For many of us, May is topped only by December in terms of special activities and celebrations. The school year is winding down, summer fun is gearing up, and you may have Mother’s Day gatherings plus graduations, showers, and weddings to attend. Take a break from the action now to get informed about online threats and opportunities.

This May issue starts with an alert about an antivirus phone scam that’s now making the rounds. Be sure your family, especially any older members who are fairly new to computers, are aware of this scam so they don’t become victims. Speaking of family, check out the original gift ideas in the Pinterest section. And keep going to learn about hacked email accounts, enjoy amazing videos, visit cool websites, and find out how to add smileys to Facebook.

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 2013 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – FAKE ANTIVIRUS PHONE SCAM IS STEALING MONEY AND IDENTITIES

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – HOW CAN I TELL IF MY EMAIL ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED?

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 ADD SMILEYS TO YOUR FACEBOOK COMMENTS

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – FAKE ANTIVIRUS PHONE SCAM IS STEALING MONEY AND IDENTITIES

Many online scams start with an email but you also need to be cautious when the phone rings. There have been an increased number of reports recently of phone scammers claiming to be from Microsoft, or an antivirus company, or some random tech support facility. These callers will claim their systems have detected viruses and/or malware on your computer and they can help you with a lifetime of guaranteed support for just a one-time payment of $100 or so.

The process typically goes like this:

~The scammers first want you to download a remote access service and grant them access to your PC.
~Next the scammers want you to buy and install antivirus software that’s usually counterfeit or just a trial version that leaves you with non-functioning, useless protection. They may also recommend the latest Windows operating system, which is also likely to be counterfeit.
~Because the scammers were given unfettered access to your PC through the remote access service, they may install a backdoor Trojan — a malicious application that enables them to  steal your passwords, use your system and Internet connection to send spam, and more.

If you receive a call from someone saying your PC has been compromised, just hang up the phone. Reputable companies will not make unsolicited calls about the health of your computer.

Microsoft recommends these do’s and don’ts to help prevent becoming a victim:

DO

~Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if the caller claims to represent a respected company.
~Use up-to-date versions of operating system and application software.
~Make sure security updates are installed regularly.
~Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
~Make sure your firewall is turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date.

DON’T

~Provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller.
~Go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software, or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

The summer thunderstorm season is right around the corner.  If you haven’t replaced your computer’s UPS (uninterruptable power supply)
in the last couple of years, you need to do it now.  We keep UPS units in stock for your convenience.
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A Flowerpot That’s Customized For Mom
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848411516/

Now You Can Browse  On Curved Surfaces
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848411644/

Ombre Colors Create Unique Photo Collage
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848411377/

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 TELL IF MY EMAIL ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED?

Question: A friend of mine recently mentioned that his email account had been hacked. How will I know if the same thing happens to me?

Answer: That’s a great question to ask since this is a common problem. Here are the signs that your email or social network account has been hacked:

~Friends, family members, or colleagues report getting a strange email from you, perhaps one that touts a shady-sounding business venture.

~There are posts you never made on your social network page. These posts often encourage your friends to click on a link or download an app.

~Your information was lost via a data breach, malware infection, or lost/stolen device.

If you believe your account has been compromised, change the password to that account and other key accounts as soon as possible. Create a unique password for each account. Your passwords should be long and use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Should you be denied access to your account because a hacker changed the password, visit the Web service’s site immediately and follow the steps it has for recovering an account. For additional information or recommendations about online security in general, please contact us.

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

Browse Through Billionaires’ Backgrounds
http://bloomberg.com/billionaires
This fascinating interactive site gives you a look at the world’s richest people including Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and several members of the Walton family (of Wal-Mart fame). Get net  worth summaries, find out about their prized possessions, and see how the rankings change over time.

Take A Virtual Tour Of The Smithsonian
http://mnh.si.edu/panoramas
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History showcases amazing collections that give visitors a look at ancient life forms, rare gems, and a variety of other natural science specimens and artifacts. If you can’t make it to Washington, D.C., take a virtual tour and roam around at your leisure.

Learn The Latest Sunscreen Guidelines
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen
While skin protection is an all-year issue, it becomes particularly critical during summer months when more skin is exposed. Before you shop for your next bottle of sunscreen, check out this site. It defines the acronyms (UVA, UVB, and SPF) and gives the new rules for sunscreen labels.

Don’t Settle For Ho-Hum Hamburgers
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/meat-and-poultry/beef/hamburgers
May is National Hamburger Month so it’s time to fire up the grill and celebrate. If you’re hungry for some new ideas, look through this site’s hamburger recipes that range from basic to gourmet. Be sure to watch the video on how to make a perfectly cooked hamburger.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1305_VIDEO_A.htm
Dog Drinking Water … Very Slowly
This footage from “Secret Life of Dogs” shows an Alsatian (or German Shepherd) dog drinking water in ultra slow motion. At times, its tongue looks more like a sea creature. Who knew that such an ordinary activity could look so extraordinary?

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1305_VIDEO_B.htm
Food For Thought On 2,000 Calories
The average adult needs to consume about 2,000 calories daily to maintain his or her weight. But what does 2,000 actually look like? This video takes popular foods — including bagels, eggs, Big Macs, and pizza — and shows how much of each totals 2,000 calories.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO ADD SMILEYS TO YOUR FACEBOOK COMMENTS

Want to go a step beyond text-only emoticons such as 🙂 when you comment on a friend’s Facebook post? As long as you know the “code,” you can insert a cute and colorful smiley instead.

Simply type in the right characters, provided in the chart below, and they will change to the corresponding smiley when you post a comment. You’ll note there are sometimes several different shortcuts listed for the same smiley; just take your pick.

SEE SMILEYS HERE…

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1305_F_smiley.jpg

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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.

In April, we get to enjoy the color and fragrance of the first spring
blooms. Among the flowers, however, there are often weeds and this
applies to the Internet as well. A case in point: Your inbox will be a
mixture of welcome messages and unwelcome scams. We begin this issue by warning you about fake Facebook Security Team emails that try to get your personal information.

You’ll also find a “bouquet” of other fun and useful resources here. Get
inspired by this month’s Pinterest selections. Learn what the software
term “Easter Egg” means. Check out cool sites including one to search for unclaimed property and another to pick out a tree for your property.
Enjoy two charming videos starring a soft-hearted couple and three
hard-working farmers. Then take a minute to pick up some timesaving
keyboard shortcuts.

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 April 2013 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – EMAILS CLAIM TO BE FROM FACEBOOK SECURITY TEAM

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DOES THE SOFTWARE TERM “EASTER EGG” MEAN?

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

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – SAVE TIME BY LEARNING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – EMAILS CLAIM TO BE FROM FACEBOOK SECURITY TEAM

Cybercriminals are using fake Facebook Security Team emails to trick
unsuspecting users into visiting a malicious page and entering their
usernames and passwords. Check out this sample email to see how the scam works:

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1304_A.gif

Recipients are told their Facebook account is about to be suspended due to a violation of the social network’s Terms of Service. The message includes a bogus link that takes users to a phony third-party Facebook application that asks them to enter their Facebook account name,
password, and other information. If entered and submitted, this information is automatically sent to the scammers and used to hijack the account.

Scammers use official sounding page names, applications, and links to make their schemes appear legitimate to unsuspecting users. If you have fallen for the trick, try to access your Facebook account. If you are able to do so, change your password immediately. In the event you have already been locked out, report the compromise and Facebook will help you regain control of your account.

For information about other Facebook scams and how to protect your privacy and security, visit http://facecrooks.com.
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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

We’ve got a new look for our website and you’ll see more features
pop into place over the coming weeks.  The corporate site is
at http://gn.gulfcoastnetworking.com and the home / consumer site
is at https://home.gulfcoastnetworking.com

We have one of Intel’s newest desktops, the “NUC” on display.  Come
by and check it out.

Two of our corporate customers are seeing an amazing new server that simply blows away anything more than a few years old. The new server platform is scary fast. We’ll be offering this groundbreaking technology to our other corporate customers as they come up on their next server refresh.

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Invite This Handy
Hedgehog To The Party
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848252398

Sweet Cupcake Is
Spring In Full Bloom
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848252898

Wrap Up Cute, Quick,
And Colorful Vases
http://pinterest.com/pin/291537775848238669

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 SOFTWARE TERM “EASTER EGG” MEAN?

Question: I’ve heard the term “Easter Egg” applied to software. I’m familiar with the chocolate candy variety I saw in baskets last month, but not this kind. What is an Easter Egg?

Answer: An Easter Egg is an undocumented function or inside joke hidden in software by its makers — secret “goodies” found by word of mouth or by accident. They are in no way destructive and are usually placed there simply for additional fun and credits. The term was coined by Atari after a secret message was left by software designer Warren Robinett in the video game Adventure. This practice is similar in some respects to hidden signature motifs such as Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary cameo appearances in his movies and the “Hidden Mickeys” throughout the various Disney Parks.

In computer software, Easter Eggs are secret results that occur in response to an undocumented set of commands. These results can vary from a simple printed message or image to a page of programmer credits or a small videogame hidden inside an otherwise serious piece of software. Videogame cheat codes are a specific type of Easter Egg, in which entering a secret command will unlock special powers or new levels for the player. Easter Eggs can also be found in movies, TV commercials, DVDs, and CDs.

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

Play Virtual Keyboard
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/music/piano/strings.htm
Here’s a way to add a musical note to your day — try your hand at
playing this virtual keyboard. Choose piano, organ, saxophone, flute, pan
pipes, strings, guitar, steel drums, or double bass. Who knew you could
sound so good?

Find Money That Might Be Yours
http://unclaimed.org
Billions of dollars are waiting in unclaimed property programs and some
of it could be yours. Do a search at this site from the National
Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, affiliated with the
National Association of State Treasurers and Council of State Governments.

A Tree-mendous Resource
http://www.arborday.org/index.cfm
Arbor Day is celebrated April 26 in the U.S. and it’s a great time of
year to pick out and plant trees. You’ll find all the help you need to
dig into tree projects at this Arbor Day Foundation site. It includes a
tree guide, nursery, care tips, forums, and more.

Creative Cakes Plus Cool Cash
http://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/dessert-recipes/9-splendid-spring-party-cakes-107510
There are plenty of cake-worthy occasions in spring — from graduations
to showers — so check out this sweet resource for celebratory cake
recipes. While on the site, register to win $100,000 in the Goodbye Debt
Sweepstakes.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1304_VIDEO_A.htm

Heartwarming Surprise Puppy
This video captures the touching moment when a man surprises his
girlfriend with a pug puppy to help console her after the loss of her
10-year-old beagle to a brain tumor. It’s nonstop tears, hugs, and canine
cuteness that will make you smile.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1304_VIDEO_B.htm

I’m Farming And I Grow It!
Who doesn’t love a parody music video? This homegrown one was produced by the Peterson Farm Bros. and proudly spotlights the work of farmers. Since they “gotta feed everybody,” they dance through crops, cattle, and combines.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – SAVE TIME BY LEARNING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

In today’s fast-paced world, it seems we’re all looking for ways to get more done in less time. One way to be more efficient while on the computer is by using keyboard shortcuts to do frequent tasks instead of
moving the mouse and clicking icons.

To perform a keyboard shortcut, you press two, three, or sometimes four keyboard keys at the same time. If that sounds tricky, keep this in mind: You can press and hold the Control (CTRL) key first and then press the other key(s). If you’re a Mac user, use the Command (CMD) key instead of the CTRL key for the keyboard shortcuts below.

Here are some of the most popular keyboard shortcuts:

CTRL+S (Save)
The first rule of computer use is to save your work often. You never know when the program you’re using, or your entire computer, is going to crash. It’s a good idea to use this shortcut after every few sentences you write.

CTRL+Z (Undo)
This shortcut lets you undo a mistake very quickly. Pressing CTRL+Z several times will often undo the last several changes.

CTRL+C (Copy)
CTRL+V (Paste)
If you do a lot of copying and pasting of text, these keyboard shortcuts will really save you time. Just use the mouse to select what you want to copy, press CTRL+C, click the mouse where you want to paste, and press CTRL+V.

There are hundreds of other keyboard shortcuts and, depending on your computer habits, you may want to learn more of them. For complete information, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/126449 visit this site for Windows or http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1343 this site for Mac.

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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.