Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:22:07 -0800WeeblyFri, 13 Apr 2012 09:07:25 -0800http://www.computersdotmom.com/1/post/2012/04/heads-up-for-mac-users.htmlJust a very quick alert in case you use a Mac and missed the news (4/7/2012).
 There is a fairly widespread and unpleasant Mac malware* infestation called "Flashback" or "FakeFlash."

If you use a Mac, please be smart:

1. Check to make sure that you are not already infected
2. Remove it if you are
2. Do your Apple software updates to avoid becoming infected

Click here for a NY Times article that explains the situation in more detail and has links to help you detect and remove the malware if necessary.

And while I would never suggest (as those stupid alarmist emails do) that you "forward this to everyone in your address book," it wouldn't be a bad idea to mention it to your mac-using friends and family. Let's kill this thing before it spreads any farther!

*malware, in case you're wondering, is what normal humans call a computer virus.  It's the generic name for stuff that's designed to do bad stuff to your computer; viruses are a type of malware, but there are, unfortunately, lots of other kinds too.

Stay Safe! ]]>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:07:46 -0800http://www.computersdotmom.com/1/post/2012/04/flossing-your-computer.htmlEat your spinach. Floss your teeth. Do your updates!
 
One of the questions we hear most often is "Do I need to update?" The answer is generally yes, because updates are basic maintenance that help keep you safe and running smoothly.  Whether you are on a Windows computer or a Mac, an iPhone or a Blackberry, an iPad or a Kindle, sooner or later you'll encounter updates.  Here are a few things you need to know.

1. UpDATES are not the same as upGRADES
 It's sort of like the difference between fixing your hem and buying a new skirt.

• UpDATES are improved versions of stuff you have now, usually for free. Updates plug holes that might let the bad stuff in, solve glitches, and sometimes even add features. 
  
• UpGRADES are a whole new version, and usually involve payment.  (You don't always have to buy a new version just because it's available; make sure you need it before you pay.) 

2. Uncheck that box! 
Some updates are subsidized by advertising. If during an update you see an checkbox that says something like, "Yes, I want to install the FREE BlahBlah Toolbar [or Shrdlu Security Scan]", you can probably live without it--uncheck that box before you proceed with an update, or you'll end up with annoying clutter on your computer.

3. Yes, you ARE using Java
whether you realize it or not, Java is a programming language that runs behind the scenes on most devices and many webpages. Java updates seem to pop up as frequently as nail salons. 

4. Adobe is a company, not a program 
Adobe makes Reader, which we all use for PDF files, and two other very common programs called Flash and Shockwave that make websites visually fun and interactive. All three need updates occasionally--unless you're on an iPhone or iPad, because Apple blocked Flash on iOS. Darn it.

5. Operating systems need love, too
Your computer, your tablet, even your phone has an operating system--the basic software that makes it obey you--and it need updates too. Check for Apple software updates, Windows updates, iOS updates (for Apple devices), Android updates (for Android phones, Kindles and Nooks) etc.  You can do them either when you feel like it or automatically (on computers).

6. Very very rarely, updates are a problem
Software is written by imperfect humans. Once in a blue moon, an update will cause an issue. Don't panic, it can usually be unwound, and unlike bad spinach, it won't put you in the hospital.

And for dessert:

Now that you've been a good techie and done your updates, have some fun with DrawSomething, a free and incredibly fun and addictive social game where you take turns drawing words and guessing what the drawings are with your friends. It's sort of like Pictionary for your iPhone/iPad/Android device, only better. And take it from me, drawing skills are optional.  

(Check out some of the hilarious drawings people have done in DrawSomething here). 
]]>Fri, 09 Mar 2012 04:45:33 -0800http://www.computersdotmom.com/1/post/2012/03/the-ipad-and-other-news-and-notes.htmlYou can stop holding your breath now--oh, you weren't?! Well, the new iPad is here, regardless. It's got a drop-dead-gorgeous screen, is faster, and has a much better camera and a few new apps (not Siri, though). The size, battery life, and price are nearly identical to the iPad 2 when it launched.  Apple also updated Apple TV, $99, and both should be in stores March 16th.

Worth buying?
The short answer is: if you have the original iPad, or don't own one, and think you will use it a lot: this model is a big upgrade.  If your iPad use is all about photos, maps, games, movies, or other visual activities, the difference will be huge (and fun).  But if you already have an iPad 2, consider saving your money for the next round.  (Full disclosure:  I remain a Windows girl but I own a little Apple stock and I do love my iPad. Diane and Jennifer are Apple mavens).
Speaking of money, the price of the iPad 2 has dropped by $100. Depending on your budget, consider buying an iPad 2 instead, or buy a refurbished one and save even more. Careful, though, about buying an older or used iPad without a new battery; replacing a dying iPad battery will set you back $100.

Which model?
There are really only two decisions to make: capacity, and cellular access. The higher resolution screen means much bigger files, so be careful to buy enough capacity (same three choices: 16, 32, or 64 GB).  Most people only need WiFi access, and adding the ABILITY to use a cellular network (3G or 4G) adds about $130 to cost of the iPad before you even start paying for the data plan, fair warning.  

Security note
Seems like a big uptick recently in hacked email accounts, especially on AOL.  If your friends complain that "you" are sending them pleas for money, or links to strange Russian websites, or your gmail account has a big red bar at the top saying

Your account has been accessed from [a foreign country],

don't delay--change your email password IMMEDIATELY (see previous discussion of passwords here).
 
Are you clinging to an old email address?? 
If you still use a an email account through your ISP (RoadRunner, Verizon, Earthlink) because you think you'd have to tell everyone the new address---you wouldn't. Modern email hosts (like gmail) can pick up your old account, so you won't miss anything. It's easy to set up and you're missing a world of great features if you don't. ]]>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:01:23 -0800http://www.computersdotmom.com/1/post/2012/02/february-what-we-love.htmlFlowers? Chocolate? Sure! But a truly useful website or app is what makes us REALLY happy.  For Valentine's Day, we're sharing a few of our favorites with you---the ones that are right up there with chocolate.  Most are free for basic use and offer paid upgrades. 

Tame the data monster
Have you ever hunted for information that you KNOW you saved. . . somewhere? Keep organized with Dropbox (Alison's favorite, simpler and more file-oriented) or Evernote (Diane's favorite, more sophisticated and better for lists, articles, and images). Both allow you to access your information from your own computer and from nearly any Internet-connected device.  

Painless backup
Murphy's law says that your computer will crash just before you were going to backup. Online backup services take the "oops!" out of protecting your data; set them up once, and they run automatically, so you don't have to remember to plug anything in--especially critical with laptops. Our two favorites are Mozy and Carbonite; look for a free basic plan or consider a long-term plan if you can lock in unlimited data, as those plans are vanishing rapidly.  (Newer Macs have a terrific built-in backup program,Time Machine, but you still need a drive to store the data).

Entertainment and Dining
Dining: Remember when you had to call around to find a table? Opentable has revolutionized reservations.  The online (paid) version of Zagat is a staple, too; we're eager to see improvements since Google bought them.  And for those annoying restaurants with "flattering" lighting and menus designed by 20 year olds:  Flashlight, an app that turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a mini light source. (Similar products exist for Android and Blackberry phones).

Staying in and cooking? Epicurious is a searchable database of recipes from Gourmet, Bon Appetit and others, plus ratings and comments from real cooks. 
 
Movie reviews: Rottentomatoes, especially for art-y films.

Tickets:  Broadwaybox and TKTS for discounts; Seatgeek for hot tickets. 

Radio:  Check out the the streaming radio options in iTunes--free and plentiful.  Couldn't do the dinner dishes without NPR, and they also have a great app.  Or, set yourself up with a custom radio station on iHeartRadio or Pandora. 

Getting There, Greenly
Did you know that New Yorkers travel almost a third of all public transit miles in the US? Google maps will find almost anything and give you directions, but Hopstop offers slicker public transit directions.  

Plain ol' fun and a shameless plug
Angry Birds and Bejeweled are great diversions, but Family Feud is free and fun and since you can only play one or two rounds for free a day, you can't waste too much time with it! 


Words with Friends is just addictive. Challenge Alison (username: cdotmom) to a game! 

Coming attractions:
Travel Tech returns in March, and our next new workshop will be on managing recipes! ]]>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:04:53 -0800http://www.computersdotmom.com/1/post/2012/01/first-post.htmlWe've all received those weird emails: a friend writes that she's stranded in a foreign hotel and urgently requires you to send money. Or that she can solve all your problems if you just click on this link.  Or maybe a message like that has been sent "from" you to everyone in YOUR address book. Mildly embarrassing, yes. But it could be so much worse!  When the bad guys get your passwords, you can be at real risk. 

One of the most common and dangerous mistakes we see is people using the same passwords over and over again. In a perfect world, you'd have a different password for every website you access--a nice, long, complicated one. But we only have so many brain cells, and they're full of more important things, like what time is dinner. So what to do? 

Three Levels of Passwords

There is no such thing as perfect security; there is only a balance between safety and convenience. If your passwords become too complicated, then you'll end up writing them down (not very secure) or forgetting them (very inconvenient). Here are our three simple rules for managing passwords in a way you can live with. 

1. Use a unique password for your email account The single most important password in your life is your email account password because it is the "master key" to almost everything else. (If you have ever reset a password for another account, how did it work? Usually by sending you an email. So if someone can get into your email account, they can control everything). Make sure the email account password one is: -  different from every other password you use;  -  long (at least 8 characters, 9 is better), and  -  includes both upper and lower case letters and numbers, and ideally other characters too.  That doesn't have to be as hard as it sounds;  a variation of, for example, your childhood address might work just fine (23Elm$treet).  

2. Use a different set of secure passwords for sites with financial or sensitive information If you bank online, access credit cards or medical records, use another set of unique passwords for those sites that are NOT the same as the password as your email address, but same rules. Length is important. 

3. Use VARIATIONS of a simple password for all the everyday stuff Making reservations on Opentable? Ordering prints on Shutterfly? Watching movies on Netflix? Those are lower-risk activities, but they all still require passwords. Come up with a password that is easy for you to remember (not your birthday, your dog's name, etc.) and then tack on something different for each website, for example: 
Opentable: 12bananas!O
Shutterfly: 12bananas!S
Netflix: 12bananas!N 

It's simple, easy to remember, and fairly secure. That way if one website's user login list is hacked, and your password is stolen, it won't be so easy for the thieves to get into all your other accounts. (There's a lot more we can show you about easy ways to manage your passwords, but this post is long enough!) 

Now, what are you waiting for? PLEASE, protect yourself online. Set aside a few minutes now to make sure that, at the very least, you are using a unique password for your email account. (And remember that you will need to update the password on any device that picks up your email, like a smartphone or an iPad). 

Stay Safe! ]]>