Google Docs Tipsheet
Oct 29th
Heard of Google Docs (Google’s alternative to MS Office) but not sure how to use it? Here’s a great little tip sheet and resource guide to help you navigate the different features. It will help you get started with the suite quickly and give you the basics on how to use the apps.
Click FULLSCREEN for a better reading experience.
Internet Explorer Security Update
Mar 31st
Yesterday Microsoft released a Critical Security Update to Internet Explorer, if you haven’t already done so, or you don’t have automatic updates turned on (shame on you), then head over to the Microsoft update site and take a few minutes to install the update.
According to Microsoft:
This security update resolves nine privately reported vulnerabilities and one publicly disclosed vulnerability in Internet Explorer. The most severe vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted Web page using Internet Explorer. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
So many pests make their way on to computer systems that aren’t properly updated… make sure yours isn’t one of them.
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-018 page
Cheers
Apple Snow Leopard Update Available
Mar 29th
Apple released a fairly large update to their Snow Leopard OS… bringing the version up to 10.6.3 Software updates provide fixes and new features and for the most part should be applied, especially if you’re experiencing issues that have been addressed in the update.
More >
Removing XP AntiSpyware 2010
Mar 15th
Hopefully you haven’t had to deal with this yet… and hopefully you don’t, but if you or someone you know has been infected by XP AntiSpyware 2010 or any of it’s derivitives (XP AntiSpyware, XP Antivirus Pro and XP Antivirus Pro 2010) then you know what a pain it is.
I recently have had a number of run ins with this infection on client computers, and wanted to share with you the resource I discovered that helped me clean it.
This pest is typically installed via a Trojan application that has made it on to your computer. The one question I always get, is “How did I get this?” The answer is usually pretty easy, as most of the machines I’ve encountered haven’t been updated with the latest security patches or service packs… and/or Antivirus software hasn’t been updated or subscriptions have not been renewed.
Trojans can also piggy back on other applications that have been downloaded and installed by a user, with the offending Trojan sneaking it’s way onto the system. When the trojan’s code executes, it can download a multitude of garbage including XP AntiSpyware 2010.
Don’t Call Tech Support… If You’re Stealing!
Feb 26th
The following video is going a bit viral because it’s kind of funny… but, it also illustrates a couple of things everyone who uses wireless to connect to the internet should be aware of.
- If you have setup a wireless router at home or at your office… SECURE IT! By not implementing the security settings that come with these routers, you’re leaving things wide open, and other’s may be able to connect to your network.
- If you’re “stealing” or “leeching” off someone’s open wireless access point or router… you shouldn’t be! First, while the legalities around this practice are a little murky, it could land you in hot water legally… secondly, you could be opening yourself up to potential theft of passwords and other information that may not be encrypted as it passes across the open network.
Watch, have a bit of a giggle… and then go make sure you’re secure!
Video after the jump…
32bit and 64bit Operating Systems
Feb 23rd
Just saw a couple of good articles over on the Make Use Of web site that do a pretty good job of explaining the differences between a 32bit and 64bit Windows operating system, and how to choose between them. Why should you care? Well with Windows 7 selling strong, chances are you may have this conversation if you’re out upgrading your system to something new.
Facebook Milestones and Another Redesign…
Feb 6th
Facebook turned 6 this week, surpassed 400 million users and started rolling out a re-design to the site… it’s been a busy week! While it’s definitely significant that Facebook has reached 400 million users in 6 years, I’d like to focus on the redesign for the rest of this post… although I’ll first say “Happy Birthday Facebook”… and congratulations!
On to the redesign
Netbooks vs iPad
Feb 1st
During the iPad release last week, Steve Jobs of Apple put Netbooks (those small sub-$500 notebooks you see advertised everywhere) in his sites, claiming the iPad is a much better ‘experience’ than a netbook. While it can be argued that the iPad’s form factor, enhanced OS and finely tuned apps lend to a smooth experience, a lot can be said for the advantages of a netbook. How much can be said? How about 42 reasons why Netbooks are Better than the iPad?
The New iPad Is Here
Jan 29th
Apple released it’s much anticipated and much Hyped iPad (affectionately know by me as the HyPad ) yesterday to what I can only describe as disappointed optimism. Disappointment as from first glance, it didn’t live up to the hype, and optimism that once it’s available it will truly be a magical experience as the Apple folks have promised. All that aside, from a general new technology point of view, what does it all mean to the average technology buyer?
Hard to say.
