Read This First

Read This First!

Follow these basic tips to keep your devices running smoothly:

Install antivrus and security software on all of your devices and keep it updated. Mac users, too. I recommend the following free products:

Sophos Home - Simply the best FREE stuff out there. For both PC and Macs.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE Edition - I always tell people to download the FREE edition and run it whenever their computer seems to be running slowly or is acting up.

Sypbot Search and Destroy - The other tool used to detect and remove malware and viruses. Use with Sophos Home and Malwarebytes to have the ultimate in protection.

Patch and Update Regularly - turn on the automatic update features in Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. Search Google for instructions on how to do so for your current version.

Back up your data - Get a large USB flash drive, or better yet a large external hard disk and use it.


Windows 8 and Windows 10 Users:

Windows 7 Users:

Don't Run Windows XP! - You are just asking for trouble.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Today's Tips - 1/8/2016

Stop using Internet Explorer after next Tuesday! (Sort of) - Only kidding! You can keep using Internet Explorer if you like. But no matter what you should make sure you are using Internet Explorer version 11! Beginning next week, that's going to be the only officially supported version.

Many new cars – and their components – are already members of the Internet of Things (IoT) as are numerous fridges, kettles, TVs, baby monitors and more. Today, devices as critical as Heart Monitors and Pacemakers have wireless interfaces! The IoT promises huge improvements to the convenience and utility of all of the devices in our life. Refrigerators that send you an email to let you know that you're runninng low on milk, or that there's a problem before all of your food spoils is just one example. I currently have an IoT thermostat at my Mom's house so I can check and adjust the HVAC for her when I can't visit right away. If only there was an IoT TV remote I'd be all set! Are you concerned about the the security of all these devices? You should be. What if someone hacks your Pacemaker? Before rushing out to connect all of your devices you should become more familiar with the technology and how to protect your devices. Start by reading the links embedded in the text above and the links below:


Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Today's Tips - 1/6/2016:
If you have an Android Smart Phone - (Usually anything that's not an iPhone or Windows Phone) there are some updates that are needed to close some serious security holes. The gist of this is that you should do two things to protect your Android phones and tablets:
#1) Check for and apply any updates offered by your device carrier and - #2) Disable the automatic retrieval of MMS (AKA picture) messages. For more information read these links:

No matter what phone you have - You really shouldn't worry about security and privacy. You should do something about it! Here is a guide to help:

Got kids? Got a tablet? Don't let this happen to you!