Everyday Tips from the ComputerMom

June 2012

Thanks again for all the positive feedback, it's nice to know so many of you enjoy my newsletter! I'd love to hear some suggestions about topics for my Facebook page and newsletter, so if you have any questions you would like to see addressed just drop me a line.

As we transition from spring to summer I know all of you will spend more time outdoors and away from your computers, and many of you will be traveling or visiting vacation homes. I hope some of my tips will help you enjoy your summer and keep your personal information safe while on the road.

Sincerely,

Julie Marto
508-359-8176
www.thecomputermom.com

PS - As always, there are more links and articles on my Facebook page. Also, I've added a page to my website with resources and links, including downloadable copies of my "handouts", available here.

More traveler safety

Read this FBI alert about malicious software masquerading as normal updates when connecting to hotel wifi. If you are planning to head off on a trip, especially an international one, check for all your software updates before you leave home!

The most common problem that occurs on the road is email hijacking. I cannot even count how many hijacked email accounts I see or hear of - it's even happened to me! The very first thing to do if suspect your account has been compromised is to change your password and other log-in credentials like security questions. Make sure you do this on a known clean computer - if you suspect you have a virus on yours use a friend's or go to the library. Here's a helpful link from Yahoo - you can use the same approach with MSN, Hotmail, AOL and Gmail.

Two free and useful downloads from Microsoft

Microsoft did a major revamp of its Office suite in 2007, and tweaked it in 2010. The newer versions took some time to become standard, but more and more of my clients complain they can no longer open some Office file attachments. If you are still using an older version of Office and need to open newer Office files, download this free Compatibility Pack from Microsoft.

These days it's quite rare for a new computer to ship with a Windows disk, but sometimes you need the disk to fix a problem with your computer. For those of you using Windows 7 Microsoft has made ISO disk images available for all flavors of the operating system, enabling you to legally download your version and burn it to a DVD. Here's a link to the downloads which are updated with Service Pack 1.

Microsoft offers inexpensive Windows 8 upgrade to new PC buyers

Windows 8 is expected to be released in the 4th quarter of this year, but don't let that keep you from buying a new PC now. Microsoft has announced a program offering $14.99 upgrades to Windows 8 for anybody who buys a Windows 7 computer between now and January 31, 2013. Read more about the program here.

I'm blogging at the Medfield Patch!

I've started a blog at the Medfield Patch to publish longer articles than what I can put on Facebook or here in my newsletter. I recently published an article about choosing a free antivirus solution. Check it out here and please pass it on to your friends!