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

FRAUD ALERT – SCAMS TARGETING NANNIES, BABYSITTERS, AND CAREGIVERS

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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 FAQ – HOW DO I STAY SAFE WHEN USING PUBLIC WI-FI?

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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FRAUD ALERT – SCAMS TARGETING NANNIES, BABYSITTERS, AND CAREGIVERS

If you’re a caregiver who uses sites like care.com or sittercity.com to find work, beware! Scammers have found a way to con people just like you. Here’s how it works: They send you a message saying they’d like to hire you, and then offer to send you money in advance, asking you to send some of it back to them — or they give you a phony reason to send them money. Either way, you end up out of money because the jobs and checks aren’t real. Here are some ways to detect these false employers:

~Lots of mistakes in their messages including spelling, capitalization, and punctuation errors, as well as strange-sounding language.

~Changing stories, such as differences from one communication to another as to how many children they have.

~Lack of response to questions you might ask about the job.

You can protect yourself by following these tips:

~Never give out personal information. If you use one of the services mentioned above, they may request your social security information for a background check, or credit card information to pay for specific services, but they will never request this information via email.

~Don’t accept money from or send money to anyone you’ve never met.

~Always have an in-person interview, in public, before agreeing to a job.

If you think you’re already being scammed, don’t panic. Use the “report” function of the service you’re using and stop communicating with the other party. Consider reporting the situation to the police. Finally, don’t let the situation deter you from finding a great position with someone else.
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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

We are now offering the highly rated Avera Antivirus lineup for our consumer clients.  They appear to work very well in our testing and they are more compatible with our remote support technology.  If you are using F-Secure Anti-Virus or F-Secure Internet Security, we will be happy to assist you in upgrading your protection when your F-Secure product comes up for renewal.

We continue to sell and support the F-Secure corporate products for our business clients.  We also offer the full suite of AVG Cloudcare products for our business clients.

We are seeing a steady stream of machines that have been compromised after the owner got a phone call from “Microsoft” or dialed an 800 number when a popup appeared on their screen.  If you get such a phone call, please hang up.  If you get a popup directing you to call Microsoft, turn your machine off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on.  Both are a scam.  If you get suckered into installing stuff on your computer, give us a call for instructions.

 

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

Pretty Pinecone and Candle Centerpiece
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775855036513/

Old Rake Makes Festive Door Déco
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/204913851766668905/

Hearty and Healthy Fall Squash Soup
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853625703/

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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FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

Flipagram
This fun app allows you to make slideshows, musical videos, lipsyncs, stop-motion movies, and more–all set to music you love.

Learn more… https://flipagram.com/
Google Maps
The new Google Maps helps you navigate, avoid traffic jams, find places to go near your location, and virtually visit others far away.

Learn more… http://www.google.com/maps/about/
Santa’s Bag for iOS
Holiday shopping? Naturally, there’s an app for that! With Santa’s Bag, you can create a gift list, set budgets, and track or share your progress.

Learn more… http://www.claypotsoftware.com/

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Thanksgiving’s Rich History
http://plimoth.org/learn/multimedia-reference-library/read-articles-and-writings/thanksgiving-history
If you think of food and football when you hear the word “Thanksgiving,” you might want to check out this site, which describes the fascinating history of the holiday. The practice of setting aside a special day to give thanks goes all the way back to traditions from the 1600s.

Loyalty Made Easy
http://points.com/#
Loyalty programs for airlines, hotels, shops, and credit cards are great, but if you have more than a few, they can be hard to keep track of. The free Points service allows you to manage all your programs in one spot, move points between programs, and even reward yourself with gift cards.

The Reluctant Gourmet
http://reluctantgourmet.com
The name says it all: some of us want to be great cooks, but don’t know where to start. Now you do! This site offers everything from cooking tips, to information on cooking tools and ingredients, to meal planning strategies and — of course — delectable recipes.

Learn About Life on Mars
http://mars.nasa.gov
Mars has been in the news a lot lately – because scientists have discovered water there and because of the new movie, The Martian. Want to know more about the Red Planet? This site has videos, images, articles, and much more. Don’t miss the updates on the Curiosity Rover, which is there now!

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1511_VIDEO_A.htm

A Watchdog Worth Watching
This little dog has some big courage! Watch as it defends its territory by chasing away not one, but two bears twice its size.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1511_VIDEO_B.htm

Humans Teach a Pelican to Fly
This bird lost its parents but found some great friends. They give us a unique view of its progress as it learns to fly.

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SHORT FAQ – HOW DO I STAY SAFE WHEN USING PUBLIC WI-FI?

Question: I’ve heard it can be dangerous to use public Wi-Fi, but sometimes I need to connect when I’m out and about. Are there steps I can take to do it safely?

Answer: Before you even get to a Wi-Fi location, take these three steps: make sure your software patches are up to date; set up two-factor authentication on services (like Facebook) that allow it; and make sure all your passwords are complex and difficult to guess. Then, when you get to the Wi-Fi location, verify with someone at the establishment that the network you’re using is legitimate. Next, turn off file sharing for your device (how you do this will depend on which operating system you use). Once you’re on the network, check for “https://” at the beginning of URLs to ensure you’re using secure websites. Finally, when you’re ready to log off, set your device to not “connect automatically” to the network again.

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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,

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.

 

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

SCAM ALERT – FAKE FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY FOR FAMOUS THEME PARK

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

SITES OF THE MONTH

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW CAN I SEARCH MORE EFFICIENTLY FOR SOMETHING ON PINTEREST?

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – BEWARE OF FACEBOOK FRIEND REQUEST SCAM

There’s a Facebook scam making the rounds that you should know about. It works like this: You get a friend request from someone you thought you were already friends with on Facebook, perhaps a relative or casual acquaintance. You think that’s a little odd, but figure maybe this person had to create a new account or  something, so you accept. Before long, you start to receive strange messages — urgent pleas for money due to an emergency or invitations to sign up for  work-at-home jobs or free gift cards.

Clearly, this is no friend. It’s a scammer that has spoofed a Facebook account in order to steal money or distribute spam links. What should you do if you receive a friend request from someone you don’t know, or if your own account is spoofed? Here are a few tips:

*Always double-check friend requests: Don’t just automatically click “accept” for new requests. Take a few moments to look over the profile and verify that account is a real person, not a scam. If you receive a friend request from someone you are already friends with, don’t confirm the request until you verify it with your friend. Contact them by some other means — phone, email, text, etc.

*Don’t blindly trust friends’ recommendations: Just because a link, video, or other information is shared by a friend doesn’t mean that it’s safe to click. It could be a fake account, a hacker, or mean that your friend hasn’t done his or her research.

*Watch for poor grammar: Scam Facebook posts are often riddled with typos and poor English.

*Alert your friends: If your Facebook friend suddenly starts posting links to work-at-home schemes or scandalous celebrity videos, tell him or her directly about the suspicious activity. Otherwise, they may never know that their account has been impersonated.

Have fun on Facebook but watch out for fake friends!

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

As temperatures start to cool off, it is the perfect time to make sure that your computer is running cool as well.  Bring your computer in for a full system multi-check to make sure that it is running at its best.

We are moving out some of our old inventory.  Drop by and see what we’ve got on our “sale” table.

Some time back, I built a “mini-skeleton system as a display computer and I’d love to find a permanent home for it.  Come by and check it out.

It has a 2.41ghz processor, 4gb of main memory and a 250gb hard drive.  It is just as cute as can be and would look great on most any desk.

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

Have A Ball With A Pumpkin
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/165788830010472281/

Bowl Them Over With Fall Leaves
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775856670428/

Good-Looking Halloween Donuts
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775857000201/

Santa Dollars
https://www.pinterest.com/junewatts1/santa-dollars-the-perfect-stocking-stuffer/

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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FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

Venmo
Need to split the check at a restaurant or pay your share of a group gift for a friend? Pay almost anyone instantly and securely with Venmo.

https://venmo.com/about/product/

Scrabble
It’s America’s favorite word game, and this app lets you play Scrabble with friends on Facebook or play solo against the computer.

http://www.ea.com/scrabble-free-ipad

Houzz
Planning a home improvement project? Here’s a handy way to get inspired, browse through photos, and connect with professionals.

http://www.houzz.com/mobileApps

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

Time To Study College Rankings
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges
If someone in your family will be college bound in the coming year or two, be sure to study this annual ranking of colleges and universities from U.S. News & World Report. You’ll also find college advice for students and parents as well as tips on applications, loans, and more.

Fun And Flexible Photo Editing
https://www.picmonkey.com/
With PicMonkey, you can easily edit and touch up photos, or develop your own photo designs. Give your photos a makeover with Wrinkle Remover and Teeth Whitening, try fun special effects to create unique photo images, or use the collage tool for a cool new Facebook cover.

Winning Tailgating Recipes
http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/packages/tailgating/food-networks-top-50-tailgating-recipes.html
The chefs at Food Network have teamed up to bring you the Top 50 Tailgating Recipes. You’ll score big with friends and family on game days with dishes including Charleston Cheese Dip, Three Cheese and Artichoke Scones, and Charred Corn Guacamole with Corn Chips.

Set The Scene For Halloween
http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/our-55-favorite-halloween-decorating-ideas-pictures
Don’t be spooked at the prospect of decorating your home for Halloween! The folks at HGTV have done the work for you with this gallery of ghoulish ideas for inside and out. From cleverly decorated pumpkins to ghostly curtains and slipcovers, you’re sure to scare up compliments.

Cotee River Bike Fest
http://www.coteeriverbikefest.org/
New Port Richey’s own motorcycle rally is coming up the weekend of October 9th-11th.  Get all the details on the official event website.

 

 

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1510_VIDEO_A.htm

Music By Birds On The Wires
What would it sound like if birds on the wires were viewed as notes in a musical composition? Watch this to find out.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1510_VIDEO_B.htm

Toddler Plays With Gorilla
Apparently the peek-a-boo game is familiar to gorillas, as this little boy found out to his delight while visiting the zoo.

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SHORT TUTORIAL/FAQ – WHAT DOES THE TERM “PING RATE” MEAN?

Question: I’ve seen the term “ping rate” mentioned in online video games but I’m not sure what it means? Can you fill me in?

Answer: Ping rate is simply the delay of messages sent between computers; in other words, how fast you get a response after you’ve sent out a request. Ping rates will vary based on the quality of your Internet connection and the distance between the server and your computer. Ping is measured in milliseconds, and you can check yours at sites including www.speedtest.net. A fast ping means a more responsive connection, which is especially important in applications where timing is critical such as online video games.

Ping rates can vary from 1-2ms (thousandths of a second) for local network connections to 800ms or more for satellite Internet connections.  In the case of satellite Internet, the high ping times are a direct result of that pesky “speed of light” limit as there is roughly a 100,000 mile distance that the signals have to travel to complete the loop.

Typical ping rates for Internet connections should be in the low double digits.  Some Internet hosts do NOT respond to ping requests.

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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.

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 September 2015 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – FAKE FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY FOR FAMOUS THEME PARK

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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 – HOW CAN I SEARCH MORE EFFICIENTLY FOR SOMETHING ON PINTEREST?

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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SCAM ALERT – FAKE FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY FOR FAMOUS THEME PARK

Facebook is a playground for cybercriminals, and one of their recent scams is a fake Walt Disney World page on Facebook that supposedly offers chances for winning free vacations.

People are told to Share and Like the page in order to enter, and to comment to “double your chances.” Of course, Walt Disney World has absolutely nothing to do with the fake Facebook page, and no one is going to win a vacation. The purpose is for unsuspecting people to spread the scam via their friends’ Facebook walls and news feeds. The ultimate goal of the scammers is to harvest as many Likes as possible so the page can later be repurposed by its operators and sold to others on the underground market.

Here are some ways to help to determine if a Facebook page contest is legitimate or not:

~Look carefully at the name of the company. Scammers often add a hyphen, period, or exclamation point to the name. Or the name may be misspelled.

~Check the date on which the page was founded on Facebook. Typically, it’s within the last couple of days.

~Has the page posted anything else other than the contest details? If not, it’s a fake.

~Look for contest rules. If there aren’t any, it’s a fake.

Keep your eyes open while you’re on Facebook. You don’t want to be lured by an image of Mickey Mouse and end up being scammed by a rat!

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

Can you find the hidden computer? Click on the picture to see.

Drop in and we’ll show you how small an i5 based system with 8gb of memory and a 240gb solid state drive can be.

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

Dry Erase Chart For Back to School
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775856670453/

Blackberry And Almond Coffee Cake
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775856670393/

Decorating With Vintage Ladders
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775856670542/

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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FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

Star Walk
Hold your mobile device up toward the sky and this interactive astronomy guide will augment your stargazing with detailed information.

http://vitotechnology.com/star-walk.html

Farmer Sim 2015
Here’s your chance to plow through the challenges of farming including harvesting and selling crops and using realistic machinery.

http://www.ovilex.com/app/farmer-sim-2015/

Level
This app has been described as being like a “financial GPS” to keep you headed in the right direction with your spending decisions.

https://levelmoney.com/tour

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SITES OF THE MONTH
Unclaimed Balances Might Be Yours
http://usa.gov/unclaimed-money
There are a variety of sources of unclaimed money in the U.S. including tax refunds, banks, credit unions, and pensions. Could some of this money belong to you? Visit this site for links to begin unclaimed money searches. You’ll also find information about unclaimed money scams.

Start With Better Breakfasts
http://foodandwine.com/slideshows/quick-healthy-breakfasts
September is Better Breakfast Month and a great time to gather new breakfast ideas. Browse through delicious recipes here such as Apple Sandwiches, Raspberry Scones, and Scrambled Egg and Swiss Chard Tacos. Plain toast will be toast!

Real Bad Real Estate Photos
http://terriblerealestateagentphotos.com
When you’re trying to sell a house, it’s important to make the place look as good as possible. Unfortunately, the real estate photos featured on this site don’t exactly do that. Make room in your day to look around these hysterically strange rooms and enjoy a few laughs.

Dive Into Shipwrecks
http://livescience.com/topics/shipwrecks
You may have seen in the news recently that gold coins were discovered from a shipwreck off the Florida coast. If sunken ships and buried treasure intrigue you, explore this site’s articles and photos about shipwreck discoveries throughout history and around the globe.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1509_VIDEO_A.htm

Building Of One World Trade Center
In just about two minutes, watch the incredible 11-year construction of One World Trade Center from the ground to the sky.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1509_VIDEO_B.htm

Dog Duo Dashes to Dinner
See these pups grow from 11 weeks to 46 weeks as they repeat their race across the kitchen floor when it’s time for dinner.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW CAN I SEARCH MORE EFFICIENTLY FOR SOMETHING ON PINTEREST?

Question: I like to use Pinterest to look for home decorating and craft ideas, but sometimes it takes a long time to find what I want. How can I search more efficiently for something on Pinterest?

Answer: To find things more easily on Pinterest, you can use the site’s Guided Search feature. It’s a great way to sift through Pinterest’s 750 million boards and 30 billion pins to find just the right ideas.

Pinterest’s Guided Search works like this:

~Type your search term into Pinterest’s search bar and you’ll see “Guides” pop up, which help find keywords to add to your search. Guides are scrollable — just click on the arrow at the far right of your display to see additional options.

~When you click a Guide, you’ll automatically add it to your original search query. Then a fresh set of Guides will appear under the search bar, and you can continue selecting more keywords to narrow your focus.

~Guided Search is especially valuable as a visual search engine for inspiration.

Visit
http://help.pinterest.com/en/articles/finding-things-on-pinterest#Web for more tips about searching on Pinterest.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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 permisison

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 July 2015 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – “SHOCKING VIDEO” SCAMS ON FACEBOOK

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

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

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DO I DO IF MY TWITTER ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED?
The Gulfcoast Networking Team

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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SCAM ALERT – “SHOCKING VIDEO” SCAMS ON FACEBOOK

The latest Facebook scam gets your attention with intriguing titles about “shocking,” “exclusive,” or “breaking news” stories. The messages may appear as posts from your friends, which provides an incentive to trust the accompanying link.

However, when you click, a number of things may happen:

1. You get asked to give permissions to an app that will play the video. This app may create automatic posts in your profile that ask others to view it.

2. You get asked to take a survey before you’re shown the video. The information collected is sent to marketers who use it to bother you with phone calls, emails, or other unwanted contact.

3. You get asked to upgrade your video software. The downloaded “upgrade” may actually be malware that can infect your computer with a virus.

4. You never see the video because there really isn’t one. However, there may be an image that matches the headline and includes the familiar “play” (triangle pointing to the right) icon.

Rule number one in avoiding this scam is, “Don’t be fooled.” If the headline seems too fantastic to be true, it probably is. Remember that legitimate video sources want views on their sites, and will not prevent you from accessing them with requests for you to download software or provide personal information. If you have to jump through any hoops before seeing the video, it’s probably not worth the effort, and could even be harmful to your privacy or your computer.

If you do get trapped before you realize what’s happening, be sure to remove any posts you personally didn’t put on your profile, and also remove any apps you’ve given permissions to. Finally, if you really can’t resist seeing the “shocking” video about a zookeeper swallowed by a snake, leave Facebook and search for it on YouTube or Google.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

We’ve got a variety of computer accessories on sale this month.  Come in and check them out.

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

15 Easy Summer
Grilling Recipes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775855763649/

Scrumptious
No-Bake Treats
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775855763605/

DIY Hammock Bed
For Lazy Summer Days
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775855763600/

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

PhotoGrid
This app helps you make great-looking collages for Instagram. It comes with templates, filters, stickers, frames, backgrounds, and more for fun with photos.

Learn more… http://www.cmcm.com/en-us/photo-grid/
Google Earth
With this app, you can see shots of Earth, as well as the moon, Mars, the sky, and the ocean. Or view fascinating historical imagery.

Learn more… http://www.google.com/intl/en/earth/explore/products/
Candy Crush Soda Saga
Download the latest version, which lets you match your way through new adventures of delicious gameplay.

Learn more… http://candycrushsodasaga.com/

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

Go Outside And Play
http://wilderness.org/article/go-outside-and-play
Interactions with nature are key for developing an appreciation for the environment, and this site invites readers to make a pledge to “go outside and play!” It also provides great resources to help you do it, like tips for nature walking, family-friendly wilderness fun, camping, and cooking.

Add To Your Music Knowledge
http://playback.fm
If you love music, you’ll love this site, which offers a wide range of musical information. Watch videos of “songs trending this week,” or test your knowledge with music quizzes. Check out the top 100 song charts going all the way back to the 1900s, or find out what song was #1 the day
you were born.

Give Your Oven A Summer Break
http://delish.com/cooking/g1451/quick-weeknight-no-cook-recipes
With warm summer weather, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. But, you can still eat well by following the recipes on this site. You’ll find plenty of hearty and refreshing dishes that are as delicious as they are easy to prepare.

Makeover Your Table
http://realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/decorations/centerpiece-ideas
What do flowers, cabbage, strips of paper, and lollipops have in common? You can use them all to make fun, easy centerpieces to add color and whimsy to your table the next time you entertain. This Real Simple gallery gives you great ideas for all kinds of occasions.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1507_VIDEO_A.htm

Dog Wants A Kitty
Watch the suspense as this “talking” dog tries to discover whether or not his owner brought home a kitten for him to play with.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtyqS68ViWk

They Grow Up So Fast
Through a series of clips, this video portrait highlights the similarities and differences of a young girl going from newborn to age 12.

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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DO I DO IF MY TWITTER ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED?

Question: I’ve seen some tweets that I didn’t post, and I suspect my Twitter account has been hacked. How can I know for sure, and what can I do about it?

Answer: Often Twitter hacking is evident from tweets you didn’t post, as with your situation, or direct messages sent from your account, email changes, or other activity that you didn’t authorize. If you even suspect your account has been hacked, follow the steps below:

1. Request a password reset. Use the password reset form within Twitter, and check for the reset email at the address associated with your Twitter account. Log on and immediately reset your password to one you’ll remember.

2. Revoke connections to third-party applications. To do this, visit the Apps section in your settings. Remove access for any third-party applications you don’t recognize. Then, update your password in remaining third-party applications.

3. Log out of Twitter on your phone or other devices. Next time you log on, you’ll be asked to provide the new password.

4. If you still need help, contact Twitter Support.

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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

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

SCAM ALERT – BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING OR SELLING ON CRAIGSLIST

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

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

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

SHORT FAQ – WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE AN INTERNET TROLL?

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING OR SELLING ON CRAIGSLIST

Craigslist can be a convenient and inexpensive way to get a great deal on used items or make some extra cash if you have items to sell. Most of the transactions that originate on Craigslist happen without a hitch, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be wary. Unscrupulous people can use Craigslist to take advantage of you in multiple ways: by gathering your personal information, making fake deals to steal your money, or physically harming you. Protect yourself by taking the following precautions:

~ Rule #1 is to use common sense. If something feels fishy or “off,” it probably is.

~ Take advantage of the Craigslist feature that allows you to hide your email address. Give your mobile phone number, so it can’t be traced to your home.

~ If possible, meet in a public place such as a coffee shop or store parking lot. Some police stations allow citizens to complete such transactions on their premises.

~ Bring a friend and your phone to any meeting. Let others know where you’ll be.

~ If you’re selling and must meet at your home, move the item to a visible location, such as an open garage.

~ The best way to be paid is in cash. Never issue refunds on checks that haven’t yet cleared, and never send money to purchase an item you haven’t seen.

Remember, people you meet online aren’t always who they appear to be, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself, both online and off. For additional recommendations, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

Part of what we do is keeping up with the latest innovations.  I went down to Tampa Thursday to attend a viewing party for the Google I/O 2015 keynote presentation.  There was a lot of cool stuff presented, but the thing that caught my attention was Google Photos.  Free, unlimited storage of your uncompressed photos.  This one is definitely worth exploring.

Many of our clients appreciate being able to pick up the phone and give us a call when they have a question.  We have a variety of Safe Computing Package options for individuals.

We also offer comprehensive Managed Service agreements for our business clients who want predictability in their monthly IT expense.  Give us a call if you’d like more information on how we might be able to assist your company.

 

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

Uplifting Grapefruit
Mint Body Scrub
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775855036574/

Turn An Old Desk
Into A Cute Planter
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/438538082435665663/

Time For A Unique
Bicycle Rim Clock
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775855304852/

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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FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

The Weather Channel
Being unprepared for the weather can put a damper on your day. But, of course, there’s an app for that! Get high-quality forecasts and more.

Learn more here…  http://www.weather.com/apps

Pocket
Found something online you don’t have time for now? Just put it in your “pocket” and view later from any device — no Internet connection needed.

Learn more here…  https://getpocket.com/

Yelp
You already know how handy Yelp can be for sharing and reading reviews for restaurants and other businesses. Why not bring it with you wherever you go?

Learn more here… http://www.yelp.com/yelpmobile

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

Map Your Summer Vacation
http://npca.org/parks
Want to see something amazing this summer? Go to one of America’s national parks. From Yosemite to Yellowstone, and from the Great Smokies to the Grand Canyon, the U.S. boasts many breathtaking destinations. Use this handy map to find the best one to visit based on location, theme, category, or name.

Free + Recycling = Freecycle
http://freecycle.org
Have some stuff taking up too much space in your garage? Or are you looking for some new books to read? Either way, Freecycle could be great for you. It’s a worldwide network of people exchanging things for free. Each local group is moderated by volunteers. Membership is (of course) free.

Make Cool, Creamy Treats
http://benjerry.com/flavors/recipes
What could be better than a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream? You’ll find out when you visit this site. Get ready for mouth-watering recipes for treats featuring the cool, creamy flavors you’ve come to know and love. Try ice cream cake, ice cream truffles, brownies, cobblers, and more.

Protect Your Skin From Harmful Rays
http://skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/prevention-guidelines
Summer means sun, and sun means the potential for fun as well as damage. Skin cancer is a real threat, but there’s a lot you can do to prevent it. Check out this site for general recommendations as well as those for specific situations like going to the beach, driving, and golfing.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1506_VIDEO_A.htm

Surf’s Up In Indonesia!
Complete with beautiful views, this amazing footage highlights professional surfers on the waves in Indonesia as they guide tourists and train the next generation.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1506_VIDEO_B.htm

Not Just Another Day At The Beach
Watch this prankster trick unsuspecting beach goers into thinking she’s disappeared. All she needs are a “faulty” umbrella and a trap door beneath her towel.

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SHORT FAQ – WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE AN INTERNET TROLL?

Question: I’m troubled by the mean comments I find on Twitter and elsewhere, including some that have been directed at me. What can I do?

Answer: Sounds like you’ve discovered one of the downsides of online interaction: trolls. A troll is someone who uses offensive, inflammatory, or irrelevant messages to illicit emotional responses from others and throw the intended conversation off course. Trolls thrive on conflict, so one of the best ways to deal with them is to ignore them. However, if ignoring doesn’t work or isn’t an option, there are other steps you can
take:

~Don’t take it personally. A troll’s unkind words truly have nothing to do with you; they’re more of a reflection of that person’s own problems.

~Try being nice. Some trolls are actually just people with strong opinions or who need a lot of attention. If you engage with them nicely (such as asking for clarification), they may respond in kind.

~Use your settings. Many sites have options that allow you to control whose input you see and don’t see. Set yours to omit the troll’s posts from your view.

~Kick them out. If the site has a moderator, ask that person to take appropriate steps to limit the troll’s access or kick them off the site altogether.

~Set a good example. Trolls’ behavior can remind us that it’s easy to hurt other people online. Take extra care to ensure your own messages come across the way in which you intend.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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