SHELLY'S COMPUTER TIPS!
Are you Surfing Safely?
By: Shelly Osterhout
Computer Specialist of America
When you want to surf the internet, you use a internet browser, ie..Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Netscape, AOL. The program allows you to see all the pretty/sexy websites. There are many differences with each browser. So, how should you browse safely and which one is best for me?
Let’s start with Internet Explorer. Microsoft corners the market with all new PC’s that have a Windows operating system and you get IE whether you like it or not. You need IE to get your Microsoft updates. There are so many programmers out of a job that they are massively producing malicious software just for IE since it is the #1 program used. Do I use IE…nope!
Now, let’s go in a completely different direction…AOL. AOL used Netscapes browser and made it very pretty. Now they use IE for browsing. Going to a heavy marketing/advertising format causing most computers to slow down to a snails pace due to the amount of spyware and adware they give you as a gift for surfing with them.
Mozilla Firefox is your happy medium. J It is a program created by nice programmers that care about our safety and since it is not made by Microsoft, programmers are less apt to design malicious programs for Firefox users.
So, which browser do most computer geeks use?? Firefox
If you need help changing your browser contact Computer Specialists of America, we can remotely access your computer and make your surfing safer and faster.
Shelly Osterhout
Computer Specialists of America
239-728-2721
www.csa4u.com
ARE YOU BACKED UP?
By Shelly Osterhout
Computer Specialist of America
Hours are spent entering information on your computer into various programs like Microsoft Word, QuickBooks, ACT, or Outlook. All of that information is critical to your personal and business success, right? Are you backing up that extremely important data?
One day you start your computer and get a black screen with the scary message "unmountable boot device". Guess what? Your hard drive is on the way out or has gone to hard drive heaven. Your data goes with it! Gone, never to be seen again... In some cases we can save the data although there is a cost incurred.
You’re now saying what can I do??? Here are the simple ways to help you with data scares:
1) Back up your data to at least two different external drives or get another internal hard drive installed (only on desktops). Get a flash drive; they are so inexpensive now. Two gigs will be plenty for the average person. Using an external hard drive is not fool proof so both are highly recommended.
2) Use an online data back up service. Most good online data back up services send your data to several locations in the world so you can always get your data. It can be retrieved in a few minutes with the proper software installed on your computer. The cost is minimal for most people.
3) Don't back up your data to the same hard drive. If is goes bye-bye so does your data and back up.
If you have any questions, please call Shelly today.
April Edition
Is Your Computer Typing “Help Me!”
My computer is so slow or won’t start up at all!!! What should I do??? The quick answer comes down to the mighty dollar and whether you have technology ADD!
SLowww computers…. Patience is a virtue! (at least that’s what mom said, right!)
Computers get slower due to software..malicious software that is. Bad software takes up resources, speed. Sooo, to clean or not to clean? Cleaning up your computer is less expensive than buying a new computer and if done correctly it will be just like a new computer when you get it back from the shop. Reformatting your hard drive is another option. This means backing up your data and reinstalling all of your programs which is time consuming and the potential for error is high.
If your computer just won’t start at all it most likely is a hardware problem. Consult with a computer professional and you will be pleasantly surprised to find that fixing the computer is usually much less than a new computer and you lose no programs or data.
In conclusion, if you have Windows XP as your operating system stay with this computer as long as possible. Repairing your current computer with XP will save you money and heartache!
Want to know more???? Visit The Bridge to a Brighter Future on April 17 when I will go into a lot more detail and answer your critical tech questions!
Hear more from Shelly at A Bridge to a Brighter Future on April 17th, Colonial Country Club at 11:00am to 1:00pm. Only $20.00 RSVP Janie@thebridgenetworking.com
Shelly Osterhout
Computer Specialists of America
(239) 728-2721
Email your questions to csa@csa4u.com
Starting a Small Business? Do it Correctly.
Advantages of a Server:
By: Shelly Osterhout
Implementing a Server is the most efficient way to run your small business. All your important business and financial information can be stored in one centralized location. Your resources and data security are also controlled through the server. Parts can be upgraded individually on the server or workstations as needed. As technology advances, it is much easier to adapt to new software and systems available to your business. A server can be accessed from on-site work terminals or remotely through other digital mediums. Users will see a significant speed increase as their data is now stored in one location and not overloading a single workstation. Finally, backing up your data is now much easier because it is saved on the server.
Find the right people:
One of the most valuable tools to have when installing a new server is retaining a skillful admin to maintain and service your new server. The setup can be difficult and frustrating if you are not familiar with the territory. Choosing a server with adequate specifications for your network should also be done by a professional. Custom servers can also be built to help get the perfect setup for your business. At Computer Specialists of America, we setup and install new servers for all types of small businesses. We also have staffing available during business hours to handle concerns and issues that may arise. Our technicians are standing by to visit your location and render service calls as needed.
The Extra’s:
Server’s cost more than a home network setup, but their costs are easily justified by the time that you and your employees will save when manipulating your data. It may cost several thousand dollars for the right equipment and installation. Depending on the size of your business, a professional organization may take up to three days to install the server, workstations, and all the relocate all of the existing data from your previous setup. The initial setup is critical to your network’s stability and security so it crucial that it is done correctly. Have a monthly maintenance plan with CSA will ensure your network and server have minimal downtime.
Shelly Osterhout
Computer Specialists of America
(239) 728-2721
Email your questions to csa@csa4u.com
February 2nd Edition
Is downloading music from the internet illegal? By Shelly Osterhout
The laws that apply in the United States to downloading music include the Copyright Act, as well as criminal copyright laws. The U.S. Copyright Act protects “original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression.” Huh? That means anything you create that is expressed in writing, on video, in music, in a painting in a photo, in computer code, or in a game, etc. It’s just the expression itself that is protected. That is typically called the “work.” Ideas aren’t protected by copyright. For example, if you came up with a great idea for a new video game, your new idea (if you didn’t register it as a patent) can be used by others, but the words you used to describe it couldn’t be used by them. If you actually built the game, though, your game can be protected. That protection would include the game itself, the computer code used to create the game and your cover art, among other things. It also doesn’t apply to facts contained in the work. For example, if someone writes an article discussing the baseball statistics for the Yankees over the last three years, you could use those facts without infringing on the columnist’s copyright, but couldn’t use their description of the statistics. While the facts aren’t covered, how they are used is protected. Copyright law protects eight kinds of “works”: literary (including software programs); musical (including lyrics); dramatic (including any accompanying music); pantomimes and choreographic works; pictorial, graphic and sculptural works; motion pictures and other audiovisual works; sound recordings; and architectural works. Under The Copyright Act people are not allowed to copy, modify, share, perform or even show the copyrighted works without the copyright owner’s permission. That means you can’t post the work at your site, or change it, or make copies of it to share. When you download music and share it with others, you are making a copy and sharing it (distributing it) with others. That’s why it’s against the law.
Can I go to jail for downloading music?
Possibly, but very unlikely. The No Electronic Theft Act, or NET, was adopted to try and stop kids from stealing copyrighted materials and trading them online for other infringed works. You are more likely to be fined. A copyright owner can get, in some cases, statutory damages (which are special amounts they can sue you for without having to prove they really lost money) which can be as high as $150,000 per infringement from an infringer. In some cases copyright infringement may also be criminal, exposing the infringer to possible jail time and fines.
Shelly Osterhout, Computer Specialists of America
(239) 728-2721
Email your questions to csa@csa4u.com
Start the New Year with the right Protection!
The holidays have passed once again so why not start the new year off with some preventative advice from CSA. Scammers, spammers, hijackers, and advertisers are always coming up with new ways to wreck havoc on your computer. With the use of phishing websites, security bugs in Windows, and emails and websites full of spyware and viruses, internet security is as big a problem as ever. Having an antivirus program isn't enough to protect you 100%. Maintenance and safe surfing play the big roles in keeping yourself safe online too:
- Check the sender of emails and be cautious opening attachments. Even if the email is from a friend that you know, keep in mind that it's always possible for their computer to be infected with a virus. It's possible for viruses to infect an email program and send emails to everyone in a contact list or address book. If you have received a strange email from a friend, it's best to check with that friend to see if it's an email they sent on purpose.
- Be cautious of phishing websites that are set up with only one goal: To obtain your password. Don't click any links in emails that say they are from paypal, ebay, your bank's website, etc. It could be a scammer that set up a fake login website in order to get your information. Whenever you need to log in to a website, make sure the correct website address is showing in your address bar. Type the website address into the address bar manually to ensure you are really going to the correct website.
- Make sure your computer is current with Windows Updates. Microsoft releases critical updates, patches and fixes for security holes and bugs that are found in Windows every month. Make sure your Windows Updates are turned on. If you ever see an icon that looks like a yellow shield on the bottom right of your computer screen (next to the clock), click on it to install the latest updates from Microsoft.
Happy Surfing!
Shelly
www.csa4u.com
Computer Specialists of America, Inc.
239-728-2721
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