Today's Myth: My security software has never detected a virus - its bullet proof!

Answer: False
Getting spyware depends more on your surfing habits than your security software.  It's likely that you do have a spyware on your computer in spite of your security software. 

For the best security you should have a anti-spyware program in addition to your security software like, Webroot AntiSpyware or Malwarebytes.  Others like SpyBot or AdAware do not seem as effective as they were when they first came out.

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Personally, I like and use Malwarebytes because it’s free and effective.  You can download it at www.malwarebytes.org

When you do, select the free version (Decline the Trial Version when installing it).  Do a QuickScan and see what you get.  You may be surprised!

If you think you have a spyware that you can’t remove give me a call at (512) 451-9720 or just reply to this email.

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Today's Myth: Apple computers get fewer viruses than Windows computers

Answer: True
Apple computers (Macs) do get fewer viruses.  Why?  Because...

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...Macs STILL represent <10% of the personal computer market

If you are going to program a virus, you would want more bang for the buck, wouldn't you?  In other words, you program viruses for Windows based computers.

But before you get excited and decide to dump your Windows laptop for a Apple, consider:
• Mac laptops are almost 2X the cost of a comparable Windows
• There are more programs available for a Windows computer than a Macs
• Not all websites are viewable on Mac - Banks, Financial Institutions, and some Industry websites are programmed specifically for Internet Explorer.  Using Safari (the equivalent browser program included with a Mac) may not display the website to view specific websites may not work.  *Even if you run Windows on a Mac computer using a variety of methods, the Mac becomes as susceptible to viruses as a Windows computer.
• There is a learning curve

I offer Mac support.  If you are considering purchasing a Mac call me at (512) 451-9720 or just reply to this email and we can evaluate if a Mac is right for for your needs.

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Todays Myth: It's no big deal if you don't have a password for your wireless network

Answer: False
Many people have installed their router and haven't taken the extra step of creating a wireless password to secure their network.

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Even if you don't care about your neighbors using your network or 'Don't have anything on my computer that's valuable', you need a password to secure your wireless network.

If you don't have a password setup here are a few things that may happen (some not so obvious):
• Lose wireless connection because your neighbor down the street has purchased and installed the same model router (typically happens if you don't change the default wireless name in addition to the password - I have seen this twice).
• Let someone capture your IDs & passwords (this is a given)
• Allow your neighbors to download music or porno using your network (something for which YOU could get arrested. Read this )
• Use your network to run manage/participate black market websites (hackers use TV antennas that look like TV antennas to pick up unprotected networks.  Yours could be one!)

How can you tell if you have a password?
In Windows 7
1. Click the Network icon on your desktop

2. Look to the right of the wireless network you are connected (the one usually at the top of the list) for an orange Shield with an "!".  If one is there, then you don't have a password and one needs to be setup.

If so, give me a call and I can ensure your network is a secure as it should be:  (512) 451-9720.

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Happy New Year!
I would like to start the new year addressing a few myths about computers. If you dare, you can answer the question, then click the link and see if you are right.

Today's Myth:   Let's say you have a new computer.  Can you move programs from one computer to another by copying the program files to the new computer (On a Windows based computer)?

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Answer: False
• Programs like Word, Excel, Outlook QuickBooks, ACT! will NOT transfer to another computer by copying their files.  You have to re-install the program.  This includes using transfer programs like PC Mover or other similar programs that porport to 'move everything including programs'.

By the way, I can help setup your new computer so that all your data, files, pictures, documents and even desktop short-cuts are on your new computer minimizing downtime.  Give me a call at (512) 451-9720 or just reply to this email.

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You may be leaving town this holiday season.  Like everyone else, you are bringing your laptop.  When you get to your Friend's/Relative's house/Hotel/Motel/private island, you will probably want to connect to the wireless network so you can check email or whatever.  Here's how you do it in Windows 7.

1. Look for the picture of the computer monitor at the lower right hand side of the screen and click it

2. Find the wireless network that you want to connect to and click on it.

 3. Enter the wireless network password/passphrase
*Not all wireless networks will have/require a password or passphrase.  If it does, you will have to get it from either the front desk or your hosts.

-You will be prompted to choose if it is a Public, Private, or Home network.
4. Select Public - this will setup the highest level of security on your computer while connected to the network
-If you have a third party security software, you may be asked a similar question.  Since all security software programs differ, just choose the one with the highest level of security
-Some wireless networks, like ones at hotel/motels etc. will ask you to sign-off on a user agreement - just click OK.

5. Open Internet Explorer (or your preferred browser).  The first page you will say will ask you to sign-off on the agreement I mentioned.

As a safeguard:
-Don't conduct financial transactions while connected to an unfamiliar wireless network (buy/sell something/check your checking/stock profile etc.).

Troubleshooting if you can’t connect:
-Verify that the password/passphrase that you have is the correct one
-Restart your computer and try to re-connect
-Have your friend/relative restart their router and try to reconnect
 

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You have Outlook and you have a smartphone.  Now your dilemma is how to sync your Outlook info-Email-Contacts-Calendar-Tasks-Notes between the two.  Which is the best solution?

Here is a comparison between the popular smartphones and sync methods

iPhone/iPad USB cable via iTunes
Pros
• Free
Cons
• Have to physically plug-in to your computer to sync
• Does not synchronize Email

Note:
*On 4G and better iPhones & 3G and better iPads

iPhone/iPad via iCloud
Pros:
• Works wirelessly and automatically.
Cons:
• Paid Service
• Will not group/display your Contacts if Categorized in Outlook.
• Categories will not appear on you iPhone and Categories will not appear in Outlook
• If the total amount of information in Outlook is larger than +/-4GB, it will not synchronize

Android USB  via Android Sync Software
Pros:
• Free
Cons:
• Have to physically plug-in to your computer to sync
• Does not synchronize Email
• Categories don't sync

Blackberry
Pros:
• Free
Cons:
• Will sync Categories only on supported phones
• Have to physically plug-in to your computer to sync
• Does not synchronize Email

Any smartphone with Gmail
Pros:
• Works Wirelessly
Cons:
^To sync Contacts, domain (your www.whatever.com must be setup in GoogleApps) and you need to download and install additional software
^^Need to download and install additonal software to sync Calendar
• If the total amount of information in Outlook is larger than +/-4GB, it will not synchronize

Summary:
The bottom line is how up to date your information needs to be on either your computer or smartphone.  Any one of these methods may work for you depending on your specific needs.

Personally, my needs are:
• Use Outlook 2010
• Have a smart-phone - Android Samsung Galaxy Epic
• Need my contacts and calendar to update automatically since I am out in the field 90% of my day

I use an option not listed above - Hosted Exchange.
Hosted Exchange is a service available from a variety of providers. It works on almost any smartphone. Here's the break-down:

Anyphone with Hosted Exchange
Pros:
• It's wireless and automatic
• Everything syncs
• Outlook can have up to 25GB of information and still sync
• It works on almost any smartphone regardless of brand
Cons:
•It is a paid service that ranges from $5-15/month depending on how much Outlook information you sync

Setting up Hosted Exchange or any synchronization solution can be daunting.  If you need help, give me a call at 512-451-9720 or reply to my email at: pmurillo@businesssoftwaremadeeasy.com

That's it!

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Or Jungle Disk vs Carbonite
Or SugarSync vs Mozy
Or Box.net vs Carbonite
Or Windows Sky Drive vs Mozy

Today I want to share the differences between two different types of online storage services that try to blur the line between each other: Online File Storage and Online File Backup.

What does Online Backup Service do?
Online backup services provide a service that identifies your vital files and backs them up to a server at the service.  Once you sign up and pay for your service, you typically have to download a program that will identify your files and schedule the backup intervals.  Monthly ranges from FREE to $6 depending on how much data you backup.

Here are a few popular Online Backup Services:
• Mozy
• Carbonite
• Norton Online

What does the Online Storage Service do?
Online storage services provide a method that you can save your files to an intermediary device - usually a server provided by the service.  Once you have signed-up and created your account, you typically have to download a program to your computer to complete the process.  The program connects your computer to the online backup service's server. Annual prices range from $59/yr. to $120/yr.

Here are a few popular Online Storage Services:
• Jungle Disk
• SugarSync
• Box.net
• Microsoft Windows SkyDrive
• Dropbox

What's the difference?
Backup services are designed to look through your computer and find the files that are typically most important like: (Pictures/PDFs/Spreadsheets/Documents/Quicken/QuickBooks data/Outlook data etc.) and back them up.

Storage services:
• Merely act as a method to synchronize your selected files between computers.  For example, if you complete the setup process mentioned above then repeat the process again on another computer the Storage service will synchronize the files you designate between the two computers automatically.
• Tout their backup capability since the synchronization between the two (or more computers) is facilitated by their servers which saves a copy of what you designated to sync.
• Do not sync your Quicken/QuickBooks/Outlook data hence could leave you vulnerable.

What's the bottom line?
No service does it all and using one service to try to do it all will only add to something going wrong and you forgetting to backup something.

Personally, if I needed to share files say my company marcom or client contracts with my admin I would use an Online Storage system.  For my backup, I would use an online backup service.  Use one or the other.  You can even use both!

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