Here’s what’s inside our March 2015 Newsletter:
SCAM ALERT – BEWARE OF MALVERTISING
GO PINTEREST-ING! – COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS
FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK
SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN MARCH
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
THIS MONTH’S FAQ – HOW CAN I KEEP NEIGHBORS FROM USING MY HOME WI-FI?
The Gulfcoast Networking Team
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
———————————————————————-
SCAM ALERT – BEWARE OF MALVERTISING
Malvertising is one of the latest ways for bad guys to get bad stuff onto your computer. Here’s how it works: You visit a website, click on an ad, and get directed to another site that tells you your computer needs an update and encourages you to download phony software that will “fix” the problem. The software then infects your computer with problematic malware or spyware.
Here’s catch #1: Some malvertising doesn’t require you to click on the ad. Just its presence on the site you’ve navigated to can give it access to your computer. Here’s catch #2: This phenomenon isn’t just happening on “sketchy” websites; it’s happening on reputable sites such as YouTube and Reuters.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:
1. Don’t click ads that seem too good to be true, such as those that offer money, gifts, discounts, or anything else for free.
2. Ensure your operating system is up to date. Operating systems typically update automatically. When they do, be sure to follow the instructions to leave your computer on.
3. Set security settings on your browser to detect sites with malvertising. For example, in Chrome, in the Settings section, click Show Advanced Settings. Under Privacy, ensure the Enable Phishing and Malware Protection box is checked.
4. Disable Flash. There will be a different process, depending on which browser you use. For Chrome, go to Settings and click on Show Advanced Settings. Under Privacy, click Content Settings. In the new screen, under Plug-ins, choose Click to Play.
———————————————————————-
NEWS FROM THE SHOP
February may be the shortest month of the year, but we managed to stuff quite a bit into it. March promises to be just as interesting. I’ve been learning some very cool tricks for coding websites. A lot of what I’ve been doing is “behind the scenes”, but some of the very subtle changes you may have noticed on our websites are part of this evolution.
Lenovo, one of my favorite brand name computer companies, got caught installing junkware on some of their consumer systems. You can read more about this issue here. Sadly, Lenovo isn’t alone. If you need a reason to consider a custom built system, this would be it.
The other benefit of a custom built system is that you get exactly what you want, no more, no less. I built myself a new Vista machine back when Vista first came out. I picked Vista so that I could get up to speed on the then new operating system. Because my computer was advanced at the time, with a fast quad core processor, etc. and high quality components, it lasted the better part of eight years and only recently started showing its age. It finally gave up the ghost, so I’m getting ready to build myself a new system. I haven’t settled on specs yet, but a fast processor and plenty of memory will guarantee that I won’t outgrow the new system any time soon.
Over on the corporate services side of the shop, we offer both a la carte and IT management service packages. If you want to simplify your company’s computer networking, give us a call at 727-847-2424.
You can subscribe to our consumer email list here.
You can subscribe to our business email list here.
For regular updates on events and issues in New Port Richey, sign up for my NPR Notes list here.
———————————————————————-
GO PINTEREST-ING! – COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS
Sour And Sweet Treat Has Berries Galore
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853925389/
Adorable Dogs Find Cozy Sitting Space
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853925263/
Fun And Colorful Jelly Bean Tree
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/131871095312271295/
You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started?
To sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/
———————————————————————-
FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK
Candy Crush Saga – FREE
Download this sweetest of apps to test your skills at mixing up the tasty treats on the game board just right. Play with friends to have the most fun. Learn more…
http://www.candycrushsaga.com/
Pinterest – FREE
If you love the desktop version, download the app so you can pin on the go. Newbies will also appreciate the fun visual discovery and sharing. Learn more…
http://www.pinterest.com/
Epicurious – FREE
Food lovers, take notice: This app allows you to search for recipes, make shopping lists, follow cooking instructions, and get a “recipe of the day.” Learn more…
http://www.epicurious.com/services/mobile
———————————————————————-
SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN MARCH
Chasco Fiesta
http://www.chascofiesta.com
If it is March, the Chasco Fiesta can’t be far away. Chasco features our biggest street and boat parades, some amazing music, and enough great food to make you want to toss your New Year’s diet resolution out the windows. I’m partial to the Sertoma Beef BBQ the first weekend of Chasco as well as the funnel cakes that one of the other Sertoma clubs cook up.
With the exception of the country music concert, all of the concerts are free. Quite a few of our local non-profits use Chasco as a major fund raising opportunity. See you there.
(Gulfcoast Networking is pleased to provide free website hosting for the Chasco Fiesta.)
Celebrate Women?s History Month
http://nwhp.org
Sponsored by the National Women’s History Project, Women’s History Month celebrates women’s role in the history of our country. At this site, you can learn more about this year’s theme, “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives,” find a performer or author to speak at your event, or purchase books and other resources.
Springtime Projects From Martha Stewart
http://marthastewart.com/1060554/spring
Ready for some springtime projects? As usual, Martha Stewart has you covered. From egg ornaments to flower baskets to baby shower ideas, on this site you’ll find step-by-step instructions to create them all. When you find something you like, it’s easy to share with friends on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and more.
Nutritious Springtime Produce
http://cookinglight.com/food/in-season/spring-vegetables-fruits Every season has its best produce, and this site celebrates the nutrition-packed fruits and veggies of spring. How about some juicy strawberries for fiber and Vitamin C? A good source of plant protein, fresh peas are at their peak from April through July. Artichokes, rhubarb, and morel mushrooms round out the list.
———————————————————————-
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1503_VIDEO_A.htm
Dashing Through The Snow
The power of nature and machines come together for an exciting display in this remarkable video. You might want to put on your ski goggles for this one!
http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1503_VIDEO_B.htm
Learn A Bunch Of Brady Secrets
Apparently even sunny Marcia Brady gets a little cranky when she’s hungry. Watch fascinating footage of the making of the 2015 Snickers Super Bowl ad.
———————————————————————-
THIS MONTH’S FAQ – HOW CAN I KEEP NEIGHBORS FROM USING MY HOME WI-FI?
Question: I suspect my neighbors are using my Wi-Fi. How can I prevent this?
Answer: You’re right to take precautions, as higher data charges, slow speeds, and hacking can result from unauthorized persons using your Wi-Fi (this is known as “piggybacking”). There are many steps you can take to prevent it from happening. Here are three of the most effective:
~Create a password. Go into the admin dashboard for your router and find the default password. Change it to something difficult to guess. The best passwords are long, random combinations of letters and numbers. Don’t worry about having to remember your password — you’ll only have to enter it the first time you use a device on the network.
~Encrypt wireless signals. This task also involves getting into your router dashboard. Once you’re there, change your security mode to WPA2, ~Reduce your range. Place your router in the middle of your home to restrict its range only to authorized users.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We hope you found this newsletter to be informative. It’s our way of keeping you posted on the happenings at our shop.
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.)
©2015 Gulfcoast Networking Inc.
Portions ©2015 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission