Fall 2008 Newsletter

It's Back To School Time!!

Data Backup:

In a poll conducted by Harris Interactive™ of U.S. adults, 44% of the respondents indicated that they had lost important data or digital files stored on their computers.  As in most things in our lives we face two fundamental choices; Take control of the situation or become a “Victim”. We know this may sound a bit harsh but the reality, in the digital world is that 100% of hard drives (you know that part of your computer that holds ALL your data) fail at some point in time, we just don’t know when!!!

In a recent study by Strategic Research Corporation of California they identified the principal reasons for data loss as represented in the accompanying chart.

While data backup has been a part of many (believe it or not, not most) businesses for some time, the vast majority of home users have no back up plans or processes as part of their home computer infrastructure.  We have come to rely on our computers to communicate, to help organize our lives, access entertainment and store important information.   Many of you are using your computers at home to store your pictures, household finances and especially at this time of the year, we begin again with homework assignments, essays, term papers and the like.  In many ways the modern day equivalent of “the dog ate my homework” has become a computer related horror story for which educators have little sympathy. 

This is not a new issue. In fact as early as 2005 one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hard drives (Maxtor Corporation) launched a “Backup Awareness” campaign.  As part of that initiative they published a five-step “best practices” program that focussed on the following key activities.

1. Develop backup schedule. Back up data daily or at minimum weekly.

2. Back up everything.  As a rule of thumb invest in a storage solution that is twice the size of your internal hard drive as this will give you room to grow.

3. Do it automatically.  (Set it and forget it.)

4. Rotate backups (or use a remote “off-site” solution) which provides added protection in case of a natural disaster, fire or theft. 

5. Don’t procrastinate.  A growing number of our customers at easyTechCare come to us after they’ve learned from an unfortunate experience.  Don’t let this happen to you. 

At easyTechCare we are here to help with a variety of offers to help you ensure the safety of your data.  All of our packages include all the hardware and software required and most importantly the personal assistance of one of our A+ Certified Technicians to come to your residence or business to set it all up for you and provide you with the training you need to keep it all working.  Our solutions range from the ultimate in portability in a USB Memory Stick through external hard drives and even remote data backup and storage in a secure off-site location.  This last option also offers you the flexibility of accessing your data from the internet no matter where you are.  A perfect solution for everyone from students to “snowbirds”. 

Students Beware – Computer Theft & Security - “I just stepped away for a second.....”

According to Fireman’s Fund Insurance company in July 2007, 97% of university students owned a computer, 94% a cell phone and 56% a “digital music player” (iPod or MP3 player).  However, according to a COMPUSA survey, 70% of students don’t routinely lock up their laptops or similarly protect these devices when they are not in use.  In the United States, 50,000 property crimes are reported each year on university campuses..... that is, a theft occurs every 10 seconds!!!!

So, some suggestions for those heading off to university this fall:

Treat your computer and other digital devices as you would your keys or wallet.  Keep it with you at all times or if you must leave it unattended (even in your dorm room or apartment) most notebook computers today have a security cable slot, BUY A QUALITY CABLE AND LOCK AND USE IT.

Keep your notebook out of sight when not using it.  Purchase a padded carry bag that doesn’t broadcast to the word......”hey....here’s my laptop....come and get it”.

There is software today that tracks, locates and assists in recovering stolen notebooks. Check out www.absolute.com or similar products.

It’s not just your notebook that’s gone but also all your files some of which may contain personal data that could result in the compounded threat of “identity theft”.  So, set passwords or if you’ve just purchased a newer notebook with biometric technology, set it up and use it.

Finally, related to the disappearance of your prized possession is the concomittent loss of all the information, work, pictures, music and the like stored on it, so, one more reason to have an up to date external back up of all your data.  Which would you rather spend the night doing;  sweating over recreating that thesis you had slaved over or “chilling” with your friends?

Is Your Computer Ready To Go Back To School? – Some security and organizational tips to help start the school year off right.

It’s like an annual rite of passage.  As Labour Day approaches households are busy preparing (and in some cases even gratefully anticipating) the return to school.  Whether you are dealing with a toddler getting ready for the first ever day at school, returning elementary or high school students, or the excitement for many of starting post secondary education at a college or university, the list of tasks seems daunting.  It used to be a relatively simple list of school supplies, some new clothing, and of course those all important new pair of “sneakers”.  Well today, add to the list your computer and its related devices.  Be it a desktop, a notebook (yes that’s the new moniker for laptops), your internet access or the printer, all of them need to be ready for the rigors of a demanding school year.  Whether you are a “do it yourselfer” or would prefer to have one of easyTechCare’s A+ Certified Technicians come and do it for you, here are some thoughts to help get you on the way.

1.        Protect Yourself & Your Computer with Basic Security Maintenance:

·         Make sure you have current internet security software that includes antispyware and antivirus software that is set to automatic updates and scanning for incoming emails, documents and internet browsing.  easyTechCare’s preferred product is from industry leading Computer Associates (CA).

·         Ensure that you have downloaded the most recent updates for your operating system (most often Microsoft or Apple) by going to their respective sites and following the appropriate paths to receive them.  The operating system (OS) manufacturers update the security features of their products continuously to improve performance and cover any potential or actual loopholes.

·         Use an internet firewall.  Your Microsoft Windows software has one integrated that is quite effective.  A firewall helps prevent unauthorised use and access to your computer from external sources.  A firewall on its own will not prevent or get rid of viruses or spyware but when used in conjunction with your OS updates, and your internet security suite it will give you a substantial foundation for the protection you want.

2.        Take Care When You Go Wireless:

·         Wireless home networks are increasingly popular and may education institutions have wireless networks as well so you can get online from a classroom, the library or even the cafeteria.  There is no doubt that these networks are very convenient but there are some inherent risks that you should be aware of and some simple things you can do to protect yourself.  You can configure Windows Firewall to provide better protection when you're using a public wireless network. For more information, you can click on the following link to the Microsoft site Understanding Windows Firewall or Connecting to Wireless Networks with Windows Vista. If your computer doesn't use Windows Vista or Windows XP, see Firewall FAQ.

3.        Don’t Open Your “Door” to Strangers:

·         Email, instant messaging and even recently “YouTube” can spread viruses, worms and spyware if you are not careful.  You should never open an email attachment or an instant message unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the file.  “File Sharing” sites such as Kaza and Limewire are notorious for hiding viruses and spyware inside the music or video file you are thinking of downloading.  Imagine it like a stranger knocking on your door, you look through the window and they don’t look threatening at all but when you open the door all manner of strange and potentially dangerous things can happen.  Well, the same holds true for files from “unfamiliar” sources.  Your internet security suite won’t help you either because by saying yes to the download you are effectively “opening the door to a stranger” and your protection suites trusts your judgement and doesn’t look inside these files.

4.        Password Protect Your Computer and Lock It:

·         Passwords are your first line of defence in protecting your computer from thieves, pranksters or a careless roommate.  If you don’t use a password to log onto your computer anyone can access your data.  In creating a password the more “complicated” it is, the more difficult it is for someone to break it.  Your best bet is to use a combination of upper and lower case letters as well as a mix alpha and numeric characters.  And remember, keep it locked securely using a cable if it is a notebook and store it unobtrusively.

5.        Oh yes, Did We Mention – Back Up Your Work:

·         It warrants another mention in this edition of our Newsletter. Don’t risk losing all your hard work as a result of a system or hardware failure or an inadvertent keystroke.  Be sure to save and back up your work on a regular basis.

·         A very common error for example, is people who receive a document as an email attachment, open it, work on it and simply click on the “Save” icon in your toolbar.  This DOES NOT allow you to save and retrieve your work.  What you must do is open the document then click on “SAVE AS” and save it as a new document in the appropriate place on your computer. 

6.        Organize Your Files:

·         OK, time to fess up.  How much time have you spent looking for that “certain file”?  You know the one you created last week the file name you were sure to remember?  Take a little time and organize folders in your “My Documents” section of your computer just as you would if you were putting things into a filing cabinet.  In fact, that’s the design concept behind the system in both Windows and Mac computers. 

·         First off, sort through last year’s “stuff” and at the very least create and put it into a folder called “Old Stuff” or “2007 School Year”.  Now create folders for each of your courses and if you are feeling really fastidious, create sub-folders for class notes, research, essays and whatever else may be meaningful for you. 

·         Use meaningful names for your documents, following a convention that you will understand.  Many people put dates inside the document name which is not necessary because all of your documents are time and date stamped.

·         There are of course a million variations to this but with a little preplanning you will thank yourself later when you go looking for “that” file.  Besides, the better organized you are the more time you’ll have to devote to “chillin’ with your buds”. 

Tip of the Month:

What to do if your internet stops working:

No matter who your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is, they will sometimes encounter outages that will affect your connection.  When the Internet stops working in the home, most people will pick up the phone and contact their provider.  While they are always there to help you, the process is time consuming, full of questions most people can’t answer, usually involve crawling around and under your desk and undoing the good work already done by you or a technician.

Our experience with outages is that most often, they do not involve the ISP but rather are the result of something in the home or on the computer.

When your Internet stops working call easyTechCare first.  We can often quickly diagnose the problem and get you up and running again.  If it is your service provider, we often know about the outage and can advise you about what to do next.  For members, this is a free service.  If you are not a member, our fee is $39.95 ONLY if we successfully get you running again.

What does it take to become and easyTechCare Technician?

We are often asked; “What makes easyTechCare better than the competition?”  We believe there are a number of things but none more important than our team of A+ Certified Technicians.  To this end we recently recorded some candidate interviews and as many of you will know and appreciate, people do not always turn out to be as they appeared on their resumes.  Click on the link below and have some fun watching some clips of the unsuccessful candidates.  If it makes you smile we’d be thrilled if you passed the link on to others.

Back to School Special Offers:

University Bound:

Stay in touch with someone you care about in another city that without those pesky long distance charges!  Let easyTechCare set up SKYPE™ for you on 2 computers including 2 headsets and 30 minutes of training for only $109.95.  Don’t forget we can deliver this service to you and your “chat partner” in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and the Niagara Peninsula.  You can even make it a multimedia experience by adding a Webcam for a small additional charge.  Ask us for details.

Is Your Computer Ready To Go Back to School?

Get up to speed and in great shape – Improve your system’s overall health.  Our Total System Optimization will help speed up performance, find and fix weaknesses and ensure you have all the latest updates.  So, tune up now and enjoy Peace of Mind from easyTechCare for only $89.95 (25% off our regular price)

easyStudent – Membership Plan

You’ve invested hour upon hours keeping your class notes, writing papers, downloading your favourite music when the absolutely unthinkable happens, your computer fails, corrupt files, failed hard drive (did you know that 100% of all hard drives fail at some point) or you’re somewhere your computer’s not and you need a file; easyTechCare has designed the ideal program for university students (or anyone for that matter) that includes all the virtues of our unique Membership plan plus the added Peace of Mind of secure storage of your critical data available anytime, anyplace with access from any computer with an internet connection

For more Tips and Help, call EasyTechCare at 416-987-EASY (3279)