Friday, October 24, 2014

October 14 meeting Links

Photo tips and tricks


Back your photos up to the cloud:  For example: flickr, One Drive, Google drive, etc
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304279904579517593807591638
 http://picmonkey.com

Photo Gallery can be added to in Windows 7 and 8
to edit...    http://mashable.com/2013/07/22/free-image-editors/

Smartphone app for printing photo albums


A free online slide show creator   http://animoto.com

Flickr (owned by yahoo) gives you 1 terabyte of free online storage:  http://flickr.com

Here is some information on editing the details of an image file

Some of the online photo editors available :



Seven things you should know to keep your computer safe: Plain Dealing


Sheryl Harris writes about Consumer Affairs for the Cleveland Plain Dealer.  We have arranged to have Sheryl come and talk at one of our meetings next spring.  This week the Consumer Affairs department offered an online chat about Computer Security with
  • Ganpat "Gunner" Wagh, a member of the FBI's cyber crime task force
  • Cary Root, president of the IT-management firm Root-InfoTech 
  • Greg Kelley, a digital forensics expert and chief technology officer at Vestige
  • Sue Workman, vice president of information technology services at Case Western Reserve University
Here is recap of this  computer security live chat held this week:  Check this article "Seven things you should know to keep your computer safe".  

http://www.cleveland.com/consumeraffairs/index.ssf/2014/10/seven_things_you_should_know_t.html#incart_river

Follow Sheryl Harris on facebook where she regularly shares consumer information (including computer issues).

Sunday, October 05, 2014

September 9 2014 "So now you've got a new Computer, Now What?"

Bob Gostischa's September program on "So now you've got a new Computer, Now What?" has lots of great information in it.  He has provided us with the URL  to all the links he gave during his talk and I encourage you to check them out:

Please find Instructions to successfully install avast! and other helpful links and tips at:http://goo.gl/daVH38
Don't forget to scroll down to see all of the information. 

Although he stated that the free version should be fine for most of us, for those who want to get the paid version at a special 40% discount, simply go to:   Coupon_Security_Buy_Links-Bob.html
 

You can also pass along Avast!'s offer to protect our Schools, Libraries and Collages by giving them theavast! Endpoint protection free of charge.
More details about this program are available at: 


Wednesday, August 06, 2014

Free Online Technology Conference

LCCUG members are invited to participate:

APCUG’s FREE August 16, 2014   (1 pm - 4 pm)
Summer Virtual Technology Conference (VTC).

If you haven’t registered, just go to the below link to secure your ‘seat’ at the conference.


Please spread the word by forwarding this e-mail to your members. VTCs are a great way for them to expand their technology experience and be introduced to new skills. Below are the sessions that are currently scheduled.

If you would like further information, please send an email tovirtualconferences@apcug.org

TRACK 1

File Networking and Storage
David Williams, Secretary, Online Services and Programs, Central Iowa Computer User Group
Folders are not just for “My Documents” anymore, you can store files anywhere you want to.  We will show you how to set up a network, set up storage devices and to organize your folders.

Online Group Deals and Other Savings
Greg Skalka, President, Under the Computer Hood User Group
Everyone likes to save money and Greg will show you how to do that with group deal sites -- something that has become immensely popular and successful for all parties involved. Find out about how the deals work, the benefits, the restrictions, the gotchas, and more. Greg will also describe how you can celebrate your birthday with freebies and discounts.

Easy Desktop
Wil Wakely, Past President, Seniors Computer Group
Easy Desktop replaces the Windows desktop with a menu system as opposed to the thumbnail picture Icon system; however, it does require one to be able to read English. EDT has 9 pages of menus with each page holding up to 72 entries. Each entry can be a program, folder, document, picture or title. Come hear how you can eliminate desktop icon clutter, organize your programs and reduce your computer frustrations, especially with Win8.

UG Session – Is What Happened to HAL-PC In Your Group’s Future?
Judy Taylour, President, SCV Computer Club
Hewie Poplock, APCUG Rep & Program Chair, Central Florida Computer Society
HAL-PC was once one of the world’s largest PC user groups and a founding member of APCUG. They will be gone in a few weeks – closing their office, selling their equipment, etc. HAL-PC failed to keep up with the times. Its members grew older and their interests didn’t expand. Does this apply to your group?

TRACK 2

Social Media Matters! Using social media to increase your marketing muscle
Tamera Rousseau-Vesta, Community Strategy Manager
VCE-The Virtual Computing Environment
This session will focus on how to use social media as a way to build membership and increase collaboration within your organization. Tamera will highlight tools, tips and tricks to make social media a valuable part of your marketing and communication efforts.

Linux is like Cars
John Kennedy, Member and Co-host, Linux Help Desk/SIG, Licking County Computer Society
One of the many “concerns” about Linux is that there are so many different versions/distributions (or distros as Linux users call them) that a new user doesn't know which one to use. And they wonder why there are so many, since they are used to only having one version with Windows and Macs. I reply, “Why are there so many different makes/models of cars?” The answer is that everybody doesn't like the same thing in a car, and that's the answer in Linux as well. In this basic presentation, I will show/explain what the main differences are in the many Linux distros, and (just like in cars) how you might decide which version is the one you might want. With Linux being a free operating system, you can try out as many versions as you want until you find the one that just fits you. Join me for an enjoyable trip around the “Linux showroom” and see for yourself what it's all about.

Editing Photos on Your iPad
Sheila Bigel, eBlast Committee Chair, Central Florida Computer Society
The iPad has a large number of apps that will allow you to improve your photos. There are apps that provide basic photo editing features such as adjusting brightness, contrast, etc.  Many apps provide a multitude of filters for special effects.  Other apps allow you to add borders, text, clip art and create collages.  This presentation will show a few apps that are fun, easy to use, and are free or nominally priced that will allow you to enhance the photos on your iPad.



Virtual Technology Conference Committee

Judy Taylour, Chair
Jim Evans
Hewie Poplock
Marie Vesta
 

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Lots of Free Microsoft Ebooks

Microsoft is offer a large collection of free ebooks on their products

They include : Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Office 2013, Office 365, Office 2010, SharePoint 2013, Dynamics CRM, PowerShell, Exchange Server, Lync 2013, System Center, Azure, Cloud, SQL Server, and much more.


They can be found at this link:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/mssmallbiz/archive/2014/07/07/largest-collection-of-free-microsoft-ebooks-ever-including-windows-8-1-windows-8-windows-7-office-2013-office-365-office-2010-sharepoint-2013-dynamics-crm-powershell-exchange-server-lync-2013-system-center-azure-cloud-sql.aspx

Sunday, June 29, 2014

June's Amazing Websites

Amazing Sites from the June Meeting

Here is the link to the websites explored during the June LCCUG meeting:



Check them out and see what you will find useful.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Heartbleed Bug - What to do...


This story will tell you what websites have been threatened by the Heartbleed Bug and at which websites you should change the password for.

http://mashable.com/2014/04/09/heartbleed-bug-websites-affected/

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Windows XP ending / more about Windows 8

Windows XP Support to send (AP)

Guide to Upgrading, Using XP Computer

Windows 8 information from LCCUG's member page:  http://lccug.memberlodge.com/weblinks

With support for Windows XP being discontinued as of April 8th, hopefully you've made plans on either upgrading or replacing your Windows XP computers.

If you haven't, this article may help. It is targeted towards non-profit organizations, but personal users can glean good information from it as well.  The No Excuses Guide to Getting Rid of Windows XP:
http://forums.techsoup.org/cs/community/b/tsblog/archive/2014/03/27/the-no-excuses-guide-to-getting-rid-of-windows-xp.aspx


In this next article, Security experts were asked whether third-party antivirus software will support XP after April 8. Here's what they said:
http://forums.techsoup.org/cs/community/b/tsblog/archive/2014/02/07/windows-xp-supported-third-party-anti-virus.aspx


Here are a few more articles concerning the demise of Windows XP:

This article is about What to do if you love Windows XP and hate Windows 8:
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/what-to-do-if-you-love-windows-xp-and-hate-windows-8/

Does security matter to you? Ditch Windows XP for one of these upgrade options. Andy Wolber takes a look at some conventional and alternative OS options.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/deciding-to-ditch-windows-xp-here-are-your-options/

Sticking with Windows XP? Here are your options. If you're a Windows XP stalwart, you may decide to stick with Windows XP, even after Microsoft officially ends support. Scott Lowe discusses some of your options for making things work with what you have.
http://www.techrepublic.com/article/sticking-with-windows-xp-here-are-your-options/


And, finally, if you decide to replace your Windows XP computer, please call one or more of ournewsletter sponsors to ask about availability & pricing of new or refurbished Windows 7 or Windows 8 systems.  If your needs aren't very high, a refurbished system may be the best upgrade option for you.

Shredding Day April 19


Tuesday, April 01, 2014

WinX DVD Copy Pro Giveaway

WinX DVD Copy Pro Giveaway

Greatly improved the DVD burning module with better compatibility. Clone any DVDs to DVD disc for collections, copy DVD to ISO image and MPEG 2 file without any quality loss. Support 9 DVD copy mode and Mount ISO image, burn ISO or DVD folder to DVD.

They are giving away a limited number of copies of their software that will copy your DVDs.


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

How to Protect Yourself Against Cyber Attacks (as seen on Katie Couric)

How to Protect Yourself Against Cyber Attacks

by David Kennedy, Founder & Principal Security Consultant for TrustedSec
Is your computer at risk to be cyber-hacked? Miss Teen USA Cassidy Wolf was shocked to find out that someone had allegedly taken nude photos of her … with her own webcam! Learn more about her story on Wednesday, and get tips below to make sure your private computer activity stays that way.
1. Avoid Java
Java has been a major focal point for attackers right now, the point here isn’t just with Java but in general on applications that you may not need. If you don’t need an application on your machine, disable or uninstall it. The fewer number of applications, the lower the footprint an actual hacker has for getting into your systems. Consider reviewing your installed applications at least every 6 months to a year to see if you need something you’ve installed in the past.
2. Download EMET
Download EMET, (Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit), a free tool from Microsoft. Anti-Virus only detects a small fraction of malicious software. EMET is free, easy to configure, and makes it harder for hackers to break in. It does this by profiling how hackers actually break into your system and blocking them in the early stages.
Also in conjunction with EMET – always ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
3. Create a Separate Account
Create another account on your computer that is separate from your administrator account. If a hacker breaks into an administrator account, he or she will have free reign over everything on your computer, whereas if they hack another account they will not have access to all of your data. When you use your computer, use that limited account.
4. Delete Your Cookies
Delete cookies in your browser (Internet Explorer, FireFox, etc.) upon closing your browser. You can make it automatic by changing setting in Internet options.
5. Cover Your Webcam
This may seem silly and not needed – however, covering your webcam with sticky notes or putting a piece of tape over it may prevent someone from eavesdropping on your camera. This isn’t a fix for everything else that we’ve mentioned, but this can help in the event your machine becomes hacked. Note that this doesn’t stop any type of audio attacks where a hacker may have access to your microphone on your computer. Also note that the light does NOT need to be on in order for the webcam to be recording.

Monday, March 03, 2014

Paper Shedding Event


On Saturday, April 19, 2014 and Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 9 am - 12 pm, Lorain County residents will be able to bring unwanted paper documents to the parking lot of the Lorain County Collection Center, 540 S. Abbe Rd., Elyria and have them shredded for free.

Residents will need to bring identification showing proof of residency in Lorain County and are limited to 5 boxes / 5 blue grocery bags. They will also need drive into the facility and must take their empty boxes with them; residents should not exit their vehicles. For information, call 1-800-449-5463.

Sunday, March 02, 2014

World Backup Day is World Back up day.


DON'T BE AN APRIL FOOL.

March 31st is world back up day!!


World Backup Day is a day for people to learn about the increasing role of data in our lives and the importance of regular backups.
This independent initiative to raise awareness about backups and data preservation started out — like most good things on the internet - on reddit by a couple of concerned users. Let's make this happen!
Check the above webpage for more information and special offers.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Presentation on Backing up your Computer

At our February 11 meeting we had a presentation on backing up your computer.  Our presenter, Gene Barlow, was in Utah and shared with us some useful information on this important topic.  You can find a lot of that information here:     http://www.ugr.com/nl0713.html

The program that Gene recommended, Acronic Backup, is one that  that Sandee and Micky have experience with and can also recommend.

LCCUG members have an opportunity to buy Acronis BackUp at 50% off for the next 30 days.  The form to use is here....    https://www.dropbox.com/s/wopkqog8seeunn7/UGR.pdf

Let us know if you have any questions.

info@lccug.com


Saturday, January 11, 2014

Steps to thwart ID Thieves

from January 11, 2014 Plain Dealer - Teresa Dixon Murray

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2014/01/after_the_latest_information_b.html#incart_river

Teresa lists 39 ways to protect your ID from Theft. compiled from  the ITRC, the FTC and her own experiences. Some of them are long-standing advice; some may surprise you.
Good info - check it out.