We think you’ll find the information contained in this newsletter to be a valuable tool for enhancing your Internet experience.

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

SCAM ALERT – AVOID THE TOP 5 FACEBOOK SCAMS

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

FEATURED APPS – THESE ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

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

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DO THE TERMS “DIGITAL NATIVE” AND “DIGITAL IMMIGRANT” MEAN?

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – AVOID THE TOP 5 FACEBOOK SCAMS

Online scammers may be unscrupulous, manipulative, and deceitful, but they’re also smart. They know where to find victims for their schemes to steal valuable data, identities, and money. One of the richest sources of unsuspecting targets is Facebook because so many people use it to share so much personal information. But these ploys can only work if you cooperate by clicking on their fraudulent messages. There are numerous ways for scammers to “getcha” on Facebook. Here are a few of the most common “don’t click” scenarios:

1. Profile Views and Blocks. You may see a message promising access to information about who has viewed your profile or who has blocked you from their profile. In reality, this information never has been and never will be available to Facebook users.

2. Profile Color Change. Facebook doesn’t provide a way to change the color of your profile but these messages claim you can do just that. Don’t fall for it!

3. Free Items. This scam’s messages promise you will receive free gift cards, tickets, clothing, electronics, and other items if you complete a survey. You won’t.

4. Facebook Security. As with your email account, you should never respond to supposed security representatives asking for your login credentials. Once they can get into your account, scammers can create any number of serious problems.

5. Celebrity News. Gossip messages about the rich and famous — including fake death notices, sex tapes, and other “OMG” type stories — are used as click bait. Steer clear!

As time goes on, Internet scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and so should you.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

So many exciting things are going on, it is hard to know where to start.  2014 was one of the most eventful years in our company’s history.

We signed on as a Xerox partner last month, allowing us to offer FREE color laser printers to our business customers.  All they have to do is buy the consumables from Xerox and the monthly fee is applied to the cost of the consumables!

We revamped our websites.  Some of the changes were obvious, some not apparent to visitors.  We have two primary websites:

http://gn.gulfcoastnetworking.com – This is our business / corporate site, concentrating on providing information for business clients.

https://home.gulfcoastnetworking.com – This is our consumer site.  It includes information of interest to individuals and is the home of this monthly newsletter.

A special mention goes to http://robmarlowe.com – This is a blogging site that I created to provide updates on New Port Richey and community issues after my election as Mayor in April.  What you probably don’t realize is that robmarlowe.com ALSO serves as a testbed as I experiment with new features that then show up on our corporate sites and the client sites that we manage.  SEO tweaks, enhanced use of photos, and social media integration are just three of the features that have shown up on robmarlowe.com before they have been installed elsewhere.

One of the new features we rolled out this past year is a tighter integration of mailing lists with our websites.  We split our email list last summer into three lists:

A corporate list, providing email notifications regarding things of interest primarily to businesses.  We use this list to send out security information, such as the US-Cert notifications regarding Windows updates.

A consumer list, providing email notifications regarding topics of interest to individuals.  Emails go out to this list for specials we are running in the store as well as notices when our monthly newsletter goes online.

A New Port Richey list, providing notifications when I post a new article about the city on robmarlowe.com.  This list is the most active, with messages going out weekly.

The new lists offer a lot of features (eg. pictures) that weren’t available with the old list.  You are welcome to sign up for any or all of the lists.  You will need to sign up for each list you want to be on  separately. Just click on the links above and sign up.  Be sure to respond to the confirmation email that you will get in a few minutes.

Gulfcoast Networking will continue this coming year to emphasise proactive approaches to computer and network issues.  It simply makes sense to address computer issues BEFORE they become major problems.

• Our Safe Computing Packages offer special value in keeping your home computer clean and in top shape. These packages feature the award winning F-Secure security products.
• Our suite of Managed IT Services provide our corporate clients with the comfort of knowing that they have professionals watching over their networks for a predictable monthly cost.  For all intents and purposes, we become their IT department.  Unlike our break / fix competition, it is to our benefit to keep our clients’ networks running smoothly and our Managed IT clients don’t have to worry about extra charges when they call us for help.
• Our expanding range of web services offer regular content updates, patches, and much more for our clients who depend on their website to promote their business.  Our clients can concentrate on their businesses rather than worrying about whether or not their website has all the latest security patches.

We will also continue to offer some of the best computers available at any price.  We believe that investing in quality pays off in the long run.  Our clients agree.

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

Quick Hot Chocolate For Cold Winter Days
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853181998/

Slow Cooker Dinners Make Dinner A Snap
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853181977/

Guests Will Get A Kick Out Of These Footballs
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853218906/

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 ARE WELL WORTH A LOOK

Vine – FREE
Vine allows you to record and share six-second looping videos. Interact with friends, browse videos from other users, or share your creations on Facebook or Twitter.

Learn more here… https://vine.co/

Flixster – FREE
Love to read? Then you’ll love this app, which lets you borrow thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and videos from your local library.

Learn more here…  https://www.overdrive.com/

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

Major Life Events Can Affect Your Taxes
http://irs.gov/Individuals/Did-you-know-life-events-like-marriage,-birth-and-divorce-may-have-a-significant-tax-impact%3F
When you’re caught up in the joy of a baby, marriage, or new house—or in the challenges of divorce, bankruptcy, or a natural disaster—the last thing you’re probably thinking about is taxes.
But these types of situations can have a significant tax impact. Visit this site to learn more.

Tools To Get Fit, All in One Place
http://fitday.com
FitDay can help you meet your weight loss goals with several helpful tools: articles that focus on the challenges of weight loss, a dietician to create a custom health plan, a calorie counter to track calorie
intake, and a mobile app to keep track on the go.

Secure Online Financial Tracking
http://mint.com
Time to get your finances in order? With Mint, you can categorize and budget to achieve your financial goals. This online application allows you to see your cash, credit card, loan, and investment accounts all in
one place. You can also organize your bills and get alerts when they’re due.

Get And Stay Organized
http://unclutterer.com
From financial files to kids’ toys to upcoming events, the Unclutterer can help you unclutter your life! This practical blog offers advice in numerous areas including kitchen, garage, and travel. For example, learn how to sort out your recipes, prepare yard tools for spring, or make the most of airport waiting time.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1501_VIDEO_A.htm

Discover The Secret Of This Optical Illusion
Here’s a great reminder that things aren’t always what they seem. The dots appear to be moving in circles but are actually moving in straight lines.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1501_VIDEO_B.htm

See How Wolves Transform A Landscape
This fascinating presentation shows how the reintroduction of just a few wolves into Yellowstone National Park in 1995 dramatically changed its ecosystem and geography.

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THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DO THE TERMS “DIGITAL NATIVE” AND “DIGITAL IMMIGRANT” MEAN?

Question: I’ve heard the terms “digital native” and “digital immigrant” but I don’t know what they mean. Can you explain?

Answer: The terms “digital native” and “digital immigrant” both refer to how much of their lives people have spent in the digital world. Digital natives are those who have been interacting with digital devices, and especially the Internet, all their lives and feel comfortable with this technology. Digital natives are usually people in Generation Y and younger.

Digital immigrants are typically people belonging to Generation X and previous generations, who experienced life before the Internet. These folks may have grown up with TV, video games, and early computers but were introduced to the Internet as teens or adults. They have adapted to the Internet and related technologies but the interaction isn’t as comfortable as it is for younger 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

(We have used our best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, we do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.)

©2015 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.
Portions ©2015 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission

It’s October, which means pumpkins are showing up all over. Before you start carving jack o’lanterns for your home, carve out a few minutes to review this issue. It begins with an overview of a massive retail data breach, carried out by hackers as malicious as any Halloween ghouls. Make sure you’re reviewing your payment card accounts regularly!

To really get in the spirit of October, check out the easy-to-make fall centerpieces in the Pinterest section, pumpkin recipes and costume ideas in Sites of the Month, and the time-lapse video of a giant pumpkin growing.

Speaking of growth, it’s important to keep learning more about social media and other online topics. This issue includes an explanation of the recent brouhaha surrounding the Facebook Messenger app and teaches you what to do (and not do) when making a hashtag.

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 October 2014 Newsletter:

HACKER ALERT – ANOTHER DATA BREACH AT A BIG RETAILER

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – CAN THE FACEBOOK MESSENGER APP TAKE CONTROL OF MY PHONE?

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

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

SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO CORRECTLY MAKE A HASHTAG

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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HACKER ALERT – ANOTHER DATA BREACH AT A BIG RETAILER

Last month, Home Depot announced that hackers had broken into its in-store payments systems in what could be the largest known breach of a retail company’s computer network. The total number of card numbers stolen at Home Depot from April to September 2014 could top 60 million. By comparison, the 2013 breach at Target affected 40 million cardholders.

How can this happen? Hackers scan merchants’ networks for ways to gain remote access, such as through outside contractors who have access to a computer network. Once they find that opening, they install malware that is undetectable by antivirus products. The Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service estimates that more than 1,000 U.S. businesses have been infected with malware designed to siphon payment card details from cash registers in stores.

Home Depot is offering free identity protection and credit-monitoring services to any customer who used a credit or debit card at any of its affected stores. Read more from Home Depot at this link…

https://corporate.homedepot.com/MediaCenter/Pages/Statement1.aspx

Retailers, banks, and card companies have responded to the breaches by speeding the adoption of microchips in U.S. credit and debit cards. That technology helps make transactions more secure. Home Depot says it plans to have chip-enabled checkout terminals at all of its U.S. stores by the end of this year.

As a matter of routine, closely monitor your payment card accounts and report unusual activity to your issuing bank.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

We will have special hours for Bike Fest on Saturday, October 11th.

Is your old, slow computer getting you down?  We can often speed up newer machines with inexpensive upgrades.  If you have been nursing along an antique, it is good to know that even today’s slowest new computers are likely to run circles around your old machine.  Because of the learning curve associated with Windows 8, we are encouraging our older customers and our business customers to go with a Windows 7 machine.  The transition from Windows XP or Windows Vista to Windows 7 isn’t that bad, especially compared to the learning curve for Windows 8.

We will be happy to take a look at your old machine and let you know whether it makes sense to upgrade it or replace it.  Very nice new computers start around $500.

From time to time, we test new cases and configurations.  We have a couple of these machines available.  One is a mini-Skeleton with Windows 7 Home Premium and the other is a low profile system with Windows 7 Pro.  Come by and we’ll make a deal so you can take one of these beauties home with you.

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

Retro Calculator Adds Up To Cool Memories
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852262622/

You’ll Fall For These Festive Fall Centerpieces
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852262680/

Coconut Hot Chocolate & Whipped Coconut Cream
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775852262723/

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 – CAN THE FACEBOOK MESSENGER APP TAKE CONTROL OF MY PHONE?

Question: I’ve heard some people have privacy concerns about the standalone version of the Facebook Messenger app. Can this app really take control of my phone?

Answer: In mid-2014, Facebook rolled out the Facebook Messenger app, a standalone version of that social network’s instant chat feature, which users accessed separately on their mobile devices (i.e., without launching the full Facebook app). That rollout prompted renewed interest in a December 2013 article by Sam Fiorella (circulated widely in August 2014) that warned potential Facebook Messenger users that the app’s Terms of Service (TOS) “requires the acceptance of an alarming amount of personal data and direct control over your mobile device.” Rumors started circulating that Facebook could use the app to surreptitiously take over users’ smartphones to take photos or even make phone calls.

According to Facebook, those fears do not reflect reality. “If you want to send a selfie to a friend, the app needs permission to turn on your phone’s camera and capture that photo,” the company said in its message to users. “We don’t turn on your camera or microphone when you aren’t using the app.” In other words, the Facebook Messenger app absolutely CANNOT do these things without YOU initiating them. It needs the permission in advance so that when you ask it to do these things, they work.

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

2014 Gearlink Cup Criterium
This is the fifth year for the Gearlink Cup Criterium races in downtown New Port Richey.  The event will be Saturday, October 4th and this is a great opportunity to see what bicycle racing is all about.

Cotee River Bike Fest 2014This is for the “other” type of bike… the ones with motors.  Bike Fest 2014 will brink thousands of bikers downtown with their rides.  There will be plenty of great entertainment in Sims Park.  This is worth a visit, even if you don’t own a motorcycle.

Has Your Vehicle Been Recalled?
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration makes it easy to check whether any vehicle recalls apply to you. Simply enter the model year, make, and model and do a quick search. You can also enter a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to get more detailed repair information.

Sweet And Savory Pumpkin Recipes
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/fruits-and-vegetables/vegetables/squash/winter-squash/pumpkin/
Pumpkin is the “in” ingredient this time of year, so join the fun by browsing through this collection of pumpkin recipes. You’ll find Harvest Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Turkey Chili, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake, and more.

Naturally, you will need a pumpkin to enjoy these recipes.  Boy Scout Troop 8 will be selling pumpkins from October 18th through October 31st.  Look under the trees on Adams Street behind the First United Methodist Church.

Easy Halloween Costumes For Kids
http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/easy-homemade-halloween-costumes-for-kids/pictures/index.html?i=1
If you haven’t yet figured out what your kids will be for Halloween, you should be able to scare up some great ideas at this site. The costumes are adorable and can be put together pretty easily, even if you aren’t the crafty type.

Advice That’s Right On The Money
http://www.smartaboutmoney.org/
It pays to know as much as you can about money and you can learn a lot here. This site offers financial advice and information for all stages of life including calculators, quizzes, articles on hot topics, and an extensive resource library.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1410_VIDEO_A.htm

Watch A Giant Pumpkin Grow
Check out this incredible time-lapse video that shows a pumpkin grow from a small seedling to become a 636-pound entry in a fair.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1410_VIDEO_B.htm

Apple Ad Parody From IKEA
Get ready to grin! This very funny commercial for the printed IKEA Catalogue describes it as a “bookbook” with amazing new technology.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO CORRECTLY MAKE A HASHTAG

A hashtag is a phrase or keyword that is preceded by a pound (#) symbol and used by the micro-blogging community to create a thread of conversations around a specific theme or topic. Its purpose is to categorize topics, bring ideas together, inspire exchange, and encourage others to join in.

When you make a new hashtag, follow these guidelines:

~Keep it brief. You only need to add a # before a word to make it a hashtag. The best hashtags are those composed of a single word or a few letters. Twitter experts recommend keeping the keyword under 6 characters.
~Use only numbers and letters in your keyword. Hyphens and dashes will not work.

~Don’t use spaces. Hashtags do not support spaces. So if you’re using two words, skip the space between them.

~Don’t use special characters. Hashtags only work with the # sign. Special characters like “!, $, %, ^, &, *, and +” will not work.

~Don’t start with or use only numbers. For example, hashtags like #123 or #123yo won’t work. Numbers can be used at the end, as in #SXSW14.

In addition, don’t use more than two hashtags in your post. It goes against social media etiquette.

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We hope you found this newsletter to be informative.

Thanks for your business!

Best regards,

Rob Marlowe, Senior Geek

Gulfcoast Networking, Inc
6335 Grand Blvd
New Port Richey, FL 34652

727-847-2424

(We have used our best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, we do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.)

©2014 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.

Portions ©2014 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission.

The month of August may lead to back-to-school shopping lists, stir up classroom memories from years ago, or inspire you to expand your knowledge of certain subjects. In this spirit, we’ve gathered smart online tips and notes about educational resources.

We want you to be able to outsmart cybercriminals, so study the warning about scams attached to the Amazon name so you’ll be able to identify their tricks. To help you learn more about social media, check out our description of Throwback Thursday and instructions on how to adjust your Facebook News Feed. And don’t miss the Sites of the Month for great places for your brain to visit.

You’ll also find just plain fun things in this August issue; after all, everyone deserves recess! For instance, pick up some clever craft ideas in the Pinterest section and watch videos about cake cutting and tight rope walking.

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 2014 Newsletter:

SCAM ALERT – BEWARE OF EMAILS CLAIMING TO BE FROM BIG ONLINE RETAILER

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT DOES #TBT MEAN?

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 ADJUST WHAT YOU SEE IN YOUR FACEBOOK NEWS FEED
The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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SCAM ALERT – BEWARE OF EMAILS CLAIMING TO BE FROM BIG ONLINE RETAILER

As the world’s largest online retailer, it’s not surprising that Amazon is a big favorite of scammers. They masquerade as Amazon in an attempt to lure people into opening emails and replying with account details and other personal information. This information can then be used for identity theft.

A wide variety of phishing scams fall into this category and most appeal to either greed or fear. For example, the email may claim that you will get a free Amazon coupon or gift card in exchange for simply filling out a brief survey. Or the email may purport to be from Amazon’s security department, claiming it’s received a password reset request from an unrecognized device; you are told to follow a verification procedure in an attached file to protect your account.

If you receive one of these emails, do not open any attachments or click any links that it contains. Emails from the actual Amazon company will never ask you for personal information. Visit this link for more details…
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=15835501

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

Need a new computer this fall?  We have the latest systems available and we can get you set up with a system with either Windows 7 (our preference) or Windows 8.1 if you wish.

We will be a coin stop in the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce Invasion to Business Success this month.  Visit the Chamber website for more information and we will see you at the wrap-up social on Thursday August 21st at the West Pasco Board of Realtors.

 

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

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775851445223/
Clever Bathroom Storage From Pipe

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775851692367/
Whoo, Whoo Wants An Owl Craft Idea?

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775851692290/
Blueberry And White Chocolate Cheesecake

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 #TBT MEAN?

Question: Some of my Facebook friends are posting old photos with the hashtag #TBT. What does it mean?

Answer: The hashtag #TBT stands for Throwback Thursday — a weekly social media posting theme that invites users to post content, usually photos, from their past. In addition to Facebook, Throwback Thursday posts are also very popular on Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr.

It’s easy to participate in Throwback Thursday and the “blasts from the past” are a fun conversation starter. Just scan a photo from that dusty photo album on your shelf and post it using one of these hashtags: #TBT, #ThrowbackThursday or #Throwback. Just for fun, you can also check out what celebrities have posted on Throwback Thursdays by visiting https://celebrity.yahoo.com/photos/celebrity-throwback-snaps-1374180938-slideshow/this link.

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

Enjoy Fair Food At Home
http://www.food.com/summer-grilling/state-fair-food/package
August is a busy month for state fairs across the U.S. If you just can’t get enough of iconic fair food, check out this fairly spectacular recipe collection. It features favorites such as chocolate bacon, fried Twinkies, corn dogs, blue-ribbon pies, and more.

Learn Fast And Have Fun
http://www.memrise.com/
If back-to-school season has inspired you to learn something new, you may want to check out this education site. There are thousands of free courses — from languages to history to trivia — all using science-based learning techniques to improve your memory and increase your fun.

How Well Do You Know The World?
https://geoguessr.com/
You don’t need to head to the airport to embark on a journey. GeoGuessor’s games take you from desolate roads in Australia to the bustling streets of New York City and many places in between. To play, simply look at a photo and guess its location; the closer you are in miles, the more points you earn Enter Your Birthdate For Cool Statistics http://you.regettingold.com/
We’re all getting older. But thanks to this site, we can also get wiser. Enter your birthdate to see all kinds of factoids including how many birthday candles have been on your cakes so far, approximately how many breaths you’ve taken in total, and major news headlines from each phase of your life.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1408_VIDEO_A.htm

Daredevils Up In The Air
This breathtaking video (as in you’ll be holding your breath) shows men tight rope walking between two hot air balloons, known as skylining.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1408_VIDEO_B.htm

Scientific Way To Cut A Cake
You probably cut a round layer cake the same way you cut a pie – in wedges. But check out this better way to cut a cake that will keep it fresher longer.

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO ADJUST WHAT YOU SEE IN YOUR FACEBOOK NEWS FEED

When you check your News Feed, do you sometimes grumble under your breath about the stories you see there? In other words, is some content just not of interest to you and wasting your time? According to our friends at Facebook, you can make News Feed adjustments by choosing to view stories in the order they’re posted, by hiding stories you don’t want to see, by following or unfollowing friends, and by using friend lists.

Adjust Viewing Order
Click next to News Feed in the top-left corner of your feed to choose which stories you see first. Select Top Stories to see the stories at the top of your Feed, or select Most Recent to see stories in the order they were posted. Keep in mind that Top Stories is the default way to view stories in your Feed.

Hide Stories You Don’t Want To See
To keep stories from people, Pages, or groups from appearing in your News Feed, click the down arrow in the top right of a story. You’ll see the option to Unfollow the person, Page, or group. You can also click “I don’t want to see this” and give Facebook feedback or take more action, like asking the person who posted the story to take it down, or reporting the story to Facebook if it doesn’t follow the Community Standards.

Follow Or Unfollow Your Friends
To adjust the updates you see from friends, you can choose to Follow or Unfollow them. Visit a friend’s Timeline and click the Following button to the right of their profile picture to Unfollow. Unfollowing means you’ll no longer see your friend’s updates in News Feed. Your friend will not be notified if you unfollow them.

Use Friend Lists
Click one of your friend lists on the left side of your homepage to see stories just from the people on that list.

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We hope you found this newsletter to be informative. It’s our way of keeping you posted on the happenings at our shop.

Thanks for your business!

Best regards,

Rob Marlowe, Senior Geek
Gulfcoast Networking, Inc

6335 Grand Blvd
New Port Richey, FL 34652

727-847-2424

(We have used our best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, we do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.)

©2014 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc

Portions ©2014 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc.

 

 

The flower for June is the rose so be sure to take time to smell the roses this month. You’ll also want to take time to check out this issue,which is blooming with ideas to help you fully enjoy your summer.

If you’re considering a vacation rental, don’t miss our tips on how to avoid online scammers and end up with a great place to stay. Continuing in the vacation mode, we also share a website designed to spot the best airfare deals. Of course, you don’t have to travel to savor the joys of summer. Check out the resources for sprucing up your backyard, making a clever Father’s Day card, and whipping up yummy picnic food. To add smiles to your day, watch the amazing videos of dancers young and old — they’re sure to spin their way into your heart.

Keep moving through this June issue to learn why tech support tells you to unplug your devices for a certain number of seconds and how easy it is to bookmark your favorite sites. 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 2014 Newsletter:

RIP-OFF ALERT – BEWARE OF VACATION RENTAL SCAMS

NEWS FROM THE SHOP

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

THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHY DO I NEED TO LEAVE MY DEVICE UNPLUGGED FOR 15-30 SECONDS?

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 BOOKMARK A WEBSITE

The Gulfcoast Networking Team

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RIP-OFF ALERT – BEWARE OF VACATION RENTAL SCAMS

Renting a private home — instead of staying at a hotel — is becoming an increasingly popular vacation option thanks to the convenience of web portals. While sophisticated channels like Airbnb and HomeAway try to protect renters (by providing secure payment, user comments, and star ratings), even they are not immune from scammers.

Vacation rental rip-offs come in many forms. One is the hijacked ad,where scammers hijack a real rental listing by changing the email address or other contact information and then put the modified ad on another site. Other rip-off artists create listings for places that aren’t for rent or don’t exist and try to lure you in with fabulous photos, low rent, and great amenities. The goal is to get your money, in the form of a security deposit or application fee, before you find out you’ve been deceived.

Here are some ways to avoid vacation rental scams:

1. Obtain full contact information for the person you are dealing with (including name, address, phone number, and email) and verify that information by using Google search. Be wary if they never answer the phone when you call and always have to call you back; many scammers use message services.

2. Ask to see the property live via technology like FaceTime or Skype. At the very least, use Google Earth and Google’s Street View feature to confirm that the property you’re renting actually exists at the address advertised.

3. Read the comments. The feedback from previous renters that appears on sites like Airbnb is invaluable. In some cases, you’re even allowed to pose questions to other users.

4. Beware of group think. If you’re vacationing with several other people,everybody tends to figure that somebody else is paying attention to the details and making sure the group isn’t getting ripped off. Make sure someone is thoroughly investigating that six-bedroom place you all want to rent.

5. Never wire money. Wiring money is the same as sending cash; once you send it, you have no way to get it back. Use a credit card instead since Visa, MasterCard, and American Express will allow you to recover money you lose to fraud. The bottom line is this: When renting a vacation home, you need to do your homework.

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NEWS FROM THE SHOP

We are pleased to welcome George Morgan as our newest geek.   George has been helping Tim with some of our larger corporate projects and he has helped me with in-shop work as well, allowing me to concentrate on some of the more time consuming projects that I’ve taken on.  The additional hands are allowing us to be more responsive to our corporate customers and turn around in-shop repairs faster than before.

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

Berry Delicious Greek Yogurt Smoothie Pops
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775850917986/

Make A “Shirt & Tie”Card Tailored For Dad
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775851177070/

Description Pin 3
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775851177096/

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 – WHY DO I NEED TO LEAVE MY DEVICE UNPLUGGED FOR 15-30 SECONDS?

Question: It seems like every time I call tech support with a problem,the first thing they advise is to unplug my computer or modem and leave it unplugged for 15-30 seconds. Why is that delay needed?

Answer: The reason for this delay is that most devices contain capacitors, which are little batteries that function like energy buckets.They fill up when you put a current through them and discharge otherwise. Capacitors will hold a charge for at least 10 seconds after the power is off, so you have to wait longer than that for your device’s Random Access Memory (RAM) to be fully inactive. To be on the safe side, tech support often advises users to wait 15-30 seconds to make sure the capacitors discharge completely. This is important because while there’s a charge,your device’s RAM is still active and whatever problem you’re trying to fix won’t be wiped out. If you plug your device back in right away, the problem just returns. So when it comes to troubleshooting, patience is a virtue!

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

Blockbuster Or Bomb?
http://www.rottentomatoes.com
Summer is the blockbuster movie season and you’ll have plenty of choices at the movie theater. Before you turn over your hard-earned money for tickets, however, check and see what reviewers and audiences are saying at this site. It will help you pick better flicks.

Support During A Health Crisis
http://www.caringbridge.org
CaringBridge is a site that supports private pages dedicated to those in a health crisis. Instead of flooding Facebook with sensitive information,you can create a CaringBridge page and invite family and friends to visit. While there, they can get patient updates and share good wishes.

Find Best Airfare Bargains
http://www.airfarewatchdog.com
By using this site, you can take a vacation from the hard work of trying to find the best airfare deals. Just enter where you want to go, and its”Dealhounds” will watch for the lowest prices on flights to that city and alert you of them. It’s a doggone easy way to find a travel bargain.

Plan The Perfect Picnic
http://www.mrfood.com/Editors-Picks/Perfect-Picnic-Menu-53-Make-Ahead-Picnic-Recipes
International Picnic Day is June 18. To get ready for the celebration,check out these recipes. You’ll find all kinds of delicious foods to goin your picnic basket or cooler including Crisp Cucumber Salad, BLT Burritos, Iced Green Tea, and Lime Margarita Bars.

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

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1406_VIDEO_A.htm
Still Kicking At Age 79, Simon Cowell is humbled after rejecting a 79-year-old ballroom dancer right before she gives the performance of a lifetime. You’ll be as shocked as the audience was on Britain’s Got Talent.

http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2014/1406_VIDEO_B.htm
Oh Baby! Can They Dance! Check out this delightful commercial for Evian water. In it, people on a city sidewalk are surprised to see themselves as dancing babies in the reflection of a store window. Too cute!

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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO BOOKMARK A WEBSITE

Bookmarks are links to websites that make it easy to get back to your favorite places on a regular basis. By using bookmarks, you don’t have tokeep entering in the complete URL each time you want to visit. Here’s how to bookmark a website you’re viewing:

Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Simply press Ctrl + D on your keyboard. The page you’re on will be added to your browser’s bookmark folder automatically. This works in every major browser except Safari for Mac. The shortcut in Safari is Command +D.

Clicking the Star Icon
If you’d rather not use keyboard shortcuts, there’s an alternative. Every major browser uses a star to represent bookmarks. It might show up in the address bar, or somewhere to the left or right of the address bar.

In Firefox, Chrome, and Safari, clicking the star automatically adds the bookmark to your bookmarks folder. Clicking the star again lets you edit the bookmark name and choose its location in your bookmarks or delete it.

For Internet Explorer, clicking on the star icon opens the bookmarks menu. Then you click the “Add to favorites” button.

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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
727-232-1558

(We have used our best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, we do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.)

©2014 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.

Portions ©2014 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used under license.

 

 

GEEKNOTE:  Now that Windows XP has been sunset by Microsoft, folks are getting a popup on their Windows XP systems suggesting that they upgrade to Windows 8.  This is a VERY bad idea on multiple levels.

First off, a machine old enough to be running Windows XP is likely too old to run Windows 8 in anything approaching an acceptable fashion.  Add to that the difficulty in finding Windows 8 drivers for older hardware and doing the upgrade promises to be an exercise in futility.

Secondly, Windows 8 / 8.1 is massively different in “look and feel” from an XP system and you’d have to completely relearn how to use your computer.

Finally, the cost of buying Windows 8.1 and having a shop save your data, install Windows 8.1, and copy all of your data back onto the computer is easily going to approach the cost of a brand new machine.

You can find a cheap Windows 8.1 system for under $400.  We’ve got brand new Windows 7 Pro machines for under $500.  Given the learning curve with Windows 8.1, we generally recommend Windows 7.

Save yourself the hassle.  Put your old XP system out to pasture and buy a new system.  You’ll want to do this sooner rather than later if your system connects to the Internet as Microsoft is issuing patches this week for new operating systems, but not XP.