Here’s what’s inside our 2015 June Newsletter:
SCAM ALERT – BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING OR SELLING ON CRAIGSLIST
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 JUNE
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
SHORT FAQ – WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE AN INTERNET TROLL?
The Gulfcoast Networking Team
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SCAM ALERT – BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING OR SELLING ON CRAIGSLIST
Craigslist can be a convenient and inexpensive way to get a great deal on used items or make some extra cash if you have items to sell. Most of the transactions that originate on Craigslist happen without a hitch, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be wary. Unscrupulous people can use Craigslist to take advantage of you in multiple ways: by gathering your personal information, making fake deals to steal your money, or physically harming you. Protect yourself by taking the following precautions:
~ Rule #1 is to use common sense. If something feels fishy or “off,” it probably is.
~ Take advantage of the Craigslist feature that allows you to hide your email address. Give your mobile phone number, so it can’t be traced to your home.
~ If possible, meet in a public place such as a coffee shop or store parking lot. Some police stations allow citizens to complete such transactions on their premises.
~ Bring a friend and your phone to any meeting. Let others know where you’ll be.
~ If you’re selling and must meet at your home, move the item to a visible location, such as an open garage.
~ The best way to be paid is in cash. Never issue refunds on checks that haven’t yet cleared, and never send money to purchase an item you haven’t seen.
Remember, people you meet online aren’t always who they appear to be, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself, both online and off. For additional recommendations, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org.
NEWS FROM THE SHOP
Part of what we do is keeping up with the latest innovations. I went down to Tampa Thursday to attend a viewing party for the Google I/O 2015 keynote presentation. There was a lot of cool stuff presented, but the thing that caught my attention was Google Photos. Free, unlimited storage of your uncompressed photos. This one is definitely worth exploring.
Many of our clients appreciate being able to pick up the phone and give us a call when they have a question. We have a variety of Safe Computing Package options for individuals.
We also offer comprehensive Managed Service agreements for our business clients who want predictability in their monthly IT expense. Give us a call if you’d like more information on how we might be able to assist your company.
GO PINTEREST-ING! – COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS
Uplifting Grapefruit
Mint Body Scrub
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775855036574/
Turn An Old Desk
Into A Cute Planter
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/438538082435665663/
Time For A Unique
Bicycle Rim Clock
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775855304852/
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
The Weather Channel
Being unprepared for the weather can put a damper on your day. But, of course, there’s an app for that! Get high-quality forecasts and more.
Learn more here… http://www.weather.com/apps
Pocket
Found something online you don’t have time for now? Just put it in your “pocket” and view later from any device — no Internet connection needed.
Learn more here… https://getpocket.com/
Yelp
You already know how handy Yelp can be for sharing and reading reviews for restaurants and other businesses. Why not bring it with you wherever you go?
Learn more here… http://www.yelp.com/yelpmobile
SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN JUNE
Map Your Summer Vacation
http://npca.org/parks
Want to see something amazing this summer? Go to one of America’s national parks. From Yosemite to Yellowstone, and from the Great Smokies to the Grand Canyon, the U.S. boasts many breathtaking destinations. Use this handy map to find the best one to visit based on location, theme, category, or name.
Free + Recycling = Freecycle
http://freecycle.org
Have some stuff taking up too much space in your garage? Or are you looking for some new books to read? Either way, Freecycle could be great for you. It’s a worldwide network of people exchanging things for free. Each local group is moderated by volunteers. Membership is (of course) free.
Make Cool, Creamy Treats
http://benjerry.com/flavors/recipes
What could be better than a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream? You’ll find out when you visit this site. Get ready for mouth-watering recipes for treats featuring the cool, creamy flavors you’ve come to know and love. Try ice cream cake, ice cream truffles, brownies, cobblers, and more.
Protect Your Skin From Harmful Rays
http://skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/prevention-guidelines
Summer means sun, and sun means the potential for fun as well as damage. Skin cancer is a real threat, but there’s a lot you can do to prevent it. Check out this site for general recommendations as well as those for specific situations like going to the beach, driving, and golfing.
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1506_VIDEO_A.htm
Surf’s Up In Indonesia!
Complete with beautiful views, this amazing footage highlights professional surfers on the waves in Indonesia as they guide tourists and train the next generation.
http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2015/1506_VIDEO_B.htm
Not Just Another Day At The Beach
Watch this prankster trick unsuspecting beach goers into thinking she’s disappeared. All she needs are a “faulty” umbrella and a trap door beneath her towel.
SHORT FAQ – WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE AN INTERNET TROLL?
Question: I’m troubled by the mean comments I find on Twitter and elsewhere, including some that have been directed at me. What can I do?
Answer: Sounds like you’ve discovered one of the downsides of online interaction: trolls. A troll is someone who uses offensive, inflammatory, or irrelevant messages to illicit emotional responses from others and throw the intended conversation off course. Trolls thrive on conflict, so one of the best ways to deal with them is to ignore them. However, if ignoring doesn’t work or isn’t an option, there are other steps you can
take:
~Don’t take it personally. A troll’s unkind words truly have nothing to do with you; they’re more of a reflection of that person’s own problems.
~Try being nice. Some trolls are actually just people with strong opinions or who need a lot of attention. If you engage with them nicely (such as asking for clarification), they may respond in kind.
~Use your settings. Many sites have options that allow you to control whose input you see and don’t see. Set yours to omit the troll’s posts from your view.
~Kick them out. If the site has a moderator, ask that person to take appropriate steps to limit the troll’s access or kick them off the site altogether.
~Set a good example. Trolls’ behavior can remind us that it’s easy to hurt other people online. Take extra care to ensure your own messages come across the way in which you intend.
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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