Newsletter — Page 6

September 2014 Newsletter

September 1, 2014 By Rob Marlowe

September transitions us from summer to fall. As the month progresses, we may experience cooler temperatures, more colorful leaves (especially if you vacation in Georgia or points north), and seasonal changes to daily routines. To get you in the spirit, this September issue is sprinkled with fun, fall-related resources.

But first, we share important information on the Russian data breach that’s been in the news lately, and what you can do on a regular basis to help protect your data. We also provide tips for how to turn off Facebook notification sounds and how to add the Pin It button to your browser.

Could your home use back-to-school touches this fall? Check out the Pinterest section. Want to turn free leaves into fabulous crafts? Rake up ideas in Sites of the Month.

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 2014 Newsletter:

DATA BREACH ALERT – RUSSIAN HACKERS STEAL 1.2 BILLION PASSWORDS

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – HOW CAN I TURN OFF FACEBOOK’S NOTIFICATION SOUNDS?

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

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO ADD THE PIN IT BUTTON TO YOUR BROWSER
The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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DATA BREACH ALERT – RUSSIAN HACKERS STEAL 1.2 BILLION PASSWORDS

Have you heard of the CyberVor hackers in Russia? Hold Security, the Milwaukee firm that discovered the hack this summer, gave them the name CyberVor since “vor” means “thief” in Russian. These thieves stole 1.2 billion usernames and passwords, along with 540 million email addresses across 420,000 sites.

To do it, they used a botnet, which is a network of computers infected with a virus or malware that lets a hacker control or monitor them to some degree. Whenever a user on an infected computer visited a website, the computer tested the website to see if it was susceptible to hacking. If it was, the criminals flagged the website, and returned later with a hack called an SQL injection, which reproduces the website’s database contents.

This data breach prompts us to again remind you to regularly change your passwords. If you use the same passwords for multiple websites, quit this practice. Reusing passwords makes it easier for hackers to get into many of your accounts and access key information like your credit card data.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

We’ve got some seriously cool projects underway here.

The most noticeable project has been our transition from our old email mailing list to three new lists. The new lists are running on a new platform that will let me experiment with formatting and graphics to make the messages more interesting.

Less noticable, but incredibly cool, is a project Tim has been working on: Tim has been logging long hours spinning up a new server that features lots of processors and memory. The server supports virtual servers and desktops, making it possible for us to set up an emergency backup for our corporate customers that can be switched on with little effort in the event of a catastrophic failure of a customer’s server.

We have been evaluating a number of new cloud based solutions for our customers. Look for these products and services to announced over the next few months.

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

Build Organization With Backpack Central
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775851445244/

Pencil “Cake” Makes A Sharp Decoration
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775851980640/

Cake Batter Cookies Feature Funfetti Flair
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775851980654/

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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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – HOW CAN I TURN OFF FACEBOOK’S NOTIFICATION SOUNDS?

Question: I’m getting tired of hearing notification sounds every time I have Facebook activity. How do I turn off the sounds?

Answer: There’s a quick-and-easy fix for this problem that will reduce the noise in your life! To turn off Facebook’s notification sounds:

1. Go to your Facebook page.

2. Click the upside-down triangle in the upper-right corner of the blue bar, then click the “Settings” link.

3. In the left column, select “Notifications.”

4. Where it says “On Facebook,” click the “View” link and uncheck “Play a sound.”

5. Click the “Save Changes” button.

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

Is Your Fireplace Ready for Fall?
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/heating/fireplace.shtm
With temperatures dropping, you may be in the mood to start a fire in your fireplace or woodstove. Before you do, take a quick look at this site. It offers reminders on the importance of inspections and cleaning, using the proper wood, and more.

Recipes for a Better Morning
http://www.cookinglight.com/food/quick-healthy/quick-breakfast-recipes
September is Better Breakfast Month and a great time to try some quick and healthy breakfast recipes. Take a look at delicious options including Blueberry Power Muffins, Greek Yogurt Parfaits, and Mini Frittatas with Ham and Cheese.

Understanding Ebola
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/
The recent West African outbreak of Ebola has captured headlines and understandably raised concerns. This site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a great resource for learning about transmission, signs and symptoms, risk of exposure, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Rake Up New Craft Ideas
http://www.bhg.com/halloween/crafts/fall-crafts-with-leaves/#page=1
Those gorgeous fall leaves in your yard can be showcased in your home, thanks to this collection of simple craft projects. Use leaves as ornaments. Frame them like artwork. Or turn them into a wreath. The options are “tree-mendous.”

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1409_VIDEO_A.htm

Trombonist Serenades Cows
Who knew cows loved trombone music? Watch an entire herd of them come up over the horizon and run toward the trombone-playing farmer.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1409_VIDEO_B.htm
Baby Tears Up When Mother Sings
When this mother sings a beautiful, yet sad, song to her 10-month-old baby, the baby reacts by crying sweet tears sure to melt your heart.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO ADD THE PIN IT BUTTON TO YOUR BROWSER

The Pin It button makes it easy to Pin things to Pinterest that you find on the web — like a recipe from your favorite food blog or a photo from a travel site. You can get this button from the Pinterest Goodies page at http://about.pinterest.com/en/goodies#browser

Here are the steps to adding the Pin It button to Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari:

Chrome

1. Go to http://about.pinterest.com/en/goodies#browser from Chrome (or get the Pin It button at the Chrome web store at https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/apps).
2. Click “Install Now.”
3. After installing, you’ll see a Pin It button any time you mouse over an image. Or, click the red P at the top of your browser whenever you find something on the web you want to Pin.

Firefox

1. Go to https://about.pinterest.com/assets/ext/Pinterest-Firefox.xpi
2. Click “Install Now.”
3. After installing, click the red P at the top of your browser whenever you find something on the web you want to Pin.

Internet Explorer

1. Go to http://about.pinterest.com/en/goodies#browser
2. Drag the button to Internet Explorer’s bookmark bar.
3. After installing, just click Pin It from your bookmarks whenever you find something on the web you want to Pin.

Safari

1. Go to http://about.pinterest.com/en/goodies#browser from Safari.
2. Click “Install Now.”
3. After installing, you’ll see a Pin It button any time you mouse over an image. Or, click the P at the top of your browser whenever you find something on the web you want to Pin.

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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.)

July 2014 Newsletter

July 1, 2014 By Rob Marlowe

July is a delicious time of year and we hope you’re getting a taste of all it has to offer. Of course, the Internet is a little like a slice of watermelon – you have to deal with a few seeds while enjoying the good stuff. Speaking of which, be sure to check out our alert about the GameOver Zeus malware, including warning signs and a helpful resource. Another “seedy” online threat is the Remote Access Trojan, which is covered in This Month’s FAQ. To enhance your privacy, we share quick-and-easy instructions on how to adjust who sees your Facebook posts.

Also on the menu of this July issue are recipes featuring summer produce and a video showing an unusual apple-peeling method. Since so much of summer is spent outside, don’t miss the tips for protecting your skin against the sun, the inspiration of an amazing mountain climb without ropes, and a cool idea for a skateboard swing.
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 2014 Newsletter:

MALWARE ALERT – CYBER PANDEMIC KNOWN AS GAMEOVER ZEUS

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

GO PINTERSTING! – COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DOES THE ACRONYM RAT MEAN?

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO ADJUST WHO SEES YOUR FACEBOOK POSTS
The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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MALWARE ALERT – CYBER PANDEMIC KNOWN AS GAMEOVER ZEUS

On June 2, 2014, the Department of Justice and the FBI announced a multinational effort to disrupt the dangerous cyber pandemic known as GameOver Zeus. The malware, which the FBI estimates has hit between 500,000 and one million computers worldwide, is believed to be responsible for the theft of millions of dollars from businesses and consumers.

GameOver Zeus is capable of evading antivirus software. It monitors and injects rogue code into Web browsing sessions when users access banking and other popular websites from infected computers, and can infect a user’s machine when they open a PDF or click on a link sent to them in an email. Once set up on the computer, GameOver Zeus will intercept all financial transactions and rewrite them, so that payments made by the user will be redirected into other accounts. The malware also has the power to disguise unapproved payments that are made, meaning that thefts might have occurred even if accounts appear normal.

Could your computer be infected with GameOver Zeus? Here are some warning signs:

~ Your computer system operates very slowly. ~ Your cursor moves erratically with no input from you.

~ You notice unauthorized logins to your bank accounts or unauthorized money transfers.

~ Text-based chat windows appear on your computer’s desktop unexpectedly.

~ Your computer files lock up and a ransom demand is made to unlock files.

If you notice one or more of these actions on your computer, you may have been infected with GameOver Zeus. The Department of Homeland Security’s Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) has posted information on its website including an overview of the malware and actions you can take to remove the infection from your computer. Visit http://www.us-cert.gov/gameoverzeus for details.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

With today’s arrival of the first tropical depression of the year, it is time to think about updating that old battery backup you’ve got, or replacing that cheap surge strip with a battery backup, to keep your computer running when the lights blink out during our summer storms. We keep battery backups in stock.

Looking for a new computer? Talk to us about a brand new Windows 7 system to replace your old clunker.

Come by the shop for the latest in computer accessories.

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GO PINTERSTING! – COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775850917965/
Get Cooking With An Easy Herb Display

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775850918021/
How To Sweeten Your July 4th Celebration

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775851445336/
Kids Will Flip Over A Skateboard Swing

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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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DOES THE ACRONYM RAT MEAN?

Question: I’ve seen the acronym RAT used in computer articles but am confused by its meaning. Does it stand for Remote Access Tool or Remote Access Trojan?

Answer: Actually, RAT can stand for either Remote Access Tool or Remote Access Trojan. What’s the difference? A Remote Access Tool is a piece of software used to remotely access or control a computer; it can be used legitimately by system administrators for accessing client computers. For example, the IT person at your company could use a Remote Access Tool to see what’s on your computer screen and help you troubleshoot a problem.

When a Remote Access Tool is used for malicious purposes by hackers, it’s known as a Remote Access Trojan. This type of RAT (aptly named) infects the victim’s machine to gain administrative access and allows hackers to perform unauthorized operations. To prevent unknowingly allowing a Remote Access Trojan to invade your computer, avoid unsolicited email attachments and links, run up-to-date security software, and don’t believe anyone who contacts you claiming to be tech support for a major company.

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

Learn To Be Safe In The Sun
http://www.foh.hhs.gov/calendar/july.html
July is UV Safety Month. How much do you know about the sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays and how to protect yourself from them? Take the Sun Safety Quiz here and find out. Be sure to review the tips provided on clothing, shade, sunscreen, and more.

Watch The World’s Wind
http://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/isobaric/1000hPa/orthographic
Thanks to supercomputers and weather satellites, the Wind Map team has come up with a global map of the wind. Click and drag to rotate the globe or double click to zoom in. Click once to see what the wind is doing at any point in the world.

Discover Your Inner Artist
http://weavesilk.com/
This interactive site helps you create works of art using just your mouse or touchpad. Click on “Draw something” to begin the process, then let the spirit move you. Everything you draw will automatically be duplicated to make a symmetrical image.

Try New Recipes Featuring Summer Produce
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/the-best-of-summer-produce.html
Summer fruits and vegetables are a rainbow of deliciousness. So whether you get them from your backyard, a farmers’ market, or the grocery store, make the most of them with this crop of Food Network recipes including Watermelon Cucumber Salad and Fresh Peach Cake.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1407_VIDEO_A.htm

A Very A-Peeling Technique
Who knew how handy a power drill could be in the kitchen? This chef must be in a big hurry to make apple pies!

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1407_VIDEO_B.htm
Look Ma, No Ropes!
You’ll be mesmerized — and on the edge of your seat — when you watch this daring free-solo climb with no ropes.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO ADJUST WHO SEES YOUR FACEBOOK POSTS

If you have a large number of Facebook friends, it’s likely this list includes people who are actually distant acquaintances. Should you decide you don’t want these people seeing all of your Facebook posts, simply follow the steps below to adjust your default audience.

Locate Privacy Settings

~On your Facebook home page, click the down arrow on the top-right part of the screen.

~From the menu, choose Settings.

~You will be brought to a page titled General Account Settings.

~In the left column, click Privacy.

~You will be brought to a page titled Privacy Settings and Tools.

Adjust “Who Can See My Stuff”

~On the Privacy Settings and Tools page, under “Who Can See My Stuff,” next to “Who can see your future posts,” click Edit.

~You will see an image that looks like the status update box. Click the down arrow at the bottom of this image.

~Select who you want to be the default audience for your posts (remember, you can change this each time you post). Then click Close.

~Click the other links in this section and follow the instructions to adjust past posts.

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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

May 2014 Newsletter

May 4, 2014 By Rob Marlowe

What will you do in the month of May? Maybe you’ll kick your outdoor exercise routine into high gear. Maybe you’ll share celebrations with the mothers in your life. Or maybe you’ll take your tablet to the patio and explore the world from your own backyard. Whatever May means to you, maybe you’ll get ideas here to enhance your experiences.

This issue starts with a warning about a fraudulent American Express email that’s making the rounds. Take a minute to read about this phishing scam so you don’t accidentally give away your account information. You’ll also learn about the new dinosaur showing up on Facebook and get tips on how to correctly use hashtags on Twitter.

Purely for the fun of it, check out the springtime projects in the Pinterest section, browse around websites featuring everything from the moon to a museum, and view two incredible videos showcasing a natural wonder and man-made special effects.

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 May 2014 Newsletter:

PHISHING ALERT – WATCH FOR EMAILS CLAIMING TO BE FROM A MAJOR CREDIT CARD

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT’S THE STORY WITH FACEBOOK’S NEW PRIVACY DINOSAUR?

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO USE HASHTAGS ON TWITTER
The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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PHISHING ALERT – WATCH FOR EMAILS CLAIMING TO BE FROM A MAJOR CREDIT CARD

One of the latest phishing scams to turn up in many people’s inboxes is one that claims to be from American Express. This email hoax tries to trick recipients into clicking on a link that will supposedly take them to a “secure encrypted website” to activate a security feature on the credit card. In reality, that link goes to a phishing site to gather personal account information.

The emails used in this phishing scam may look legitimate at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll note that it contains no personal information ? a red flag that it’s not from American Express.

The company posted this information at www.americanexpress.com:

~ When you receive an email from American Express related to your account, the email will include the last 5 digits of your account number. If you receive an email regarding your American Express Card Account but it does not contain this information, it may be fraudulent. If you are concerned about the legitimacy of an email from American Express you can forward the email to spoof@americanexpress.com. If the email is fraudulent we will take the appropriate actions.

~ American Express offers a secure email channel for its Cardmembers to use if they have questions about their account. Simply log in to your account and at the Account Summary Page, click “Email” under the Contact Us section. Using this email channel will ensure that your personal information remains personal.

We can’t repeat it too often: Do not click on links within an email unless you’re absolutely sure it’s from a source you can trust.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

It seems that folks are finally starting to get serious about retiring their old XP systems. We’re trying to keep new Windows 7 machines in stock, but they are going out as fast as we get them in. If you are still using Windows XP, come by and talk to us.

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

Make A Splash With Dog-Activated Fountain
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/173951604331655466/

Help Mom Relax With Bath Salts Just For Her
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775850917876/

Brighten Breakfast With Vanilla Bean Doughnuts
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/56787645275765581/

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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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT’S THE STORY WITH FACEBOOK’S NEW PRIVACY DINOSAUR?

Question: When I was on Facebook recently, a “Privacy Reminder” pop-up window showed up with a dinosaur on it. Can you explain what’s going on with this dinosaur?

Answer: Facebook is testing this pop-up reminder to encourage users — who are about to make public posts that all the world can see — to pay attention to who they’re sharing with on its platform.

For those of you who haven’t had a visit from the privacy dinosaur yet, its message reads, “Sorry to interrupt. You haven’t changed who can see your posts lately, so we just wanted to make sure you’re sharing this post with the right audience.” It then asks the user to click on Friends, Public, or Options (for more choices).

It’s a good reminder for all of us to think before we share on Facebook so we don’t overshare with the wrong group of people.

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

If The Moon Were Only One Pixel
http://joshworth.com/dev/pixelspace/pixelspace_solarsystem.html
Just how vast is the solar system? It’s difficult to wrap your head around it so this site does its best to explain. It uses a scale model based on “if the moon were only one pixel.” To explore, scroll through using your keyboard’s right arrow key. Please be patient; you have many miles to cover!

Dive Into Delicious Distractions
http://foodgawker.com
In a nutshell, this is like Pinterest just for foodies. What you’ll find is photo after photo of the most amazing food, from appetizers to main dishes to desserts. We warn you: This site is guaranteed to make you hungry, so think twice about visiting if you’re on a diet!

Stay Home And Visit The British Museum
http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/online_tours.aspx
For the 36th year, the worldwide community of museums will celebrate International Museum Day around May 18. In honor of this, take a look at many online tours offered by The British Museum. Its collection is dedicated to human history and culture, and is among the largest and most comprehensive in existence.

Looking For Government Benefits?
http://www.benefits.gov
Many Americans receive government benefits at some point during their lives, from career development assistance to Medicaid/Medicare to Social Security. This site features the Benefit Finder, a questionnaire to make it easier to find out which benefits you may be eligible to receive.

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

http://player.vimeo.com/video/34678075?title=0&

Boardwalk Empire Special Effects
Take a fascinating, piece-by-piece look at how Brainstorm Digital puts together many separate images to create complete scenes in the popular HBO series, Boardwalk Empire. What’s real? What’s not?

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1405_VIDEO_B.htm

Inside An Active Volcano
Thanks to the drone, KJI Phantom, you can get a very close (yet safe) look at the fiery eruption of an active volcano. This is the Yasur volcano on the remote island of Tanna in Vanuata.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO USE HASHTAGS ON TWITTER

The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages.

Check out this advice on hashtags from the Twitter Help Center:

Using hashtags to categorize Tweets by keyword:

~People use the hashtag symbol # before a relevant keyword or phrase (no spaces) in their Tweet to categorize those Tweets and help them show more easily in Twitter Search.
~Clicking on a hashtagged word in any message shows you all other Tweets marked with that keyword.
~Hashtags can occur anywhere in the Tweet – at the beginning, middle, or end.

Hashtagged words that become very popular are often Trending Topics.
Example: In the Tweet below, @eddie included the hashtag #FF. Users created this as shorthand for “Follow Friday,” a weekly tradition where users recommend people that others should follow on Twitter. You’ll see this on Fridays.

Using hashtags correctly:

~If you Tweet with a hashtag on a public account, anyone who does a search for that hashtag may find your Tweet.
~Don’t #spam #with #hashtags. Don’t over-tag a single Tweet. (Best practices recommend using no more than two hashtags per Tweet.)
~Use hashtags only on Tweets relevant to the topic.

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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.)

March 2014 Newsletter

March 1, 2014 By Rob Marlowe

It’s time to march into spring and this March issue gives you plenty of ideas to explore as you move through the month. Since we don’t want scammers to take you on a detour, we include a warning about tax-related scams and share valuable tips to help keep your identity safe. You’ll also find helpful tips about the “404 Page Not Found” message and how to
save on your printing costs.

Just for fun, check out the Pinterest pins, videos, and websites we’ve selected for you. They feature lots of fresh ideas for your spring activities, whether it’s cooking something new, sprucing up your home, or planning your vegetable garden.

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 March 2014 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – WATCH FOR IRS TAX-RELATED SCAMS

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DOES “404 PAGE NOT FOUND” MEAN?

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

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO PRINT ONLY A SECTION OF A WEBPAGE

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – WATCH FOR IRS TAX-RELATED SCAMS

It’s not only tax season at the IRS; it’s also tax season for scammers. Since tax-related scams are becoming increasingly common and more sophisticated, the IRS has issued these tips to help you spot potential fraud and reduce your exposure to identity theft:

1. Be wary of any unexpected communications claiming to be from the IRS. If you receive any tax notices, take them to the person who prepared your income tax return to determine their validity and to create a necessary course of action if the notice is legitimate.

2. Don’t talk to anyone claiming to be from the IRS on the phone. The agency will not call you on the phone.

3. The IRS will never send emails to taxpayers. If you receive an email supposedly from the IRS, forward it to phishing@irs.gov and do not open any attachments.

4. The IRS will never ask you for your bank account PIN number, passwords, or other similar confidential information such as mother’s maiden name for bank accounts or credit card accounts.

5. Don’t carry your Social Security card or any documents that include your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Keep them stored in a safe place away from the eyes of others.

6. Don’t give a business your Social Security number or ITIN just because they ask. Give it only when required. If you are self-employed providing services to other businesses, you may be required to provide this information on IRS Form W9 for 1099 purposes. For this reason, it may be prudent to apply for a Federal ID number to further ensure the security
of your Social Security number.

7. Secure personal information in your home in a safe place.

8. Check your credit report every 12 months to make sure there’s no unusual activity or illegitimate credit lines.

9. Protect your personal computers by using firewalls and anti-spam/virus software, updating security patches, and changing passwords for Internet accounts.

10. Don’t give personal information over the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact and are sure of the recipient.

11. Be careful when you choose a tax preparer. Most preparers provide excellent service but there are a few who are unscrupulous.

For more on this topic, see the special identity theft section on IRS.gov.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

As I write this, there are just five weeks before Windows XP sunsets. We STRONGLY encourage anyone with a Windows XP box to contact us ASAP to see what options are available. We are building some great Windows 7 systems with our 3 year warranty. We also have access to a number of name brand systems with Windows 7 installed.

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Try Yummy Tomato
Butternut Squash Soup
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775850347718/

Sliding Barn Door Adds
Cool Country Touch
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775850074822/

This Baby Giraffe Is Too Cute For Words
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775850347890/

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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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DOES “404 PAGE NOT FOUND” MEAN?

Question: Sometimes when I try to visit a website, I get a message that says something like, “404 Page Not Found.” What does this mean and what should I do next?

Answer: This error message means the page corresponding to the URL you entered cannot be found on the site’s server. It’s possible the page no longer exists or that there is an error in the URL you entered. To rule out the second possibility, check the URL carefully to ensure you didn’t mistype. If it seems accurate, try these steps:

1. Click the reload button in your browser.

2. Try removing one level of the URL at a time. For example, if you typed in “http://www.abc.com/x/y/z,” remove “/z.” If you still see nothing, or an error message, remove “/y,” and so on. If you finally get to the home page (e.g. “http://www.abc.com”), try browsing or doing a search for the information you’re looking for.

3. Test the URL at the site http://downforeveryoneorjustme.com. This site will tell you if just you are unable to access the page or if it’s a problem with the site itself.

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

Chasco Fiesta
http://www.chascofiesta.com
The 2014 edition of the Chasco Fiesta will be here before you know it. The fiesta runs from March 21st through March 29th in downtown New Port Richey. Highlights include the street parade on March 22nd and the boat parade on March 29th. There will be music every night, different styles for different tastes, so check out the Chasco calendar of events and plan your visits to Sims Park Accordingly. The Chasco Fiesta gives area non-profits an opportunity to raise money to fund their operations and the Fiesta has become the largest special event in Pasco. Gulfcoast Networking is very pleased to be donating the web hosting for this event.

Rob Marlowe for Mayor
http://www.robmarlowe2014.com
Just in case you hadn’t heard, I’m running for mayor of New Port Richey this year. The election is April 8th and I encourage you to check out my website for details on what I see as the issues facing our city. (Political advertisement paid for and approved by Robert C Marlowe, non-partisan, for Mayor of New Port Richey)

Antiques Roadshow Sweepstakes
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow
If you’re a fan of Antiques Roadshow, enter the “Golden Ticket” Sweepstakes now for a chance to win a 3-day, 2-night trip for two to Chicago and experience an exclusive VIP day during Roadshow’s 2014 Tour. This site also offers resources to value your treasures.

Score Big With Party Recipes
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-events/events-and-gatherings/march-madness
You’ll find “slam dunk” party food here to keep the gang happy while watching the games. Big winners include Boilermaker Tailgate Chili, Annie’s Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips, Grilled Bacon and Jalapeno Wraps, and Antipasto Squares.

Green Means Go … Enjoy Ireland!
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/ireland-photos
Given St. Patrick’s Day, March is the month when many people’s thoughts turn to Ireland. Leave it to National Geographic to capture this country’s most beautiful scenery. If you can’t get there in person, this site’s stunning photos are the next best thing.

Get Tips For Spring Planting
http://www.garden.org/foodguide/browse
It’s the time of year to start planning your garden and this site has plenty of resources to help you successfully grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs. You’ll be able to harvest plenty of expert advice from the Plant Finder, How-To Videos, Food Garden Guide, and much more.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1403_VIDEO_A.htm

Coca-Cola Happiness Machine
Watch the fun reactions on the faces of people when they’re surprised by a special Coke machine at a bus stop in Sweden. The machine displayed large images of summer scenes during the dead of winter.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1403_VIDEO_B.htm
Tips For Growing Giant Tomatoes
The Three-Minute Gardener, Marvin Meisner, shares his tips for how to grow giant tomatoes. He takes you through the steps of choosing the right tomato variety, preparing the soil, watering, pruning, and plant support.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO PRINT ONLY A SECTION OF A WEBPAGE

To save on paper and ink, you may sometimes want to print just a portion of a webpage rather than the whole thing including the ads, comments, etc. After all, what’s the point of printing extra pages that just end up in the trash?

Here’s how to print only a portion of a webpage:

1. Highlight the portion that you want to print by left-clicking at the beginning of the text and dragging your mouse until the end of the text.

2. Once this is highlighted, click your cursor arrow on “File” from the menu bar.

3. Click on “Print” from the resulting drop-down menu.

Many webpages feature icons with options such as Print, Email, and Share. If this is the case, click on their Print icon and an advertisement-free version of the article will appear, ready to print.

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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

January 2014 Newsletter

January 1, 2014 By Rob Marlowe

Happy New Year! Once the confetti is cleaned up and the noisemakers put away, it’s time to tackle new challenges and enjoy new experiences. This January issue has plenty of new ideas to help you in the year ahead.

First you’ll learn about the increased use of social media spam and its related phishing attacks. Be sure to review the precautions you can take to avoid becoming a victim. Also in the learning category, this issue explains the end of support for Windows XP and shares tips on how to search for people to follow on Twitter. To start 2014 with plenty of fresh ideas, check out the cool Pinterest pins, incredible videos, and resource-rich websites.

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 January 2014 Newsletter:

SOCIAL MEDIA ALERT – WATCH OUT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA SPAM (AND SCAMS)

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – DO I HAVE TO STOP USING MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP AFTER ITS SUPPORT ENDS?

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

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO FIND PEOPLE TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SOCIAL MEDIA ALERT – WATCH OUT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA SPAM (AND SCAMS)

In the first half of 2013, spam — the scourge of the Internet since 1993 — grew by 355 percent across the Internet’s most popular social networks. This is according to data from Nexgate’s State of Social Media Spam Report. It shows that about 1 in 200 social messages contain spam. Facebook and YouTube were the most infected, containing more spam than other social networks by a ratio of 100 to 1. Facebook also has the largest number of phishing attacks — schemes in which a victim’s password or credit card information is hacked.

Social media spam is growing at high rates due to spammers moving away from email. Why? It’s harder to detect spam on social media sites and spammers can potentially reach millions of people with a single ad or post. Spammers have also developed a variety of ways to trick users with appealing visuals beyond the typical spam email.

What should you do? The Better Business Bureau recommends the following:

~ Never reveal overly personal or financial information on a social media site.

~ Avoid following unfamiliar or unknown links or pop-up ads.

~ Make sure to keep up with the latest operating systems, software, web browsers, antivirus protection and apps for the best defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats.

~ Report any possible spam to the appropriate people within the organization, including network administrators. They can be alert for any suspicious or unusual activity.

~ If you believe your financial accounts may be compromised, contact your financial institution immediately and close the account(s). Monitor all accounts for suspicious activity.

In addition, when browsing users’ profiles or pages, remember that not everything on these pages may be safe. Despite the circle of trust that social media sites create, cybercriminals are constantly lurking behind virtual corners, just waiting for opportunities to strike.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

2013 was an exciting year at Gulfcoast Networking. In addition to some of the obvious things you probably noticed, like our website revamp, a number of other behind the scenes changes have begun to have a positive impact on our day to day operations. As we told you this time last year, our primary focus for 2013 was on enhancing our corporate services and this has been a resounding success: Our corporate customers now enjoy better reporting, better trouble ticketing, a better emergency contact system, and extended support hours.

Some things haven’t changed: We have received the “Super Service Award” by Angies List for the second year running. We continue to offer some of the best custom built PCs that money can buy and we can still get you a Windows 7 system, so you don’t have to learn Windows 8. We also continue to offer consumers the personal attention and service that they have come to expect from us, including the exceptional values of our Safe Computing Packages.

2014 promises to be exciting year as well. We have absolutely no intention of standing still:

We’ve got some seriously cool new systems available, including systems featuring the latest fourth gen Intel i-series processors. These should be of interest to both our consumer and corporate clients.

Corporate clients will continue to see ongoing enhancements to our suite of managed services. We have several new features and enhanced services in testing and expect to roll them out in early 2014.

If you have someone in your family or circle of friends who is not computer savvy and needs someone they can call, please suggest that they talk to us. With our Safe Computing Packages, they can feel free to pick up the phone and call for assistance without worrying about the clock ticking. If they like, we can even set their computer up so that we can jump right onto their computer to assist them without them having to go through the remote support setup process at the start of each call.

Thank you to each and every one of our clients. We couldn’t have done any of this without you.

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

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849826251/
Light Up Where You Dine With Wine

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849623886/
A Dreamy Photo Of A Beach Paradise

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849826204/
A Little Bit of London For Afternoon Tea

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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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – DO I HAVE TO STOP USING MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP AFTER ITS SUPPORT ENDS?

Question: I’m still using Microsoft Windows XP as my operating system. Can I keep using it after Microsoft ends its support in April 2014?

Answer: Support for Windows XP (and Office 2003) will end on April 8, 2014. After that date, Microsoft will no longer provide new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates.

You can continue to use Windows XP, but it’s not recommended since your computer might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Microsoft strongly recommends you get current with Windows and Office.

Gulfcoast Networking goes a step further and strongly recommends that you retire any XP systems as soon as possible and replace them with Windows 7 systems so you can avoid the learning curve associated with Windows 8.

Microsoft is ALSO dropping Microsoft Security Essentials. We don’t view this as a loss. We STRONGLY recommend that our clients using MSE uninstall it and replace it with a quality anti-malware product, like the F-Secure products we sell.

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

West Pasco Chamber of Commerce – Business Development Week
http://www.westpasco.com/bdw.php
We’ve been on the BDW committee for years and we strongly encourage you to take advantage of some great programs the last week of January.

Go For The Gold!
http://www.teamusa.org/Road-to-Sochi-2014
Join Team USA on the Road to the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. Get to know the athletes by reading their bios, watching video interviews, and checking out their blogs. You can also browse around the Team USA Shop to pick up clothing to show your support for the team.

Recipes For A Healthier 2014
http://www.eatingwell.com
If you’re making a New Year’s resolution to eat better in 2014, this site can make it easier for you to be successful. You’ll find all kinds of recipes that are healthy and delicious including Breakfasts to Grab & Go, Quick 5-Ingredient Dinners, and 26 Soups to Help You Lose Weight.

It Pays To Be Smart About Money
http://www.smartaboutmoney.org
Smart About Money (SAM) is a program of the National Endowment for Financial Education — an independent, nonprofit foundation. This site’s many tools and resources include calculators to help with budgeting and debt management, a LifeValues quiz, worksheets, and more.

Take a Free Personality Test
http://www.learnmyself.com
What’s more fascinating than learning about yourself? This site offers a free personality test that shows the five main aspects of your personality as well as a breakdown of 30 traits like kindness, anger, imagination, and intellect. One user described it as eerily accurate! Nine other free tests are also available.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1401_VIDEO_A.htm

Killer Trees on Whistler Mountain
This video lets you go along for the adventure of snowboarding over buried stumps and deep powder in a tree-filled run on Whistler Mountain. It’s a fast-paced adrenalin rush that includes some close calls!

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1401_VIDEO_B.htm
1964 Predictions About 2014
In 1964, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov made predictions about 2014. Many of them came true, such as: “Communications will become sight-sound and you will see as well as hear the person you telephone.”

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO FIND PEOPLE TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER

If you’re fairly new to Twitter, or are simply looking for new people to follow, check out the Twitter search tips below:

How to find people by name:

~Type the person’s name into the search box at the top of your Twitter homepage.

~Results for your search will show up under the People tab on the search results page.

~You can also search by typing the person’s name into the search box on the Connect page.

How to browse accounts by interest:

~From the Discover page, click https://twitter.com/who_to_follow/interests Browse categories.

~Click on any interesting category. You’ll be shown a list of accounts you may want to follow.

~You can also browse by interest using the search box at the top of the Browse categories page. Type in a topic (like “news” or “basketball”) or a descriptive phrase (such as “ballet dancer” or “actor”) and you’ll see a list of account results for that search term.

How to browse Twitter’s suggestions:

~On the Discover page, click on
https://twitter.com/who_to_follow/suggestions Who to follow.

~Browse suggestions Twitter has generated for you based on who Twitter thinks you might find interesting.

~Click Follow to follow any user, or click their username to learn more about them.

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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
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.)

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