Everyday Tips from the ComputerMom 

July 2012
 
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Hope you are all keeping cool in this summer heat!  Remember, it's important to keep your electronics cool as well.  If you hear the fans spinning constantly check for dust or blockage and blow out all the vents with compressed air.  Also, try not to leave delicate electronics in hot cars for long periods of time, especially in direct sunlight.  You'd be amazed at how much damage the sun can do to plastic.

I will be around most of the summer, with a typically flexible schedule, so don't hesitate to call if you have any issues.  Just last week I did an emergency fix for a client who called at 9 AM with a balking laptop that needed to be packed for a vacation departure at 11 AM! 

All the best, 

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

PS - As always, don't forget to check my Facebook page for more links and tips. And please feel free to forward this email to anybody you think might find it helpful!
More Password safety

You might have read that over 6,000,000 LinkedIn passwords were stolen and published on the web.  If you are a LinkedIn user and you haven't yet changed your password, you should do so ASAP.  Additionally, if you are like most people and you use the same password at more than one site, you should change those passwords as well.

Here's an excellent article shared by my brother Eric about the dangers of reusing passwords and an incredibly easy way to create very secure passwords that you will actually remember!

Many of my clients ask me how to keep their passwords straight.  One approach is to use a software program to store all your passwords behind one single very strong password.  There are lots of free password manager programs out there, and  I personally have started using one called LastPass.  It's not perfect but it does the job and I've found myself relying on it more and more.  Look for more advice and information on this important topic in the coming months.
Shopping for a new computer for your college bound student?

I am often asked for help in making new computer purchases, especially for that all important first college laptop.  My most recent Medfield Patch blog post has some practical advice to help ensure you choose the right system, buy it only once, and don't spend more than you have to!  Don't forget to recommend the post if you find it helpful.  By they way, I plan to add one or two detailed articles a month to my Medfield Patch blog collection so check back every so often.
Fun in the Sun - taking your electronics on vacation

More and more beachgoers are reading books on a Kindle or Nook, keeping up to date on an iPad or other tablet, or tossing cell phones or iPods into the beach bag.   Sand and water can wreak havoc on electronics, so here are some ideas to keep your gadgets safe at the beach - or handle the problems if you don't!