Posted by Jon Deliz on Mon, Sep 06, 2010 @ 11:00 AM
I don't know how everybody else is doing it, but I always seem to need documents or files that I don't have with me. I'm constantly emailing the same document or file to myself, or worse carrying files on a flash drive that ALWAYS gets lost in the bottom of my bag. Better yet, how about leaving the thumb drive still connected in the computer? I know I'm not the only one that's done that!
One day I read this article about a program called Dropbox,
which had just released an Iphone app, and was free to try. Free is always a good thing, and free here means 2 GB of storage, which is perfect for anything I might currently need. I downloaded the app for my Iphone which means I don't use the my phone's hard drive for storage-another plus. I can install Dropbox on any of my computers or even access it from the web. Since it is in "the cloud", it's backed up automatically and as along as i have an internet connection I have access to whatever files I need. I can also share documents within dropbox by creating a public link. No more emailing, no more using the wrong file because I didn't see that there was another version sitting in my inbox. (sometimes I forget my glasses!)
This is just an example of what Dropbox and virtual storage can do for you. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Posted by Jon Deliz on Fri, Apr 09, 2010 @ 09:52 AM
When you get behind the wheel of a car, it should be an automatic instinct to fasten your seatbelt. All laws aside, it's simply the smart thing to do and can protect you should you ever be in an auto accident. But what about being safe when you sit down in front of your computer? Today's machines don't come outfitted with seatbelts and air bags, so how can you protect yourself when navigating the highways of the internet?
There is an endless array of malicious and harmful programs, such as viruses, adware and spyware that can infect your computer, leading to system failure, costly repairs and even identity theft. But there are simple, tried-and-true methods that you can incorporate into your daily computing practices that can prevent disaster. So fasten your seatbelts and let's take a drive through the world of Safe Computing!
You wouldn't buy a house that doesn't have locks on the doors, so you should want the same level of security for your computer. Anti-virus software should be installed and virus definitions should be kept up-to-date. Virus scans should be performed on any file you download externally from the internet, whether it's from a website or an e-mail attachment.
-
That link you received for Grandma's famous cookie recipe? Scan it.
-
That spreadsheet your boss sent you last minute?
Scan it.
-
No matter what it is, if it's going to be downloaded to your computer, scan it!
-
Never open any kind of e-mail or attachment from someone you don't recognize, or weren't expecting to receive.
Viruses come in all varieties, and some of the more nefarious ones don't even require you to open the attachment...merely opening the e-mail itself can cause irreparable harm to your system. 
If your e-mail inbox is anything like mine, it can seem a daunting task to sort through the massive amounts of ads, spam and chain-letters. While spam filters do their best to catch the garbage, some is still bound to seep through. While it might be tempting to click on the link that promises you've just become an instant millionaire if you only send them your bank account number for them to wire the funds to, keep in mind the old adage "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
But what about those e-mails that appear to be legitimate? Perhaps something from your bank, credit card company or shipping service. Keep in mind that legitimate organizations will never ask you for sensitive information, such as username, password or account details. In today's fast-paced society, it can be easy to overlook something based on the appearance of legitimacy. If you receive an e-mail from a reputable company, such as your banking institution, and you question its validity, don't hesitate to contact the company directly for additional information.
Your identity and personal information should be kept secure at all times. When surfing the web, sometimes it can be difficult to know what a "bad" website is. If you are unsure about a website, then it's probably a safe bet to avoid it. Also, pay special attention to websites that you will be entering in any private information, such as personal data or credit card details. Make sure, before you input any information that you are on a secure website. Secure websites can be easily identified in the address bar, as they will begin with "https". This means that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted via a secure channel.
Practicing Safe Computing doesn't have to consume your time or detract from the sheer enjoyment of surfing the web. By keeping your virus definitions up-to-date, performing safe and smart e-mail operations, and completing routine monthly system scans, you can protect yourself from many of the dangers that lurk in cyberspace. The internet is a big place; chock full of every type of information possible. There is a world of data waiting at your fingertips, but before you venture out into the open, make sure that you protect yourself with good virus protection, so that your experience is one of satisfaction, not frustration!
If you would like to download free the latest security report please click here.
Posted by Jon Deliz on Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 09:55 AM
How many times have you done something on your computer and wished that you could go back in time and do something different? Well I am going to introduce you to some free versions and some not so free versions that can save you time, effort and most importantly money!
Ok so let’s start with something free, easy, and probably already installed on your computer. System Restore is an easy fix for anybody who has installed something or has had a virus affect their computer. System Restore is found by clicking your start button; then either Programs or All Programs (depending on which version of
Windows you are running); Accessories; System Tools and there you should see System Restore. Now just follow the onscreen prompts and select a date (if it is a virus I would select the last known date the computer actually worked). There are some important things to consider: 1.) System Restore can only work if it is turned on, or hasn’t been disabled by a virus. The settings for System Restore can be found in the control panel under System and then click the System Restore tab. 2.) System Restore is only for the Window’s Operating System, so if your Excel spreadsheet doesn’t work then this won’t fix it! (I will be referring to a product that will below). 3.)
Also System Restore won’t affect files that aren’t part of the OS, so your documents, pictures, and emails are all safe.
Another free program to check out is if you have purchased an external hard drive, not a flash key or thumb drive. Most of the drives come preloaded with software that will do a backup of your documents. Although there are far too many preloaded software packages to mention in this article, feel free to contact DataCentric, as your Atlanta computer support specialist, so we can help you get setup and backing up correctly. Don't forget to ask about our online data backup solutions which will be covered in Part 2!