Here’s what’s inside our February 2015 Newsletter:
SCAM ALERT – WATCH OUT FOR TECH SUPPORT SCAMS
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 FEBRUARY
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO PERFORM A SEARCH ON TWITTER
The Gulfcoast Networking Team
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SCAM ALERT – WATCH OUT FOR TECH SUPPORT SCAMS
When you communicate with tech support, you want them to help you solve computer problems, not create them! Yet, that’s exactly what scammers pretending to be tech support personnel are doing.
Here’s how it works: Pop-up ads claiming to sell fixes for your computer lead you to a website to download the software. The website includes a phone number for you to call to “register” the software. When you call, the person on the other end of the line requests information, such as passwords or remote access to your computer. Using remote access, they “examine” your computer and tell you that it has problems that need additional “solutions.” They then ask for your credit card number to purchase these so-called solutions that don’t actually do anything. While they’re at it, they may infect your computer with malware or use your financial information to commit credit card fraud.
In a variation of this scam, tricksters call you and claim that they’re on the tech support team at Microsoft or another well-known company. They go through the same process of accessing your computer, getting credit card or other information, and then causing trouble.
To protect yourself, follow these tips:
~Never give access to your computer to someone who calls you out of the blue.
~To contact tech support, call the number you already have for your hardware or software.
~Never provide credit card information, passwords, or other sensitive data to someone claiming to be a tech support representative.
~Protect your computer from viruses.
~Learn how to avoid identity theft.
If you fear you may already have been a victim, check your computer for malware, change passwords you may have given out, and reverse any associated credit card charges.
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NEWS FROM THE SHOP
February brings with it some new projects and some new challenges. We have been promoting this newsletter each month on various social media platforms, including facebook. Unfortunately, facebook has been changing the way they publish posts on company pages like ours and only a small fraction of the people who like our facebook page are getting notified when we post something new (like the link to this newsletter).
If you found out about this newsletter on facebook, please consider signing up for our newsletter list so that you won’t miss future issues. Please encourage your friends to do the same.
As a bonus for new newsletter subscribers, we are offering a free online health check for your computer.
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GO PINTEREST-ING! COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS
Colorful And Delicious Valentine’s Day Treat
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853625809/
Chomp On Chewy Chocolate Cherry
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853626106/
Ordinary Lampshade Becomes Night Sky
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775853625912/
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
GasBuddy – FREE
Whether gas prices are up or down, GasBuddy helps you find the cheapest place close to your location to fill up. You can also earn points by reporting gas prices.
Learn more here…
http://www.gasbuddy.com/GasBuddyMobileApps.aspx
Trivia Crack – FREE
Test your knowledge of art, science, sports, geography, history, and entertainment. Play against friends or random opponents, then track your wins and stats.
Learn more here…
http://www.triviacrack.com/en
Tagwhat – FREE
Get “hyperlocal” information — from other users and online sources — about deals and events from places near your location, anywhere in the world.
Learn more here…
http://www.tagwhat.com/index.php
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SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN FEBRUARY
Scout Out A New Neighborhood
http://neighborhoodscout.com
Looking for a new city to call home? Check out this site first. Simply use the easy interface to learn about things like affordability, school system quality, average home values, and demographics. When you’re ready for the next step, you have the option of being matched with a real estate agent.
One caveat: Neighborhood Scout is somewhat confused as to what neighborhoods are in what cities… For instance, the North River neighborhood of New Port Richey is listed as being part of the Port Richey city center. As a result, the expensive homes and the professionals living in that neighborhood are listed in Port Richey’s stats rather than New Port Richey’s stats.
Find Solutions To Product Problems
http://manualsonline.com
Sometimes a product problem is easy to fix — if you know how to find the solution. ManualsOnline provides access to over 700,000 product manuals so you can quickly solve problems. For a human touch, access the user community. You can also sign up for helpful product-specific newsletters and tools.
Check Out These Valentine’s Videos
http://history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day/videos
Curious about the origins of Valentine’s Day? What goes on in the brain during heartbreak? Or how the kissing styles of men and women differ? As you get ready to celebrate the year’s most romantic holiday, stop by this site to watch videos that will answer these questions and more.
Get Your Foodie Fix
http://restaurant.org/News-Research/Research/What-s-Hot
Move over, Iron Chef! Members of the American Culinary Federation have offered their views on the hottest menu trends for 2015, and this National Restaurant Association site reveals the results. Watch the video for an overview or read one of several PDFs and articles to get detailed “what’s hot” info.
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TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
http://www.cornerstonenow.com/_enewslanding/_eNewsletter/2015/1502_VIDEO_A.htm
Cop Sings Along to Taylor Swift Song
While on patrol, a cop sings and moves to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” and his arresting version of the hit song is caught on the dashcam.
http://www.cornerstonenow.com/_enewslanding/_eNewsletter/2015/1502_VIDEO_B.htm
Even Top Athletes Need A Lift
Forget water, Gatorade, and the other usual sports drinks. Serena Williams confirms that it’s allowed, then orders an espresso during a tennis match.
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SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO PERFORM A SEARCH ON TWITTER
Your Twitter timeline is great for helping you stay updated, entertained, and connected. But did you know you can also search the entire Twitterverse for information? Here’s how it works:
~Locate the search box at the top of your Twitter home page or app.
~Type in your search term and enter.
~The results will reflect everything on Twitter, including tweets and users.
~In the full version, narrow the results by choosing from the selections in the left-hand column. If you’re using the app, view these selections by tapping the “refine results” icon at the top of your screen.
~As an alternative search method, click or tap a hashtag within a tweet to find all tweets with the same hashtag.
With 300,000 new tweets posted each minute, it’s likely you’ll find what you’re looking for!
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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.