Triona's Tech Tips

Why get a generic geek when you can work with an award-winning computer professional for less? My rates for 2010 (pdf) are the same as 2009, and include brand-new options such as personalized advice on social networking and blogs.

Guidry Consulting, Inc. provides computer services for business and home. On-site service is available in the northwest Chicago suburbs.

• Tech support for PC and Mac
• Networks, servers, and security
• Web design (see my portfolio)
• Computer classes (see my schedule)
• Blogs
• Social networking including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter
• …and much more!

But don’t take my word for it. Find out what my customers are saying, then learn how I can help with your computer needs.

Your free email subscription to Tech Tips includes bonus tips, tricks and product reviews. Through January 31, 2010, new subscibers will also receive a special gift: my IT Business Continuity Checklist. Click here to subscribe or send email to techtips-request-at-guidryconsulting-dot-com, subject “subscribe”.

Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to assist with your computer needs. I hope to work with you in the new year!

Is upgrading your computer the right choice for you?

I’ve mentioned before that computers have built-in obsolescence. This has less to do with your use of them and more to do with computing in general. An older computer is hard-pressed to compete against Internet threats and cybercrime, especially if it’s not running the latest Windows or Mac software. The longer you’ve had your computer, the more susceptible it is to errors and infection.

One popular upgrade option is memory. There are two kinds of memory on a computer, the RAM and the hard drive. RAM is like the top of your desk: the larger it is, the more room you have to work on files. Hard drive space is like your filing cabinet. The more drawers you have, the more you can store. You’re going to run out of RAM before you run out of hard drive space, unless you have a very small drive or are working with very large files. Fortunately, RAM is relatively inexpensive at the moment. Check with your manufacturer to see how you can upgrade your computer’s memory.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to the latest versions of Windows or Mac software, check your hardware against the compatibility lists. Check Microsoft’s requirements for Windows 7 or try the Upgrade Advisor. Mac users will want to compare their hardware against the system requirements for Snow Leopard.

Sometimes you just have to buy a new computer. But if you plan ahead, you might be able to stretch this one a little bit longer.

In January I’ll answer the question, How Secure Is Social Networking? Through December 31st, new subscribers to my Tech Tips email list will receive my tip sheet on Creating Strong Passwords. Click here to sign up.

As with any new operating system, Windows 7 has a few glitches. Here are some of the most widely-reported problems.

• Some users have experienced problems when upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7. (There is no direct upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7; to do so requires a clean install.) Information on the “endless-reboot bug” can be found here and here.
• For some, the upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 hangs at 62%, an issue referred to as the “62% bug” (see reports here and here).
• Others have reported issues syncing iPhones to Windows 7 PCs with Intel’s P55 Express chipset.
• Some people who purchased the bargain $29.99 student edition have had problems downloading the software. Microsoft says part of the problem is user confusion over whether they have 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows. It’s not always easy to tell which one you have, so I think Microsoft and Digital River (their online software distributor) ought to cut everyone some slack.

In addition there are scattered reports of problems with certain hardware devices and software programs as well as power management on laptops.

I strongly recommend that you begin with multiple good, solid backups before upgrading to Windows 7. And be sure to test those backups before upgrading! Look for my in-depth look at Windows 7 coming on November 15th.

Through December 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet: Ten Step Computer Troubleshooter. Just click here to sign up.

This week sees the public release of Microsoft Windows 7. I’ll be giving you an in-depth look at Windows 7 in next month’s Tech Tips (so don’t miss your free subscription and special gift). To whet your appetite, let’s talk about whether or not you should upgrade.

If you use Windows, you’ll have to upgrade eventually, especially if you haven’t already made the leap to Vista. Many people have delayed this either because they don’t like the changes to the Windows look-and-feel, or because they have software that isn’t compatible. But, as I said in a previous article:

It’s sad to say, but our decisions to upgrade have become less about whether we need it for productivity and more about whether our computers can remain functional against the continual onslaught of cyber-attacks. Remember, Windows XP is 8 years old. These attacks are sneaking through despite our best defenses. Windows Vista is no panacea, but its improvements in security offer better protection.

This is even more true of Windows 7, which improves on Vista’s security while eliminating some of the headaches that slowed Vista adoption, notably incompatibility with drivers. In the past most of us have chosen to hold off until the first Service Pack comes out, but in this case we may not have that luxury. Hardware makers aren’t likely to support three versions of Windows, so they will be eager to get everyone off XP as soon as possible by making new equipment Vista- and Windows 7-compatible only. Between that, the Internet threat risk and Microsoft’s lifecycle policy, XP’s days are numbered.

The good news is, Windows 7 is supposed to be more stable than Vista, so waiting for the first Service Pack isn’t a necessity. Also Windows 7 comes with a compatibility mode for XP, which may make migrating your applications easier.

If you have an older computer and are considering an upgrade anyway, Windows 7 is a wise choice. If your computer is less than three years old and doing what you want it to do, you don’t have to move to Windows 7 right away. But plan for the future, knowing you will eventually have to make that leap even if you’re not fond of Windows 7’s Vista-like look.

Are you planning to move to Windows 7? Why or why not? Click Comments to discuss.

Through November 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet on Four Easy Ways To Protect Your Computer. Just click here to sign up.

We all know the risks of computer viruses, but what do you do if you think you have one?

First, follow Douglas Adams’ advice: Don’t Panic! Run your antivirus and anti-spyware software to see if they can remove the infection. Windows users might try the free online virus scanners from McAfee and Trend Micro. Malwarebytes is a good Windows resource for removing spyware and other kinds of virus-like intruders. Mac users should try the free programs Avast for Mac or ClamX AV.

Some viruses are easily removed, but others embed themselves deep within your computer. The worst-case scenario is having to format and reinstall your computer from scratch, which is why backups are a must.

There are some commonly-held misconceptions about how to prevent computer viruses.

• Adding “aaaa@aaaa” to your address book doesn’t work. It was a trick from years ago that only applied to one particular virus… for about five minutes, until the virus-writers wrote a workaround. These days it’s the equivalent of fighting a wildfire with a squirt gun.
• Booting into Safe Mode also doesn’t work. Safe Mode is used to diagnose computer problems by starting Windows into a minimal version where only the basics are loaded. Most of your software won’t function and the virus will remain in the background, chewing on your system.
• Fake antivirus software and computer cleaners will only add to your woes. Ads for these run rampant across the Internet, especially when you’re searching for legitimate tools like the ones I mentioned above.
• Fake security bulletins claim to be magic cure-alls, but they’re far from it. They are scams out to trick you into clicking on malicious links and further infecting your computer.
• Fake pop-up Web windows pretend to scan your computer, but they are also scams trying to trick you into clicking them.

Your best protection is prevention. Maintain good backups and stay tuned to Tech Tips for the latest computer news. Through November 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet on Four Easy Ways To Protect Your Computer. Just click here to sign up.

In November I’ll teach you about Do-It-Yourself Tech Support. If you have any computer questions, let me know.

The computer zombie problem (see here and here) is only getting worse. According to a recent study by Trend Micro, computers often remain infected for up to two years, with median infections lasting 300 days. Many people don’t realize they are infected, and never get rid of the problem until they replace their computers.

What’s wrong with having a zombie computer? Viruses and other infections can slow down your computer, and cause freezes and other unpredictable behavior. There’s also the risk of data and identity theft. And if that doesn’t concern you, consider this: most virus infections, spam and other threats come from the zombie computers of innocent victims.

The good news is, there are easy ways you can keep your computer protected. Through November 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet on Four Easy Ways To Protect Your Computer. Just click here to sign up. And keep an eye on the Tech Tips blog, where you’ll find the latest computer news plus links to free resources that can help keep you secure.

I’d like to encourage you to spend fifteen minutes today checking and updating your computer’s protections. Your computer will work better, and you’ll be doing the world a public service by helping to eliminate Internet threats.

In November I’ll give you an in-depth look at the new version of Windows in The Lowdown On Windows 7. If you have any computer questions, let me know.

Apparently the phishing scam that netted usernames and passwords for thousands of Hotmail accounts was wider than previously thought. The latest news indicates that Gmail, AOL, Comcast, and Yahoo! users, among others, may also be affected.

My advice to everyone is to make today Password Change Day. Get out there and change the passwords for all of your accounts. Use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols (where allowed) and be sure to use a different password on every system. Again, you can follow my password tip sheet (PDF) for guidelines on creating strong passwords.

I am often asked, “what does it matter?” accompanied by the protestation, “I don’t have anything important in my email anyway.” I would like to respond that you should care if:

• You want to avoid identity theft. Many people use the same password or set of passwords for all systems. If someone gains access to your email password, even an old one, they will try to use it to get into your other, juicier accounts, like your bank. And they will probably succeed.
• You hate viruses. Most viruses are distributed through compromised computers (called zombies).
• You hate spam. Most spam is sent from compromised computers. Your email address book is a gold mine for spammers because it’s a list of guaranteed good email addresses.
• You want your computer to work properly. Nothing slows a computer down like being zombied (see above).
• You don’t want someone else surfing the Internet on your dime. If you use an email account from your Internet provider, the same password is used both for email and to authenticate you to your provider’s network. If you use a common dictionary word without symbols as the password–shazam! instant access.
• You don’t want to go to jail for someone else’s crimes. Take the above scenario and imagine that the person who’s hijacked your Internet account is dealing in pirated software or child pornography. Unless you can prove it wasn’t you (and that may be difficult), you could be held liable. People committing crimes on the Internet use other people’s accounts for exactly this reason.

Although some people advocate that you not write your passwords down, I say it’s okay as long as you keep the written record somewhere secure, like a locked drawer or safe. (NOT on a sticky note on your monitor or under the keyboard, please!) Excel spreadsheets and other computerized means of tracking passwords are not good ideas, because the first thing a virus will do is check for convenient lists of the rest of your passwords. You might as well hand out your passwords on your business cards. And no, password-protecting the spreadsheet doesn’t work either; those are cake to crack. Properly encrypted password managers do work, but I favor the old-fashioned paper approach, as long as it’s kept out of sight.

It really isn’t that difficult to maintain different passwords on every system. I’ve done it for decades. If we would all follow the basic, simple practice of secure password management, we could cut down on the viruses, spam and other problems that plague us all.

You should also be aware of the kinds of scams that caused these breaches in the first place. Try the SonicWall Phishing Quiz to test your skills on identifying phishing attempts, when a hacker emulates the login page of a site to con you into entering your username and password.

Subscribe FREE to the email version of Tech Tips between now and October 14, 2009 and I’ll send your special gift: a tip sheet on Computer Housekeeping for PC and Mac.

Several of my readers have reported receiving fake Microsoft security bulletins via email. Like other scams, these are designed to deceive you into clicking links that will infect your computer with viruses.

This particular scam is quite clever. It uses the same terminology as a real Microsoft bulletin, down to a legitimate-sounding number for the purported patch, which in this case is supposedly for Outlook. But, note the provided link. The text of the link looks like it goes to Microsoft, but when you mouse over it, the actual link (see the status bar at the bottom) goes to the scammer’s site.

Fake links are easily created. Like so:

http://update.microsoft.com/realistic-sounding-link

What I did was type the realistic-sounding link, highlight it, and link it to a different address (in this case something innocuous: the address for this blog). Note that if you mouse over the linked text, you’ll see the actual address in the status bar at the bottom of your screen.

When it comes to fake security bulletins, bear in mind:

• Microsoft doesn’t email you security bulletins unless you have actively signed up for their security bulletin notification service. Which I wouldn’t expect most people to do: the bulletins are highly technical and not very helpful unless you know what to expect.
• If there are updates for your computer and you have Automatic Updates turned on (and there are reasons you might not want to), you’ll get them automatically without having to click on anything.
• Some of these scam emails come with attachments pretending to be the patch you need. Don’t click on them! It’s another way to infect you with viruses. Microsoft never sends updates by email.
• To find out if your Windows computer needs updates, go to update.microsoft.com and scan for them. Never click on a link in an email message.
• Scammers will say anything to get you to click on links, because it’s the easiest way for them to infect your computer.

In this case, you can see at the top of the screenshot that my email program, Mozilla Thunderbird, alerted me that this message might be a scam. Your email program may or may not do that, so caution is your best policy.

Thanks to everyone who sent this my way.

Subscribe FREE to the email version of Tech Tips between now and October 14, 2009 and I’ll send your special gift: a tip sheet on Computer Housekeeping for PC and Mac.

Welcome to my brand new, redesigned Tech Tips blog!

Please note that the address for this site is http://www.guidryconsulting.com/techtips. If you’ve bookmarked the direct link to the old version on Blogger (blogspot), be sure to note the correct address. I’ve been linking to the Guidry Consulting version all along in my newsletters and posts, so for the most part there should be no change. However, some article links may be different. If you are looking for something but can’t find it, please contact me or check the Archives and Categories in the right-hand sidebar.

You’ll find updated resources for PC and Mac in the right-hand sidebar, plus new functionality in a beautiful new format based upon feedback from my readers. All of my original articles plus comments remain available for your convenience.

So come on over and post your comments and questions!

And don’t forget about your FREE email subscription to Tech Tips. Email subscribers receive my monthly newsletter, plus notice of new Tech Tips blog posts, bonus tips, product reviews and more. You can sign up here.

Let me know what you think! I hope you continue to find Tech Tips a valuable resource for your home or business.

Your computer, like your house, needs to be cleaned regularly. These tips will help you get better performance out of your PC or Mac.

The number-one rule of tech support is: When in doubt, reboot! Turning your computer off and back on will give better results than simply restarting. I also recommend you shut down your computer overnight, unless you need to leave it on for backups. This gives your computer a cool-down period and less opportunity to confuse itself.

Keeping your desktop clean will help maximize memory. The more files you store on the desktop, the more memory they will consume. Maintaining your computer’s security protections and junking spam are other ways you can reduce the possibility of computer problems.

SPECIAL GIFT: If you subscribe to the Tech Tips email list between now and October 14th, 2009, I’ll send you a free tip sheet (PDF) offering more details on how to keep your computer in shape.

And if you’re interested, I’ll be teaching a class on Computer Housekeeping for the Cary (Illinois) Park District on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 9:30am-11:30am. You can find registration details on my web site. I hope to see you there!

In October we’ll talk about What To Do If You Get A Computer Virus. If you have any computer questions, let me know.