Just Hang Up!
 I've published this reminder before, but given the number of clients who have sought my support this month, either before or unfortunately for some, after committing to these gangsters, it's time to revist the issue; Microsoft does not call you on the phone to tell you that your computer is infected or is spewing malware. Nor do they ask you to go to your computer to connect to their services. If a technician is really working for Microsoft, has a name like Rakesh and an accent to match, he doesn't tell you his name is John. Microsoft also does not notify you of these same things nor does it tell you need updates through a browser window. Just close the browser window! Microsoft has no way of correlating your pc with your phone number. Not that this type of information can't be obtained, it can, but would require your internet provider's (cable, FIOS) compliance with a third party and fortunately, that's still illegal without obtaining a search warrant (or being the NSA). These people who call are just thieves trying to separate you from your money. Just hang up!
One client this month paid $299.99 and got these free or non-existent services for their money:
- Microsoft Anti Hacking security : Stop unauthorized access (no such thing)
- Microsoft Network protection : Protects network (no such thing)
- Microsoft Trojan security : Keep all trojans away (no such thing)
- Microsoft Email protection : Secure Emails (no such thing)
- Microsoft Internet Protection : Protection from unsafe websites (no such thing)
- Microsoft Anti Malware : Protect all the softwares (Free)
- Microsoft Ccleaner : Licensed version - clean unnecessary files (Free and not a Microsoft Product)
- Activate services and Drivers : Keep computer running safe (no such thing)
- Clear all errors and warning : Fix Windows issues (no such thing)
- Optimize the Computer : Make computer fast (no such thing)
If you have let them in, you need to call me to get them out.
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You don't need to search for updates to Flash, Acrobat Reader, Java and Windows itself, as each of these products have built in update mechanisms that alert you from the system tray. In fact, if you've set Windows to do automatic updates, the Windows updates happen by themselves, some at startup, some at shutdown and some during system idle times.
For updates from Microsoft that you've asked to be involved in, look for this update icon in the system tray, (above). All of these icons require a left click to start and a simple set of clicks to install. Remember to un-click the extra software begin offered each time with both Java and Acrobat. (IE ask toolbars, Google Chrome installation, Mcafee security scans, etc.)
Additionally, Flash Player updates appear if and when you visit a website that requires a newer version of the flash software than the one you already have.
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More on this and Malware too!
I've been to several clients these months to remove malware that has slowed their respective computers to a snail's pace. Where did all this malware come from? That's what the client wants to know. The added software comes from attempts to download legitimate software from unscrupulous third parties, rather than from the software maker's website. All are the result of an improperly executed (Google, Yahoo, etc.) search. These companies are using methodologies to make sure that their website comes up on the resultant list before the actual software maker's legitimate download site. Then it's just a matter of a quickly executed click on the client's part. I've included a couple of popular examples below. But the best practice, regardless of the browser and search engine you use, is to examine the link carefully to make sure it does not end in "php or vbs" and that it actually is sending you to the company's website. This website gives you the truth about what these third party companies are doing. Here are a couple of examples:
 Look closely at the the two choices offered by the result of a Google search for "Java" updates. Only the second one offer Java's website as the source of the update. If you choose the first entry (java-update.freesoftware.com) that's what you'll get, lots of free software that you don't want or need.
 Here again, Google search for a Flash update. Only the last link is actually directing you to the Adobe Website.
This one is a little tricky, but Picasa.Google.com is the legitmate source for downloading Google's Picasa picture management tool.
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Cell Phone Stuff
 Getting a one ring hang up? Don't call back! Especially from your cell phone. It's the new scam, an auto-dialer rings you up and hangs up. When you call back you're asked to hold and the number is actually a pay per minute phone line with a substantial per minute charge.
Area codes used by scammers at present include 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849 and 876.
While on the subject, if the caller ID on your phone is preceded by a "1" (1-201-666-3333) then it's marketing so proceed to answer it at your own risk. Legitimate cell phone caller IDs never display the "1" prefix.
BTW, Obama signed legislation into law that allows you to take that phone from ATT and bring it right over to Verizon. Before this legislation you could have received jail time for unlocking your phone. That's right, take a phone from any carrier with you when you change Cell services. It's the (Unlock) law now.
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Are you with Comcast now Xfinity?
 Well that router in your home courtesy of Xfinity just might be acting as an access point for other Xfinity customers. As you must know both Optimum and Xfinity offer their customers on the road access to the internet through these wi-fi hotspots. Both of these companies are putting up wide area routers at all of their repeater stations in local neighborhoods as well as offering deals to local optimum business customers who are willing to add hotspots to their stores. Now Xfinity is going a step further and installing hotspots in your home without your knowledge. To see if you're providing this service without your knowledge, try making a wireless connection from your home with a laptop, tablet or phone. If you see "Xfinity" in the list of available connection and it's a strong signal then the likelihood is that you are providing that hot spot. At he very least Xfinity is using your electricity to power that hotspot. If you want out, call or write the company.
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Got no Iphone? Then you got no Siri. Try Skyvi for Android. You can talk to Skyvi and Skyvi will read your texts to you hands free. SKyvi does a lot more too.
And the one up on that is that IOS8, the coming operating system for Apple's Iphone, Ipad and Ipod will feature text to voice messaging that will allow you to send voice messages in the same way we now send texts and photos. Look here.
It's not Pandora, it's SoundCloud, the up and coming music that you'll hear nowhere else.
If you want to know when that rain is coming try the Accuweather app for Iphone and Android. It does a great job. The 2 hour window it provides is pretty darn good. When will the rain start? (in the next 45 minutes): How long will it last? (120 minutes). Yup, it's that good. IOS here and Android here.
Now that Microsoft has put an end to Windows XP support, you might be curious as to how long you have left if you're on Vista or Windows 7 or even Windows 8. There are two categories of dates; one for sales and one for support. Read all about it here.
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I make DVD, BluRay, Chromecast and Roku connections for that Netflix account or to watch web content on your TV.
I also connect your Homelink and your garage door.
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