Triona's Tech Tips

The real Microsoft Security Essentials is a free tool that helps protect your computer from viruses and other threats. A fake antivirus program is using the Security Essentials name to spread its infections.

Fake antivirus programs are viruses that purport to be legitimate security software. It can be very difficult to tell the tricksters from the real deal. In this case, if you run across something claiming to be “Security Essentials 2010“, stay far away.

Like other fake antivirus programs, this particular rogue hijacks your computer and prevents you from accessing the web sites of legitimate antivirus vendors. It uses hyperbole to convince you that your computer is infected, then tries to con you into paying for removal. Such tricks are becoming more common. I’ve previously written about the odious Win Antivirus 2010, a rogue that really raised the bar on how far these con artists will go in order to make money at your expense.

By itself, Microsoft Security Essentials (the real one) is not adequate security software. You need something more robust like the free or paid versions of AVG, or Trend Micro or McAfee. I’m still not recommending Norton because it’s such a memory hog, but use it if you must. Also be careful if you look for for antivirus programs via a search engine, as the con artists hijack search results to spread their dangerous look-alikes.

My tech column in today’s Northwest Herald is about how to protect your passwords and your privacy on the Internet. Remember, to create strong passwords:

• 6 to 12 characters in length
• Mix of lower- and uppercase letters and numbers
• Symbols if allowed
• Not easily identifiable (your spouse, your kids, your dog)
• Create a passphrase
  • fourscore and seven years ago = 4Score&7Yrs (don’t use this one!)
• Different password for every account
• Change your passwords regularly, at least every 3 months
• Don’t re-use or cycle through the same set of passwords
• You can write them down, but keep them in a safe place

No one is immune to having their accounts compromised, and weak passwords are often the method. So take some time this weekend to secure your world by setting strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.

Here are links to the resources I mentioned in the article (they’re all free):

• About the Twitter worm
• KeePass password manager, available for Windows, Mac, and smart phones
• ExpandURL for expanding shortened links
• McAfee SiteAdvisor
  • and, in a similar vein, LinkExtend for Firefox

If you found this information helpful, sign up for my free Tech Tips newsletter and continue to learn how to get the most out of your PC or Mac computer. Click here to subscribe or send email to techtips-request-at-guidryconsulting-dot-com, subject “subscribe”.

After a well-publicized incident in which Internet Explorer 6 was implicated in the hacks against Google and other high-tech firms in China, Microsoft is releasing an emergency fix for Internet Explorer, and begging users to upgrade to newer versions.

Today’s emergency fix is for Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 8, particularly under Windows XP although Vista and Windows 7 are also affected. This chart shows the risk potential and illustrates why upgrading to the latest version of Internet Explorer is vital to protecting your computer against viruses.

It also illustrates what I mentioned in my recent Northwest Herald column: that the older a program is, the more vulnerable it is to viruses and other Internet threats. The hack on Google involved “spear phishing”, a targeted campaign in which fake emails appeared to be from people the victims knew. The victims were therefore lured into clicking on infected PDF and Microsoft Office documents they might not otherwise have opened. These documents infected the computers with malware using holes in Internet Explorer 6 and other programs. There is some question as to why these companies were using a version of IE well-known to be vulnerable.

This incident is a good reminder for businesses and consumers to monitor their software versions and consider switching to an alternate web browser. It’s also a reminder to be wary of opening attachments even if they appear to be from someone you know.

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”.

Starting in 2010, I’m writing a monthly technology column for The Northwest Herald. In January’s column, Old Software Poses Risk Of Viruses, I talk about how outdated versions of your software can open the floodgates. Here are some previous Tech Tips articles on how you can protect yourself:

• Old Versions Of Internet Explorer Vulnerable To Viruses
• Fall In Love With Secunia Personal Software Inspector
• Mozilla Firefox Expands Check For Unsafe Plug-Ins
• No Click Required: Malware Via Infected Ads

Below you’ll find links to related resources including those mentioned in the column.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader updates
• Flash updates
• Mozilla Firefox plug-in check
• Microsoft Update for Windows, Office, Internet Explorer
• Apple Software Updates for Mac OS, iTunes, Safari, iPhone and iPod
• Secunia Online Software Inspector for Windows

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”.

It’s eight-thirty in the morning. You’ve got a big meeting at nine… and your printer jams. What can you do?

Printer jams are often caused by paper residue. Compressed air can keep your printer clean. It’s also important to use good quality paper. The cheap stuff leaves more residue and is more likely to jam the printer.

If you still can’t print but there’s no jam, try turning your computer and printer off, then back on. If that doesn’t work, check the cables. Your printer’s software may also give an indication of the problem. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of changing your default printer. In Windows XP, go to the Control Panel, then Printers And Faxes. Look for Printers under Hardware And Sound in Windows Vista, or Devices and Printers in Windows 7. Right-click on the printer you want and select Set As Default. On a Mac, go to System Preferences under the Apple menu and choose Print & Fax and change Selected Printer In Print Dialog.

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”.

This week Microsoft announced versions and pricing for Office 2010, slated to be released in June. But the big question is… will anyone buy it?

Interest in new versions of Office has waned over the years. Office 2007 disappointed businesses and consumers alike by replacing tried-and-true menus with the Ribbon Toolbar, a feature I have yet to hear anyone say they actually like.

Microsoft Office 2007 Ribbon Toolbar

Microsoft also changed the default Office file formats in version 2007, forcing users to scramble for compatibility filters in order to open .docx, .xlsx and .pptx files. Combined with the fact that most of Office 2007’s new features required a Windows Server environment, and you’ve got a recipe for Office ennui.

Perhaps we’ve hit a plateau in the number of features that can be included in a productivity suite like Office. How many more bells and whistles do we need? Unless Office 2010 offers some serious benefits, I don’t think many people are going to be interested. If you want to see what it offers, you can visit the Microsoft Office 2010 web site. Personally I don’t see anything that has me falling out of my chair.

And that creates another problem: security. As we’ve seen, the older a program is, the more likely its weaknesses can be exploited by viruses and other threats. For example, users of Office 2000 are compelled to upgrade, not because they need a bigger feature set, but because Microsoft no longer fixes security problems with old software versions. It becomes a non-choice: Upgrade, or have your computers rendered unusable by viruses.

The Web-based version of Office 2010 might get more takers, if only because of the popularity of Google Docs. But, as I’ve said before, I’m not so sure I’d trust my data to the cloud (e.g. the Internet).

Are you planning to evaluate Microsoft Office 2010? Do you intend to stick with your current version of Office, or are you using one of the free alternatives like OpenOffice? What do you think the success of Office 2010 will be?

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!

Each holiday season I try to give you some fun and innovative gift ideas. These aren’t paid ads, they’re simply gadgets I’ve run across that I think you might like.

One of my favorites this year is the ioSafe Solo, a hard drive built to resist water and fire. It has a large capacity and is a great choice for a backup drive in case of a business disaster. www.iosafe.com

I also like the NovoThink surge, an iPhone case that includes a hybrid solar charger. www.novothink.com

Mobile mavens may enjoy the Verizon MiFi 2200, which offers WiFi access via Verizon’s 3G network. No more searching for hotspots! www.verizonwireless.com

For the graphic designer on your list there’s ColorMunki, which helps maintain consistent color across all of your software and devices. It’s great for anyone who needs exact color matching for advertising or other purposes. www.xrite.com

Finally, clean your computer with the DataVac Electric Duster from Metrovac. This handy tool replaces canned air products with a cordless fan designed for use on computers and other electronics. www.metrovacworld.com

In January we’ll talk about Fixing Printer Problems. 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.

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.

If you are using an old version of Internet Explorer, your PC is more vulnerable to viruses and spyware.

The current version of Internet Explorer (IE) is version 8, but I routinely encounter computers running version 7 or–heaven help us–version 6. Upgrading isn’t a matter of wanting all the bells and whistles. It’s a security necessity.

The longer a piece of software is publicly available, the easier it is for hackers to design viruses or spyware to exploit its weaknesses. Also, newer software benefits from advances in security research. By running the most current version, you boost your protections.

I advocate that you break the Internet Explorer habit by using an alternate web browser like Firefox. But you still need to keep up to date on your Internet Explorer patches. Because IE is a component of Windows, you are vulnerable even if you don’t use it. One rare reason you might not want to upgrade to IE8 is if you have software that isn’t compatible. Unless this applies to you, you should consider the upgrade.

You can check your version of Internet Explorer within the program by selecting About Internet Explorer from the Help menu. To upgrade, visit update.microsoft.com or click here to go directly to the download. After you’ve installed, be sure to visit update.microsoft.com again to seek out the most recent security fixes for IE8. This will provide you maximum protection.

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the email version of Tech Tips for bonus tips, tricks and product reviews. Through December 31st, 2009, new subscribers will receive a special gift: my tip sheet on Creating Strong Passwords (PDF). Just click here to sign up.