We all wear many hats throughout the year and during the holidays, a Santa hat may be one of them! As you’re making your list and checking it twice, jot down a few tips and ideas from this December issue.

It begins with a warning about fraudulent package delivery emails. While these are always out there, during the Christmas season they tend to become even more prevalent; scammers hope you’ll be expecting lots of package deliveries and will fall for their fake notices. Speaking of fake, you’ll also learn about catfishing (the use of fake online identities) as well as how to avoid a fake Wi-Fi connection while at a coffee shop. On a more festive note, you can enjoy a “ho, ho, ho” lot of recipe and decorating ideas and reminisce with a Bing Crosby Christmas video.

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 2013 Newsletter:

PHISHING ALERT – WATCH FOR FRAUDULENT PACKAGE DELIVERY EMAILS

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – I’VE HEARD THE TERM “CATFISHING” USED RECENTLY. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

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

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO PROTECT YOUR DATA WHEN USING PUBLIC WI-FI

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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PHISHING ALERT – WATCH FOR FRAUDULENT PACKAGE DELIVERY EMAILS

Scammers take every opportunity to trick you into doing what they want and the holidays are no exception. Here’s how their holiday package delivery con typically works: They send you an email (claiming to be from FedEx, UPS, etc.) that describes a missed delivery or shipping address problem and tells you to click on a link to correct the issue. The link goes to a spoofed website which attempts to gather critical information like passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and more. Don’t be fooled. The FedEx website says, “FedEx does not request, via unsolicited mail or email, payment or personal information in return for goods in transit or in FedEx custody.” The same is true for the other major package delivery services.

Another similar trick is an email supposedly from the U.S. Postal Service regarding an intercepted package delivery. The email contains a link that, when activated, installs a virus that steals personal information on your computer. Sometimes these emails elicit a sense of false urgency by stating that if you do nothing, you will be charged money.

The best way to combat this type of scam is to avoid opening suspicious, unsolicited emails or clicking on links within them. Warning signs of bogus emails include:

~ Unexpected requests for money

~ Requests for personal information

~ Links to familiar-looking websites that are actually spelled wrong

~ Extensive spelling and grammar errors in the body of the email

You can also adjust the settings in your email application to capture more spam in a junk folder. When you do see emails like these in your inbox, delete them immediately.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

It has been a busy couple of months around here.  There are several items I  think you will find interesting:

NEW COMPUTERS:

Windows XP sunsets in April of 2014.  If you have a Windows XP machine, it is not too early to think about replacing it.  We have four options available for you:

First:  Buy a custom built mini-ITX GCN computer with Windows 7.   These systems come with your choice of i3 or i5 processor, up to 16gb of memory, a 1TB hard drive, and a three year warranty.

After Intel’s announcement that they were exiting the desktop motherboard business, we looked at both of the manufacturers Intel recommended.  We have settled on a new mini-ITX motherboard that is really nice.  It even comes with dual HDMI video ports, built in Wi-Fi capability and dual Gigabyte network ports!

We are delivering these systems as fast as we can build them, so if you want one for Christmas, be sure to give us as much lead time as possible.

Second:  Buy a custom built NUC system with Windows 7.  These are the Celeron, i3, and i5 variants of Intel’s new NUC line.  They are very small, very fast, and quite affordable.

If you don’t need a lot of hard drive space or a DVD drive, these computers are worth a look.  They also come with a three year warranty.

Third:  Buy a brand name desktop system.  We’ve located several very affordable brand name systems with Windows 7.  We are keeping tabs on what is available and can let you know what the delivery times are on the model you want.

Brand name systems typically come with a one year warranty.  More details can be found on our Specials Page.

Fourth:  Buy a brand name notebook system.  Like the brand name desktops, we have located several very affordable notebooks with Windows 7.   Be sure to give us a bit of lead time if you want one of these as we are typically NOT keeping them in stock. Brand name notebooks typically come with a one year warranty.  More details can be found on our specials page.

We are not recommending either tablets or Windows 8 unless you specifically need the mobility.

COMPUTER ACCESSORIES:

We will have a variety of computer accessories on sale between now and Christmas.  Come in early for the best selection.

COMMERCIAL / BUSINESS PROJECTS:

We are currently working on several projects for various business customers.   We use enterprise class hardware rather than consumer grade equipment.   High quality commercial grade equipment is often only slightly more expensive than much less capable consumer grade gear.

Example:  We just got done replacing four consumer / SOHO wireless access points (average cost about $90 each) with a single commercial grade access point that cost $100.  In this case, the commercial access point costs much less than all the consumer stuff that it replaced.

If you are a business owner and and you have an IT project coming up or if you are spending too much of your own time on IT, we need to talk.  Our network monitoring and network management packages are very affordable.

 

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

Spicy Toppers
For Starry Cider
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849633254/

10 Holiday Ideas
For DIY Decor
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849633260/

For the Photographer
With a Creative Eye
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849633084/

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 – I’VE HEARD THE TERM “CATFISHING” USED RECENTLY. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Question: A friend mentioned seeing a documentary about an online scam called catfishing. What is it and how can I avoid it?

Answer: Catfishing is when someone creates a false identity to lure you into a false romantic relationship online. The term was coined by the documentary Catfish, which tells the story of a woman who used Facebook to create a fake online identity. Such a “relationship” can involve exchanging messages on Facebook or another social media site, texting, emailing, and so on. Catfishing relationships usually begin to unravel when the perpetrator refuses to talk on the phone or via Skype, and won’t reveal basic information like a home address. These scammers may be lonely, bored, or in some way out for revenge. They may even try to get you to give them money.

If you suspect you are being catfished, do a search for the person’s name to see if the information that comes up checks out with what that person has told you. Also, look at their social media profiles; if they are recently established, rarely used, or include few connections, that’s another clue. Even if the person is legitimate, their motivations may not be. Don’t give money or take any other actions that wouldn’t be appropriate in a similar offline relationship. You can avoid catfishing by being selective about who you communicate with online, as well as what you tell them, and by regularly updating social media privacy settings and account passwords.

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

Reclaim Forgotten Assets
http://www.unclaimed.org
The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators has created this site to help you reclaim property you may have forgotten about including bank accounts, stocks, trust distributions, CDs, safe deposit box contents, and more. Just click on the map to search by your name in your state.

101 Holiday Cookies
http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/top-holiday-cookies/pictures/index.html
For gifts, entertaining, or just for fun, check out this mouth-watering cookie gallery. View photos and get recipes for a wide variety of types (bars, sandwiches, dipped), flavors (chocolate, cinnamon, fruit), and shapes (crescent, swirled, candy cane). Use the social media buttons to share with friends.

Temporary Email Addresses
http://maildrop.cc
MailDrop offers free, disposable, receive-only email addresses to use instead of your real email address. A MailDrop inbox holds up to 10 messages and is cleared if it doesn’t receive a message within 24 hours.  Use it to receive e-commerce receipts without signing up for retailers’ “latest offers.”

Holiday Lights Around the World
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/holiday-lights-photos/#/02-light-displays-vienna_42267_600x450.jpg
>From Japan to Copenhagen to Sweden to the U.S., this site shows the best places in the world to see holiday lights. Check out the beautiful variety of decorations hung on shops, in gardens, at amusement parks, and other creative places. Plus, learn about the displays and the traditions they represent.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1312_VIDEO_A.htm

Bing Crosby Christmas
Even the Scroogiest will appreciate this video, which includes clips of the crooner’s famous “White Christmas” and a reminder of the holiday’s best qualities. It’s a perfect respite for the busy end-of-year season.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1312_VIDEO_B.htm

Mountain Bike Ride
Ready for some extreme sporting without the danger? Check out this video and prepare to be wowed. Mountain biker Kelly McGarry’s helmet-camera-filmed ride includes frighteningly narrow paths and several flips.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO PROTECT YOUR DATA WHEN USING PUBLIC WI-FI

Access to Wi-Fi in public places — such as coffee shops, hotels, and airports — can be very convenient. It’s great to be able to use your mobile device practically anywhere you go. However, as with most
Internet-related activities, there are potential dangers including stolen data.

Follow these tips to avoid problems:

1. Start with your mobile device at home. Make sure all antivirus, anti-spyware, and browsing software is updated. Keep your firewall activated at all times.

2. Treat all Wi-Fi connections with suspicion. Hackers can set up fake connections whose names might look legitimate.

3. At the Wi-Fi location, ask someone who works there the name of the network to be sure you’re accessing the right one. If you have a choice between a password-protected connection and a non-password-protected connection, choose password protection even if you have to pay for it.

4. Refrain from completing private transactions, such as banking or purchases that require you to enter a credit card number, using a Wi-Fi connection. Save these activities for home.

5. Even if you’re still operating your device, turn off the Wi-Fi connection when you’re done using the Internet.

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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
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.)

©2013 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.
Portions ©2013 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission.

With fall in full swing, we’ve assembled some valuable information to help you fully enjoy the season. Since getting scammed would certainly put a damper on any beautiful autumn day, we begin by sharing how to avoid the online bad guys’ latest trick — CryptoLocker ransomware.

You’ll find inspiration in this November issue for getting into seasonal crafts, decorating, and cooking in the Go Pinterest-ing! section. You’ll also learn about video buffering and Facebook privacy to take some of the trouble out of technology. For fun entertainment plus valuable advice, check out the amazing “bicycle band” and “money tree” videos and sites to help you beat the flu, stay safe when you shop online for the holidays, and much more.

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 2013 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – RANSOMWARE SENDERS DEMAND MONEY TO “FIX” FILES

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT CAUSES BUFFERING WHEN I WATCH VIDEOS?

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

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO HELP KEEP YOUR IMAGE OUT OF FACEBOOK ADS

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – RANSOMWARE SENDERS DEMAND MONEY TO “FIX” FILES

One of the latest ways for cybercriminals to try and get money from you involves infecting your computer with a virus that encrypts your valuable files (making these files unusable) then demanding a payment to decrypt them. This type of virus, called ransomware, can be installed on your computer if you open an attachment from a malicious sender.

A recent version of ransomware, called CryptoLocker, is often distributed via email messages that appear to come from reputable organizations or companies such as the Better Business Bureau, FedEx, and UPS. CryptoLocker can also be installed along with infected downloaded software.

Security experts warn to NEVER PAY THE RANSOM; you’ll lose your money and probably get nothing in return. If you do fall prey to ransomware, call us.  We can generally clean up most of these infections for a fraction of what the ransom demand is.  Keep in mind that CryptoLocker encrypts your files and there is essentially NO way to unlock them.

Of course, the best solution is to not become a victim of ransomware in the first place. Be extremely wary of email attachments, even if they appear to be sent by someone you know. (Viruses are often sent via one person’s email to others on their contact list.) Be particularly cautious about attachments other than typical office documents, especially ZIP or EXE files.

Finally, be sure to have up-to-date commercial antivirus software active at all times.   We recommend F-Secure Antivirus and F-Secure Internet Security.  Having current backups is also important for protecting your data (pictures and documents) from the likes of CryptoLocker and we recommend F-Secure Online Backup for our consumer clients.  We have somewhat more involved backup solutions available for business clients of all sizes.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

We have brand new Windows 7 machines available.  Come see us before visiting a big box store and springing for a Windows 8 machine you are going to hate.

We can help you choose between different notebooks and tablets on the market as well.  Keep in mind that the most common physical failure on a tablet is a broken screen.  We recommend sticking with a conventional desktop machine unless you need the portability provided by tablets and notebooks.
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GO PINTEREST-ING – COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS

Cute And Creative Idea For Pumpkin Decorating
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849453893/

Chocolate + Espresso + Pumpkin + Caramel = Yum
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849453907/

Dress Your Coffee Cup In Stylish Cashmere
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849430599/

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 CAUSES BUFFERING WHEN I WATCH VIDEOS?

Question: Sometimes when I’m watching a video on YouTube, it will stop and start or play in a choppy fashion. What could be causing this and what can I do about it?

Answer: What you’re describing is called buffering. This means that the part of the video you’re trying to watch is currently downloading. Buffering can be the result of many different factors including problems with the hosting site, the speed of your Internet connection, and the software and/or hardware of your computer.

YouTube suggests the following troubleshooting tips:

~Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.

~Pause the video. Allow the gray loading bar to load completely to the end of the player. Once the video has fully loaded, try playing the video again.

~Check your connection speed. You may want to increase it in order to have the best viewing experience.

Another possible reason for video difficulties is that the YouTube servers are experiencing high traffic. If this is the case, there’s not much you can do but try again later.

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

Time To Talk Turkey
http://www.butterball.com
Enter the “turkeysphere” to learn everything you need to know about choosing, preparing, and serving your Thanksgiving turkey. Helpful videos and text walk you through thawing, stuffing, roasting, the ever-popular deep-frying, and, of course, carving. For post-holiday meals and snacks, check out the recipe section for ideas on using leftovers.

What To Do To Beat The Flu
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2013-2014.htm
Fall brings colder weather, the holidays … and unfortunately, the flu. But you don’t have to let flu get the best of you this year. Check out this website for valuable information including flu basics, how flu spreads, where to get a flu shot, and other things you can do to help avoid getting sick.

A-door-able Fall Adornments
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/seasonal/fall/fall-wreath-door-decorations/#page=1
Visit this gallery to get inspiration for decorating with wreaths and other fall décor for your door, gate, or mantel. You’ll find pretty and creative embellishments made with seeds, leaves, twigs, fruit, flowers, and much more. The site makes it easy to save, print, share, or pin your favorites!

Shop Safely Online During The Holidays
http://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/protect-your-personal-information/online-shopping
It’s always important to protect yourself online, and even more so during the holiday shopping season. The tips on this site may seem like common sense but you may not remember, for example, to print transaction details. It’s worth a visit so you can stay safe while getting your shopping done.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1311_VIDEO_A.htm

Behold A Bicycle Band
You’ve seen plenty of marching bands. But what about a bicycling band? This video captures some true multitasking as several marching band members play instruments (and do it well) while riding a tandem bike.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1311_VIDEO_B.htm
Real-Life Money Tree
What happens when 100 one-dollar bills are pinned to a tree on a busy city sidewalk? Watch this video to see the various responses to this interesting social experiment. Spoiler alert: most people walk by without noticing the money!

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO HELP KEEP YOUR IMAGE OUT OF FACEBOOK ADS

Have you noticed how if a friend endorses a company or product, you’re more likely to make a similar purchase? Facebook certainly knows this and uses this bit of psychology to boost the effectiveness of what are known as social ads. The problem is that it does this without users’ permission. For example, in your news feed, you may see a paid ad for a sushi place, along with a note that says, “Jane Smith likes this.” If you don’t want Facebook using your name or likeness in this way, follow these easy steps:

~Within Facebook, click Settings (the gear icon in the upper-right corner of your Home page).

~From the dropdown list, select Privacy Settings.

~In the left column, click Ads.

~In the Ads & Friends section, click Edit.

~Next to the phrase, Pair my social actions with ads for, click the dropdown arrow and select No one.

~Click Save Changes.

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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
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.)

©2013 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.
Portions ©2013 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission.

It’s August, which means many people are experiencing the dog days of summer. In light of this, we’ve included some canine content in this issue. Check out the “smiling lips” dog toy in the Pinterest section and the amazingly well-trained dog in one of the featured videos. By the way, since we do the research about online topics, you don’t have to work like a dog to stay informed. Below is a Scam Alert about fake PayPal emails currently making the rounds and how to protect your personal information from being stolen. You’ll also find useful tips on using Google Alert and managing your  Facebook News Feed.

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 August 2013 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – WATCH FOR FAKE “PAYPAL ACCOUNT DELETED” EMAILS

GO PINTERESTING! COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHAT’S BEING SAID ABOUT ME ONLINE?

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

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO TWEAK YOUR FACEBOOK NEWS FEED

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – WATCH FOR FAKE “PAYPAL ACCOUNT DELETED” EMAILS

Another spam campaign targeting PayPal users has recently been reported.  The supposed email from PayPal claims that the user’s account has been deleted. It offers the option to restore it by clicking  the “Recover Account” button / link included in the email and entering the account email address and password into the login page to which the link leads.   Don’t do it! This page is a fake, designed to gather your personal information.

PayPal reminds its users of the following ways to avoid these types of scams:

~Log in safely: To log in to your PayPal account or access the PayPal website, open a new web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer or Firefox or Chrome) and type in the following: https://www.paypal.com/

~Check the email greeting: Emails from PayPal will always address you by your first and last name or the business name associated with your PayPal account. A PayPal scam email may include the salutation “Dear PayPal User” or “Dear PayPal Member.”

~Look out for attachments: PayPal emails will never ask you to download an attachment or a software program. An attachment found in a PayPal scam email will often contain a virus that can harm your computer or compromise your PayPal account.

~Never give out personal information: If we require information from you, we will notify you in an email and request that you enter the information only after you have safely and securely logged in to your PayPal account.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

August 1st – August 3rd is Florida’s annual sales tax holiday.  This year, it includes computers and accessories under $750, so come see us.  We’re open all day Friday and will be in Saturday morning as well.

Gulfcoast Networking is a proud sponsor of the 2013 Coteeman Triathlon in New Port Richey on August 10th.  Be sure to visit the Coteeman Website for more information.

 

 

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GO PINTERESTING! COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS

Deliciously Detailed Gumball Machines
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848536369/

When Life Hands You A Watermelon?
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848809328/

A Dog Toy To Make Everybody Smile
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848693696/

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 FIND OUT WHAT’S BEING SAID ABOUT ME ONLINE?

Question: My reputation is important to me so I’m concerned about the comments people may be posting that include my name. How can I find out what’s being said about me online?

Answer: Fortunately, there’s an easy way to find out. You simply need to put a Google Alert on your name to keep track of how often people are talking about you on the Web and what they’re saying. This strategy can also be used by companies or other organizations.

It takes less than a minute to set up a Google Alert. Go to http://www.google.com/alerts and enter your name, and variations of your name, with quotation marks around it. Tell Alerts whether you want all results or just the high quality ones, when you want them delivered, and how you want them sent to you.

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

Pick Out New Picnic Recipes
http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/parties/picnics/
August is designated as Picnic Month. So if you need a reason to relax and dine on a blanket, now you have one. Check out this site for lots of picnic-perfect recipes such as Pretzel-Crusted “Fried” Chicken, Sweet Potato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing, and Shaker-Style Lemon Bars.

No Clue What’s In Your C.L.U.E. Report?
https://personalreports.lexisnexis.com/fact_act_claims_bundle/landing.jsp
Your credit report isn’t the only report that impacts financial decisions made about you. The Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange or C.L.U.E. report shows insurers every auto or residential insurance claim you’ve been involved with for the past seven years. Get your free copy here.

Learn How To Clean Almost Anything
http://www.howtocleananything.com/
There’s an art to cleaning. You need the right products, tools, and procedures to get rid of dirt without damaging the item. Find all the tips you need to safely clean your home, vehicles, animals, sporting goods, clothing, computer, food, and more. It’s good clean fun!

Backpack Safety Means Weighing The Options
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/learning/backpack.html
Too-heavy backpacks are causing more children to suffer backaches. Before the school year starts, review the advice shared here on choosing the right backpacks, limiting the weight of contents, and wearing them safely. It’s important information to help your kids or grandkids avoid unnecessary pain.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1308_VIDEO_A.htm

Jumpy The Dog Earns His Name
When given a command, Jumpy jumps into action and performs amazing tricks. He jumps off the top of a van and soars through the air. He performs a back flip. He catches a flying disc. He goes skateboarding. He even walks on his hind legs. What can your dog do?

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1308_VIDEO_B.htm

See World’s First Hover Golf Cart
Golf carts haven’t changed much over the years — until now! Bubba Watson and Oakley have created the world’s first hovercraft golf cart. It’s able to ride on a bubble of air and glide over any terrain including grass and sand, leaving no trace on the golf course.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO TWEAK YOUR FACEBOOK NEWS FEED

Have you had enough of annoying posts in your Facebook News Feed? Are there certain people, or certain types of posts, that you’d rather not make part of your everyday routine? You can tweak your News Feed in several different ways by following the steps below:

If you see a post in your News Feed that you’d like to eliminate, click the arrow in the top right corner of the selected post and choose “Hide.”

Block Content by Type

To block all photos from a specific Friend:
~Hide his/her post (see above), then hover your cursor over “Change what updates you get from (NAME).”
~Deselect “Photos” from the drop-down list of post types.

See Only Important News

If a Friend’s constant posts are clogging up your News Feed, navigate to the menu above and choose “Only important updates.” From now on, you’ll only see stories about his/her job, family, or relationship status.

Unfollow

To block all content from a specific Friend, choose “Unfollow” from the menu above. The Friend won’t be notified, but might get suspicious if you stop commenting or miss an online announcement. For the sake of good relations, make occasional visits to his/her page and leave a comment.

Make Friends Into Acquaintances

Reclassifying a Friend as an Acquaintance on Facebook means you’ll receive fewer updates and generally only important ones. To access Facebook’s built-in acquaintance tool, hide any story from that Friend, then click “Organize your News Feed.”

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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
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.)

©2013 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc
Portions ©2013 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission.

July signals the middle of summer. So by now, you’re probably enjoying a comfortable routine of your favorite summer activities. There’s always
room for something new, however. For fresh ideas to try this month, take a peek at the Pinterest and Sites of the Month sections below. You’ll
find inspiration for July meals, celebrations, vacations, and more.

Also in this issue, we share a warning about the practice called “Like Farming” used by spammers on Facebook. Your innocent “Like” could end up being used for less than honorable purposes, so be selective about what you “Like” on Facebook from now on and spread the word with family and friends.

Keep exploring this issue to check out the first website, watch castles made from humans and a magician made from wood, and learn to create a Pinterest secret board for “hush, hush” project planning.

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 2013 Newsletter:

FACEBOOK ALERT! – SPAMMERS MAKE MONEY WITH “LIKE FARMING”

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

Go Pinterest-ing! – Cool Stuff To Pin On Your Pinterest Boards

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DID THE FIRST WEBSITE LOOK LIKE?

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 MAKE A PINTEREST SECRET BOARD

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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FACEBOOK ALERT! – SPAMMERS MAKE MONEY WITH “LIKE FARMING”

When scrolling through your Facebook News Feed, chances are you’ve seen pull-at-the-heartstrings photos with captions such as “Please help! If this 18-month-old girl gets 10,000 ‘Likes,’ her heart transplant is free.”

Without a second thought, you may “Like” the post as a quick and easy way to show you care. But unfortunately, doing so will only benefit spammers and accomplish nothing good, since the post is probably a fake and the photo stolen. What’s going on here? It’s called “Like Farming” and it works like this:
~A person or group of people create a Facebook page or website with an appeal to “Like” something and shares it among their networks.

~The people in the creators’ networks like and share the page with their own networks, who in turn “Like” and share it. In this way, the post continues to spread.

~Facebook’s automated algorithms notice a lot of activity on the post, so they work even harder to make sure it’s seen.

~The more people see it, the more people “Like” it. And the more people “Like” it, the more people see it. Before long, the post goes viral by the sheer force of its own momentum.

~The creators illegally sell the Facebook page to a business or advertiser for a hefty sum, and now the new owner can send spam to any user who has “Liked” it.

We urge you to be smart and selective about what you “Like” on Facebook so you don’t support these underhanded “Like Farming” pages and put dollars in the pockets of spammers. If you’ve clicked on “Like” for something in the past and now regret it, you can “Unlike” it. Go to your Facebook profile, choose the “More” button, and choose “Likes” from the drop-down menu. Select the one you want to remove, click on the “Like” button that appears, and then select “Unlike” from the drop-down menu.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

Christmas in July Sale – We are looking to move out some old inventory, so come in for some amazing deals. A small sample:

Custom built Skeleton computers – These demo systems are 50% off their original prices.

Manhattan mice – 50% off regular price

Oki toner – 75% off.

Sale prices are limited to stock on hand.

Visit each week in July for new sale items.

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Go Pinterest-ing! – Cool Stuff To Pin On Your Pinterest Boards

Kabob Comb Makes
Food Removal Easier
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848635245/

A New Way To Display
Is Around the Corner
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848693670/

Punch Box Is A Fun
Piñata Alternative
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848635210/

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 DID THE FIRST WEBSITE LOOK LIKE?

Question: I heard somebody mention that the World Wide Web is now 20 years old. I’m curious — what did the first website look like?

Answer: It certainly wasn’t much to look at, especially compared with the websites of today. Here’s a brief history: On April 30, 1993, a team at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) first made the technology underlying the World Wide Web available, royalty-free, to anyone who wanted to use it.

Their initial website was very basic — just a summary of the product including the development history, instructions for creating your own pages, and technical information about the World Wide Web. But this text-only website laid the groundwork for the estimated 630 million websites that followed in the subsequent 20 years.

This is what it looked like…

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1307_C2_webpage.jpg

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

Be Prepared For Tornadoes And Thunderstorms
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/prepared.asp
Being informed and prepared is the best way to stay safe during severe weather. Take a few minutes now to review the important information on this site. It covers what to do in the event of a tornado watch or warning, what supplies to have on hand, how to shut off utilities, and more

Create A Customized City Guide For Your Next Trip
http://www.stay.com
Travel to this site when planning a vacation. You can choose from 120 cities and then create a customized city guide with a map to take with you. Check out hotel, restaurant, and sightseeing recommendations. Plus, sign in with Facebook and see friends who have been to that city.

Enjoy Yummy Treats For National Ice Cream Month
http://www.delish.com/recipes/cooking-recipes/easy-ice-cream-recipes#slide-10
July is National Ice Cream Month so it’s the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth with a few new ice cream desserts. The delicious recipe assortment here includes Watermelon Bliss, Orange Creamsicle Pie, Grilled Banana Splits, Apple Ginger Ice Cream, and Cheesecake on a Stick.

Pick Up Hot Ideas For A Sizzling Summer
http://www.marthastewart.com/275001/21-fun-things-to-do-this-summer/@center/276964/60-days-summer#167696
You could call this “Summer Central” since it’s where Martha Stewart has gathered all kinds of summer recipes, party ideas, crafts and projects, and family activities. From building sand castles to hosting outdoor gatherings, it’s one great idea after another.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1307_VIDEO_A.htm

Human Castles Built With Courage
In the city of Tarragona, Spain, castellers gather every two years to see who can build the highest and most intricate human castles. Some are up to 10 layers high! Take a look at the astonishing strength, balance, and courage displayed by these performers.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1307_VIDEO_B.htm
A Masterpiece Of Marionette Magic
Known as the “Puppeteer to the Stars,” Scott Land created this marionette of comedy magician and actor, Carl Ballantine. In this charming video, the puppet performs a stylized version of Mr. Ballantine’s original magic act, complete with a disappearing moustache.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO MAKE A PINTEREST SECRET BOARD

Most of the time, you’re probably happy to share the great ideas you’ve pinned on Pinterest. But there are certain situations — such as surprise party planning or gift buying — when you might want to keep things under wraps. That’s the time to create a Pinterest secret board.

When you add pins to secret boards, they won’t show up anywhere. This means they won’t appear in the categories, search results, your home feed, or your followers’ feeds. Pinterest won’t even alert another pinner if you repin their content.

There are two ways to make a Pinterest secret board. Simply log in to your account and follow one of the procedures below:

~Scroll down to the bottom of your profile. You will notice that Pinterest automatically gives you three blank secret boards at the bottom of the page titled Create A Secret Board. These can only be seen by you (the board creator) and any contributors you choose to add. Just click on one and begin pinning.

-OR-

~Go to the Add tab at the top right-hand corner of your page. Choose the option Create A Board and move the slider button to secret (red) in the settings.

NOTE: Pinterest limits you to three secret boards at any one time. If you’re using a mobile device, you need to first go to http://pinterest.com/about/apps/ and download the most recent version of Pinterest for iPhone, iPad, Android phone, or Android tablet. Then, go to your profile, click on the Boards tab, and scroll down until you see the option for Create a Secret Board.

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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
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.)

©2013 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.
Portions ©2013 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc.

Let’s hear it for the easy, breezy days of summer! To help you enjoy the season to its fullest, this June issue shares ideas to enhance your patio parties as well as tips to avoid getting burned — by cybercriminals, that is. Don’t miss our warning about phishing emails that claim to be from major national banks; you don’t want to fall prey to these schemes and have money stolen from your account. You’ll also learn what to do if you still use Windows XP and how to block third-party cookies from your browser.

On a lighter note, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for all kinds of summer fun. Both the Pinterest and Sites of the Month sections feature resources to update what you serve at outdoor gatherings as well as how you decorate your outdoor living spaces. We bet you’ll find at least a few recipes or projects to try in the coming months. And be sure to watch this month’s videos for high chair laughter and football field tears.

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 June 2013 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – PHISHING EMAILS THAT APPEAR TO BE FROM MAJOR BANKS

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT MICROSOFT IS “KILLING” WINDOWS XP?

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

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO BLOCK THIRD-PARTY COOKIES FROM YOUR BROWSER

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – PHISHING EMAILS THAT APPEAR TO BE FROM MAJOR BANKS

Phishing emails purporting to be from major national banks such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America are on the rise, so please be extra vigilant when going through your inbox. These fraudulent emails may look remarkably like ones from your bank and contain alerts about frozen accounts or unusual activity – messages created to frighten you into clicking on a link in the email to correct the issue. Users who did click on such links have had money stolen from their bank accounts.

Don’t fall victim to these phishing scams. It’s safest to never click on a link in an email that claims to be from your bank. If you get a message that looks even vaguely real, it’s much better to open a browser window and type in the URL of your bank’s home page and log in as normal.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

It is hard to believe that summer is already here.  We spent hours last month sitting in on a whole series of Intel webinars.  There are some pretty exciting things coming down the pike this summer.

First up will likely be the i5 version of Intel’s exciting NUC computers.  We have both the Celeron and i3 systems in stock and they are amazing.   Everyone that sees them has the same reaction… WOW!!!  Power on to desktop takes about 20 seconds!  We can hardly wait for the i5 version to arrive in another week or so.

As small, light, and rugged as these computers are, it makes it convenient for us to serve a wider geographic area.  If something goes awry that we can’t fix remotely, the customer can simply toss the computer in the mail to us!

Even our local customers will appreciate the ability to carry their computer in for service in their purse or wedged in the cup holder of their car.  We are talking seriously small and light here.

We shut down our last dialup accounts at the end of May.   With all of our customers now on high speed connections, it makes our remote support and Safe Computing options available to everyone we serve.

In addition to serving individuals, we provide IT support to businesses.  We manage their networks, keep their computers running, and even handle their web hosting and email.

Please let your friends and businesses you visit know about us.

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Sizzling Cupcake
Ideas For BBQ Parties
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848533634/

Wow! Smart Bathtub
Cleans Itself And More
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848553979/

Plants To Keep Bugs
>From Bugging You
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848494836/

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 IT MEAN THAT MICROSOFT IS “KILLING” WINDOWS XP?

Question: I heard that Microsoft is “killing” Windows XP, which has me concerned since I still run it. What does all this mean exactly?

Answer: First of all, you’re certainly not alone in your preference for the tried-and-true Windows XP. There are an estimated 500 million people around the world who still rely on Windows XP to perform their daily computing chores.

What’s happening with Windows XP is this:

Support for Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 ends April 8, 2014. After that date, there will be no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates.

Running Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 in your environment after Microsoft’s support ends may expose your computer to security risks.

Microsoft strongly recommends you get current with Windows and Office. For complete details including instructions for moving to Windows 7 or
Windows 8, visit http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/endofsupport.aspx

While Microsoft seems to suggest that you should simply upgrade your XP computer to Windows 7 or Windows 8, we believe that you should give serious consideration to replacing your old machine instead.  Any machine running Windows XP is old enough to be living on borrowed time anyway.

We carry Windows 7 and Windows 8 computers in a wide variety of prices and configurations.  Come by and chat with us and we’ll help you pick the right machine to replace your old XP computer.
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SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN JUNE

Enter For A Chance To Win $20,085 From Gerber
http://www.facebook.com/Gerber/app_355429811243436
Oh baby! Gerber is celebrating its 85th birthday and is giving away cash prizes for 85 days to mark the occasion. Visit this Facebook page today to “blow out” the candle on the Gerber birthday cake and enter for your chance to win the $585 daily prize and $20,085 grand prize.

How Long Will You Live?
http://media.nmfn.com/tnetwork/lifespan
Granted, it’s difficult to answer that question with absolute certainty. But statistically speaking, certain key factors can help estimate a person’s lifespan. Answer the simple questions on this site’s Lifespan Calculator and instantly find out how many birthdays you might end up celebrating.

Budget-Friendly Patio Design Ideas
http://www.houzz.com/photos/patio/decorating-on-a-budget
If you’re like many people, your patio becomes a hotspot for entertaining during the summer. To make it look great and function well, check out this photo collection of creatively designed patios. You’ll find all kinds of outside ideas that will fit inside your budget.

Recipes for Summer Entertaining
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday—Celebration-Recipes/Summer-Entertaining
When you’re planning a backyard party for family and friends, you’ll find lots of recipes here you’ll want to try. Get refreshed on hot days with a Watermelon Cooler or take advantage of your garden’s bounty with Fresh Summer Salsa or Caprese Salad Kabobs.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1306_VIDEO_A.htm

Baby Food Jar Leads to Laughter
Talk about doing double duty! This baby food jar not only provides lunch but laughter as well. Take a minute to enjoy this adorable baby’s giggles in reaction to the mother playing peek-a-boo with the Gerber Baby image on the label.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1306_VIDEO_B.htm

Boy Scores Emotional Touchdown
You’ll probably have one of those “goose bumps” moments when you watch this touching video. Jack Hoffman, a boy fighting brain cancer, got the chance to score a 69-yard touchdown in the 2013 Nebraska Spring Game as the players assisted and the crowd roared.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO BLOCK THIRD-PARTY COOKIES FROM YOUR BROWSER

In the computer world, cookies are small files that carry information from one session on a site to another or between sessions on related sites. Some cookies are called third-party cookies because they come from a site other than the one you’re visiting — often from an advertiser that buys Google Ads.

Advertisers buy space on many sites so they can use cookies to see your traffic habits and learn your likes or dislikes. All of this happens independently of the site you’re actually visiting.

If this practice raises privacy concerns for you, you’ll be pleased to know that each browser has a way to block third-party cookies:

Internet Explore
Click the wrench in the top-right corner and then “Internet Options.” Go to the Privacy tab and click “Advanced.” Check the box that says “Override automatic cookie handling” and then click Block under third-party cookies.

Firefox
Click on Firefox on the menubar at the top left corner. Go to the Privacy tab and under History, select Use Custom Settings for History where it says “Firefox will.” Then, uncheck “Accept third-party cookies.”

Chrome
Click the three-lined icon in the top right corner of the window. Click “show advanced settings” and then Content settings in the Privacy menu. Choose to block third-party cookies and site data.

Safari
Go to Preferences in the drop-down menu, click on the “Privacy” icon, and select “From third parties and advertisers” in the “Block cookies”
section.

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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
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.)

©2013 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.
Portions ©2013 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission.