Computer Friendly

08/06/2021

Beware of scams everywhere. In your email, on suspicious websites, in links sent to you... and more.

Phishing scams are on the rise. But what are they, exactly? Here's everything you need to know to stay safe.

07/31/2021

Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect yourself from having someone hack your connection. Google for download installations of free or less expensive ones, or pay more for better ones. It's like a tunnel from your computer to the internet and the site you're going to. Businesses use them for their employees to connect from home. Now individuals use them to protect themselves.

https://www.vpn.com/faq/should-i-get-a-vpn/

11/10/2020

Cannot emphasize enough: Just because someone contacts you, you have absolutely no responsibility to answer. Unless you know the person and it is clearly coming from their email, messaging, phone... do not answer that incoming call or message. If anything, you can go to the site where they claim they are from, and contact them from there. Again, the key is to NOT respond directly. Spammers have wonderful lies, convincing personalities, sad stories... most of which are LIES.

Example: Had a call today from an unknown number. The only reason I answered was I had just called a business and left them a message to call me back. When I answered, an Asian woman said she was from Medicare and had some questions. I asked who she represented. She kept saying Medicare. I hung up. Medicare will not call you. Especially since your Medicare is probably handled through your medical insurance company.

Do not open emails from suspicious or unknown sources. You may think you can just close it if it's spam. At that point, they now know that you have a valid email and will get lots of spam, if not worse.

Starting to get the picture. Never answer emails where they ask security questions, like passwords, bank accounts, social security numbers, pretty much anything you use for id. Never click on a link that you are asked to click on within an email you receive.

05/25/2020

WARNING It's best not to click on answers provided when someone seems to be taking a poll or asking for opinions on Facebook. (true in email too)

When it comes to what you share on social media, there is no such thing as being too careful. That includes things that might seem innocent and fun — like participating in a poll on your favorite...

04/22/2020

https://www.howtogeek.com/469843/windows-7-dies-today-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

This is a pretty good article for those of you don't want to give up your Windows 7 (Me included), but realize that Microsoft support has ended. Here are the warnings,and the options that you should be aware of. Biggest piece of advice from me is to have an excellent antivirus program running and active at all times; have at least 1 if not 3 antispyware/malware programs. Make sure they are running all the time. Be aware that some of them that are free will only run manually. Make sure you run those often.

Microsoft released Windows 7 in October 2009. Now, more than a decade later, it’s being retired. Your Windows 7 PCs will keep working, but Microsoft is no longer issuing security patches as of January 14, 2020.

04/10/2020

Beware of any solicitations that require a response. Recently you'll see emails that ask your opinion on candidates or issues, some called 'Straw polls.' Others are businesses that tell you that you can make money taking surveys. You may think you should answer these polls just to support your candidate or party.

These surveys don't care what your opinion is, they just want your email address or any opportunity to infect your computer. As far as paid surveys, the only reason anyone involved, including the company sending you the information, is getting paid is because they are reaping email addresses, usernames, passwords, personal information, and more. Even if you make a few dollars, it's the price they are paying to infect your computer or steal your identity.

Do NOT answer solicitations to take surveys. The price you're paying for answering seemingly innocent appeals for your opinions may be disastrous.

Oh, there is no limit to the ingenuity of these scammers, so don't expect them to be obvious.

To add to the scams, possibly one of the oldest, is Chain Letters. DO NOT get involved in any way with a Chain letter you may receive. Never send money, in fact just destroy the letter immediately, whether it comes in the mail or it's sent to you online.

03/29/2020

Something I've had for years, but might come in handy for you, is called Google Voice. This program for Windows or app for cell allows you to create an additional phone number that you can give out instead of your actual numbers. When the person calls, it will forward to either your landline or cell, without letting them know either one. It's free for personal use.

This video will show you how to set up a free Google Voice account number and attach it to your cell or landline number so you don't have to give out your ph...

03/13/2020

Found this interesting use of a pool noodle to support your wrists when using your computer keyboard. Cut shorter ones for mouse wrist support.

01/10/2020

Great page for free or trial software:

https://download.cnet.com/

01/02/2020

DASHLANE Here's a great program for saving your passwords, and it fills in your info automatically on web pages. I use the free version which has great features.

https://www.dashlane.com

12/17/2019

Beware of Hackers and Scams

TIPS to help you avoid the pitfalls !