Here’s what’s inside our May 2016 Newsletter:
SECURITY ALERT – THE NEXT-GENERATION IN RANSOMWARE
GO PINTEREST-ING! – COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS
FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
SHORT TUTORIAL/FAQ – HOW CAN I TELL IF MY COMPUTER IS DYING?
The Gulfcoast Networking Team
SECURITY ALERT – THE NEXT-GENERATION IN RANSOMWARE
The newest ransomware (malicious software that interferes with your computer’s functioning and requires a ransom to restore it) is even more problematic than previous types, because it not only prevents access to your documents ? it locks you out of your computer entirely. This file, called Petya, is typically transmitted via email. If you open the attachment, or follow the link, it begins running on your computer.
Once this happens, you’ll see a series of things happening, including the Blue Screen of Death, the Windows Check Disk running, and a screen showing a skull and informing you of the ransom you have to pay to get your computer to function again. If you choose to pay the ransom, you’ll have to use another computer to do it.
Fortunately, you have a couple of other options to try. Take your computer to an IT technician, who may be able to recover your system. Or, if possible, shut down your computer immediately when you see the Blue Screen of Death. At this point, you may still be able to salvage your files.
Of course, the best strategy is to prevent the file from infecting your computer in the first place. To do this, use standard malware prevention techniques:
*Be wary of all email you receive, especially from people you don’t know. Don’t open any attachments from an unknown source and don’t follow any links unless you know where they go.
*Use complex, varied passwords and keep them private.
*Only download software from known, trusted websites.
*Keep your operating system, browser, and all applications up to date. Regularly install security patches and other updates.
*Use an anti-virus and anti-malware application, and run it regularly to ensure continuous protection. We sell and support products from AVG, Avira, and F-Secure.
*Perhaps most importantly, back up all your files regularly. Use a reliable offsite backup and recovery service.
For individuals, we recommend Carbonite Personal Edition. We are a Carbonite dealer and can get your backups set up and configured.
For businesses, depending on your needs, we recommend either AVG Cloudcare Backup or a Barracuda Backup Server. We represent both of these companies as well and will be happy to discuss your needs with you.
While there is a lot of potential danger in computer and online use, there are also many steps you can take to protect yourself.
Do you have questions about Windows 10 or your computer? Feel free to call us. We’d be happy to answer your questions. Our office number is 727-847-2424.
GO PINTEREST-ING! – COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS
Egg Carton Ladybug
Is Easy Kids’ Craft
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775859864947/
Use Mason Jars To
Plant Herb Garden
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/Ac3OckT5w1YJ_70rPiyLRcMwAlo4KOMk8mvUQ1Sn1-LuWwvncTAfUyA/
Yummy Candy Eggs
In Fun Brownie Nest
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775859393377/
You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started?
To sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/
FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK
BrightNest
This app gives targeted suggestions for household projects based on info you provide. You get instructions and can love, complete, or schedule tasks.
Learn More Here:
https://brightnest.com/posts/home-maintenance-there-s-an-app-for-that
Blocky Raider
Get ready for your newest game addiction. Make your way through the blocky temple while avoiding spikes, traps, lava, and other exciting obstacles.
Learn More Here: http://www.fullfat.com/games/blocky-raider/
Support Team USA
http://teamusa.org
With the summer Olympics coming up, check out this site to meet the athletes, get a refresher on the sports, stay updated on the team, and get Rio de Janeiro travel updates. You’ll find exciting stories, photos, and videos. Get even more goodies when you sign up for Team USA updates.
Springtime Salads
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/96/salad
As the weather warms up, you don’t want to be inside for hours preparing food. This site offers recipes for easy, delicious salads. Try one of the Main Dish options for a quick dinner, or search by different criteria to find a super salad to accompany your next meal.
Avoid Bug Bites
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
You may know that you can catch certain diseases — including Lyme disease, West Nile disease, and Zika — from bug bites, but you may not know how to prevent it from happening. This helpful site describes how to avoid bug bites, as well as what to do if you get bit.
Ultimate Road Trips
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips
If you love road trips, you won’t want to miss this site. From iconic Route 66 destinations to the best motorcycle rides, you’ll find beautiful National Geographic pictures and great information here. Be sure to explore the Top 10 lists (like the top 10 food road trips) and Road Trip Tips.
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2016/1605_VIDEO_A.htm
Kitten Versus Turtle
Watch the hilarious antics of a kitten who doesn’t know quite what to make of a turtle taking a slooooow walk across the floor.
http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2016/1605_VIDEO_B.htm
New Mountain Coaster
This Canadian mountain coaster is like a roller coaster in the woods. Enjoy all the ups and downs from a user’s point of view.
SHORT TUTORIAL/FAQ – HOW CAN I TELL IF MY COMPUTER IS DYING?
Question: My computer has been giving me problems lately, but I don’t want to spend the money on a new one if I don’t have to. How do I know when it’s time to give up?
Answer: Generally, a computer should last from three to five years, but could last much longer. To be sure it’s really time to say goodbye to your trusted technology, look for the following signs:
*Frequent program glitches are a classic sign of a dying computer. You may notice that your computer slows down, freezes, crashes, or sends error messages. This is particularly worrisome if several programs are acting up and the problems persist even after rebooting.
*Problems with your mouse, monitor, or flash drive can also be warning signs. If you’ve checked to make sure the cables are firmly connected to your computer and the devices still don’t act properly, your computer could be starting to go.
*A noisy hard drive or system fan is likely caused by malfunctioning parts, which could be due to wear and tear on your computer. Depending on the age of your computer, you may want to replace the parts or buy a new one.
*Error messages like “disk boot failure” could indicate hard drive failure or a corrupt operating system.
*Sluggish performance could be symptomatic of a nearly full hard drive, a computer virus, or an underlying hardware problem.
*Frozen pixels or weird lines on your laptop’s screen could be a sign of imminent screen failure.
Just as you’d take your car to a mechanic when it’s acting up, take action when your computer is not performing normally. Have it checked out by a computer technician and ask if repair or replacement makes the most sense.
If your computer is acting up, bring it in for a complete multi-check. We’ll take care of popups, check out the hardware performance, and make your computer perform the way it should. If hardware is going, we’ll help you decide if it makes more sense to fix it or replace it.
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.)
©2016 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.
Portions ©2016 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission