This comes to us from the Kim Komando web site, a site worth checking daily for tips.
"Whether you like it or not, your information is available publicly. And this information is freely available online. Marketers and advertisers have teams dedicated to finding this information. They use it so they can sell you thing you likely don’t want.
There are many online directories. Some of these compile listed phone numbers. Others might also include your address. And still others serve up more personal information as sales leads. They scour public records for your information.
Public information can include records from courts, real estate registrations and voter registration. It can also include hunting permits and marriage or driver's licenses.
However, online directories aren't out to get you. In fact, they typically offer a way to opt out of their listings. But you have to find the exit.
I've already done some searching for you. Here are the opt-out pages for a few major directory sites:
555-1212.com
www.555-1212.com
Look near the bottom of the list on this page. Click on Opt-out or Change Request Policy for further instructions.
Anywho
www.anywho.com
Remove your phone number online or by mail.
Acxiom.com
www.acxiom.com
You can opt out of both ad tracking and the online directory from this page. Opting out of the directory requires that you fill out and mail in a form.
Network Advertising Initiative
www.networkadvertising.org
This site lets you opt out of a long list of advertising databases and trackers. Simply select all the sites you wish to opt out from. Then click Submit.
Intelius
www.intelius.com
You must fax documents proving your identity to remove listings. Detailed instructions are in the section labeled, "How to Remove your Information."
US Search
www.ussearch.comYou'll have to mail in a form to turn on PrivacyLock and block your listing."
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Blue screen of death and what it means
Today's blog post comes from the "Call That Girl" blog.
"So you get the “blue screen” or “blue screen of death”…what do you do now?
If you call someone, you may get this answer, “It’s your hard drive”
Or is it…???
I’ve troubleshooted many of these errors. Sometimes simple troubleshooting is all you need to do. Sometimes it’s a bad Windows update or a software glitch that caused the blue screen to happen. 2 calls this week in the shop proved that it was a Windows problem and we quickly resolved it by doing some magic in the shop, cost to the client? An easy $40 fix. Didn’t take much more than 30 minutes for us to repair it.
Here are a few tips for you to try yourself at home before bringing it into our shop.
If your computer turns on fine again, then test your USB plug-ins. (camera, webcam, printer, etc) If then all seems ok, go in and back up your information/data right away.
Again….if anything at this point fails, it could be a hard drive or a software issue. I don’t always think it’s a bad drive if it blue screens. Sometimes your computer just has a bump in the road and needs to be “reset”.
The troubleshooting tricks above often help figure out what may be causing the issue."
"So you get the “blue screen” or “blue screen of death”…what do you do now?
If you call someone, you may get this answer, “It’s your hard drive”
Or is it…???
I’ve troubleshooted many of these errors. Sometimes simple troubleshooting is all you need to do. Sometimes it’s a bad Windows update or a software glitch that caused the blue screen to happen. 2 calls this week in the shop proved that it was a Windows problem and we quickly resolved it by doing some magic in the shop, cost to the client? An easy $40 fix. Didn’t take much more than 30 minutes for us to repair it.
Here are a few tips for you to try yourself at home before bringing it into our shop.
- Start by turning off your computer
- Then unplug all your cords including monitor
- Let the computer sit for 20 minutes
- After 20 minutes, only plug in the power for the computer and monitor and turn it back on
- If it turns on and goes to the Windows start up screen, you may have a bad keyboard, mouse or USB external port issue
- Once it comes back on, if all seems ok…turn it back off
- Plug back in the keyboard and mouse. Turn it on again
If your computer turns on fine again, then test your USB plug-ins. (camera, webcam, printer, etc) If then all seems ok, go in and back up your information/data right away.
Again….if anything at this point fails, it could be a hard drive or a software issue. I don’t always think it’s a bad drive if it blue screens. Sometimes your computer just has a bump in the road and needs to be “reset”.
The troubleshooting tricks above often help figure out what may be causing the issue."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Spam Scam
Wow, look at this e-mail I found in my Inbox this morning. It got through Google's spam filter and Outlook's junk mail filters. It sure looks simple, to the point, and legitimate, but NEVER EVER reply to something like this. No company will EVER ask you to send this level of information, nor would they ask it of you over the phone.
NEVER SHARE YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION WITH ANYONE!
"From: Amazon.com [mailto:amazone@live.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2011 12:18 AM
Subject: Amazon Alert
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2011 12:18 AM
Subject: Amazon Alert
Dear Amazon Customer,
Kindly note that we are carrying out a routine check up on
all our account holders. This process is vital. For your account to be verified,
Kindly reply to this email by providing your Account Email, Account password,
Account Debit/Credit Card details and Card Security number (cvv).
Tracy Colemann
Customer Care Manager"
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Kaspersky: Fake Antivirus Scareware on the Rise
From Maximum PC:
"Fake antivirus software masquerading around as the real deal is quickly becoming one of the oldest (and most used) tricks in the malware manual, and for good reason. It's easy to dupe less savvy computer users, especially as these bogus programs have become adept at looking the part. The latest one making the rounds is a false AV scanner called Antivirus 8.
"Over the last few days, we received numerous reports of computers infected with fake antivirus (scareware)," Roel Schouwenberg, senior antivirus research for Kaspersky, wrote in a blog post. "The name of this particular culprit is Antivirus 8."
According to Schouwenberg, fake pop-ups related to the bogus application were appearing on users' systems while not actively using their PC. Instead, they were running as soon as ICQ began fetching/displaying new ads. As Schouwenberg explains it, malware writers went through the trouble of setting up servers that appear to be related to actual retail products, so to outsiders (like Kaspersky) looking in, it appears the 'store' was simply the victim of an attack and the dirty ads keep rolling.
"By making it look like their server got compromised, the criminals can claim it isn't them who's responsible for distributing the malware," Schouwenberg explains. "But rather someone else who hacked their server to spread malware. The ad distributor is very likely to simply give them a warning, which gives these criminals at least one more shot at infecting more machines."
How it works isn't really important here, as none of this is going to matter to inexperienced users in the first place. Instead, now might be a good time to remind family and friends -- the ones who seem to ring your number every couple weeks with a new computer problem -- not to fall for fake AV scams.
"
"Fake antivirus software masquerading around as the real deal is quickly becoming one of the oldest (and most used) tricks in the malware manual, and for good reason. It's easy to dupe less savvy computer users, especially as these bogus programs have become adept at looking the part. The latest one making the rounds is a false AV scanner called Antivirus 8.
"Over the last few days, we received numerous reports of computers infected with fake antivirus (scareware)," Roel Schouwenberg, senior antivirus research for Kaspersky, wrote in a blog post. "The name of this particular culprit is Antivirus 8."
According to Schouwenberg, fake pop-ups related to the bogus application were appearing on users' systems while not actively using their PC. Instead, they were running as soon as ICQ began fetching/displaying new ads. As Schouwenberg explains it, malware writers went through the trouble of setting up servers that appear to be related to actual retail products, so to outsiders (like Kaspersky) looking in, it appears the 'store' was simply the victim of an attack and the dirty ads keep rolling.
"By making it look like their server got compromised, the criminals can claim it isn't them who's responsible for distributing the malware," Schouwenberg explains. "But rather someone else who hacked their server to spread malware. The ad distributor is very likely to simply give them a warning, which gives these criminals at least one more shot at infecting more machines."
How it works isn't really important here, as none of this is going to matter to inexperienced users in the first place. Instead, now might be a good time to remind family and friends -- the ones who seem to ring your number every couple weeks with a new computer problem -- not to fall for fake AV scams.
"Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Are AOL Subscribers Dense?
Okay, that post title is not mine, even though many of you know that I have nagged enough of you about this. How or why anyone could still be paying AOL the monthly subscription rate is beyond me. Okay, I do realize that there are still some of you who are dial-up and maybe have no other option (still hard to believe), but read the dollar figures and look at the percentages in this Maximum PC article posted at their site today. I also don't understand why anyone would use AOL at all, subscription or not, but that's just me.
"First and foremost, you might be surprised to learn that people still subscribe to AOL, the once popular ISP that fell from relevance about the time broadband came into its own. But get this -- according to The New Yorker, some 80 percent of AOL profits still come from its subscription business. It gets even better.
The New Yorker describes these subscribers as "older people who have cable or DSL service but don't realize that they need not pay an additional $25 a month to get online and check their email."
We're not talking about a small fraction of users, either. BusinessInsider said it spoke with a former AOL exec who said that AOL's "dirty little secret" is "that 75 percent of the people subscribe to AOL's dial-up service don't need it." When you consider that AOL raked in $244 million from 4 million customers in the third quarter of 2010, you can see where this could be troubling."
"First and foremost, you might be surprised to learn that people still subscribe to AOL, the once popular ISP that fell from relevance about the time broadband came into its own. But get this -- according to The New Yorker, some 80 percent of AOL profits still come from its subscription business. It gets even better.
The New Yorker describes these subscribers as "older people who have cable or DSL service but don't realize that they need not pay an additional $25 a month to get online and check their email."
We're not talking about a small fraction of users, either. BusinessInsider said it spoke with a former AOL exec who said that AOL's "dirty little secret" is "that 75 percent of the people subscribe to AOL's dial-up service don't need it." When you consider that AOL raked in $244 million from 4 million customers in the third quarter of 2010, you can see where this could be troubling."
Friday, January 21, 2011
Reposting: Recommended Security Baseline
From time to time I have and will refer to my security baseline. My security baseline is merely a list of programs I use (all free) and recommend for anyone to use to keep their systems secure. This applies to YOU if you use Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7.
Remember, all of these products are FREE, but will do as good a job as any fee products you may use. I make that statement based on many years of experience.
1. Microsoft Security Essentials - Version 2 now available
2. Windows Firewall
3. MVPS HOSTS File - download the January 2011 version
4. CCleaner - check for newer version than you may already have
5. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
6. SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition
7. Spybot Search & Destroy
Questions? Comment below or write me, pcdoc at brpcdoc dot com
Have a wonderful weekend!
Remember, all of these products are FREE, but will do as good a job as any fee products you may use. I make that statement based on many years of experience.
1. Microsoft Security Essentials - Version 2 now available
2. Windows Firewall
3. MVPS HOSTS File - download the January 2011 version
4. CCleaner - check for newer version than you may already have
5. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
6. SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition
7. Spybot Search & Destroy
Questions? Comment below or write me, pcdoc at brpcdoc dot com
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Worldstart.com
I'm not sure how I first stumbled upon this web site,WorldStart, but I have to say I have come to like it very much. I have been visiting it every day for a month or two. At first I wasn't too impressed, but then all of a sudden it seemed to change and offer what I view as smart, practical small tips that just might help you.
I usually just look at the 5 tips that are right there front and center on the home page. Many are quite simple, but I have found a few that really amazed me. I recommend a bookmark for this web site. Visit it occasionally or daily or more. You may just find a tip that can really help you. By the way, I have not bought anything form this web site, and I have not created an account, so don't feel you need to do those things. Also, their search window will search their archives for tips relevant to your search argument.
After looking at the tips, scroll down and take a gander at all of the links offered for other ideas. WorldStart.com is a neat, handy, and valuable bookmark to have on your system.
I usually just look at the 5 tips that are right there front and center on the home page. Many are quite simple, but I have found a few that really amazed me. I recommend a bookmark for this web site. Visit it occasionally or daily or more. You may just find a tip that can really help you. By the way, I have not bought anything form this web site, and I have not created an account, so don't feel you need to do those things. Also, their search window will search their archives for tips relevant to your search argument.
After looking at the tips, scroll down and take a gander at all of the links offered for other ideas. WorldStart.com is a neat, handy, and valuable bookmark to have on your system.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tablets, Compared
These devices can't be ignored, and they probably won't go away, so if you want to invest in one, and they are getting to be an investment (iPad from $500 to $800), you might want to know about your options. Be wary of add-ons you might need, like a carrying case for example.
This New York Times article does a nice job of comparing some of the available products, but nearly every day you can read about another new tablet "to be announced soon".
FYI, I do not own one (yet). If someone were to give me one, I'd be glad to use it, but at this point I am not ready to invest in one.
This New York Times article does a nice job of comparing some of the available products, but nearly every day you can read about another new tablet "to be announced soon".
FYI, I do not own one (yet). If someone were to give me one, I'd be glad to use it, but at this point I am not ready to invest in one.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) Version 2.0
Microsoft Security Essentials or MSE Version 2.0 is now available. I have installed it on my everyday laptop. As my readers know, MSE is Microsoft's free anti-virus program. As my readers also know, I was an outspoken advocate for AVG for many years, but I have left AVG and migrated to MSE. I got tired of AVG's marketing ploys, constantly pushing their fee product and, in fact, they pushed so hard that some of my customers actually thought they had to upgrade and did so. Sad, but one more reason to check this blog once in a while!
I believe MSE to be a superior product all around when compared to other free anti-virus products. The principal reason I believe this is because Microsoft, more than anyone else, has the ability and knowledge to integrate their product with their own operating systems.
For those of you currently using MSE Version 1, Version 2 will be rolled out over time through Automatic Updates, but you don't have to wait for that and can download it and install it just as you did Version 1. And, you will NOT have to uninstall Version 1. Microsoft will take care of that for you as a part of the Version 2 installation procedure. You can get it, as I did, here: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/.
I encourage you to do so, and if you do not already use MSE, I recommend it to you without reservation. If you have another anti-virus you will need to uninstall it first.
Enough from me, or perhaps too much, but I am excited about this new version. You can read a real pro's review of MSE Version 2.0 online. Fred Langa's Beefing up Microsoft Security Essentials
will lay out the technical details for you. Check it out.
I believe MSE to be a superior product all around when compared to other free anti-virus products. The principal reason I believe this is because Microsoft, more than anyone else, has the ability and knowledge to integrate their product with their own operating systems.
For those of you currently using MSE Version 1, Version 2 will be rolled out over time through Automatic Updates, but you don't have to wait for that and can download it and install it just as you did Version 1. And, you will NOT have to uninstall Version 1. Microsoft will take care of that for you as a part of the Version 2 installation procedure. You can get it, as I did, here: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/.
I encourage you to do so, and if you do not already use MSE, I recommend it to you without reservation. If you have another anti-virus you will need to uninstall it first.
Enough from me, or perhaps too much, but I am excited about this new version. You can read a real pro's review of MSE Version 2.0 online. Fred Langa's Beefing up Microsoft Security Essentials
will lay out the technical details for you. Check it out.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Security Updates
I see the MVPS HOSTS file for January is available today. Also, the January MRT was one of this week's Microsoft Updates.
This is a good time to run a complete scan with MRT. Then update, immunize, and run Spybot. Finally, download and install the new HOSTS file.
I will cover this tomorrow, but there is also a new version, Version 2.0, of MSE, and this is very good news.
This is a good time to run a complete scan with MRT. Then update, immunize, and run Spybot. Finally, download and install the new HOSTS file.
I will cover this tomorrow, but there is also a new version, Version 2.0, of MSE, and this is very good news.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
And now a word from our sponsor
Actually, I am the sponsor. One of my little ventures is called Boothbay Region For Rent By Owner or BRFRBO. I guess the name says it all, but let me add that the Boothbay Region of Maine has become a very special place for our family. We purchased a small summer cottage back in 1974 in an area known as Ocean Point , which is in East Boothbay which is in Boothbay. On this web site we have listed several rental properties including some year-round but mostly summer cottages. Boothbay, as you may know, is on the ocean. I honestly believe that if you go there once for a long weekend or a vacation, you will want to return. Please check it out. Click on the photo or link below the photo to see our web site.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
How to Switch from a PC to a Mac
As reported here a little more than a year ago, I purchased a MacBook Pro 17" laptop. It sits around virtually unused. I have no calls from customers looking for support, either because they don't need any (can Macs be THAT good?) or because they wouldn't think to call a "PC Doctor" when they have issues with a Mac. Well, here's a confession: I need help with my Mac. No, as far as I know there is nothing wrong with my new Mac, it's a user issue.
To show that I am serious about using this machine, I recently purchased Microsoft's Office for Mac 2011. I had figured from the start that this was a necessary prerequisite for me to ever get serious about using a Mac as my primary computer. I also intend to buy, shortly, the new iLife product which includes a newer and enhanced version of iPhoto. I had heard so much about iPhoto and really wanted to use it to organize and edit my large library of photos. I began using a digital camera in 2001 (thanks to my 4 sons) and have accumulated nearly 40,000 photos, not one of which I would ever want to lose.
And now that my wife and I are about to move into our new home outside of Boston, I will have room to set up my MacBook in a place where it may well become my new "desktop" computer. Up to now, since moving from Vermont, we haven't had the space in our tiny rental home in Wayland. At least, that is my plan, and time will tell how well this will work out.
I will continue to use my Windows XP and Windows 7 laptops to make sure I stay current and can address any PC problems that may come up. I have yet to decide if I will resurrect my good old desktop machine, after we retrieve it and 99% of our home furnishings from a Waltham storage unit.
So this article from today's pcmag.com website is very timely indeed for me. If any of you has a desire to learn more about the world of Macs, I think you will find this a very helpful article, written for us PC users.
To show that I am serious about using this machine, I recently purchased Microsoft's Office for Mac 2011. I had figured from the start that this was a necessary prerequisite for me to ever get serious about using a Mac as my primary computer. I also intend to buy, shortly, the new iLife product which includes a newer and enhanced version of iPhoto. I had heard so much about iPhoto and really wanted to use it to organize and edit my large library of photos. I began using a digital camera in 2001 (thanks to my 4 sons) and have accumulated nearly 40,000 photos, not one of which I would ever want to lose.
And now that my wife and I are about to move into our new home outside of Boston, I will have room to set up my MacBook in a place where it may well become my new "desktop" computer. Up to now, since moving from Vermont, we haven't had the space in our tiny rental home in Wayland. At least, that is my plan, and time will tell how well this will work out.
I will continue to use my Windows XP and Windows 7 laptops to make sure I stay current and can address any PC problems that may come up. I have yet to decide if I will resurrect my good old desktop machine, after we retrieve it and 99% of our home furnishings from a Waltham storage unit.
So this article from today's pcmag.com website is very timely indeed for me. If any of you has a desire to learn more about the world of Macs, I think you will find this a very helpful article, written for us PC users.
Friday, January 7, 2011
In 4G Race, Verizon Pulls Ahead With Pricey Speed
I still haven't made the leap, mostly because I am cheap, to the world of Blackberry, iPhone, or any of the other very pricey offerings out there, but I sure have been tempted. And now that Verizon is getting into the 4G game, the temptation will be even greater. Verizon, as my cell phone provider, seems to cover all of the areas I travel with decent signal strength.
This is Walt Mossberg's take on the Verizon move to offer 4G. I usually avoid such articles, not wanting to be tempted any more, but not this one.
This is Walt Mossberg's take on the Verizon move to offer 4G. I usually avoid such articles, not wanting to be tempted any more, but not this one.
In 4G Race, Verizon Pulls Ahead With Pricey Speed
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA)
Here is another free handy dandy tool I stumbled upon today. It is from Microsoft and is called the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA). It can be downloaded here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/cc184923
Go to that link and click on the blue text just under Download Now in the upper right corner of the window. On the next window click on Download to the right of the version you want. There are two English versions, one for 64 bit operating systems and the other, labeled as for X86, is for 32 bit systems.
This tool is really meant for organizations and their tech support people, but I found it was very much worthwhile for me. After the download run the program to install MBSA and after the install run it. I just took all of the defaults on the first screen and did not change a thing.
Two issues were found on my XP laptop. One, they have finally gotten me to leave good old IE6 behind and upgrade to IE8. I have been very stubborn and have resisted this change for a long time now, but there are security issues with the older version that really I should not be risking, so I installed IE8. The second issue found was that the GUEST account was enabled on my machine. This is viewed as a security exposure, and I have never even thought about it before. Also, I never knew that the GUEST account could be disabled, but it can, and I have done just that following the instructions given.
After making these 2 changes and on the third try, MBSA gave me a clean bill of health as shown here.
Security assessment:
Strong Security (The selected checks were passed.)
Computer name: HOME\ACERTRAVELMATE
Security report name: HOME - ACERTRAVELMATE (1-6-2011 9-57 AM)
Scan date: 1/6/2011 9:57 AM
Go to that link and click on the blue text just under Download Now in the upper right corner of the window. On the next window click on Download to the right of the version you want. There are two English versions, one for 64 bit operating systems and the other, labeled as for X86, is for 32 bit systems.
This tool is really meant for organizations and their tech support people, but I found it was very much worthwhile for me. After the download run the program to install MBSA and after the install run it. I just took all of the defaults on the first screen and did not change a thing.
Two issues were found on my XP laptop. One, they have finally gotten me to leave good old IE6 behind and upgrade to IE8. I have been very stubborn and have resisted this change for a long time now, but there are security issues with the older version that really I should not be risking, so I installed IE8. The second issue found was that the GUEST account was enabled on my machine. This is viewed as a security exposure, and I have never even thought about it before. Also, I never knew that the GUEST account could be disabled, but it can, and I have done just that following the instructions given.
After making these 2 changes and on the third try, MBSA gave me a clean bill of health as shown here.
Security assessment:
Strong Security (The selected checks were passed.)
Computer name: HOME\ACERTRAVELMATE
Security report name: HOME - ACERTRAVELMATE (1-6-2011 9-57 AM)
Scan date: 1/6/2011 9:57 AM
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
What’s In Store for Technology in 2011
This is an article by Walt Mossberg in the Wall Street Journal.
"It has been a big year in personal technology, from the debut and early success of Apple’s iPad, to the rise and continuous improvement of Google’s Android smart phone platform, to the continued surge in social services led by Facebook and Twitter.
So I thought I’d take a look at the challenges and opportunities facing some major players in consumer tech in 2011. As with all my columns, this one is focused only on products and services provided directly to consumers, rather than to businesses. Also, as usual, this column isn’t meant to offer investment advice or to evaluate the management skills or financial condition of companies. It is a look at the products and competitive positions of the key contenders as they enter the new year."
"It has been a big year in personal technology, from the debut and early success of Apple’s iPad, to the rise and continuous improvement of Google’s Android smart phone platform, to the continued surge in social services led by Facebook and Twitter.
So I thought I’d take a look at the challenges and opportunities facing some major players in consumer tech in 2011. As with all my columns, this one is focused only on products and services provided directly to consumers, rather than to businesses. Also, as usual, this column isn’t meant to offer investment advice or to evaluate the management skills or financial condition of companies. It is a look at the products and competitive positions of the key contenders as they enter the new year."
Sunday, January 2, 2011
How to choose strong passwords
This is not a recommendation, but rather just some food for thought. Be sure you have strong passwords.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
Top 10 Privacy Tips of 2010
Happy New Year everyone! Time for my last post of the year, but...
Looks like this is the time of year for Top 10 lists! Kim Komando posts a very good one at the link below.I suspect we can all learn SOMETHING from it.
Looks like this is the time of year for Top 10 lists! Kim Komando posts a very good one at the link below.I suspect we can all learn SOMETHING from it.
Top 10 Privacy Tips of 2010
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