Tuesday Tech Tips - Archive - March 2011
March 29th, 2011 - Who's (Mis)Using Your Wireless Signal?
You come home, turn on your laptop and automatically connect to the Internet through your wireless signal. But who else could be using your signal, does it matter, and is there anything you can do?
The bad news - it does matter if someone is "borrowing" your wireless signal. At best, someone could be using your bandwidth giving you a slower connection. Worst case, a criminal is using your signal to upload illegal files. And if that happens, the FBI will be knocking at your door.
The good news - there is something you can do. Your wireless router sends out a signal to let you devices know it's there. The signal has a name that any WiFi device can detect. That's the SSID. The default name is usually the maker, like linksys or 2wire. You need to enable the encryption of that signal to keep strangers off. Once encrypted, the only way on is with the right password.
You'll need to log onto the router to make changes. First connect the router directly to a PC LAN port. Then using a Web browser, type in the router's Gateway address found on the device or the owner's manual. It's usually http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1. Using the default username and password to log on (also found on the device or owner's manual), you'll see a menu for the wireless settings. In there you can set the security.
Your options will depend on the maker and age of your router. You should see a drop down menu or list of security choices. You don't need to know what they stand for just know that worst to best is WEP, WPA, WPA2. You'll want to choose at least WPA2 type with 128-bit encryption. WEP and WPA have some weaknesses that a hacker could get into with a few minutes.
Next you'll need to pick a password. Follow the rules given to select one that will work. Make sure it's not a dictionary word as those can be hacked in minutes regardless if you use WPA or WPA2. Try to make it at least 14 characters. If you are concerned about forgetting the password, you might consider writing it down and storing it in a safe. This will depend on what you are protecting. Never leave passwords out in the open.
Once you save the changes, you'll need to put the new password in the device you are connecting, like a laptop or iPad. Those devices store the password so you shouldn't have to enter it again.
Protect your computers and yourself by using the tools you already have.
March 22nd, 2011 - How Clean is your Facebook Page?
Unlike "old-fashioned" online media like Websites and Email, social media has opened up the dialog between businesses and their customers. This gives you new avenues, but also roadblocks to marketing online. Sure, it's great that your customers can comment, add photos and videos, and help promote your business through Facebook. But what about those who want to harm your business or are just careless? They could easily ruin your reputation by posting something inappropriate on YOUR business page. Who will your viewers hold responsible? You.
I recently watched a reputable technology group have to remove an inappropriate photo someone posted. It was embarrassing because they had no restrictions on what their users could do and they paid the price. We want our clients to write, but you don't want your Facebook wall to be like a wall of graffiti. And fans will start hiding your posts or removing your group or page in response. Don't lose business because of someone else!
In Facebook, go to your group and select "Edit Page" in the upper right corner. This will open up to "Manage Permissions". Right in the middle are three check boxes in a group called Posting Ability. Check the ones you want to let fans post - text, photos, and/or videos. For the majority of businesses, I recommend only allowing text. You may not even want that if you are finding yourself with a very large group of followers that you don't know personally. There's no guarantee everyone's words will meet your standards.
If you allow users to post to your wall, consider blocking profanity. Just below the Posting Ability blocks are two controls. The first allows you to type in objectionable or spam based words. Facebook will block any posts with those words and mark them as spam. The second uses Facebook's set of profane words to determine what to block. You can choose Off, Medium, or Strong. I would turn this on to at least Medium.
Control your image or risk losing customers!
March 15th, 2011 - Four tips on how to protect your family online
Here are four helpful tips on how to reduce the threat from the Internet (inappropriate material, spammers, hackers, etc) 
1) Be involved. Ask your kids what they are doing online? Find out who they talk to and what activities they enjoy online. Know the screen names of their friends. Question their online "friends" and whether or not they should be talking to them. This will not only give you indicators of possible problems, but will reassure them that you are someone they can talk to. Attend a class on Internet Safety for Parents (for example, there are free ones offered through the Texas Center for the Missing - http://www.tcftm.org/default.asp)
2) Keep an eye on all Internet activity. Keep the computer in the living room where you can see the screen. There's even a story of a family that requires all Internet-capable devices to go to the master bedroom at night for recharging. That keeps their children offline at night (and encourages them to get the sleep they need).
3) Find appropriate sites and bookmark them.
Sites we have previewed as okay for children -
http://www.netsmartzkids.org/ - Site to learn about Internet safety for children
http://www.netsmartz.org/Teens - Site to learn about Internet safety for teens
http://boyslife.org/ - Boy Scouts of America - Boys Life Magazine
http://pbskids.org/ - PBS
As useful as Google is, I do not recommend it unsupervised. It's a doorway to EVERYTHING. With the right tools in place (see #4) and a watchful eye, it can be used, but be careful.
4) Use good tools to block sites and spam plus protect from virus. There are many tools available. Here are some to name a few:
- K9 Web Protection (free) - http://www1.k9webprotection.com/ - blocks inappropriate sites and programs
- Spector Pro ($) - http://www.spectorsoft.com/products/ - tracks all data and even keystrokes
- There are many anti-virus programs and the better ones usually cost. Stable Technology is now partners with Sunbelt Software to sell VIPRE. You may use Norton or McAfee. The point is to have one on and kept updated. Don't let the subscription expire!
Additional Resources - http://www.tcftm.org/parents.asp
March 8th, 2011 - Is Now the Time to Buy a Tablet (Slate) PC, like the iPad or Xoom?
With all of the announcements and rumors of new slate devices (a tablet PC without a physical keyboard), we wanted to see what's going to be available with the new iPad 2 and Xoom and to look at the actual costs to own. There are other devices that may give these a run for their money, too, like the HP TouchPad, RIM's Blackberry PlayBook, and the Samsung Galaxy. Shop around before you buy!
Some buyers are going to be swayed one way or another because of a name brand or data service provider. For the rest of us, here are some things to consider:
- "Hidden" costs - Not technically hidden, but there are some expenses that come along with a slate device that you might not think about:
- Monthly data service - If you use the 3G data service, you are charged based on the amount of data transferred. Packages can range from $15 for 250 MB to $25 for 2 GB for 30 days of use.
- Accessories - Some devices have built-ins, but for others you'll have to buy adapters, plus covers and extra cables separately.
- Apps - you will likely want to buy apps (applications) to make the most of your slate. Apps include games, productivity tools, business tools, etc. Apple's store has around 65,000 apps while Motorola's is around 100, although that will likely go up.
- Is it useful? Slates give you the flexibility to travel away from home and stay connected. They give you the convenience of an easy-to-use device to check your email, the weather, work on a presentation, take notes, and play games. I've seen some easily make the transition and others who still want to feel a pen in their hand (like me). If it's just for games, it is really worth the cost?
- Out-of-date the day you buy. Any device you buy will be outdated quickly. Be ready to feel buyer's remorse.
BOTTOM LINE: 
SAVE SOME MONEY - New ones seem to hit the market every few months, so if you are on the fence I would recommend the same I recommend for buying a car. Don't buy a new one, but a good used one.
Do you even need 3G/4G?
If you use your device mostly at home or places with Wi-Fi like the coffee shop and bookstore, then you might be happy with just a Wi-Fi only device. This eliminates the monthly data cost and reduces the overall cost of some devices.
Check out stores that sell the original iPad.
They are marking them down to get rid of their inventory (http://www.bestbuy.com, for example). This will go fast! Apple sold 15 million of the first generation iPad in the past year. Many will be buying the iPad 2 and eBay and Craigslist fill up with iPads.
Be careful if you do buy one online - try to find a local seller. But this might be the best way to get a good deal and be able to enjoy the next generation of technology.
| Slate Device |
iPad 2 |
Xoom |
| Maker | Apple | Motorola |
| OS | Apple iOS | Google Android 3.0 |
| Processor | 1 GHz dual-core A5 CPU | 1 GHz dual-core CPU |
| RAM | 512 MB (unconfirmed) | 1 GB |
| Storage | Choice of 16, 32, or 64 GB | 32 GB plus microSD Card slot |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | 9 hours on 3G, 10 hours on Wi-Fi |
| Screen Size / Resolution | 9.7" LED with 1024x768 display | 10.1" with 1280x800 display |
| Special Features | Many improvements over iPad - faster graphic processor, video out, front and back cameras, black and white models, and thinner than original, video out 1080p HD, built-in gyroscope, accelerometer, adaptive lighting | Video output - 1080p HD; built-in HDMI output, front and rear cameras, gyroscope, barometer, e-compass, accelerometer, and adaptive lighting, Google Maps 5.0, Mobile hotspot for up to 5 Wi-Fi devices |
| Accessories (sold separately) | Covers and carrying cases sold by Apple and many 3rd party companies, video out adapter cable, photo card/USB reader adapters, bluetooth keyboard | Motorola wireless keyboard, standard dock, portfolio case |
| Release Date | Shipping 03/11/11 | Available now |
| Costs (Up front) | Between $499 (Wi-Fi only 16GB) to $829 (Wi-Fi and 3G with 64 GB) | $799 full retail price or $599 with a 2 year agreement for 3G service |
| Network / Data Plan Provider | Wi-Fi with optional 3G (AT&T or Verizon) | Wi-Fi with 3G and upgradable to 4G (Verizon) |
| Costs (Monthly) | $15 to $25 with AT&T. No commitment. Stop and start at any time. Verizon will also be providing coverage - cost TBD. | $20 a month for 1 GB data; optional 2 year agreement for reduction in up front device cost. |
| Pros | Most popular; many applications available for free / low costs; thinner and lighter than the first iPad with many new features. | Bigger screen than others, plays Adobe Flash, easy to add memory through microSD slot, can create a hotspot so other Wi-Fi devices can use the data service. |
| Cons | Does not support Adobe Flash so Websites with Flash will not work. | 4G is great when it works, but is not available in most areas. Plan to depend on 3G. Requires commitment for reduced costs. |
| Website | http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/ |
March 1st, 2011 - Avoid "Likejacking" or "Clickjacking" on Facebook
Scammers have ways to trick you into "liking" their pages.
THE BAIT - Outlandish claim or video like "I can't believe a girl did this because of Justin Bieber" or "LOL This girl gets OWNED after a POLICE OFFICER reads her STATUS MESSAGE"
THE SCAM - Once you've clicked to follow the link you'll see a video-like box with a play button or a link that says, "Click here to continue". What you don't see is buried in the code a Facebook Like button. Once you click "play" or "here" you just liked whatever page the scammer wants you to.
THE RESULT - So far this scam has been mostly used to promote a product or service, but it could be used to put malware or something harmful on your PC. It will also post to your profile and your friends will click on the link because you did.
HOW TO AVOID - Don't be the first to click on a link on a friend's page. Safe bets are ones with comments from other friends so you know it's legitimate. Also, don't fall for the "shocking" news. If you follow a link, check the address at the top and make sure you are at a legitimate site like youtube.com or facebook.com. Bogus sites will have modified names like foutube or phacebook. If it looks odd, don't click on it.
IF YOU CLICK ON 'PLAY' OR 'HERE' - If you click on the false site nothing will visibly happen but usually a "...likes this site" message will post to your news feed. Go to your profile and click the X on the right of the unwanted post. Select "Mark as Spam". This will delete it from your profile and notify Facebook.