TIPS & TRICKS

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Make My PC Green
Last year on Earth Day we posted tips and tricks for around the office to be "green".  We recently came across some excellent free software called Edison that helps your PC be green.  The software allows you to customize several settings in a centralized window with the output being savings in money and energy.  That's right, anything you configure in the software gives you an instant report out on money and energy savings prior to configuring.
 
Download at Edison
 
For more tips, tricks and help contact our team at customercare@webgio.com.
 
 
 

Want a Mac look on your PC? Look no further than Rocket Dock (FREE)

While reading blogs this morning I came across this little gem of software called RocketDock.  The application is a free menu on your PC that performs just like the Mac menu.  According to the developers, they consider this a peace offering to the PC world from the Mac world.  No matter what kind of offering this little application is SWEEEET!

Visit RocketDock for download.  Have fun!

 

Technology Top Picks

At WEBGIO headquarters we've been playing with a various types of technologies over the years.  We'd like to share some of our favorites that have stood the test of time -

Mouse - Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical (USB) - $29.95 - Very easy to use laser mouse.  Simple design and most importantly its USB.  I don't like the wireless due to the battery usage and the lack of response from wireless mice.

Keyboard - Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000  (USB) - $59.95 - Soft to the touch.  Ergonomic design and most importantly its USB.  I don't like the wireless due to the battery usage and the lack of response from wireless keyboards.

Headset - Plantronics M214C Headset for Cordless Phones - $34.95 - Great fitting headset for phones.  Microphone bends very easy which is a nice feature.  Headset can be worn right or left side and the ear piece is super soft.  You can by this same model at Staples for $21.00.

Headset USB Adapter - Gigaware Stereo to Headphone to USB Adapter - $9.95 - This is an adapter that allows me to take my M214C headset and plug into my PC for VOIP.  Just happened to go to Radio Shack and found this little gem.

For additional tips and tricks please visit our web site at www.webgio.com or contact us via email at CustomerCare@webgio.com for services.

 

1 Phone Number for Life - Grand Central
Do you have multiple offices?  Do you have multiple phones?  Do you have multiple phone numbers?  Do you have to check multiple voice mails from various sources?

For any home user, small or medium sized business this is a must have.

Our friends at Google have recently acquired a great company called Grand Central.  This service is free and delivers a new way for us to use our phones.  The goal is to connect a single phone number to a person for life.  We shouldn't have to change numbers every time we change phones or get a new type of phone.  The site offers a free new phone number, one voice mailbox and an interface via the web to control all of our phones via a centralized interface so that when someone calls us at the new number we can have all our phones ring.  Very cool.

There are other great features as well such as specialized rings, screen calling, listen in, call records, block callers, notifications via email, ring different phones, greetings, web calling for your website, call switch, and mobile access.  Bottom line is that it gives us total control.

All around just an A+ product if you are on the go and have multiple phones.  Check it out at - Grand Central.
 

5 Rules to Avoid Causing Costly Repairs
1.Logging In and Out of your PC
a.Lock your PC when you leave - GOOD
b.Never give out your password – BAD

2.Email
a.Send Email - GOOD
b.Receive Email - GOOD
c.View Attachments – GOOD

3.Internet
a.Surf the Web – GOOD
b.Shop Online
i.Research Products– GOOD
ii.Buy Products – GOOD
c.Download Files – GOOD
d.Download Unknown Applications – BAD
e.Download Unknown Software – BAD
f.Download Unknown Add-Ins – BAD

4.Photos
a.Upload Photos from Camera to Picasa – GOOD
b.Send Photos to Friends and Family – GOOD

5.Instant Messaging
a.Send Messages - GOOD
b.Receive Messages - GOOD


 

Movies, Music and Photos 101
Looking to capture a period in time, a special moment or just create a personalized visual masterpiece?  Below are 3 free tools we've been using to create eye catching movies and photo slide shows for family and friends for the past few years.

Movies - Windows Movie Maker (FREE)

Photos - Windows Photo Story (FREE)

Music - Audacity (FREE) -  Mix your music with this software and import it into the movie or photos software for that customized touch.

* The only thing that isn't free is a codec if you are doing DVD output which can be purchased for 19.99.  If your putting this on a computer CD then you are just fine without it.  I've never purchased the codec to date.

For assistance with any of the products listed above email us at CustomerCare@webgio.com.

 

FBI Warns of Cyber Crime Affecting over 1 Million Computers


Please read below for understanding a little bit more on the steps required to help ensure you, your family and your staff are following safe computing practices and that any risk of being / becoming a victim are mitigated ASAP.

What is a BOT and how is my PC involved?
BOT is short for robot.  BOTS are being used to control a victim’s computer and serve as a launching pad for damaging and illegal activities.  BOTs are harmlessly downloaded to your PC.  This BOT then grants access to the cyber thieves who use your PC as a vehicle for large scale attacks on companies or steal your personal information from your PC.

What can I do?
FBI officials advise - "Practicing strong computer-security habits, such as updating antivirus software, installing a firewall, using strong passwords, and employing good e-mail and Web-security practices, are as basic as putting locks on your doors and windows," according to James Finch, FBI Cyber Division.

At WEBGIO we host a Tips and Tricks article section where we recommend the following suggestions in alignment with the FBI –

Antivirus Software –

Step 1 - Ensure you have Anti Virus Software

Step 2 - Never Go Without.  Never let your subscription run out.  Antivirus software is like having a paid employee watch your PC activity 24/7 for viruses.  Without it you are opening your PC and company up for costly damages.

Companies offering decent products that we have used are Symantec, McAfee, Norton, Microsoft Live Care or Grisoft AVG (Free).

Step 3 – Validate you have the latest updated Virus Definition File.  This is the file from the Antivirus Company that keeps your computer aware and on alert for the latest threats.  Usually this is done via an Update Button in the software.

Firewall – Microsoft XP and Vista have this built in. Make sure it is turned on.

Step 1 - Click Start

Step 2 - Click Settings and then Network Connections

Step 3 - Right Click Network Connection of Choice and Select Properties

Step 4 - Click Advanced Tab

Step 5 - Set Firewall Setting

Strong Passwords –

Tip 1 - Try a pass phrase rather than a password.  Using a pass phrase buys you that time and safety. My short and sweet recommendation is to think of a sentence "I love Christmas”, capitalize a letter, remove the spaces, add in a number or significant date, even add a symbol and presto you are set "iLovexmas2007". It's that easy to bring your passwords up to a pass phrase for stronger security.

Good Email Habits –

Rule 1 - If you don’t know who it is from and it has an attachment that is unfamiliar.  DELETE IT.

Rule 2 – If you get an email from someone you know and it has an EXE attachment.  DELETE IT.

Rule 3 – If you get an email from a company and it requesting you to login and validate your username and password.  DON’T use the link in the email.  Go directly to the company website by opening a new browser and typing in the company url.  Most companies will never contact you directly for this.  This type of scam is known as phishing.

Rule 4 – Be smart and if in doubt contact CustomerCare@webgio.com

Web Security Practices -

Rule 1 – If it’s not work related then you should be going to the site on a company computer.  Work is work and home is home.  This keeps you from wandering to places you shouldn’t be. 

Rule 2 - If you are at home do not download software to your PC you don’t need.  Do a little research via Google about the software and ensure it is safe.  Many folks get caught up in scams that a web site has an image that says your PC is infected or your memory is low and to download this software to free up memory or fix your PC.  Don’t do it … your only downloading bad software that does exactly the opposite.  This opens your PC up for a world of hurt and costly repairs.

Rule 3 – If you are shopping online and using a credit card make sure the website has a yellow lock in the bottom right corner of your browser when you are entering credit card information at check out.  The yellow lock means that you have a 128 bit encrypted session between your PC and the Shopping website.  Yellow Lock = Good.  No Lock = Bad.  The information being sent back and forth can’t be seen by anyone else in the world except you and shopping pc.  Without the lock it is like you opening your front door to your home and yelling to your neighbors your credit card number.  The only real difference is that on a PC you are yelling across the world vs. in your neighborhood.

For additional tips and tricks please visit our web site at www.webgio.com or contact us via email at CustomerCare@webgio.com for services. 

 

Google 411

This tip comes to us from our friends at Google.  Just hot off the press is a new FREE service from any phone called GOOG-411.  This service works just like the paid 411 service but connects you to the business for free.
 
It works like this -
 
1. Dial 1.800.GOOG-411

2. State the location and the business type (example Syracuse, NY and ice cream)
 
3. You will be connected to the business for free.
 
4. Done
 
It's that simple ... so on your next outing or business trip and you are looking for that location you now have a free service at your fingertips.


 

Phishing Scam and Identify Theft at Airports
Recently a customer of mine became a victim to credit card fraud and identity theft by a new online threat called phishing.  Phishing as the name states is a scam to coerce victims into handing over personal information via the computer.  I thought this would be a great opportunity to share the story to help educate you and your staff.      

The scam took place 2 weeks ago when connecting to a paid wireless internet at the airport.  We all have enjoyed the benefits of wireless internet at one point or another and its freedom to work anywhere, any place, and at anytime.  This very freedom of wireless internet has become the launch pad for a scam called phishing. 

The story I am about to tell may sound far fetched, but let me be clear the threat is real.  By being educated you can safely surf the internet using wireless connections without fear of falling victim to this scam.   

In airports, stores or coffee shops wireless internet has become main stream for allowing people to gain access to the internet.   Major brand name company’s we all are familiar with are battling over this market and the paying customers.  This creates the perfect playground for con artists and in enters the bad guys (phishers) who can quickly setup shop to get your personal information quickly and easily.  Let me explain.

Anyone can mimic an Airport Wifi website by doing a File > Save As of the company web page, change a few pieces of html code and presto … the phisher has built a fake site (the bait) that looks like the real site.

The next step is for the phishers to go “phishing”, they use a $100 Linksys Wireless Router purchased at any technology store or another option is configure their laptop, both which aim to look like a hotspot (the bait) to broadcast a signal (cast a line) for users to connect to the fake “hot spot” (the bait).  The hotspot may say “[Airport Name Here] West Terminal Wireless Internet Access” or “[Airport Name Here] East Terminal Internet Access” and people go to the “hot spot” because guess what, the signal is stronger than the valid wireless offered by the real company (the bait looks really good to the customer).

So now that the bait is in on the hook and their line is cast, the scam begins.  When you (the customer) connect to the wireless access point (the bait), it requests your information for a 1 day paid subscription for access.  The web page looks just like the real company site “Internet Access” for the airport or another hosting company.  I won’t use a specific name of a provider but you get the point.

To gain access for a small fee you enter your credit card information just like you would order products online and add other personal information requested to complete the transaction.   What you don’t realize is that part of the trick is that the page you enter the information on isn’t really validating your credit card information.  As I stated earlier, it is fake and it is only capturing information as you type; which allows the identity thieves to use as they please to make purchases of their choice.

You hit submit on the page to complete your transaction.  The page pretends to process your information and then grants you access to the internet.  Sometimes the fake page may even pretend to validate your information by using built in error handling on the text boxes, asking you to validate that your information is correct, just like on the real sites.  This is another trick to have you validate your information twice.  So now you have just tugged on the phishing line twice by validating your information and they know they have a real catch on the line. 

Now the scam is completed, they have your information and presto the fake page redirects you to an “Access Granted Page” and you begin to surf the internet.  In summary, you think you have gained access to a valid wireless hotspot except you have really only been fooled into signing up for a fake site while a thief coerces you into gaining your personal information.

This scam is a growing concern for many “paid” wireless hot spots, because the ability to fool customers is pretty easy.  More and more locations are offering FREE wireless to prevent customers from being scammed and as businesses do this the threat will lesson.

I am happy to announce through investigative work with their bank, who trends spending habits of its customers, anomalies are flagged in the financial records and customers are notified quickly.  Today this customer is 100% free from responsibility of the damages and free from implications that if not caught earlier could have destroyed credit scores and the ability to absorb the damages.
So how can you prevent this?

Our friends at www.computerworld.com recommended the following tips -

   1.  When accessing your accounts at hot spots, enter passwords only into Web sites that include a Secure Sockets Layer key (SSL) at the bottom right of the Web browser.  This will look like a yellow lock and creates an encrypted session between your computer and the real hot spot.  This prevents people near by from “sniffing” your data through the air in the radio signals.  In computer terms this would be like you sitting in a crowded room and yelling out your personal information without it being encrypted.  Not good.

   2.  Avoid hot spots where it's difficult to tell who is connected, such as at hotels and airport clubs. Hot spots should only be used for Web surfing and not for making online purchases or any other transactions where account numbers or passwords are needed.

   3.  Turn off or remove their wireless cards from their computers when they aren't accessing a hot spot to prevent others from accessing their machines.

   4.  Don’t use unsecured applications such as e-mail or instant messaging while at hot spots.

   5.  Personal firewall and security software should also be continuously updated with patches.

 

7 Steps to Avoid Computer Viruses
Use these 7 steps to minimize the risk and protect your computer for a safer online experience.

1. Email Attachments - Be careful to only open attachments from those you know.
2. Email Attachments - Be careful to only open attachment types that you know and that they are from the people you know in step one.
3. Antivirus Software - Never go without. Never let your subscription run out. Companies offering decent products that we have used are Symantec, McAfee, Norton, Microsoft Live Care or Grisoft AVG (Free).
4. Microsoft Update and Office Update - Use it. Use it often. Note that you can set your computer to run this on a frequency of your choice automatically.
Step 1 - Right Click MyComputer and Select Properties
Step 2 - Click Automatic Udates Tab
5. Firewall - Microsoft XP and Vista have this built in. Make sure it is turned on.
Step 1 - Click Start
Step 2 - Click Settings and then Network Connections
Step 3 - Right Click Network Connection of Choice and Select Properties
Step 4 - Click Advanced Tab
Step 5 - Set Firewall Setting
6. Router - If you have multiple computers or just one ... routers serve as a great barrier between your computer and the internet. We recommend Linksys routers based on experience but we are not limited and will work with many of the competitors.
7. Email Address - Get two accounts if you find yourself signing up for crazy things online - One for sign ups and one for communicating with friends and business.  This helps cut down on spam by consciously knowing which companies you are giving your email address out to and makes it easy to change out / close your email account. Good free email accounts are GMAIL (2GB), HOTMAIL (2GB) , YAHOO (1GB) and AOL (2GB).

For assistance with configuring or setting up any of the above steps please contact us at CustomerCare@WEBGIO.com for an appointment.

 

Reminders and Tasks Made Easy
I recently came across a cool online "to-do" list called "RememberTheMilk".  The site has a friendly user interface that allows a user to enter tasks and due dates.  The web site communicates with you using various combination of options that you select - such as instant messenger, e-mail, text message, and even synchronizes with outlook using iCalendar.  Pretty cool.

Never miss a birthday, event, meeting or task again with this flexible reminder system.

 

Technology Purchase Assistance - Why We Offer the Service
Recently we configured a desktop system for a customer. Out of curiosity, I started an online chat with the sales rep and they offered to spec the machine for me (Doing this all the time via the web without a rep we wanted to see what they would suggest).
While they were busy customizing the system (from input I gave them) I started specking out what I deemed the best machine based on the customer needs. The race was on. I started down the list of components and peripherals adding, upgrading or removing options on the web as I arrived at the ideal customized system.

I completed the new system first and patiently waited for the rep to finish as I read over the list of items defining the custom machine. Surprisingly I get the quote from the rep, $300 more than what I put together. Ok, let's see where the price difference is. I pulled up the reps list for a comparison. We have a better/faster processor that they chose, have a 17 inch monitor, the rep choose a 15 inch, I continued on and realized I choose a better system than the company rep, and did it for significantly less money.

What came next really shocked me and turned me off at the same time. The rep aggressively pushed me into a sale to finalize the order right then and there. I repeatedly declined.

This is one great example of why we at WEBGIO offer Technology Purchase Assistance to our valued customers. We serve as the technology liaison between our customers and sales reps to ensure when it comes to customizing a new computer system for you and your specific needs we will get only what you need, we'll be sure it is the lowest price, and we will never push the sale.

For more information on Technology Purchase Assistance contact us at CustomerCare@webgio.com.

 

Earth Day - Looking To Do Something For The Environment And Save Your Company Money
In business we are always looking for ways to cut costs, but often we don't have the opportunity to shave the bottom line and help the environment.  Here are a few tips to help your business get green in more ways than one.

1. Turn off Computers at Night
Savings - 1 PC = $80 / year
 
2. Printing on both sides of Paper
Savings  - 1 Ream = $5 / year
 
3. Turn off copiers at Night
Savings - 1 Copier = $891 / year
 
4. Replace lighting fixture bulbs
Savings - 1 Fixture = $15 / year
 
For more information on how you can recieve tax credits and other great incentives for your business visit Energy Star.
 

New Computers Shipping with Windows Vista - Don't Get Ripped Off!
Many of the cheaper low end machines from (DELL, HP, Toshiba, etc.) are shipping with the Home Edition of Windows Vista.  The problem that many of the "Early Adopters" are experiencing is that the [manufacturers listed above] machines are shipping with only 512MB of RAM (or less) and video cards may not be 100% compatible.  This can cripple any Windows machine running multiple applications.
 
So where does all this leave you? 
 
Option 1 - Buying a New System w/ Windows Vista Loaded
My recommendation is that if you are going to buy a cheaper system with Windows Vista loaded then ensure the RAM is 1 GB or higher.  Second double check that the video card shipping with your machine is 100% compatible with Windows Vista.
 
Option 2 - Buying a New System w/ Windows XP Loaded
This is the safe option that has years of people using it and does the job just fine.  When you order your system be sure to specifically ask for Windows XP or you will be shipped Vista by default.  Lastly ask for additional RAM 1 GB or more.
 
Bottom line if you are unsure www.WEBGIO.com offers a "Technology Purchasing Assistance" package to ensure the new system you are buying meets your current needs and will sustain you for years to come.  Just contact us at CustomerCare@WEBGIO.com for assistance.
 

Tax Time - How is your Accounting Software Holding Up?
Tax season is upon us and most of us have filed for our businesses.   Do you like getting a fresh start?  Capitalize on lessons learned from 2006? Or just simplify a process? 
 
The newly released Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007 is a great addition to your suite of tools.  After using Quickbooks Pro for years and paying for costly upgrades I finally made the switch to Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007.  There are multiple versions of this application but the FREE version as with all Microsoft software are labeled "Express Editions".
 
Check out a live video demo here to see if this tool can serve your business and cut costs!
 
Some of the perks to migrating to the new software
  • Import functionality from Quickbooks and Microsoft Money
  • Integration with all Microsoft Office products for exporting capabilities for further analysis and invoicing.
  • There's even an accounting export wizard to ship information off to your accountant!
  • The Pay Pal integration makes accepting online payments easy!

So get organized, focus on your business not the technology and ultimately save time!  All for FREE.

 
 

Is Searching for Files Painful? Look No Further
I have been dabbling with a few cool tools lately for desktop search capabilities.  One from our friends at Google and the other from our friends at Microsoft.  Both FREE.  Noticing a trend here ...
 
Microsoft Desktop Search - Hands down this Desktop Search is my favorite.  It is one of the core features built into the Vista operating system that microsoft released in quarter 1 this year.   Though the Microsoft web site doesn't do this application justice on its features it is an A+ in my book.  The ability to search and filter based on document types based on icons we are used to seeing saves hours of fiddling.
 
Google Desktop Search - Very easy to use but doesn't filter as nicely as Microsoft Desktop Search.
 
Bottom line is that in todays fast paced world we need information at our finger tips and these 2 applications deliver.  Look for more things to come from the Microsoft vs. Google competition.
 

Strong Password Tips
I wanted to share some tips on passwords and have you take a look at a new way of creating "pass phrases" to help keep you and your data safer. The real variable that prevents any password from being hacked is timing.

Using a passphrase buys you that time and safety. My short and sweet recommendation is to think of a sentence "the red dog",capitalize the first letter, remove the spaces, add in a number or significant date, even add a symbol and presto you are set "Theredd*g2007". It's that easy to bring your passwords up to a passphrase.

For more information on this topic from our friends a Microsoft - Click Here.
 

Cool Tools from Google
Ever wonder what it would be like not to have to fiddle with sending documents to customers or family with a certain format only to find they can't collaborate with you?

What about multiple versions of a document floating around? Well our friends at Google have put together a new great suite of Communication, Collaboration and Management Tools for Families, Schools, Small Business and Enterprise Solutions.

Here at WEBGIO we have begun to leverage the power of centralizing information online via Google Apps and taking advantage of enterprise security and powerful search functionality.

Here are some of the tools we are using coupled with our Microsoft Products (but for FREE) -

Go to www.google.com and search for each name - Have fun!

GMAIL - We are able to use POP3 from our domain accounts and send / recieve mail right in GMAIL. All for free and up to 5 accounts! (domain name hosting and email domains outside of google apply if you want your companyname.com)

GOOGLE CALENDER - Enterprise power for Families, Schools, Small Business and Big Business. Share a calender by sending an invite from an email address. No need for MS Outlook Exchange Server. Share Calendars across your company or have a shared family calendar. What about using it as your office appt. book for customer appts.?

GOOGLE START PAGE - Customize your browser's Google home page with Gadgets. Gadgets are little tools that give you the weather, a joke of the day, show your email, show your calendar, show your Google Docs & Spreadsheets. This is more of a personal customization via a home page.

GOOGLE DOCS & SPREADSHEETS - This is one of my favorites allowing a team of remote team members collaborate on a document or spreadsheet in real time via the internet. Just invite a user by thier email address and they have permission to a document.

PICASA - This a search based photo album that loads locally on your PC.

PICASA Web - This is a web based photo album that allows you to post photos to the web with one click and the selection of a category. My wife setup our family consisting of 3 years of pictures in 1 hour.
 

Daylight Savings - Are you Ready?
Well it's here ... the Energy Policy Act compliance has taken effect here in the United States for the early Daylight Savings Time (DST). So how does this effect your computer and what can you do about it ?

Windows XP Daylight Savings Time - If you have your Automatic Update on already you are set. If you don't then you can follow the steps below to turn on your Automatic Updates.

Option 1 - Turning on Automatic Updates
  • Step 1 - Right Click on My Computer
  • Step 2 - Select Properties
  • Step 3 - Select the Autmatic Updates Tab
  • Step 4 - Select Automatic
  • Step 5 - Click Apply then Close
  • Step 6 - Done

Option 2 - Running Windows Update

  • Step 1 - Click Start
  • Step 2 - Select Windows Update
  • Step 3 - Run Windows Update
  • Step 4 - Done

Option 3 - Download the Installer Package Directly

Microsoft Outlook Calendar Daylight Savings Tips - This is a good update to make sure your local calender has the right time for email and calendar events. There is nothing worse that being 1 hour off (unless your early) but that's in the fall ;-).

Option 1 - Time Zone Data Update Tool for Microsoft Outlook

If the above is still a little fuzzy on Daylight Savings Time Solutions visit Microsoft at - http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_dst

Now if only Y2K was this easy ;-) ... I guess the IT community can look at Y2K as job security.

 
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