Here’s what’s inside our May 2015 Gulfcoast Networking Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – FAKE PUPPY ADOPTION OFFERS

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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 MAY

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – CAN MY COMPUTER BE DAMAGED DURING A STORM?

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – FAKE PUPPY ADOPTION OFFERS

Looking for a new pet? You may want to think twice about following up on an ad for an expensive breed of dog offered for a low price. These ads often appear with an irresistible photo of a puppy in newspapers or on websites, Craig’s List, or Facebook. It typically works like this: The scammer posts the ad and has you pay for shipping via wire transfer. But no puppy is sent, because there really isn’t one (those adorable photos are often stock images). There are variations on this scam — maybe the scammer asks you to pay for “fees” rather than shipping — but you get the idea.

To avoid being a victim, ask for additional photos, a phone number, and registration information from the seller. If those pieces aren’t forthcoming, don’t act on the ad. Never send money to another country, and never pay via cash or wire transfer. Watch for poor grammar or ads that seem “off” in the way they’re worded. Finally, be wary of sellers that are anxious to sell a pet quickly.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

The end of last month found us “Spring Cleaning” around the shop.   We are offering an eclectic assortment of computer accessories both on eBay and on a “Sale Table” in the middle of our showroom.  We are pricing all of it to sell.  Come by and check it out.

We are making room so that we can offer more classes and one-on-one support for our customers.

Without the large displays in the middle of the showroom, we will also be able to offer larger classes if we outgrow the existing classroom.  This area is still a “work in progress” for now.  It will be much more open once we’ve finished.

We will continue to carry an inventory of the most commonly requested items and we can special order just about anything computer related that you can think of, including both custom built and brand name computers.

At the risk of being accused of going over to “The Dark Side”, we are pleased to announce that we are expanding our support for Apple devices.  Our favorite antivirus product from F-Secure now has a Mac version and we’ve picked up enough experience with our iPhones and iPads that we are comfortable offering to assist you in figuring out your Apple devices.  We are updating our extremely popular remote support system to work with Macs, iPads, and iPhones.

There is a lot of “behind the scenes” stuff going on here as well.   You will notice that we’ve adopted a new logo.  The black & white logo we started out with twelve years ago was pretty boring and none of us ever quite warmed up to its replacement when it arrived a few years ago.  Look for our new logo to show up everywhere, beginning with our website and our remote support portal.

I’ve been spending quite a bit of my spare time working on my web design skills.  It has been over 20 years since I first started hand coding in the original version of HTML.  I’ve used a few different authoring tools over the years, each with its own advantages.  For the last two years, I have been concentrating on building sites using the WordPress platform.  WordPress is now THE most popular web authoring platform on the planet.

I’ve been taking online courses to pick up the new tricks I need and to hone my skills.  I’ve also been attending the WordPress Meetups held in New Port Richey.  The last meetup was held in our classroom and the next one is also scheduled to be held there.

The Gulfcoast Networking sites aren’t that fancy, but they frequently serve as a test bed for new features and tricks.  Watch the Gulfcoast Networking website closely and you will continue to see me test new features, such as the blue link color that showed up a few days ago.

Some of the newer sites I’ve built are requiring quite a bit of customization. Interestingly enough, hand coding hasn’t gone completely out of style.

One of the new client sites I’m quite proud of is the one for Santa Dollars.  I took the old conventional website and rebuilt if from the ground up to display properly on both regular computers and mobile devices.  It was ready to go the first of April, but we waited until after Easter to go live as among the products you can purchase on the site are “Bunny Bucks”, designed especially for Easter.

If you know someone with an old, outdated website, then send them my way.  I’m currently scheduling new web projects.

What does this all mean for our clients?  It’s pretty simple.  You can expect to see:

• An expanded number of computer platforms we are prepared to support:
  • Desktops
  • Notebooks
  • Tablets
  • Smart Phones
    (Hardware repairs are limited to Windows based systems)
• A more comprehensive suite of services for our business clients, including:
  • Remote monitoring and management of our clients’ networks
  • Onsite support, when needed
  • Hardware repairs for most Windows systems
  • Anti-viral / Anti-malware cleanups and protection
  • Full website support, including SEO optimization, analytics, uptime monitoring, security and content updates
  • Assistance with establishing a social media presence (eg. facebook business pages)
  • Assistance with establishing a company blog
  • Assistance with  email marketing while staying in full compliance with the CAN-SPAM act.
  • Assistance with, and supervision of, outside vendors (eg. Brighthouse, Verizon, telephone vendors, and specialized software providers)
  • Advice and assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements, such as disk and email encryption
• More focused services for our individual (non-business) clients, including:
  • Advice on picking out your next computer or accessory
  • Special orders for hardware items
  • Amazing values, such as our popular “Safe Computing” packages that let you choose the computer support level you want at a price you can afford
  • One on one and group classes
  • Repairs for your Windows desktop or notebook computer

 

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

Grow Veggies In A Hanging Planter
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775854480805/

Adorable Beach-Bound Teddy Bear Cupcakes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775855036526/

Leafy Square Wreath To Spruce Up A Door
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775855036626/

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

Crazy Helium BoothLite – FREE
Get ready to get silly — very silly! This app lets you make videos with crazy special effects including “Square Head” and “Owl Eyes.”

Learn more…
http://www.appkruti.com/crazyheliumbooth

Dashlane Password Manager – FREE
Tired of trying to remember the passwords for all your online accounts? This app makes it easy to keep and access them all in one place.

Learn more…
https://www.dashlane.com/passwordmanager

Credit Karma – FREE
Whether you have good credit or want to, these apps can help you take charge. Get free credit reports and scores plus credit monitoring.

Learn more (Android)…
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/03/11/new-app-credit-karma-offers-legit-credit-scores-and-monitoring-for-free-on-android-phones/
Learn more (iOS)…
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/credit-karma-mobile-free-credit/id519817714?mt=8

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

Get Gardening
http://garden.org
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, or just planting your first tomatoes, you’re sure to learn something from this National Gardening Association (NGA) site. The organization’s mission is to provide educational garden programs to every generation. Check out the gardening articles, plant finder, how-to videos, and much more.

Simple, Easy Flight Finder
https://www.google.com/flights/
Looking for an easy tool to help you find flights for your next vacation? Google Flights offers straightforward functionality. Simply type in your arrival and departure locations and dates, and you’ll see options from several carriers. Choose the flights you want, then click the provided link to book directly with the airline.

Master The Grill
http://foodnetwork.com/grilling.html
Grilling season has begun, and Food Network Grilling Central is the place to be. Find recipes for burgers and hot dogs, chicken, seafood, and other mains, as well as for side dishes, frozen treats, and party food. Get tips on how to grill or find your favorite Food Network star or show.

Best Garage Sale Tips
http://organizedhome.com/get-organized/garage-sale-tips-clear-clutter-yard-sale
Sure, a garage sale might LOOK easy: put out a bunch of stuff, and sell it to people walking by. But, there are actually strategies for having a successful garage sale. For example, have yours early in the month — right after payday. Visit this site to get more great advice.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1505_VIDEO_A.htm

Shattering The CD Speed Barrier
With “warp” rotation speed and a super-fast camera, the Slow Mo Guys capture CDs as they spin to the point of shattering.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1505_VIDEO_B.htm

“Don’t Try This At Home” Bike Tricks
You won’t believe the tricks performed all around San Francisco by urban bicycle daredevil Danny MacAskill. For him, it’s all in a day’s work.

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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – CAN MY COMPUTER BE DAMAGED DURING A STORM?

Question: I’m always a little concerned when it’s stormy out. Is there a possibility bad weather can damage my computer?

Answer: Yes, a lightning strike can cause considerable damage to, or even destroy, computers and other electronic devices. Your house should be equipped with a Network Interface Device (NID), which is designed to prevent lightning from damaging wiring. You can and should also use an uninterruptible power supply (USP). But, neither of these precautions is guaranteed to prevent damage. The best way to protect your electronics is to unplug them during a storm. After the storm passes, be sure to start them up again to make sure they’re operating properly.

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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 April 2015 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – AVOID ONLINE TRAVEL BOOKING SCAMS

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

<BR>SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN APRIL

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – HOW TO STOP VIDEOS FROM AUTO-PLAYING ON FACEBOOK
The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – AVOID ONLINE TRAVEL BOOKING SCAMS

Booking travel online can put you in a vulnerable position: you’ve got your credit card out, and the online travel world may be as unknown as the new place you want to visit. Some online travel deals may seem too good to be true, and some of them are. To be sure, consider following these tips:

~Only book travel through reputable sites. Well-known travel sites like Orbitz or Priceline are good bets. If you’re unsure, check the Better Business Bureau’s review at www.bbb.org.

~Carefully review reservation and cancellation policies before clicking the “buy” button.

~For all-inclusive packages, understand exactly what’s included and what’s not.

~Pay with a credit card, rather than a debit card. Credit cards offer protection against fraudulent purchases that debit cards may not.

~Don’t ever pay via wire transfer.

~Don’t respond to emails saying you’ve won a vacation — especially if collecting your prize means traveling to claim it.

~When booking through a one-stop-shop contact the individual entities (such as airline, hotel, car rental) to confirm the details of your purchase.

Finally, use common sense. If anything seems fishy, strange, or just plain off, do some research to find out if the vendor is legitimate or just move on to the next travel site — there are plenty to choose from!

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

I’ve been building websites for the better part of twenty years.  During the last couple of years, I’ve been standardizing my website design to utilize the WordPress platform.  WordPress is now THE most popular foundation for websites worldwide.  As part of that effort, I’ve been taking online classes and experimenting with new features on as many websites as I can.

More and more people are looking at websites using their smart phones or other mobile devices.  As a result, websites need to be “mobile responsive”, or in plain English, mobile friendly.  With Google’s announcement a couple of weeks ago that they were going to start penalizing websites that are NOT mobile friendly beginning April 21st, this transition has become all the more important.  The WordPress based websites I’ve been building are ALL mobile friendly, meaning that they display properly on a smart phone.

I’ve completed a number of new or revised websites over the past few months.  Each one has had some fancy features on which I’ve been able to hone my skills.  A few examples include:

http://www.vssfinancials.com – I converted a number of Powerpoint presentations into videos and then embedded the videos into the website.

http://www.kycsol.com – Getting this site right required me to dive into the CSS code that governs how the site looks.

http://www.specialtyinstallations.com – This site includes some fancy image mapping.  I’ve also done more graphics work on this site than on all of the other websites I’ve worked on so far this year put together.  The site also required some custom CSS code.

http://www.jamescampbellpa.com – This site uses a table function to make lists display correctly.  This site is a perfect example of a simple website that can easily be expanded.

http://www.robmarlowe.com – A blogging site, where I publish articles about the City of New Port Richey.

I’ve got several new websites under development, including a specialty retail site that is due to go live the week after Easter.

If you have a website that needs help or you work for a company with a stale, static website; please call me or have your boss call me and we’ll set a time to get together.  We an also help you fine tune your SEO, social media, and web advertising campaigns.

Don’t be concerned about how simple or complex you website project might be.  I’ve got access to some excellent web designers we bring in if you’ve got a website that is going to need high-end features that I’m not up to speed on.

 

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

Fun, Yummy Cupcakes
Look Too Good To Eat
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775854480513/

Simple And Healthy
Poached Egg Idea
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775854253415/

Recycled Bedsprings
Make Stylish Lamps
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853925591/

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

FYI Decision – FREE
This app, available for iPads and iPhones, can help you make both big and small decisions based on a set of objective, customizable criteria.

http://www.fyimobileware.com/fyi-decision.html

Takeoff Mode – FREE
Need something to help you relax during plane takeoffs and landings? Takeoff Mode is designed to do just that, with an engaging game and soothing music.

http://www.ana-takeoffmode.com

Autodesk Pixlr – FREE
Pixlr turns your phone into a darkroom, enabling you to edit photos with cropping, rotation, effects, overlays, borders, and more fun options.

http://www.pixlr.com/mobile

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<BR>SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN APRIL

Ready, Set, Race!
http://indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500
Racing season at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway starts on May 3, and this site can help you prepare. Whether you want to purchase tickets, find camping information, check out photos, or just learn more about events, you’ll find it here. Visit the Get the Gear section for hats, t-shirts, and more.

Plant A Tree For Earth
http://forestnation.com/earth-day-tree-planting
Earth Day is April 22, and you’re invited to celebrate by planting a tree. ForestNation has a goal of one billion trees planted on this day to give back to Earth and help stabilize its climate. When you buy your tree from ForestNation, the organization will plant another in a developing country.

Grow Your Fruit and Veggie Knowledge
http://fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/fruit-veggie-nutrition
The latest guidelines from the USDA suggest that Americans fill half their plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal. This site makes it easy to use these nutrition stars in your meal planning. Check out the Nutrition Databases for how to select, store, and prepare dozens of healthful foods.

Fun In The Sand
http://thisissand.com
Remember how fun it was to play with sand when you were a kid? Now you can get the same experience, even if you’re hundreds of miles from the nearest beach. This desktop application (that’s also available for mobile devices) enables you to choose colors of sand and make your own artistic creations.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1504_VIDEO_A.htm

Kitten Goes Crazy For Reflection
Who knew the mirror could be a place to find a playmate? Watch what happens when this adorable kitten tries to attack its new “friend.”

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1504_VIDEO_B.htm

Vegetable Market is Right on Track
These veggie vendors in Thailand know exactly how to deal with a train running right through their market. Not so much as a mashed potato in sight!

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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – HOW TO STOP VIDEOS FROM AUTO-PLAYING ON FACEBOOK

Question: When I open Facebook, every video in my feed start playing automatically. Can I make it stop?

Answer: The short answer is yes! And you have good reasons to want to do so. All those videos can use up your computer’s power and might not be appropriate for the environment where you’re watching them (such as work). Not to mention, it can be just plain annoying. To turn off this feature in Facebook, follow these instructions:

~From your Facebook home page, in the upper-right corner, click the down arrow, and select Settings from the menu.

~On the next screen, in the left column menu, choose Videos.

~Under Video Settings, next to Auto-Play Videos, click the down arrow, and select Off.

The process for turning off this feature on your Facebook app is similar. Tap the menu icon, go into Settings, and find the video option from there.

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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 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