With fall in full swing, we’ve assembled some valuable information to help you fully enjoy the season. Since getting scammed would certainly put a damper on any beautiful autumn day, we begin by sharing how to avoid the online bad guys’ latest trick — CryptoLocker ransomware.
You’ll find inspiration in this November issue for getting into seasonal crafts, decorating, and cooking in the Go Pinterest-ing! section. You’ll also learn about video buffering and Facebook privacy to take some of the trouble out of technology. For fun entertainment plus valuable advice, check out the amazing “bicycle band” and “money tree” videos and sites to help you beat the flu, stay safe when you shop online for the holidays, and much more.
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 November 2013 Newsletter:
SCAM ALERT – RANSOMWARE SENDERS DEMAND MONEY TO “FIX” FILES
GO PINTEREST-ING – COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS
THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT CAUSES BUFFERING WHEN I WATCH VIDEOS?
SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN NOVEMBER
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO HELP KEEP YOUR IMAGE OUT OF FACEBOOK ADS
The Gulfcoast Networking Team
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
———————————————————————-
SCAM ALERT – RANSOMWARE SENDERS DEMAND MONEY TO “FIX” FILES
One of the latest ways for cybercriminals to try and get money from you involves infecting your computer with a virus that encrypts your valuable files (making these files unusable) then demanding a payment to decrypt them. This type of virus, called ransomware, can be installed on your computer if you open an attachment from a malicious sender.
A recent version of ransomware, called CryptoLocker, is often distributed via email messages that appear to come from reputable organizations or companies such as the Better Business Bureau, FedEx, and UPS. CryptoLocker can also be installed along with infected downloaded software.
Security experts warn to NEVER PAY THE RANSOM; you’ll lose your money and probably get nothing in return. If you do fall prey to ransomware, call us. We can generally clean up most of these infections for a fraction of what the ransom demand is. Keep in mind that CryptoLocker encrypts your files and there is essentially NO way to unlock them.
Of course, the best solution is to not become a victim of ransomware in the first place. Be extremely wary of email attachments, even if they appear to be sent by someone you know. (Viruses are often sent via one person’s email to others on their contact list.) Be particularly cautious about attachments other than typical office documents, especially ZIP or EXE files.
Finally, be sure to have up-to-date commercial antivirus software active at all times. We recommend F-Secure Antivirus and F-Secure Internet Security. Having current backups is also important for protecting your data (pictures and documents) from the likes of CryptoLocker and we recommend F-Secure Online Backup for our consumer clients. We have somewhat more involved backup solutions available for business clients of all sizes.
———————————————————————-
NEWS FROM THE SHOP
We have brand new Windows 7 machines available. Come see us before visiting a big box store and springing for a Windows 8 machine you are going to hate.
We can help you choose between different notebooks and tablets on the market as well. Keep in mind that the most common physical failure on a tablet is a broken screen. We recommend sticking with a conventional desktop machine unless you need the portability provided by tablets and notebooks.
———————————————————————-
GO PINTEREST-ING – COOL STUFF TO PIN ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS
Cute And Creative Idea For Pumpkin Decorating
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849453893/
Chocolate + Espresso + Pumpkin + Caramel = Yum
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849453907/
Dress Your Coffee Cup In Stylish Cashmere
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/291537775849430599/
You haven’t started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started? To sign up, go here https://pinterest.com/join/signup/
———————————————————————-
THIS MONTH’S FAQ – WHAT CAUSES BUFFERING WHEN I WATCH VIDEOS?
Question: Sometimes when I’m watching a video on YouTube, it will stop and start or play in a choppy fashion. What could be causing this and what can I do about it?
Answer: What you’re describing is called buffering. This means that the part of the video you’re trying to watch is currently downloading. Buffering can be the result of many different factors including problems with the hosting site, the speed of your Internet connection, and the software and/or hardware of your computer.
YouTube suggests the following troubleshooting tips:
~Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
~Pause the video. Allow the gray loading bar to load completely to the end of the player. Once the video has fully loaded, try playing the video again.
~Check your connection speed. You may want to increase it in order to have the best viewing experience.
Another possible reason for video difficulties is that the YouTube servers are experiencing high traffic. If this is the case, there’s not much you can do but try again later.
———————————————————————-
SITES OF THE MONTH – GREAT SITES TO CHECK OUT IN NOVEMBER
Time To Talk Turkey
http://www.butterball.com
Enter the “turkeysphere” to learn everything you need to know about choosing, preparing, and serving your Thanksgiving turkey. Helpful videos and text walk you through thawing, stuffing, roasting, the ever-popular deep-frying, and, of course, carving. For post-holiday meals and snacks, check out the recipe section for ideas on using leftovers.
What To Do To Beat The Flu
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2013-2014.htm
Fall brings colder weather, the holidays … and unfortunately, the flu. But you don’t have to let flu get the best of you this year. Check out this website for valuable information including flu basics, how flu spreads, where to get a flu shot, and other things you can do to help avoid getting sick.
A-door-able Fall Adornments
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/seasonal/fall/fall-wreath-door-decorations/#page=1
Visit this gallery to get inspiration for decorating with wreaths and other fall décor for your door, gate, or mantel. You’ll find pretty and creative embellishments made with seeds, leaves, twigs, fruit, flowers, and much more. The site makes it easy to save, print, share, or pin your favorites!
Shop Safely Online During The Holidays
http://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/protect-your-personal-information/online-shopping
It’s always important to protect yourself online, and even more so during the holiday shopping season. The tips on this site may seem like common sense but you may not remember, for example, to print transaction details. It’s worth a visit so you can stay safe while getting your shopping done.
———————————————————————-
TWO TO VIEW – A COUPLE OF AMAZING VIDEOS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1311_VIDEO_A.htm
Behold A Bicycle Band
You’ve seen plenty of marching bands. But what about a bicycling band? This video captures some true multitasking as several marching band members play instruments (and do it well) while riding a tandem bike.
http://www.eNewsletterHome.com/_eNewsletter/2013/1311_VIDEO_B.htm
Real-Life Money Tree
What happens when 100 one-dollar bills are pinned to a tree on a busy city sidewalk? Watch this video to see the various responses to this interesting social experiment. Spoiler alert: most people walk by without noticing the money!
———————————————————————-
SHORT TUTORIAL – HOW TO HELP KEEP YOUR IMAGE OUT OF FACEBOOK ADS
Have you noticed how if a friend endorses a company or product, you’re more likely to make a similar purchase? Facebook certainly knows this and uses this bit of psychology to boost the effectiveness of what are known as social ads. The problem is that it does this without users’ permission. For example, in your news feed, you may see a paid ad for a sushi place, along with a note that says, “Jane Smith likes this.” If you don’t want Facebook using your name or likeness in this way, follow these easy steps:
~Within Facebook, click Settings (the gear icon in the upper-right corner of your Home page).
~From the dropdown list, select Privacy Settings.
~In the left column, click Ads.
~In the Ads & Friends section, click Edit.
~Next to the phrase, Pair my social actions with ads for, click the dropdown arrow and select No one.
~Click Save Changes.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We hope you found this newsletter to be informative. It’s our way of keeping you posted on the happenings at our shop.
Thanks for your business!
Best regards,
Rob Marlowe
Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.
6335 Grand Blvd
New Port Richey, FL 34652
727-847-2424
(We have used our best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, we do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.)
©2013 Gulfcoast Networking, Inc.
Portions ©2013 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc., used with permission.