Trojans, Spybots and Viruses – Oh My!

I am often asked, “Does anti-virus software really work?” or “I have anti-virus software, why did I get a virus?” or “Do I really need anti-virus software?”

The answer is like driving without a seatbelt or getting a flu shot.  There are no guarantees, no silver bullets.  Anti-virus software is a protective measure to help aid and assist in reducing the chance of infection.

Question one:  “Does anti-virus software really work”? 

Answer:  Anti-virus works within reason.

Anti-virus software has to be installed, it has to be updated (or renewed) and you have to be aware of what you are protecting.  What I mean is, if you have some basic protection that lets you know you have an infected file and the software isn’t updated, then you may not have current protection against the new stuff.

Question two:  “I have anti-virus software, why did I get a virus?”

Answer:  Anti-virus software is a protective measure, but not a guarantee.

If you are constantly on the web viewing You-Tube, Facebook, etc. – you are constantly opening video files that your computer may not be protected against.  I compare this to having an alarm on your house – you will get notified if someone comes through a closed door or window.  But if you open that window (like being on the internet), something can sneak through without detection.

Question one:  ‘Do I really need anti-virus software?”

Answer:  It depends.

As long as you are not using your computer for accessing the internet, getting email or opening files from other people – then you should be fine.  Otherwise, anti-virus software is advisable.

The bottom line – it is more effective to have anti-virus software than not.  And remember, please wear your seat belts!  The flu shot…well, that’s your call.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Free Wi-Fi

I have a friend that travels a lot.  She travels so much, that she knows which airports have Starbucks and which ones don’t.  You don’t want to hear from her at the end of a long week, from an airport that doesn’t have Starbucks…but that’s another blog.

One of the things that I hear about a lot, (besides the Starbucks) is free Wi-Fi accessibility in airports and hotels (or the lack of it).  While on the road, she constantly has to check in, check flights, check email, etc. and it is frustrating that the most expensive hotels charge for Wi-Fi, while the less expensive ones offer access for free.  And why don’t all airports offer free Wi-Fi?  People have time to kill and time to surf while waiting for the always prompt airlines.   Free internet access would be wonderful - especially during the winter, when flights are delayed.  Let the people watch Hulu or YouTube.  The little televisions running CNN just don’t cut in for some mindless entertainment.  But I digress…

While I understand the desire for internet access at the drop of the hat, I often have to remind myself (and my friends) of the inherent dangers that involve free Wi-Fi.

Finding available Wi-Fi networks is a good thing in this digitally connected age, but you have to remember that it's a lot more vulnerable than your wired or secured home connection.  So if you're using someone else's Wi-Fi network, be careful about which of your website accounts you access.

Research shows that free wireless public networks located in airports and other public places are ripe for exploitation by hackers. The ability to set up fake "free" Wi-Fi hotspots in public places and potentially use them to steal sensitive data, such as online banking passwords or personal information, is alarmingly easy to do. In fact, hacker Web sites provide instructions on how such frauds can be accomplished.

While free Wi-Fi may be safer for secure websites, highly sensitive activities should only be performed from your own computer. A public computer should not be trusted for anything but casual surfing.  This applies to airports, hotels, malls, parks, and coffee places.

So now, in addition to long check-in and security lines, my friend has one more thing to be anxious about - the identity thieves.  But don’t tell her…not unless she had her Starbucks first!

Have you had any problems with using free wi-fi?  Post your comments and share your thoughts.

Have Flash Drive Will Travel

I am often asked about my constant companion…the flash drive.  For me, it is the portable briefcase, my mini hard drive.  It contains my most used documents and “tools” that I use for work.  Like a familiar commercial says, “I don’t leave home without it.”

I am often asked, “How long does it take for a flash drive to wear out”?

As always, there is no easy answer to this question. The truth is that despite all the protections and features of a modern USB flash drive, it will wear out eventually.

It’s because of how a flash drive works. When data is stored in a flash drive, it is loaded into its memory and then a charge (flash) is sent to the device telling it to retain that information. As soon as the memory is “flashed”, it is capable of retaining that data even after all the power has been removed from the device.

This is what makes the flash drive so useful and versatile. The downside to this process is that a flash drive can only be “flashed” a limited number of times.

Most flash drive manufacturers put that number at around 10,000 to 100,000 times. However, some studies estimate that recent flash drives can tolerate millions of flashes before they wear out. This means that a newly bought brand name flash drive can last for years of daily use before it fails. Moreover, even if the flash drive fails you may still be able to read data from it, you just won’t be able to write any new data to it.

Here are a few tips that will increase the life expectancy of your flash drive.

Always backup your flash drive data on a computer.

Don’t use disk intensive applications (compression programs, installers, databases) from your flash drive. They will constantly write to the drive, severely reducing its life expectancy. A flash drive’s primary role is to copy files between computers. If you use it just for that, it will last you a very long time.

Slowdowns and read/write errors can be considered warning signs that a flash drive is about to fail.

Your flash drive can be a valuable asset.  It is a small data set to back up (even the larger flash drives). Don’t lose your documents because you didn’t take a few minutes to save your data.

Out with the Old, In with the New - Part 2

I understand if you never want to upgrade your desktop computer because everything works for you – even if it is slow, but let’s look at that huge screen on your desk!  If you are still using a large monitor, commonly referred to as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), it is time that you do yourself a favor and pitch it!

You can purchase a nice 19-20 inch flat panel screen (Flat panel screens include plasma, LCD and LED and are normally about 5 inches deep). They also weigh considerable less than the CRT monitor that has taken over most of your desk.  The cost for a decent monitor can range in price, but if you watch sales, you can grab a decent flat panel screen for $100 - $130.

Caution – be careful when removing the CRT monitor, as they are extremely heavy.  They must also be disposed of at an electronics dump. (Check your local paper for information).

When you turn on your new flat panel screen – you will be amazed at the color, how light it was and how much more of your desk you have recouped!

I understand that you may not want to spend the money, but look at it as an investment.  Not only are you upgrading your equipment, but with this purchase you gained a little “real estate” - even if it was just on your desk.

Out with the Old, In with the New

I often wonder why people are willing to hang onto a computer, much past its usefulness – trying constantly to upgrade it or improve it.  The bottom line is that a computer’s shelf life is limited (like everything else in life) and there comes a time that you need to let go and get some new equipment.

Now I realize in today’s economy, that I would never want someone to be frivolous and extravagant and just buy the latest computer because they actually read what I write (although that would be cool).  There are many reasons that people are so reluctant to let go of the old dinosaur.  Some of them are:

·         Technology – with so many choices on the market, what does someone choose?

·         Education – new computers usually mean new operating system and navigation

·         Programs – unfortunately, when you get a new computer, the data can be transferred, but the programs must be reinstalled

·         Data – how much do you have, do you need it all and can you transfer it?

·         Financial – technology costs money and the latest technology costs the most

If we look at this list and analyze it – it should be easy to make the decision to update to something current.  For purposes of meeting the masses, my analysis will deal with PC/Windows computers.

·         Technology – Dual core, Quad core, I3, I5, I7? How much Ram?  How big a Hard Drive?  Find someone that you trust and knows how you plan using your computer.

·         Education – Windows 7 is the latest Operating System by Microsoft.  It far exceeds the performance of Vista.  In this case, take the leap and go to Windows 7

·         Programs – Data can be transferred but programs are not.  A new computer means installing (or re-installing) them.  Are they compatible with the new operating system?  Do you still have them?  Do you own them?  Sometimes a new computer means purchasing new programs.

·         Data – You have it.  Do you still need it, use it?  When transferring your data, most people transfer docs, music, photos.  Don’t forget your favorites, your email, your contacts and calendar?  This might be an area to find that trusted professional.

·         Financial – Yes, a new computer will cost some money, but if you consider how much you use it and how long it might last, it might be an easier pill to swallow.  If you can get a computer for $600 and it lasts 6 years – is the $100 per year easier to consider?

Taking the plunge when considering a new computer is not always easy, but it can be an educational experience if you are willing to have someone help you and walk you through it.

Personally, I like to work with people and determine how they plan on using their computer.  After that, it’s a matter picking the options and making the purchase.  Just think - you will also be doing your part to help stimulate the economy!

To Power Off or Not to Power Off…That is the Question

Many people ask me whether it is better to shut their computer off or leave it on.  Well, my answer is very much like my previous blog (Sometime you feel like a Mac, sometimes you don’t).  This is one of those questions where there is no single right answer. In other words, it depends on how you use your computer.

There are at some situations that may force you to leave your computer on 24 hours a day:

• You are on a network, and the network administrators back up files and/or upgrade software over the network at night. If that is the case, and you want your machine backed up or upgraded, then you need to leave it on all the time.
• You are using your machine as some sort of server. If your machine acts as a file server, print server, Web server, etc., on a LAN (local area network) or the Internet, then you need to leave it on all the time.

Other reasons to leave it on are:

• For daily updates
• For daily scheduled maintenance tasks
• Full virus and or spyware scans
• Sharing files on network or online
• Downloading large files like movies

If you do not fall into any of these categories, then you have a choice about whether or not to leave your machine on.

Why people turn off their computers at night:

• Save energy
• Let the computer take a break and cool down
• To take the computer offline to avoid any security issues
• Protect from power surges (although the computer is still vulnerable to power surges if it's not hooked up to a surge protector)

So what is the right answer?  The problem is that there's no real clear answer.

It really depends on your usage.  The user who uses their computer perhaps for a few hours a day would most likely turn it off, or put it into standby, when it's not going to be used for a few hours or more. And that's simply to minimize power use. It's also not a big deal if they don't.

Those people that use their computers throughout the day (or night) find it easier to leave it on and have it available when needed without waiting for it to boot up (although the occasional reboot is advised – at least once a week).

Personally, I make the decision based on how I use my computers. Since I access my computers often and all times of the day and night - my computers are on 24 hours a day.  And more importantly, over night they all execute critical back-up and synchronization, updates and anti-virus definitions that I rely on.

Sometimes you feel like a Mac, Sometimes you don’t

Differences of opinions have always occurred throughout time.  Be it the North or the South, Republican or Democrat, gas or diesel, paper or plastic, smooth or crunchy, plain or peanut – people have always taken sides and had their followers.

These days, when it comes to computers, we hear the pros and cons about PC and Mac.  Traditionally, corporate America has been PC users and educators and graphics people have chosen Mac.  Can the two co-exist or do you have to make a choice?

Some of the arguments for Mac are:

• Macs give you the ability to run OS X and Windows both (legally).
• Macs are less prone to computer viruses, although they can get viruses.
• Apple uses quality parts to manufacture Macs.
• Macs are trendsetting, designed well, and visually appealing.
•  Macs give you out of the box access to the iTunes Store, if you are an iPod or iPhone user.
• Out of the box, Macs are not loaded with trials and additional software.
• Apple has top of the line phone support.

Some of the arguments for PC are:

• You can build a PC from the ground up, picking each individual component. PCs give you maximum customizability.
• PCs are generally cheaper in price. You can get the same processor, amount of RAM, and hard drive capacity for much cheaper with a PC.
• PCs have better software compatibility. You can find practically any software for PC. Macs are more limited in selection.
• PCs generally have better backwards compatibility. You can run Windows 7 on a 5 year old PC. You cannot run Snow Leopard on a Power Mac G5.
• More people use PCs. Thus, PCs have a larger support community behind them.
• The majority of businesses use PCs.
• PCs are better for gaming.
• PCs have more compatible accessories than Macs.
• PCs are more upgradable.

So, which one is better? It's all personal preference. Whether or not you agree, that is the best answer. Both of them have some great advantages. You’ve seen the commercial, “I’m a Mac…I’m a PC” – that’s the way of the world, although I suppose the well adjusted person has both PC and Mac!  Regardless of your choice, it is like everything else…it's all an opinion, a preference, a choice.

By the way, in case you are wondering…I prefer creamy peanut butter, but M&M’s with nuts!  Go figure!

It's Social Media; do you know where your children are?

Baby boomers will remember the Public Service Announcement that came on every evening.  “It’s eleven o’clock; do you know where your children are?”

Of course, that was during the 60’s and 70’s, and most kids were already tucked in their beds, dreaming of Big Wheels and Barbies.  Life seemed simple enough.

Fast forward to 2011; Today, life is moving so rapidly, kids are seemingly more mature and have access to every technology that Flash Gordon only dreamed of.

The biggest “player” in the social media market is the phenomenon called “Facebook”.  It is a likable communication application that makes getting in touch and finding old friends a possibility.  Facebook has been credited with bringing long lost relatives to happy reunions.

I am not opposed to being social (although, many that know me would probably disagree), but my warning to parents is to offer advice to your children like they did on “Hill Street Blues” – “Let’s be careful out there!”

If your child has a Facebook account – you need one, too.  You also need to be included as their “friend”.  It is one way to keep involved in their activities.  If they refuse to make you a “friend” – then refuse their access to Facebook.  After all, what do they have to hide?

Here are the issues I have with people (not just kids) sharing too much information via social media (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc).

1)   Cyberbullying - involves deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others.

2)   Announcing your family vacation – attention areas burglars…we’ll be gone and the house will be vacant.

3)   Announcing that you are meeting your friends at the mall, restaurant, movies, etc. and wondering why the guy that has been stalking you shows up.

4)   Lesson from Tiger/Brett, etc. – when you text, email or share pictures via the Internet, it is there for all to see – even years later when you want to run for public office, be on American Idol or any other career that doesn’t need more publicity than it already gets.

5)   Finding a job or going to college – Since posting to social media is “public domain”, colleges and employers often peruse the Internet to determine what kind of student/employee they can expect. 

And just a little advice…if you already have a job, don’t call in sick and then post on your Facebook how drunk you got last night!

Cars Vs. Computers

I noticed that the little sticker on my car windshield that indicates that it’s just about time for an oil change.  It’s funny how we pay so much attention to our car and its maintenance, but we don’t do the same for our computers.

These days, almost everyone owns a computer.   It is a must-have, like a car.  With our cars, we seem to remember to change the oil; we notice strange noises, indicator lights and take care of that infamous 60,000 mile tune up.  Our computers are not so lucky even though we may use them more often than our cars - especially if you telecommute!

With our computers, we travel all over the internet.  Computers are responsible for our email, family calendars, schedules, pictures, music and those bizarre you-tube videos.  We rarely consider that there are thousands of temporary file fragments being strewn all over our precious hard drives every time we go surfing.  We forget to apply software updates and our virus scan software is often out of date.  But when our computers come to a crawl or don’t work at all – we freak out!  We keep a lot of stuff in that little box but don’t think about doing a bit of maintenance once in a while.  We never worry until it’s too late!

Regular maintenance for your computer will keep it going strong.  A little TLC – starting with some “housekeeping” on a monthly basis will help.  Delete files you don’t need any more.  Configure Windows Updates to install automatically.  Make a backup copy of all of your important files and store them on a DVD in a safe place.

Schedule regular maintenance for your computer using post-it notes, email reminders or put in on the Outlook calendar!  So, the next time you notice that little sticker on your windshield or change the oil on your car, think about your computer.  Maybe a computer checkup now and then will keep you traveling safe on the “information super highway”.