O/S–What Operating System?

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How many of us are holding on to that computer we bought many years ago, hoping that it will serve our purposes in the future?  How many of us know what Operating System we are using, and, if we need an upgrade?

♦ The Operating System is the most important program that runs on a computer.
♦ Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs.
♦ Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. via Operating System – A Definition From the Webopedia Computer Dictionary.

¿ What Operating System Are You Using?  Windows XP originally released in October of 2001. Almost 11 years ago.

  1. Today you may want to check which O/S you have on your computer.
  2.  Go to your Control Panel.
  3.  Click Help.
  4. Click About Windows.  A screen will pop up with the ‘version’ of your operating system.

¿Is your Operating System Windows XP? If the answer is Yes, then you may want to consider an Upgrade because in the near future the XP Operating System will no longer be supported, and this will put  the information stored on your computer with an outdated XP O/S at risk.  Look at the chart below, and check  today if you need to upgrade.

Click the diagram to see a larger image

XP Operating System Users:
Below is an explanation of the things you should know. Click on the link for the fact sheet if you want a more detailed explanation.

SUPPORT

♦ Extended support—(Commercial Customers Only) Microsoft will offer extended support for either a minimum of 5 years from the date of a product’s general availability, or for 2 years after the second successor product (two versions later) is released, whichever is longer.

♦ End of Mainstream support …if you buy a new version of Windows and five years later another version is released, you will still have two years of support left for the previous version.

♦ End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance. This is the time to make sure you have the latest available service pack installed.

♦ Without Microsoft support, you will no longer receive security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information. via Windows lifecycle fact sheet – Microsoft Windows.

♦ Don’t delay, check your Operating System today!
In the next post we will talk about upgrading your Personal Computer.

I hope this is helpful 🙂

July 9, 2012 … DNS Changer Deadline…

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 Have you tested your computer at the FBI Website to make sure you are not infected with DNS Changer Malware? In our June 18, 2012 post we discussed  what it’s all about.  Below is a summary of an article written by Matt Peckham at Time Techland. It’s a reference about the FBI deadline and what will happen if you do not check your computer(s) for DNS Changer Malware… Click the link at the end of the summary to read the entire article.

 ♣ There’s a story circulating that if you don’t ensure your computer is malware-free by July 9, 2012, the FBI will shut off your access to the Internet. Like most such alarmist claims, it’s only partly true, though if you’re a Windows or Mac user, you’ll want to pay attention…

♣ DNSChanger targets Windows or Mac systems (Linux, iOS and Android users are in the clear) by manipulating Domain Name Servers (DNS), which translate syntax-based URLs into IP addresses…

♣ To be clear, your Internet service itself will be unaffected by the change: If your computer is infected with the DNSChanger malware, your Internet router will keep routing and any commands sent by your computer that aren’t DNS-related will still pass.

♣ The FBI isn’t shutting off Internet service to impacted machines, it’s just pulling the plug on a stopgap measure designed to bandaid the broken process currently facilitating DNS communication on infected machines…

♣ How do you tell if you’re infected? Simple: The FBI runs a DNS checker page, where you can type your DNS info into a box to check its validity. Easier still, you can click on a link that’ll automatically check and return either a green or red background, indicating “clean” or “infected” states, respectively. via DNSChanger: FBI Warns Infected Computers Will Lose Web, Email Access in July | Techland | TIME.com.

You can check your computer now by clicking the dns-ok  link below.

http://www.dns-ok.us/

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I hope this is helpful ! 🙂

Digital Olympics …

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Just when you think you have seen the best and  latest computer Apps, Laptops, Games, etcetera, you learn there is something better! How are we supposed to keep up?  How do we know if we are purchasing the latest, greatest computer thing? The answer is . .  . You probably do not know:)! Today’s computer technology creative surge appears to be endlessly … NEW ...!

This week’s post will feature a few of the most interesting things we’ve recently read about. For starters, it turns out (as we all may have guessed), Apple still has “sparkling” surprises for Apple “Groupies”.

The New Mac Book  is reported to be Super!  Fast, thin, light weight, long battery life, great memory.  The list is very long.  You may want to check out the article to get the full details.  Click on this link  DAVID POGUE’s review published June 12, 2012. via Apple’s MacBook Pro Is Just One Point Short of Perfection – State of the Art – NYTimes.com.

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When you are not sure what Apple product you should buy, you may want to check out the Buyer’s Guide for Apple models. Although they do not guarantee that the rumors are totally aaccurate, it’s a good place to start doing your research before you buy an Apple product.  And we all know, rumors often are very accurate  :).  Click the link to get there. via Mac Buyer’s Guide: Know When to Buy Your Mac, iPod or iPhone.

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Health APPS –We all can use support when we learn that we may have to undergo a serious medical surgery procedure. drawMD looks like it may be useful for just this type of situation.   There are various types of drawMD APPs which discuss specific procedures (e.g. anethesia, critical care).   Check out what they have to say about their product, and the APPS are Free!

Are you a patient scheduled to undergo a procedure? Bring your iPad with drawMD to your appointment and get visual answers to your questions. Clear images of procedures will help you break down the medical-speak and get a deeper understanding of your treatment options. via drawMD Sampler for iPad on the iTunes App Store.

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Have you Android users been feeling a little jealous of your iPhone4S friends and their ‘personal assistant’ ?  Well you might be interested to know that there are APPS for Android that do some of the same things, and you can find and use them for  Free!  Check out the 5 Best Siri Alternatives … link below and see for yourself.

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iPhone 4S … the thing that received most of the attention was the new personal voice assistant called Siri. It is an awesome feature that has the ability of converting your speech into action and you can use it to perform most of the tasks on your iPhone 4S. But what to do if you are using an Android phone and want to get the Siri like personal voice assistant? via 5 Best Siri Alternatives for Android.

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 FBI DEADLINE FOR DNS CHANGER IS JULY 9, 2012

Here's the link→    https://forms.fbi.gov/check-to-see-if-your-computer-is-using-rogue-DNS

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I hope this is helpful 🙂


Tech Savviness… Email Savviness … & More

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FBI Deadline for DNS CHANGER IS

JULY 9, 2012  

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Email Savviness:

How many of us have thought that the ‘rules and regulations’ implemented by our workplace management is put in place to  protect us? I bet most of us are grumbling about the Internet restrictions imposed by management at our workplace.  Did you know there is an ePolicy Institute?  You can find out what the ePolicy Institute thinks is worth “protecting employees from”.  What are eRisks, eRights, eResponsibilities? Can employers ‘legally’ read your email? Is it OK to email your kids during work hours? What is ‘social engineering‘?  The next time you have an opportunity you may want to visit the website.  There is much to learn.  In addition they have free literature.  Click this link to go to the website-  Search the ePolicy Institute.

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Tech Savviness:  Router Passwords

In a previous tech4boomers post we discussed the importance of using up-to-date equipment.  In particular old routers, which may not be providing you with the best service.  Equally as important is knowing how to protect your home network from unauthorized access.  PASSWORDS are very important when it comes to protecting your Network.   Below are some guidelines I found in an article recently. Click on the link provided to get the full details.

Though no password is foolproof, you can build a better password by combining numbers and letters into a complex and unique string. Remember to change both your Wi-Fi password (the string that guests enter to access your network) and your router administrator password (the one you enter to log in to the administration console–the two may sometimes be the same). via How To Lock Down Your Wireless Network | PCWorld.

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Healthful Computing:

iPad users will want to pay attention and be careful of their body posture when using this device.  Read what the article I found in the New York Times Science section recently had to say:  The scientists studied 15 experienced tablet users in their natural viewing positions. Placing a tablet on the lap created the greatest strain, the researchers found, because it forces the user to look down at a steep angle, causing head and neck flexion – a particular hazard for users who are doing a lot of typing. via WELL – Really? The Claim – Using an iPad can strain your neck. – Question – NYTimes.com.

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BuddyTV Guide App

According to what I have read this APP is worth looking into 🙂

  • Speedy
  • Find what you want to watch in 20 seconds or less
  • Tailors to your TV tastes.
  • Even changes the channel for you.

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I hope this is helpful 🙂

What is a Jailbreaking APP Anyway?

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Recently tech4boomers was ‘put on notice‘ about a jailbreak app which appeared in a post (F.lux).  It suggested that Apple users might want to investigate this software. Not too long afterwards, one of our followers informed us that the software is a ‘jailbreak app’. The follower was concerned about what repercussions would ensue should they use the jailbreak app.

So here is the scoop about Jailbreaking Apps:

iOS jailbreaking is the process of removing the limitations imposed by Apple on devices running the iOS operating system through the use of custom kernels — such devices include the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and 2nd generation Apple TV. Jailbreaking allows iOS users to gain root access to the operating system, allowing them to download additional applications, extensions, and themes that are unavailable through the official Apple App Store. via iOS jailbreaking – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
♦ What does APPLE say about Jailbreaking APPS?

Reasons NOT to Jailbreak your iOS device

Void warranty.

  • The first  reason not to I’ll be examining is Voiding Your Warranty. This comes as one of the greatest concerns to most users contemplating a jailbreak for their iOS device – simply because most of us aren’t able to shell out another couple hundred for a new device…
  • Next we have “Bricking” Your Device. This by far is the worst possible outcome that can happen when attempting the jailbreak process. Bricking your device results in your device just displaying the Apple icon till it drains your battery and then no longer turning on…

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I hope this is helpful 🙂

Tech News Overload….

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It’s almost impossible to keep up with all the great and useful things to know that are happening on the technology front.  That’s why in upcoming Posts the format for tech4boomers will change to short burst of information with links to the web pages, or apps, or guidelines  etc., which will give you quick access to the things that interest you most. You will also want to visit DIGITWIRL, which has great suggestions and tips for organizing your technology world. A link to the website (Great Technology Tips) is available under BLOGS I LIKE.

The topics covered in this Post are : Health Apps, Healthful Computing, and How to Buy a Router.

HEALTH APPS

appear to be everywhere, and there seems to be one for everything.  I don’t know why I was surprised to read about these weight loss apps in a Nutrition Newsletter that I received in the ‘snail mail‘, but there they were prominently placed on a page all by themselves as the latest way to keep track of what you are eating by using an app on your smartphone, or computer.  Below are some of the APPS that were suggested, along with the links to them. I’ve read that free apps are just as good as any of the ones which charge a fee in this category.  Why don’t you check them out for yourself using the links below which goes with your device.

Name of APP – MyFitnessPal – FREE

  • ANDROID USERS – Lose weight with MyFitnessPal, the fastest and easiest to use calorie counter for Android. With the largest food database of any Android calorie counter (over 1,700,000 foods), and amazingly fast food and exercise entry, we’ll help you take those extra pounds off! There is no better diet app – period.via Calorie Counter – MyFitnessPal – Android Apps on Google Play.

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Name of APP – Lose It! – FREE

  • iPhone Users: Succeed at weight loss with Lose It! Set goals and establish a daily calorie budget that enables you to meet them. Stay on track each day by recording your food and exercise and staying within your budget. The average active Lose It! user has lost more than 12lbs and more than 85% of our active users have lost weight. Lose It! is completely free via App Store – Lose It!.
  • ANDROID USERS – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fitnow.loseit

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HEALTHFUL COMPUTING!

tech4boomers  has often written about the importance of being careful to protect your eyes when you are at the computer. Check out the tips at this site:
http://office-ergo.com/eyestrain-neck-pain/

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DO YOU NEED AN EQUIPMENT UPDATE?

When was the last time you updated your computer equipment?  I know many of us are trying to save those dollars, but it could be possible that by not evaluating whether your current computer equipment is serving your best interests both economically and aesthetically, and you could be paying more than you need to.  Take a look at the article, which appeared in PC World Magazine recently about Routers.  It will help you to check what steps you should take in deciding what is best for your technology purposes.

How to Buy a Router, By Armando Rodriguez, PCWorld May 3, 2012

Buying a router may not be at the top of everyone’s to-do list, but a new model can mean the difference between enjoying Netflix in HD and seeing a grainy mess of substandard video.

  •  Are you still using the router that your Internet service provider gave you? If so, you might not be getting the best results possible. Routers that ISPs provide tend to be older models running custom firmware, and the download and upload speeds from these routers may not match the speeds you pay for.via How to Buy a Router | PCWorld.

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See you at the next Post.  I hope this is helpful 🙂

FBI & DNS Changer: What’s it all about?

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Glossary

DNS  – short for Domain Name System (or Service or Server), an Internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. Because domain names are alphabetic, they’re easier to remember. The Internet however, is really based on IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS service must translate the name into the corresponding IP address. For example, the domain name http://www.example.com might translate to 198.105.232.4. via  http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/DNS.html

Malware – short for malicious software.  Malware is software designed to disrupt a computer’s operation, gather sensitive information, and/or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. via http://www.wikipedia.org/

Rogue DNS server – a rogue DNS server translates domain names of desirable websites (search engines, banks, brokers, etc.) into IP addresses of sites with unintended content, even malicious websites. Most users depend on DNS servers automatically assigned by their ISPs. via http://www.wikipedia.org/

SOHO Network – can stand for single office/home office network. via http://www.wikipedia.org/

ISP – an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is an organization that provides access to the Internet. The FBI has provided information to ISP’s that can be used to redirect their users from rogue DNS servers to the ISP’s own legitimate servers. DNS-changer-malware.pdf (application/pdf Object).

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Jared Newman, PCWorld,  has written a thorough article about DNS Changer. Below is a summary of that article, and what the FBI wants and warns users to do to be ready for what’s coming.

  • PC Users have until July 9, 2012 to remove DNS Changer Malware. After July 9, the FBI will ‘throw a switch’, which will prevent infected computers
    from accessing the Internet.
  • DNS Changer is a Trojan. Trojans conceal malicious software, and are not good for your computer.
  • DNS Changer redirects computers to hacker-created Websites. It also prevents computers from updating or using anti-virus software.
  • If users do not remove DNS Changer before the July 9 deadline, they ‘ll have to load anti-virus software by disk or USB drive.
    Users who do not have access to a second PC for downloading software will be at a disadvantage.

You can read the detailed article by clicking this link – http://www.pcworld.com/topics/security.html

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Guidelines for what you should do:

1) If this is all too complicated, hire a computer professional to help you.  🙂

2) Find out if you’re infected by visiting the DNS Changer Check-Up site by clicking this link – https://forms.fbi.gov/check-to-see-if-your-computer-is-using-rogue-DNS  (It checks the DNS resolution of your PC; however, it does not install more software).

3)  Infected users can check the DNS Changer Working Group for a list of anti-virus software to fix the problem. http://www.dcwg.org/

4) Avira offers a repair tool specifically for DNS Changer. To view Avira site click this link – https://www.avira.com/en/search?q=repair+tool&x=0&y=0

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Go directly to the FBI website for more details by clicking the link below

http://www.fbi.gov/

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I hope this is helpful 🙂

Getting a Grip on AutoCorrect!

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It’s downright embarrassing!  Causing my professionalism to be questioned!  Yes, you know what I’m talking about  #@%! – AutoCorrect!

Someone is putting their words in my messages! Recently I sent a message discussing something I thought showed that I was comprehending the subject and in the middle of the sentence was the word ‘toot‘!   The list is long of those AutoCorrect/Autocomplete moments; however, it seems we can’t live with, or without it. Just in case you want to remove it or venture into finding out how to control it more to your liking, here are some tips that i found for Android, iPhone, and iPad users.

First, let’s review some of the selections for inputting information with the keyboards provided by your mobile devices.  For example, you may find Swype easier to input text on your mobile device. Here’s a brief description:  Swype   is an input method for touchscreens where the user enters words by sliding a finger or stylus from letter to letter, lifting only between words. It uses error-correcting algorithms and a language model to guess the intended word. It also includes a tapping predictive text system in the same interface. Swype is designed for use on touchscreen devices with a traditional QWERTY keyboard. via Swype – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

♦ According to Swype, it’s a faster way to input messages.  Maybe this will help you to control those AutoCorrect errors (?) Swype provides basic/advanced training guidelines, which you can get at this link: http://www.swype.com/

♦ Android users can find a Tutorial for Swype  right on their mobile phones.  In addition, there is Swype Help with more details.

To find the tutorial  take the steps below:

  • Select Settings
  • Select Language & keyboard
  • Select Swype settings
  • Scroll down to find Help
  • Choose Tutorial

If you decide you want to stay with “Touch input” I suggest you take the Tutorial for how auto-correction works.

Use the steps below to find the tutorial

  • Select Settings’
  • Select Language & keyboard
  • Select Touch input
  • Select Tutorial

Touch input users may also want to consider adding their often used personal acronyms to their Personal dictionary, which is an option available right beneath the Tutorial. Choose the Edit personal dictionary, and add your words.

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iPhone users can check out Business Insider, which has some suggestions for “teaching” your phone new words among other ideas.  http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-fix-iphone-auto-correct-2012-2#

iPad users can turn autocorrect off using the settings options.

I hope this is helpful.  See you at the next Post 🙂

The Facts Are In… From The FLA

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The Fair Labor Association (FLA)  has completed, and made public, their report about labor conditions at Foxconn.  Below is a summary of what I found at their site. As always you can click on the link to read the full disclosure at  the FLA website.

♦ FLA’s investigation found that within the last 12 months, all three factories exceeded both the FLA Code standard of 60 hours per week (regular plus overtime) and the Chinese legal limits of 40 hours per week and 36 hours maximum overtime per month.

♦ During peak production periods, the average number of hours worked per week exceeded 60 hours per worker.

♦ There were periods in which some employees worked more than seven days in a row without the required 24 hours off.

♦ Full worker survey data is available at http://www.fairlabor.org/affiliate/apple.via Fair Labor Association Secures Commitment to Limit Workers’ Hours, Protect Pay at Apple’s Largest Supplier | Fair Labor Association.

I was wondering how many people still  felt that Mike Daisey’s way of  getting this information out still should be judged so harshly.  Before he presented this information in his show,  I don’t believe many of Apple’s customers (myself included) knew much about  how the Apple products are made in China.  Here is an excerpt of an article by Mark Radcliffe that I found  in my readings about Mike Daisey I would like to share with you. As always click the link to read the entire article.

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Mark Radcliffe notes that discoveries of more violations at Apple’s Foxconn manufacturing plant in China prove that Mike Daisey wasn’t as wrong as once thought…

I wrote about this controversy last week, so I’ll try not to repeat too much of my argument. But my point is that the level of condemnation employed by most journalists against Daisey strikes me as misplaced. I find it troubling that there was such a frenzy to tear him down, when at the end of the day, it was still his show (and the general truth behind it) that is largely responsible for shining the light of scrutiny on the labor practices of the world’s richest company. There was an OCD-esque desire to throw out the baby with the bathwater as soon as a few smaller details were in contention.

But almost no one simply acknowledged that he did go to China. He did visit factories. He did talk to workers, all in an effort to know the truth. The headlines imply he made it all up while sitting on his couch at home. We should have two different levels of scorn for someone who lies about everything sheerly for fame, and someone who merely stretches the truth to help raise awareness about a labor rights issues. via Mike Daisey’s Lies Appear To Be Mostly True @MarkRadcliffe — The Good Men Project.

It’s certainly worth thinking about what Mark Radcliffe has to say on this topic.  I would also like to share a quote with you that I found before I close this Post>

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Martin Luther King, Jr. quote