Triona's Tech Tips

Are you interested in Twitter, but not sure how to get started? My column in today’s The Northwest Herald tells you how to get the most out of Twitter:

If youʼve never used Twitter, itʼs like the headline scrawl across the bottom of your favorite news channel, except that these headlines are written by you and me. Follow someone on Twitter and youʼll receive their latest mini-messages, and you can send mini-messages of your own.

Businesses are using Twitter to keep in contact with customers, advertise events, promote special offers, and grow relationships. Skeptics might doubt that one can do business via Twitter, but my direct experience says it works.

Here’s how you can start using Twitter in just a few easy steps.

1. Sign up for Twitter
Your Twitter name is your identity, so choose wisely. Also make sure you are using strong passwords that are not in use on any other site (especially financial sites or other social media sites like Facebook). Twitter has some nice resources to get you started including Twitter Basics for beginners.

2. Find people to follow
What are you interested in? Most news outlets have Twitter feeds, as do many newspapers, periodicals, television channels… anyone who offers content is offering it on Twitter. Some of your friends and colleagues are using it, too. As you start using Twitter, you’ll gravitate toward people with like interests. For example, a news outlet might retweet a link you like from a blogger, and you might decide to follow the blogger on Twitter for more of the same kind of content. To follow someone, go to their Twitter page and click the Follow button.

3. Send your first tweet
Remember: relevant, concise, and interesting. When in doubt a good quote always works. Retweets that you find interesting also work, but remember, posting too often is as bad as not posting often enough.

Some examples of tweets (sent by yours truly):

4. Invite people to follow you

Start with people you know personally, then the people they are following. You’re most likely to get followers in small trickles rather than big waves. And don’t forget to interact with your followers! Twitter isn’t just headlines, but a multi-way conversation. A conversation might go like this:

5. More Help With Twitter
Here are some additional resources if you need help with Twitter.

Tech Tips articles on Twitter
Search for keyword Twitter and you’ll find my previous articles on the topic.

Twitter Help Center

Chris Brogan: 50 Ideas On Using Twitter For Business

How are you using Twitter for your business? Share in the comments!

If you’re not familiar with iPads and Facebook, 2012 may be the year you join the crowd. In my Tech Trends column in this month’s McHenry County Business Journal (digital edition here) I talk about how this may be the year everything changes:

Mobility, social media, and cloud computing are taking the world by storm. Consumer IT is affecting everyone from enterprise-level organizations to small businesses, and back to the consumers themselves. It’s a rapid and sometimes vicious cycle in which failure to follow the trend could cost companies much-needed momentum.

Here are five ways you can stay on top of these emerging trends.

1. Make a mission statement
Everyone should have a mission statement for online marketing, businesses and individuals alike. What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want people to buy products, sign up for your email newsletter, visit your blog? Explain how you are uniquely qualified to help. If you’re marketing yourself rather than a business, your mission is to demonstrate to employers how you are uniquely qualified.

2. Contribute value
You get out of social media what you put into it. Follow people with valuable content and contribute valuable content of your own. Note that the converse is also true: you can and should stop following people if they do not provide you with information you find useful.

3. Seek balance
If you’re not posting often enough, people will lose interest. If you post too often they’ll be overwhelmed. Find the right frequency for you based on your mission and target audience. This is where mobility and social media go hand in hand. If you think of a good LinkedIn status, use your smartphone and post it. It takes far less time to actually do it than to write “Update LinkedIn Status” on a to-do list.

4. Delve in
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Sign up for Facebook, add some apps to your iPad, and most of all read, read, read about these emerging technologies.

5. Subscribe to Tech Tips by email, RSS, and Twitter
And here’s a good place to start. Follow Tech Tips and get your feet wet with someone who isn’t going to laugh if you make mistakes. Email subscribers receive bonus tips and product reviews. Be sure to follow me @trionaguidry on Twitter for breaking tech news and other geek goodies. If you’re not on Twitter you can visit my blog where you’ll find my Twitter feed in the right sidebar. Don’t know how to RSS? Check out my info on RSS here.

How are you planning to use mobility and social media in the new year? Comment and share your thoughts!

You’ve probably heard the buzz about SOPA and PIPA, a pair of bills being considered by Congress. Proponents of the bills say they are necessary to protect intellectual property rights. Opponents argue that SOPA is nothing more than censorship.

This usually isn’t an opinion blog, but on this one I have to take a stand. SOPA is an abomination that must not pass.

Some are urging a blackout as a protest against SOPA. I considered it, but decided not to. The purpose of this blog is to educate people about computers, and I can’t think of a better way to protest SOPA than providing the information you need to oppose it yourself.

The problems with SOPA and PIPA are many, censorship being the main issue. But there are technical problems with these bills that make them cumbersome and ineffective. They might actually make the Internet less secure by interfering with standards that exist to keep it that way (e.g. DNSSEC). As an IT expert and an advocate of free speech, I oppose these bills and encourage you to do the same.

There’s plenty of news coverage out there, and I’ve gathered some that help explain the SOPA/PIPA debate.

This one has a list of the sponsors, so you known whom to contact.

• PCMag: The Right Way To Protest SOPA (John C. Dvorak)

And this one will let you contact your legislators too.

• Public Knowledge: This Bill Seriously Screws With The Internet

More information here:

• reddit: A technical examination of SOPA and PROTECT IP [aka PIPA]
• The Register: A preview of SOPA: Web shut down before my eyes
• PCMag: Top Five Objections To SOPA, PIPA
• PCMag: Where Do You Stand On SOPA, PIPA? (interviews with PCMag staff on the issue)

And, I can’t conclude without pointing out that, as always, you need to make sure you’re clicking on bona-fide resources regarding SOPA and not some malware scam taking advantage of the headlines.

• eWeek: SOPA Web Protests Sure To Inspire Malware Distribution Scams

What do you think of SOPA and PIPA? Do you support or oppose them, and why?

Ever type the wrong Web address by mistake? Did you know that cybercriminals snatch up typoed domains in order to create tempting lookalikes?

Typosquatting is the practice of registering a domain that is a typo of a common site, like goole.com instead of google.com. Most people don’t notice their typos, especially if they land on a site that looks similar to the one they expect. While some of these typoed sites are innocuous, others can contain everything from malware to password harvesters.

Security firm Sophos did an interesting study of typosquatting, and concluded that malware is actually the least of your problems if you wind up on a mistyped site. However, that’s not to say you shouldn’t be concerned about viruses.

More worrisome is the old bait-and-switch game. Sophos describes a situation in which you mistype apple.com and end up on a lookalike page that invites you to download iTunes. Except it’s not iTunes, it’s a site offering “unlimited music downloads.” And it doesn’t even give you that much, just access to some online forums of questionable value.

Another example of bait-and-switch is the brand ripoff. Many of the typos for search engine Google go to search engines that aren’t Google, but use the Google logo and serve up “results” that earn clickthrough cash for the squatters. Fake competitions and surveys also bring in the dough.

How can you avoid typosquatting?

• Be careful what you type.
• Check the address bar to confirm the site you’re on.
• If things don’t look right, quit your browser and try again.
• Hover over links without clicking and look at the status bar at the bottom to see where they go.
• Use bookmarks to avoid typos.
• Don’t rely on history instead of bookmarks, in case mistyped links linger there. (History shows where you’ve visited, bookmarks are shortcuts to links you visit frequently.)
• Don’t try to click through a mistyped site to get to the real page, even if you are offered a link to do so. Quit your browser and start again.

In February I’ll give you the inside secrets on How To Ditch Your Computer For An iPad. And if you’re not receiving Tech Tips by email, you’re missing out on bonus tips, tricks, and product reviews. Subscribe free to Tech Tips, and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @trionaguidry for breaking computer news and other geeky stuff.

There’s a big debacle going on in the tech world. It seems that CNet aka download.com, purveyors of downloadable software, took a very popular geek tool called Nmap and wrapped their version of the free installer with the installer for some junky browser toolbar. Two of my favorite tech sites, The Register and Sophos Naked Security, have good descriptions of the situation.

The author of Nmap is a well-known Net.denizen named Fyodor, who is justifiably steamed. His response:

“The problem is that users often just click through installer screens, trusting that download.com gave them the real installer and knowing that the Nmap project wouldn’t put malicious code in our installer. Then the next time the user opens their browser, they find that their computer is hosed with crappy toolbars, Bing searches, Microsoft as their home page, and whatever other shenanigans the software performs! The worst thing is that users will think we (Nmap Project) did this to them!”

He has an excellent point. I can tell you that any customer I’ve ever worked with would be irate indeed to have their computer messed up by a stupid junky toolbar they never wanted. But what should you, as a consumer, do about good software that comes bundled with junk?

Go to the original download source
Don’t rely on aggregate sites like CNet for your software. Instead, go directly to the web site of the program’s developers. You’ll often find a more recent version there, as well as better support options. This also eliminates the problem of poisoned search engine results when searching for programs (links that look legit but lead to virus-laden sites).

Look at the window before you click
In the Nmap case, the installer for the Babylon browser bar makes it look like you have to install it before you can install Nmap. When installing software, look very carefully for obscure checkboxes and buttons. Most of these installers stealthily install their junk by either making the opt-out checkbox hard to find, or by making the junk look like a necessary part of the install.

In the Nmap case, if you click Accept you’re only accepting the junk because this is the wrapper; you haven’t even gotten to the real installer yet. As Fyodor said, most people will click this then wonder why their Web browser isn’t working. Then they’ll have to find somebody who knows how to remove this kind of junk, because you have to remove ALL of it or it will continue to mess up your computer.

Make your voice heard
If you spot software that is bundled with junk, let the manufacturer know how disgusted you are. Keep your friends and colleagues informed by sending them a link to this article and letting them know about the menace of stealthy junk software.

You should not ever have to install a piece of junk to install the program you want – and if the program you want won’t let you do it any other way, find a different program. Shame on you, CNet. And kudos to developers like Fyodor who actually care about the end users.

(Photo of awesome Tron “I Fight For The Users” shirt from ThinkGeek. And no, I’m not getting any affiliate rewards for telling you that. I just like both the shirt and the store.)

Since the 1980s I’ve been fixing computers that won’t start up, won’t print, or can’t find files. The Internet adds an extra level of complexity, but we’re still facing the same basic tech support problems.

1. Your computer won’t start up.
There are three possibilities: your computer isn’t getting any power, it can’t find the hard drive, or there’s something wrong with your system software. The latter is by far the most common, and may be the result of a virus, a program conflict, or just bad luck.

First, try powering your computer down. If it doesn’t start up, follow the prompts on the screen. But don’t expect your PC to work properly in Safe Mode, which is meant as a diagnostic tool only. Once you’re in you need to find what caused the error and fix it. Likely suspects are new programs or devices. Run your virus scanner not just once, but several times. If your startup failure is caused by a virus you may need a tool like Malwarebytes to get rid of it completely. Reboot several times to make sure things are working, and make an immediate backup (but don’t overwrite the old one in case you still need it).

2. You can’t print.
Once again, three possibilities: the printer has no power, it’s not connected to the computer, or there’s a software error. Let’s assume you’ve tried rebooting and you’ve checked the cables. If you’ve printed successfully in the past, then it’s probably a problem with the software or file. Try a different file as well as a different program. You can look up any error messages or misbehavior on the printer’s support site. As a last resort you can unplug your printer, remove its software, and reinstall according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Your data is missing.
The default directory for Windows XP files is My Documents. In Vista and Windows 7 it’s Documents, as it is for Mac users. But this is just the default location; files can be saved almost anywhere. If your file or folder isn’t where you expect, try searching for it by name or date.

What if all your data is gone? If your desktop also looks different, you may be logged in under the wrong account. Check under the Start menu in Windows or the Apple menu on a Mac to see your login name.

In the previous case the data was simply misplaced. What if it really is gone? The sooner you try to recover a file, the better your chances of success, although it’s far easier to recover from a backup. In truly grim situations you might have to send your drive to a data recovery service.

4. You can’t get on the Internet.
Sometimes it’s not your Internet connection, just one specific program. But if none of your Internet applications are working and a reboot doesn’t help, it’s time for some diagnostics.

First, check your cables and the lights on our router and/or DSL modem. As I explained in a previous article, you should familiarize yourself with what “normal” looks like for your setup so you know what “not normal” looks like. Power everything off and back on, wait a few moments, and try again.

If it’s a wireless problem you may be able to connect with a wire, and this is a good way to determine if it’s just the wireless or the whole network.

5. You can’t open an attachment.
This almost always means your computer doesn’t know which program to use. You should be able to open anything with a common file type: TXT, DOC, PDF, JPG. But you might receive an attachment created in a program you don’t have. One common example of this is receiving a DOCX file, the new Word format that replaced DOC. If you can’t open DOCX files you either need a plug-in for your word processing program (typically free to download) or the person who created the file needs to resave as DOC.

Once you get the hang of common tech support problems, they waste less of your time.

If you’re worried about your kids’ Internet safety, you’re not alone. The rapid pace of tech innovation often leaves parents feeling lost, but the latest parental control software gives you the ability to keep up with the trends.

One of my current favorites is a freebie from an old friend. Symantec’s Norton Online Family lets you protect all the computers in your house from one convenient web-based control panel. What’s nice about Norton Online Family is that it works with both PC and Mac. First, set up your initial account on the Online Family web site, then add accounts for each child based on age. You’ll receive emails notifying you of any blocked sites or unwanted activity, and as the parental administrator you can permit or deny sites as you prefer. The default settings work great for blocking popups and ads on the sites your kids visit. And did I mention, it’s free?

There are some other freebies available to you if you have Windows 7 or Mac OS X Snow Leopard or Lion. The latest versions of these systems include improved parental control features.

I’m often asked if kids can get past parental controls. Of course they can, if they try hard enough. Using your computer’s built-in features offers resistance to “accidental” attempts to disarm the safeties, but I think a better deterrent is good old-fashioned communication. Even using the term “parental control software” can put your teen into a combative stance. Instead, call it what it is: part of your Internet safety arsenal. There are good reasons to protect kids’ computers that have nothing to do with parental trust. Stuff you don’t want will appear on even the most innocuous sites, or the sites themselves can be redirected somewhere unsavory. With parental control software you have an added level of protection on top of your antivirus software.

In my column in today’s Northwest Herald I talk about the risks of using older systems like Windows XP:

Now, think about poor Windows XP. Itʼs 10 years old, so the criminals have had ample opportunity to discover and exploit its weaknesses. Antivirus programs arenʼt as effective as their counterparts for Windows Vista and 7 because Windows XP canʼt run the newer features.

Vital new versions of programs such as Internet Explorer arenʼt available for Windows XP, and to make matters worse, just having the old version of the program on your computer renders you even more vulnerable to viruses.

Yet weʼre using this ancient, bug-riddled system to share all sorts of personal information. Itʼs like leaving your brand-new iPhone on the seat of a beat-up car with broken locks. The forced upgrade cycle is true for any computer system, including Macs, tablets, smart phones and other devices. Technological advances result in new security risks, which in turn result in eventual obsolescence.

When you don’t plan your computer expenses, you end up buying whatever’s on the shelf and paying more than you might have otherwise. Usually it’s because your existing computer has crashed and you’re in a crisis, which is not the best time to be making decisions about big expenditures. What if you watched the sales, waiting for the right computer at the right price? What if you planned your computer upgrade instead of having it forced on you when you least expect it? We all get into firefighting mode when it comes to our computers and sometimes it doesn’t occur to us that there might be an easier, less stressful way.

I think the best time to do an upgrade is during your least busy season. If it’s a big upgrade you might even want to consider telling your customers your office is closed for a short time. It’s far easier to focus on your computer infrastructure if you’re not fielding calls, and the time saved in reduced computer problems will more than make up for any lost productivity.

If you’re a consumer, the most important message to take home is this: An old computer is a dangerous computer. Don’t let cybercriminals ruin your life by stealing your identity, and make it harder for them to hurt others by keeping your own computer protections in place.

You may think you’re using your computer to read yet another fabulous Tech Tips article, but in reality you are fighting a war in which the cybercriminals are the winners and the rest of us are the losers.

Cybercriminals, as I’ve discussed before, use innocent victims to do their dirty work. They write viruses that commandeer your computer, create malicious lookalike Web sites that harvest your passwords, and hijack your accounts so they can send crud to all your contacts. It’s one area of the economy that’s, sadly, thriving. And the only person who can protect you is you. (Well, I’ll help, but you have to do your part.)

You know the drill: use good security software, keep your passwords strong and your software updated. But there’s something else you can do: educate your family, friends, neighbors, casual acquaintances, even complete strangers about the need for computer security.

The biggest problem consumers and small businesses face is not lack of information about computer security, but lack of usable information. You’ll hear plenty of news stories about viruses or cyber attacks. Some of them even include a few tidbits about what you can do to protect yourself, but few explain that computer security is a mindset. Just as you have to be aware of your surroundings when you walk down the street, you have to be aware of Internet threats and take action to avoid them.

Why not start today by asking a friend to join you in a conscious effort to become more security-aware? You’ll appreciate the results.

I often mention the importance of strong, unique passwords. Let’s practice those skills with a pop quiz. Watch out for multiple answers and trick questions!

1. Which of the following are strong passwords?

A. iloveyou

B. 123456

C. I’m2Cool

D. 654321

2. Why should your password be unique on every site?

A. Otherwise you can’t log in.

B. It’s an Internet law.

C. To make using the computer even more annoying.

D. If your password for one account is breached, the others won’t be affected.

3. A secure way to manage your passwords is:

A. To write them down on a piece of paper.

B. To write them down on a piece of paper kept in a locked drawer.

C. To keep them in a Word or Excel file.

D. To use a password management program.

4. You receive a call from someone saying they’re from tech support and need your password so they can fix the problems you reported with your computer. Do you give it to them?

A. No. It’s probably a hacker in disguise.

B. Yes. Tech support needs your password to fix your computer.

5. You should change your passwords:

A. Once a week

B. Once a month

C. Once a quarter

D. Once a year

And here are your answers:

1. C. According to a study by Imperva, the others are all commonly used passwords (and if you use any of these you should change them immediately). “I’m2Cool” is a decent password. It has a mix of upper- and lower-case letters plus numbers and symbols.

2. D. Making your passwords unique for every account and site protects you because even if hackers gain access to one of them, they won’t be able to get into the others. (Although C may also apply!)

3. B and D. Sticking a written password reminder on your wall is both common and dangerous. Similarly, keeping your passwords in a Word or Excel file isn’t a good idea because it’s ridiculously easy to gain access to the content of these files even if they’re password-protected.

4. A. You should never give out your password via phone, email or any other method. Tech support doesn’t need your password to fix problems, and gaining information via the old-fashioned telephone is a common hacker tactic.

5. I usually recommend C (once a quarter), but if you want to do it once a week or once a month I certainly won’t stop you. Once a year is not often enough. And remember not to rotate between the same two or three passwords, another common trend that renders your passwords less than useless.