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June 2017 Newsletter

June 1, 2017 By Rob Marlowe

Welcome to our June Newsletter.

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

We continue to hear from folks who get scammed by people calling “from Microsoft” or making the mistake of calling a phone number that pops up on their screen. The scammers can be quite convincing, but don’t fall for their tricks and let them into your computer.

If you want support you can trust, feel free to sign up for one of our Safe Computing Packages. That way, you can give us a call any time you have a question and we can fix things for you.

COMPUTER TUNEUP

Included with our Safe Computing Packages, but also available separately, is an in-shop multi-check of your computer. June is typically a very quiet time in the shop, so give us a call at 727-847-2424 for an appointment and we should be able to get your machine in and back out quickly.

SPECIAL ORDERS

We can special order thousands of different computer items. It is not unusual for us to be able to beat the prices in the big box stores. If you’ve got something you would like to get, let us price it for you.

ALL AROUND TOWN

There are quite a few things going on around New Port Richey these days. We’ve got copy’s of the New Port Richey Parks & Recreation guide. In addition to giving you all the info you might want about our Recreation and Aquatic Center, it includes information on a number of free events in the park over the next few months. Feel free to drop by and pick up a copy.

The next city cleanup day is June 3rd. There will be a Summer Concert, “Surf’s Up Tour, Beach Boys Tribute” Saturday evening.

SUMMER STORM SEASON

The summer thunderstorm season should get cranked up later this month. It is important to turn your computer off if you aren’t using it and unplug it if you are nearby when a severe electrical storm rolls through. Be sure to unplug the network cable that comes from your cable modem or router too! It is not unusual to see damaging surges come in through the Internet connection.

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.)

August 2016 Newsletter

August 16, 2016 By Rob Marlowe

Here’s what’s inside our August 2016 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – WATCH FOR “HELP WANTED” SCAMS

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE TWO ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

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/FAQ – HOW TO DISABLE FACEBOOK LIVE NOTIFICATIONS

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

SCAM ALERT – WATCH FOR “HELP WANTED” SCAMS

Looking for a job? If so, it’s likely that scammers are looking for you. Knowing that job hunters are in a vulnerable state of mind, scammers take advantage by placing phony job postings. They put job ads where legitimate companies do — online, in newspapers, and on TV — and promise things that are usually too good to be true, such as great money for little work or the ability to work from home. The job titles are typically very generic, like “sales representative” or “administrative assistant.”

When people start to go through the “employment process,” they find out the “employer” wants them to pay a fee before they can start working, stating it’s for training materials or something similar. Or, they may ask for credit card or banking information, or request a new bank account be opened. However, once people comply with the instructions, the scammers (and, with them, the money) disappear.

If you think you’re already involved in this type of scam, here’s what to do:

~Stop any further contact with the scammer and stop transferring money.

~Close your bank account and report the matter to your bank.

~Consider contacting the FTC.

Here are some tips for avoiding “Help Wanted” scams in the first place:

~Before responding to a job posting, research the company that’s advertising the job to make sure it’s legitimate.

~Use very specific search terms when looking for job postings online.

~There shouldn’t be any reason for you to send money to a potential employer, so don’t.

~Never give potential employers banking information prior to being hired (though this might be part of the process for setting up direct deposit once you’re employed).

~Trust your gut. If something seems fishy about the situation, stop the process until you do further research.

Finally, remember that the bad guys are just waiting for you to be in the wrong place at the wrong time! So, be choosy about where you look for employment listings. Try your local library, college career service offices, or the CareerOne Stop site, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

We’ve been busy with a lot of behind the scenes stuff. There hasn’t been much big to report, just a lot of little tweaks. Please let your friends know that we offer computer repairs, online support, and new gear.

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

Easy Foil Dinner
Packets For Grilling
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775861023719/

Cute And Comfy
DIY Hammock Chair
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775861119709/

Berry Delicious
Summer Desserts
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775861023728/

You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started?
To sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/

FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE TWO ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

WifiMapper

Get connected no matter where you go. WifiMapper shows nearly 500 million Wi-Fi networks and over 2 million recommended free hotspots.

Learn More Here: https://www.wifimapper.com/

Checkout 51

Use Checkout 51 to upload your grocery receipts to show purchases of featured offers. When your account reaches $20, you get that cash back. (iOS only)

Learn More Here: https://www.checkout51.com/?ios

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

Start Your Genealogy Journey
https://www.usa.gov/genealogy
Genealogy can be a fascinating hobby, and the USA.gov Genealogy and Family History site can help you pursue it. Find links to many resources, such as the National Archives, the Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation, and U.S. Census data. The site also offers options to contact experts for help.

Best BBQ Recipes
http://bbqpitboys.com/
If you love to barbeque, you’ll love this site. The BBQ Pit Boys teach basic techniques for preparing moist and tender grilled food and great-tasting barbeque. Find recipes for ribs, steak, burgers, beef, chicken, pork, fish, and more. Check out the Chapters section to find other barbeque enthusiasts in your area.

School Supplies Help Kids
http://www.kinf.org/
Studies have shown that kids from struggling families do better in school with new school supplies of their own. The Kids in Need Foundation helps these children to be more prepared to learn and succeed by providing free school supplies. Visit this site to learn more or make a donation.

Fast, Affordable Home Décor
http://amorq.com/open/4117
When it comes to home décor, little things can make a big difference. This site offers unique ideas for quick, affordable projects you can do on your own. Try a faux antique side table or an adorable family tree graphic as a background for photos of your loved ones.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2016/1608_VIDEO_A.htm

200-Yard Gong Shot
Four professional golfers try to hit a golf ball 200 yards across a lake into a nine-inch gong. Watch to see who makes it!

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2016/1608_VIDEO_B.htm
Young Fan Sings With Katy Perry
In this heartwarming video, Katy Perry sings “Firework” at an autism fundraiser with one of her biggest fans, a girl with autism

SHORT TUTORIAL/FAQ – HOW TO DISABLE FACEBOOK LIVE NOTIFICATIONS

Question: Facebook Live seems like a neat feature, but I don’t need a bunch of notifications announcing when people are using it. Is there a way to disable them?

Answer: Yes. Despite Facebook’s reputation for having incomprehensible settings, it’s fairly easy to adjust your preferences — you just need to know where to look. Follow these steps to remove Facebook Live notifications:

1. On the top right corner of your Facebook home screen, click the down arrow.

2. From the pull-down menu, choose “Settings.”

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

4. On the Notifications Settings page, click “On Facebook.”

5. Under “What You Get Notified About,” look for the pull-down menu to the right of “Live Videos.”

6. Click the menu, choose “All Off,” and you’ll be all done!

Note that there’s no “save” button, so you can go directly back to posting or looking at your feed on Facebook as usual.

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

July 2016 Newsletter

July 2, 2016 By Rob Marlowe

Here’s what’s inside our July 2016 Newsletter:

SECURITY ALERT – FAKE SURVEYS ON FACEBOOK

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

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

SHORT TUTORIAL/FAQ – HOW CAN I INCREASE THE SIZE OF TEXT ON A WEBSITE?

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

SECURITY ALERT – FAKE SURVEYS ON FACEBOOK

There are many Facebook scams that continue to make the rounds, and the “survey scam” is one of them. Here’s how it works: Scammers hook you by getting you to click on a link to something they think you’ll want. Typical ruses include celebrity gossip (“Have you seen what Justin Bieber did now — OMG!”), offers for free items (“Win a FREE iPad!”), or nonexistent Facebook features (“See who’s looking for you on Facebook!”).

When you click the link, you’re taken to a page requesting that you Like it and write a comment. This way, your Facebook friends will see it, too. Then you’re asked to perform various other tasks, such as downloading Facebook applications or completing a survey (hence the name of the scam), which could ask for personal information. It may come as no surprise that what you don’t get is access to the promised article, free item, or names of people who have looked you up on Facebook.

If you accidentally provided personal information, it might be used by scammers for various nefarious schemes. Be sure to check your financial accounts (and utilities like your phone bill) carefully. If you downloaded an application, it could be infected with a virus. Run a virus scan and observe your computer over the next few days for any hints of malfunction.

If you’ve fallen prey to this type of scam, take the following precautions as well:

1. Remove any posts in your Facebook newsfeed related to the scam.

2. Remove errant applications from your Facebook account.

3. Change your Facebook password.

4. Notify your Facebook friends of the scam.

Of course, the best prevention is avoiding the scam altogether. If you’re tempted to click a link with an offer that sounds too good to be true, remember that it probably is, and don’t click! (If you really need to find out what’s happening with Justin Bieber, there are plenty of other websites for that.) Never give personal information to random sources. Finally, never download files to your computer if you’re not sure what they are or who they’re from.

Outsmart the scammers, and stay safe on Facebook!

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

The “Free Upgrade” from Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 to Windows 10 runs until almost the end of the month. If you decide to take advantage of Microsoft’s offer, make sure you have a full backup of anything valuable before you do the upgrade. We’ve had more than a few machines that choke on the upgrade and then refuse to boot. Some folks like Windows 10, some folks hate it. We’re inclined to like it a lot, but it is not for everyone, especially businesses that are running software that hasn’t been qualified to run under Windows 10.

We often take advantage of the summer to complete our own upgrades. This year is no exception.

We just upgraded our Internet connection. We now have a significantly faster connection at a slightly lower monthly cost. We’re happy to help our business clients see if they can benefit from a similar upgrade.

We retired a rather old Webmail system last month. Only one person noticed.

We are in the process of cleaning up the email and web accounts on several of our older servers, in anticipation of hardware upgrades to take advantage of the more powerful gear that is now available. By and large, these upgrades should be transparent when we do them. Things will just get faster.

We have a few of our business clients using our IMAP capable mail server. For most of our consumer and business clients, this isn’t a big deal. The older style POP mailboxes simply work and you just don’t have to think about them. For some of our business clients with outside sales folks who live on their smart phones, it can be a VERY big deal. The IMAP protocol is more forgiving of lousy cell phone connections. If your business has a number of outside sales people, we need to talk. The switchover can be a bit of a project, but it definitely can be done. The only downsides are that accounts start off a bit more expensive than POP accounts and you need to regularly archive and clean up your mailbox or the data storage costs will add up. This option is ONLY available for businesses with their own domain name.

If you get a popup telling you to call Microsoft or a phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, it is a scam. If you get the popup, just close your browser and start over. If you get the phone call, hang up. UNDER ABSOLUTELY NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you give the scammers remote access to your computer or give them your credit card number.

As always, we are here to answer your questions about computers, networks, and tech stuff.

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

Watermelon Popsicles Help Cool Off Summer
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775860511712/

Delicious & Healthy Berry Kiwi Smoothie
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775860511751/

Kids Love Colorful Squirt Gun Painting
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775860511786/

You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started?
To sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/

FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

GateGuru

A must-have for frequent travelers, GateGuru provides real-time flight information, details on amenities at each airport, weather forecasts, and discount car rentals.

Learn More Here: http://www.gateguru.com/

Sworkit

Sworkit is like a personal trainer in your pocket. Just select a type of workout and amount of time, then follow the video demonstrations for a power workout.

Learn More Here: http://www.sworkit.com/

SITES OF THE MONTH
Be Safe In The Sun
http://bit.ly/28R7dxh
This site is packed with information about sun safety. Start with the quiz to find out how much you know, then head to the articles and image gallery to learn more. Finally, check out the section on protection, and you’ll be ready for a summer full of fun in the sun without damaging your skin.

Smart Gardening
http://bloomiq.com/
Whether you started your garden weeks ago, or are just now thinking about putting in some plants, visit this site for great ideas about flowers, edibles, indoor plants, and more. Use the search tool to find specific plants, or check out the garden center directory to find garden centers
near you.

Future Of Food
http://pulses.org/
Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume family, such as dry beans, dry peas, chick peas, and lentils. Because they’re extremely healthy — and, as crops, planet friendly — the United Nations has declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses. Check out this site for information, recipes, and more.

Lists To Love
http://www.listotic.com/
Want to know how to burn more calories, arrange flowers, or be a better driver? This blog can help you learn all this and more. With dozens of life hacks to make each day a little easier, lists are categorized under Crafty, Food & Drink, Hair & Beauty, and Just for Fun.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2016/1607_VIDEO_A.htm

Gwen Stefani And Friends Carpool
Join what may be the funnest carpool ever with driver James Corden of The Late Show, and passengers Gwen Stefani, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2016/1607_VIDEO_B.htm

Look, Don’t Touch
Everyone knows not to touch museum displays. Well … almost everyone. Watch the disastrous results when a man examines a hanging clock a little too closely.

SHORT TUTORIAL/FAQ – HOW CAN I INCREASE THE SIZE OF TEXT ON A WEBSITE?

Question: Sometimes reading online is hard when the text is very small. Is there a way to increase the size so I can see it better?

Answer: Yes, and it’s very easy to do. Just follow these steps: Download Graphics to View

1. Before you start, find the “+” and “-” keys on your keyboard. They’re usually up top, to the right of the numerals, and also on the numeric keypad on the very right of the keyboard.

2. Now, hold down the CTRL key (or the command key for Apple Macintosh users), and press “+” to make text larger.

3. If you’ve gone too far, simply hold down the CTRL key and press “-”

4. Keep in mind that in some cases the “+” and “-” keys on the numeric keypad may work better than those on the main part of the keyboard.

5. Use CTRL plus the zero key to return the text back to its original size.

Each system is different, and the above steps might not work for everyone. As an alternative, try this method: Hold down the CTRL key and spin your mouse scroll wheel forward or backward to make text larger or smaller.

There’s no reason to be uncomfortable looking at too-small text online. Try these solutions, and happy reading!

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

August Newsletter

August 1, 2015 By Rob Marlowe

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 2015 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – “SHOCKING VIDEO” SCAMS ON FACEBOOK

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

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

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

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

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SCAM ALERT – WARNING ABOUT ONLINE HOTEL RESERVATIONS

To See The Details Go Here…

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1508_Section_A.html

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

Keep us in mind for all your computer needs. This year’s “Back to School” sales tax holiday, from August 7th – August 16th, includes quite a few computer items.

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

Create A Family
Organization Station
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/555983516475575859/

Cool Ice Cubes
With Fruit And Herbs
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199495458467338781/

Fun Things To Do
In Every U.S. State
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/409616528581083270/

You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started?
To sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/

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FREE FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

Adobe Fill & Sign

Tired of old-school printing, signing, and scanning? This app lets you skip all that and easily sign electronic paperwork from any device.

Learn more…
https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/how-to/fill-sign-pdf-forms-electronically.html

Raise

Raise makes it easy to buy discounted gift cards that others are selling as well as offload those that you have that are just gathering dust.

Learn more…
https://www.raise.com/

Colorfy: Coloring BookFor Adults

Think coloring is just for Kids? Think again. You can enjoy this relaxing activity any time on your device.

Learn more…
http://www.148apps.com/app/1009442510/

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SITES OF THE MONTH

Use Water Wisely
http://wateruseitwisely.com
Quick, think of 100 ways to conserve water! On second thought, just visit this site, which has already done the thinking for you. Here you can also learn about water-saving products, how to use less water in caring for your landscape, how to get kids involved, and many other useful tools.

Burger Tips And Recipes
http://epicurious.com/archive/howtocook/dishes/burgerrecipes
There’s still enough summer left to get your burger on, and this site can help you do it. Grilling experts Steven Raichlen and Chris Schlesinger walk you through cuts of meat, seasoning, and cooking. You’ll also find classic, kid favorite, upscale, and international recipes, as well as some non-beef options.

Talks To Stir Curiosity
https://www.ted.com/talks
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to spreading interesting ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks, which are available in video format on this site. Enduring love, driverless cars, how babies think, why startups succeed, and why people laugh are just a few of the fascinating topics you’ll find here.

Media For Kids
http://commonsensemedia.org
To help you use media and technology as a positive force in kids’ lives, this site offers reviews of movies, games, apps, websites, TV shows, books, and music. You can also read articles about specific concerns like privacy and Internet safety. Don’t forget to check out the family guides, blogs, videos, and other useful tools.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1508_VIDEO_A.htm

Mama Raccoon Teaches Baby
Many parents could learn from the patience of this raccoon in her multiple attempts to teach her kit how to climb a tree.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1508_VIDEO_B.htm

Chasing Waterfalls
Watch athlete Dana Jackson on this jaw-dropping kayaking journey over waterfalls to get your adrenaline rush for the day.

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SHORT TUTORIAL/FAQ – HOW DO I REMOVE SOMETHING POSTED ON MY FACEBOOK TIMELINE?

Question: One of my friends posted something on my Facebook Timeline that I don’t think is appropriate. Can I remove it?

Answer: Yes, it’s easy to remove items (Facebook calls them “stories”) that you or your friends post on your Timeline. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to your Timeline and scroll to the story you want to remove.

2. Click the downward arrow in the upper-right corner.

3. Choose Hide from Timeline to remove the story from your Timeline. When you use this option, the story will still be on Facebook, but others won’t be able to see it.

To delete the story entirely, choose Delete.

1. If you don’t want something you’re tagged in to appear on your Timeline, you’ll need to remove the tag. To do this, click the downward arrow and select Remove Tag. The post will no longer appear on your Timeline, but it may still be visible in other places on Facebook, such as the 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, Senior Geek
Gulfcoast Networking, Inc
6335 Grand Blvd
New Port Richey, FL 34652

727-847-2424

March 2015 Newsletter

March 1, 2015 By Rob Marlowe

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

SCAM ALERT – BEWARE OF MALVERTISING

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

FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

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

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – HOW CAN I KEEP NEIGHBORS FROM USING MY HOME WI-FI?
The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – BEWARE OF MALVERTISING

Malvertising is one of the latest ways for bad guys to get bad stuff onto your computer. Here’s how it works: You visit a website, click on an ad, and get directed to another site that tells you your computer needs an update and encourages you to download phony software that will “fix” the problem. The software then infects your computer with problematic malware or spyware.

Here’s catch #1: Some malvertising doesn’t require you to click on the ad. Just its presence on the site you’ve navigated to can give it access to your computer. Here’s catch #2: This phenomenon isn’t just happening on “sketchy” websites; it’s happening on reputable sites such as YouTube and Reuters.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Don’t click ads that seem too good to be true, such as those that offer money, gifts, discounts, or anything else for free.

2. Ensure your operating system is up to date. Operating systems typically update automatically. When they do, be sure to follow the instructions to leave your computer on.

3. Set security settings on your browser to detect sites with malvertising. For example, in Chrome, in the Settings section, click Show Advanced Settings. Under Privacy, ensure the Enable Phishing and Malware Protection box is checked.

4. Disable Flash. There will be a different process, depending on which browser you use. For Chrome, go to Settings and click on Show Advanced Settings. Under Privacy, click Content Settings. In the new screen, under Plug-ins, choose Click to Play.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

February may be the shortest month of the year, but we managed to stuff quite a bit into it. March promises to be just as interesting. I’ve been learning some very cool tricks for coding websites. A lot of what I’ve been doing is “behind the scenes”, but some of the very subtle changes you may have noticed on our websites are part of this evolution.

Lenovo, one of my favorite brand name computer companies, got caught installing junkware on some of their consumer systems. You can read more about this issue here. Sadly, Lenovo isn’t alone. If you need a reason to consider a custom built system, this would be it.

The other benefit of a custom built system is that you get exactly what you want, no more, no less. I built myself a new Vista machine back when Vista first came out. I picked Vista so that I could get up to speed on the then new operating system. Because my computer was advanced at the time, with a fast quad core processor, etc. and high quality components, it lasted the better part of eight years and only recently started showing its age. It finally gave up the ghost, so I’m getting ready to build myself a new system. I haven’t settled on specs yet, but a fast processor and plenty of memory will guarantee that I won’t outgrow the new system any time soon.

Over on the corporate services side of the shop, we offer both a la carte and IT management service packages. If you want to simplify your company’s computer networking, give us a call at 727-847-2424.

You can subscribe to our consumer email list here.

You can subscribe to our business email list here.

For regular updates on events and issues in New Port Richey, sign up for my NPR Notes list here.

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

Sour And Sweet Treat Has Berries Galore
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853925389/

Adorable Dogs Find Cozy Sitting Space
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853925263/

Fun And Colorful Jelly Bean Tree
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/131871095312271295/

You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started?
To sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/

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FEATURED APPS – THESE THREE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

Candy Crush Saga – FREE
Download this sweetest of apps to test your skills at mixing up the tasty treats on the game board just right. Play with friends to have the most fun. Learn more…
http://www.candycrushsaga.com/
Pinterest – FREE
If you love the desktop version, download the app so you can pin on the go. Newbies will also appreciate the fun visual discovery and sharing. Learn more…
http://www.pinterest.com/
Epicurious – FREE
Food lovers, take notice: This app allows you to search for recipes, make shopping lists, follow cooking instructions, and get a “recipe of the day.” Learn more…
http://www.epicurious.com/services/mobile

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

Chasco Fiesta
http://www.chascofiesta.com
If it is March, the Chasco Fiesta can’t be far away. Chasco features our biggest street and boat parades, some amazing music, and enough great food to make you want to toss your New Year’s diet resolution out the windows. I’m partial to the Sertoma Beef BBQ the first weekend of Chasco as well as the funnel cakes that one of the other Sertoma clubs cook up.

With the exception of the country music concert, all of the concerts are free. Quite a few of our local non-profits use Chasco as a major fund raising opportunity. See you there.

(Gulfcoast Networking is pleased to provide free website hosting for the Chasco Fiesta.)

Celebrate Women?s History Month
http://nwhp.org
Sponsored by the National Women’s History Project, Women’s History Month celebrates women’s role in the history of our country. At this site, you can learn more about this year’s theme, “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives,” find a performer or author to speak at your event, or purchase books and other resources.

Springtime Projects From Martha Stewart
http://marthastewart.com/1060554/spring
Ready for some springtime projects? As usual, Martha Stewart has you covered. From egg ornaments to flower baskets to baby shower ideas, on this site you’ll find step-by-step instructions to create them all. When you find something you like, it’s easy to share with friends on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and more.

Nutritious Springtime Produce
http://cookinglight.com/food/in-season/spring-vegetables-fruits Every season has its best produce, and this site celebrates the nutrition-packed fruits and veggies of spring. How about some juicy strawberries for fiber and Vitamin C? A good source of plant protein, fresh peas are at their peak from April through July. Artichokes, rhubarb, and morel mushrooms round out the list.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1503_VIDEO_A.htm
Dashing Through The Snow
The power of nature and machines come together for an exciting display in this remarkable video. You might want to put on your ski goggles for this one!

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1503_VIDEO_B.htm
Learn A Bunch Of Brady Secrets
Apparently even sunny Marcia Brady gets a little cranky when she’s hungry. Watch fascinating footage of the making of the 2015 Snickers Super Bowl ad.

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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – HOW CAN I KEEP NEIGHBORS FROM USING MY HOME WI-FI?

Question: I suspect my neighbors are using my Wi-Fi. How can I prevent this?

Answer: You’re right to take precautions, as higher data charges, slow speeds, and hacking can result from unauthorized persons using your Wi-Fi (this is known as “piggybacking”). There are many steps you can take to prevent it from happening. Here are three of the most effective:

~Create a password. Go into the admin dashboard for your router and find the default password. Change it to something difficult to guess. The best passwords are long, random combinations of letters and numbers. Don’t worry about having to remember your password — you’ll only have to enter it the first time you use a device on the network.

~Encrypt wireless signals. This task also involves getting into your router dashboard. Once you’re there, change your security mode to WPA2, ~Reduce your range. Place your router in the middle of your home to restrict its range only to authorized users.

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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

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