Here’s what’s inside our February 2015 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – WATCH OUT FOR TECH SUPPORT SCAMS

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 FEBRUARY

TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO PERFORM A SEARCH ON TWITTER
The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – WATCH OUT FOR TECH SUPPORT SCAMS

When you communicate with tech support, you want them to help you solve computer problems, not create them! Yet, that’s exactly what scammers pretending to be tech support personnel are doing.

Here’s how it works: Pop-up ads claiming to sell fixes for your computer lead you to a website to download the software. The website includes a phone number for you to call to “register” the software. When you call, the person on the other end of the line requests information, such as passwords or remote access to your computer. Using remote access, they “examine” your computer and tell you that it has problems that need additional “solutions.” They then ask for your credit card number to purchase these so-called solutions that don’t actually do anything. While they’re at it, they may infect your computer with malware or use your financial information to commit credit card fraud.

In a variation of this scam, tricksters call you and claim that they’re on the tech support team at Microsoft or another well-known company. They go through the same process of accessing your computer, getting credit card or other information, and then causing trouble.

To protect yourself, follow these tips:

~Never give access to your computer to someone who calls you out of the blue.

~To contact tech support, call the number you already have for your hardware or software.

~Never provide credit card information, passwords, or other sensitive data to someone claiming to be a tech support representative.

~Protect your computer from viruses.

~Learn how to avoid identity theft.

If you fear you may already have been a victim, check your computer for malware, change passwords you may have given out, and reverse any associated credit card charges.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

February brings with it some new projects and some new challenges.  We have been promoting this newsletter each month on various social media platforms, including facebook.  Unfortunately, facebook has been changing the way they publish posts on company pages like ours and only a small fraction of the people who like our facebook page are getting notified when we post something new (like the link to this newsletter).

If you found out about this newsletter on facebook, please consider signing up for our newsletter list so that you won’t miss future issues.  Please encourage your friends to do the same.

As a bonus for new newsletter subscribers, we are offering a free online health check for your computer.

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GO PINTEREST-ING! COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS

Colorful And Delicious Valentine’s Day Treat
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853625809/

Chomp On Chewy Chocolate Cherry
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853626106/

Ordinary Lampshade Becomes Night Sky
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853625912/

You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started?
To sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/

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FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

GasBuddy – FREE
Whether gas prices are up or down, GasBuddy helps you find the cheapest place close to your location to fill up. You can also earn points by reporting gas prices.

Learn more here…
http://www.gasbuddy.com/GasBuddyMobileApps.aspx
Trivia Crack – FREE
Test your knowledge of art, science, sports, geography, history, and entertainment. Play against friends or random opponents, then track your wins and stats.

Learn more here…
http://www.triviacrack.com/en
Tagwhat – FREE
Get “hyperlocal” information — from other users and online sources — about deals and events from places near your location, anywhere in the world.

Learn more here…
http://www.tagwhat.com/index.php

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SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN FEBRUARY

Scout Out A New Neighborhood
http://neighborhoodscout.com
Looking for a new city to call home? Check out this site first. Simply use the easy interface to learn about things like affordability, school system quality, average home values, and demographics. When you’re ready for the next step, you have the option of being matched with a real estate agent.

One caveat:  Neighborhood Scout is somewhat confused as to what neighborhoods are in what cities… For instance, the North River neighborhood of New Port Richey is listed as being part of the Port Richey city center.  As a result, the expensive homes and the professionals living in that neighborhood are listed in Port Richey’s stats rather than New Port Richey’s stats.

Find Solutions To Product Problems
http://manualsonline.com
Sometimes a product problem is easy to fix — if you know how to find the solution. ManualsOnline provides access to over 700,000 product manuals so you can quickly solve problems. For a human touch, access the user community. You can also sign up for helpful product-specific newsletters and tools.

Check Out These Valentine’s Videos
http://history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day/videos
Curious about the origins of Valentine’s Day? What goes on in the brain during heartbreak? Or how the kissing styles of men and women differ? As you get ready to celebrate the year’s most romantic holiday, stop by this site to watch videos that will answer these questions and more.

Get Your Foodie Fix
http://restaurant.org/News-Research/Research/What-s-Hot
Move over, Iron Chef! Members of the American Culinary Federation have offered their views on the hottest menu trends for 2015, and this National Restaurant Association site reveals the results. Watch the video for an overview or read one of several PDFs and articles to get detailed “what’s hot” info.

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TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

http://www.cornerstonenow.com/_enewslanding/_eNewsletter/2015/1502_VIDEO_A.htm
Cop Sings Along to Taylor Swift Song
While on patrol, a cop sings and moves to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” and his arresting version of the hit song is caught on the dashcam.

http://www.cornerstonenow.com/_enewslanding/_eNewsletter/2015/1502_VIDEO_B.htm
Even Top Athletes Need A Lift
Forget water, Gatorade, and the other usual sports drinks. Serena Williams confirms that it’s allowed, then orders an espresso during a tennis match.
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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO PERFORM A SEARCH ON TWITTER

Your Twitter timeline is great for helping you stay updated, entertained, and connected. But did you know you can also search the entire Twitterverse for information? Here’s how it works:

~Locate the search box at the top of your Twitter home page or app.

~Type in your search term and enter.

~The results will reflect everything on Twitter, including tweets and users.

~In the full version, narrow the results by choosing from the selections in the left-hand column. If you’re using the app, view these selections by tapping the “refine results” icon at the top of your screen.

~As an alternative search method, click or tap a hashtag within a tweet to find all tweets with the same hashtag.

With 300,000 new tweets posted each minute, it’s likely you’ll find what you’re looking for!

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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.

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

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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.

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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/

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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.

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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.

 

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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

November is the month when temperatures cool down and holiday preparations heat up. We’ve gathered seasonal content here to help you enjoy what makes November special (as well as avoid one of the month’s potential threats). We start with a warning about the fake charity scams that turn up every fall, and we offer tips on how to avoid them.

Need recipe ideas for entertaining family and friends? Check out the hot cider and pumpkin doughnut recipes in the Pinterest section. Want to better understand your furry companions? Head for the fascinating dog site in Sites of the Month. Need inspiration for a building project? Watch a barn go up in minutes in Two to View.

This November issue also includes advice on how to pick a good security question as well as how to save interesting items on Facebook for reading later.

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 November 2014 Newsletter:

GO PINTEREST-ING! COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS

SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN NOVEMBER

SCAM ALERT – WATCH OUT FOR FAKE CHARITIES DURING HOLIDAY SEASON

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHICH SECURITY QUESTION SHOULD I PICK FOR A “FORGOT PASSWORD” FEATURE?

TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO SAVE INTERESTING ITEMS ON FACEBOOK

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

It is hard to believe that it is November already.  As you get ready to do your Christmas shopping, please keep Gulfcoast Networking in mind.  We stock a wide variety of products and we have easy access to thousands of additional products…pretty much anything you might want to give someone for Christmas.

We are planning to be open on Saturday, November 29th, for Small Business Saturday.  There will be lots of other things going on downtown that weekend as well.  We’ll shoot details out to our mailing list as we get more information.  (There is a link to signup for our email list in the upper right corner of this page if you aren’t already a subscriber.)

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GO PINTEREST-ING! COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS

Spice Up Fall With This Apple Cider Recipe
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852563350/

Pumpkin Doughnuts Round Out Breakfast
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849430518/

A Baby Donkey That’s All Ears And All Too Cute
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852563416/

You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started?
To sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/

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SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN NOVEMBER

Try New Side Dishes For Thanksgiving
http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/thanksgiving-dinner-side-dishes
The main dish of turkey may be non-negotiable, but we bet there’s room on your Thanksgiving table for a new side dish or two. Check out this mouthwatering collection of recipes from Southern Living including Bacon & Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts and Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Cumin.

See The World Through Your Dog’s Eyes
http://www.dognition.com
This fascinating site helps you learn how your dog’s mind works. The Dognition Assessment uses science-based games to look at empathy, communication, cunning, memory, and reasoning. The  results will give you a richer understanding of your dog’s behavior.

Make The Most Of Your Money
http://www.clarkhoward.com
Clark Howard is a nationally syndicated consumer expert who shares ways for people to “save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off.” You can watch recent video tips, listen to his radio show, and browse through information on everything from buying a car to negotiating a raise.

What’s Trending In Holiday Decorating?
http://www.christmas.com/blog/christmas-style-holiday-decorating-trends-2014
Using the same holiday decorations year after year can get boring. So before you deck the halls, pick up fresh ideas such as re-purposing vintage items and adding texture through burlap. You can also create a family page to share holiday photos, save recipes, and more.

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SCAM ALERT – WATCH OUT FOR FAKE CHARITIES DURING HOLIDAY SEASON

People tend to feel especially kindhearted and generous during the holiday season, which is why scammers take full advantage of this time of year. In order to not fall victim to a fake charity email or website, take these precautions:

~ Stay suspicious. Look for telltale signs that an email or website may not be legitimate, such as low-resolution images, misspellings, poor grammar, or odd links. Also be aware that some fake charities may look real at first glance, taking on a name similar to a legitimate charity.

~ Think before you click. Don’t click on any links in emails or text messages from people you don’t know, and if you come across a shortened URL, use a URL expander, such as LongURL.org, to see where the link is directed to before you click.

~ Do a background check on charities. Before donating, research a charity thoroughly. You can enter the name of the charity at www.give.org to get information from the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance.

~ Beware of charity requests by email. Most legitimate charities don’t use email for their solicitations so there’s a higher likelihood that an emailed request for donations is a scam. (Some legitimate charities, however, will email people who have donated to their organization before.)

~ Take control of your giving. The best way to avoid charity scams is to decide in advance of the holiday season which charities you’ll support and contact them yourself.

Visit this link for additional tips…

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0011-charity-scams

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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHICH SECURITY QUESTION SHOULD I PICK FOR A “FORGOT PASSWORD” FEATURE?

Question: Sometimes a website will ask me to choose a security question from a list or write my own. What makes a good security question for a “Forgot Password” feature?

Answer: The security question (and answer) that’s associated with an online account enables you to be sent your password in case you forget it. In order to prevent someone not authorized to access your account from getting your password, it’s important to use a security question with an answer that has these characteristics:

~It should be difficult to discover through research. The answer to your security question should not be something that could be easily looked up online, such as, “What is my high school’s mascot?”

~It should be hard to guess. This means any question with a limited list of answers is not a secure one. For example, don’t use any security question where the answer is a month, a color, or a day of the week. An intruder could probably guess with just a few tries the answer to a bad question such as “What color is my bedroom?”

~It shouldn’t change over time. The problem with a question such as, “What is your favorite book?” is that the answer may not be the same five years from now.

It’s well worth your time to make sure your security questions and answers (along with your passwords) create a strong defense against hackers.

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TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1411_VIDEO_A.htm

See Why Not To Text And Drive
This video catches moviegoers off guard as it dramatically shows what can happen when you quit watching the road to reach for your phone.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1411_VIDEO_B.htm

Amazing Amish Barn Raising
See more than 10 hours of barn building in just 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Clearly, many hands do make light work!

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO SAVE INTERESTING ITEMS ON FACEBOOK

Tired of scrolling through a friend’s Facebook news feed to find the link to that cool story you didn’t have time to read when it was originally posted? Thanks to a new feature in Facebook, you can save interesting items to check out later.

To save something you see on Facebook:

~From your News Feed: Click the down arrow icon and then select Save

~From a Page: Click the three dots icon and then select Save

~From an event: Click the bookmark icon Save

Note: You can’t save photos or posts without links.

When you save things on Facebook, they’ll appear in your Saved Items that only you can see.

To view the things you’ve saved:

1. Go to http://Facebook.com/saved or click Saved in the left column of your homepage after you’ve saved something.

2. Click a saved category at the top or click a saved item to view it.

For more details, http://facebook.com/help/1471345899777163 visit this link.

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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.)

©2014 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.

Portions ©2014 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission