling Centerpiece
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852864382/
You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started?
To sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/
———————————————————————-
SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN DECEMBER
River Lights Boat Parade
http://www.riverlightsboatparade.com
One of our favorite parts of this time of year is the Riverlights Boat Parade. Check it out online and find a spot the evening of December 6th to watch it in person on the banks of the Cotee River.
Smart Year-End Tax Moves
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/10-year-end-tax-moves-to-make-1.aspx
Before you ring in the New Year, set aside some time to see if there are tax moves you should make before the end of 2014. This site covers 10 such moves including deferring your income, being generous to charities, and adding to your 401(k).
Holiday Gifts From Your Kitchen
http://www.sunset.com/food-wine/holidays-occasions/gifts-from-kitchen-recipes
Food always makes a welcome gift and when it comes from your kitchen, it’s even more meaningful. Take a peek at these 16 delicious recipes, ranging from Salted Chocolate-Pecan Toffee to Peppermint Stick Cocoa in a jar.
Escape To A Calming Oasis
http://www.calm.com/
When the hectic holiday pace leaves you feeling frazzled, this site offers soothing images and music. You can use the timer to set the number of minutes you’d like to enjoy the scene or choose a timed “guided calm,” which offers a voice-guided relaxation session.
Creative Ideas For A Snowman
http://www.hallmark.com/winter/ideas/how-to-make-a-snowman/
Want to make a snowman packed with personality that will capture the attention of your neighbors? Browse around this site and get ready to impress. You’ll find a list of handy tools, inspiring photos, and step-by-step instructions.
———————————————————————-
SCAM ALERT – THREATENING RANSOMWARE IS GOING AROUND
What is CryptoWall 2.0? It’s a form of ransomware, which means malware that infects a computer and then perpetrators demand the victims pay a ransom in exchange for the decryption keys necessary to make the computer useable again. If victims don’t pay, and they don’t have backups of their files, those files will be lost.
CryptoWall 2.0 is a revision of a previous product named CryptoWall, which itself is a derivative of CryptoLocker and CryptoDefense. If your computer has been infected with CryptoWall 2.0, you’ll see a pop-up after the malware has encrypted your documents.
How does CryptoWall 2.0 infect computers? Cybercriminals send an email that contains a zip or PDF file, which is disguised as an invoice, purchase order, bill, etc. Once the victim double-clicks on the fake zip or PDF file, the ransomware is downloaded and installed on the computer.
After the ransomware is installed, it scans the machine for data and encrypts the data; then a notepad window opens to display instructions on how to pay the ransom fee and access the decryption service. The ransom fee ranges from $500 to $1000 and there is no guarantee that you will get the decryption key even if you pay.
In our experience, the only decent option after a machine is infected with CryptoWall is to reformat it and reinstall Windows and everything else from scratch.
Clearly, prevention is far better. What can you do? Here are a few pointers:
- Install a top tier anti-malware program. We sell the top rated F-Secure Antivirus and Internet Security products. Both are on sale this month (25% off) if you mention this newsletter.
- Make regular backups of your important files. You can burn them to CD or DVD or use one of the online backup services. We sell Carbonite online backup solutions.
- NEVER open any zip or PDF files without verifying the sender. If you receive a suspicious message, simply call the sender and verify it prior to opening the attachment.
- Keep in mind that ransomware is designed to bypass firewalls and antivirus software.
———————————————————————-
THIS MONTH’S FAQ – I’VE HEARD OF PHISHING, BUT WHAT IS WHALING?
Question: I’ve heard of phishing, where scammers masquerade as a trustworthy entity in an email and try to get my usernames, passwords, or other personal data. But what is whaling?
Answer: Whaling is a specific form of phishing that’s designed to target upper-level managers in private companies. A whaling email is designed to look like a critical business message sent from a legitimate business authority such as the FBI or the Better Business Bureau. The scammers often use the person’s correct title, direct line phone number, and the names of other key people in the business – information probably bought from other criminals online.
The message is designed to trick the recipient into clicking on a link that will compromise the recipient’s computer, potentially giving the criminal access to confidential company information on their hard drives. Since the target is a “big fish,” this scam is called “whaling.”
———————————————————————-
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
http://creativity-online.com/work/cascadian-farm-bee-friendlier/37515
Boosting Bees By “Flower Bombing”
This beautifully crafted short film shows organic food brand Cascadian Farm use a crop duster to spread wild flower seed balls in an agricultural community to help increase its bee population.
http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1412_VIDEO_B.htm
Marty Brown On America’s Got Talent
Get your tissues ready for this touching expression of love on the stage of America’s Got Talent. Marty Brown sings the same Bob Dylan song he regularly sings to his wife at home.
———————————————————————-
SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO DELETE OR EDIT A FACEBOOK COMMENT YOU POSTED
You meant to post “thing” and it ended up “thong.” Mistakes happen, including on Facebook. But don’t worry if you realize your Facebook post has a typo or an embarrassing auto-correct situation. You can easily delete or edit your Facebook posts using the steps below.
To delete a comment on Facebook:
~Hover over the comment and click.
~Select Delete.
~Click Delete.
To edit a comment:
~Hover over the comment and click.
~Select Edit.
~Edit your comment.
~Press Enter or Return to post your updated comment, or Esc to cancel.
When you edit a comment, you’ll see a note under your comment showing the time it was edited. Anyone who can see your comment can see that it was edited and click the link to see what was changed.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We hope you found this newsletter to be informative.
Thanks for your business!
Best regards,
Rob Marlowe, Senior Geek
Gulfcoast Networking, Inc
6335 Grand Blvd
New Port Richey, FL 34652
727-847-2424
(We have used our best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, we do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.)
©2014 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.
Portions ©2014 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission