http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/index.phpWeekly Free Tek Tipseninfo@sinetekcomputers.comCopyright 2009-2010 SineTek Computers, LLC2011-09-23T17:43:21-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:28:33 -0400info@sinetekcomputers.comNone2011-09-23T17:43:21-04:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/9360b47980fde145feb51998068f203a-12.php#unique-entry-id-12http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/9360b47980fde145feb51998068f203a-12.php#unique-entry-id-12Please see our facebook page for all new TechTips! Thanks,

Click here to continue to FaceBook]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comNone2011-03-28T13:56:36-04:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/32cc9a2db8c5f5eeeccc0a42ebb8e243-11.php#unique-entry-id-11http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/32cc9a2db8c5f5eeeccc0a42ebb8e243-11.php#unique-entry-id-11
These apps are not always bad, but who really needs to know all that information? Keep your profile limited, ensure to check the permissions section of My Account / Privacy Settings.

Last but not least - CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD! At least once every 90 days, if not sooner.. try to change your password. This will help keep things a little more secure. Ensure to check your PC for any malware before doing this, otherwise it may not be worthwhile.]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comNone2011-03-21T19:22:16-04:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/bdfbbb20ece968212e326e054bc80909-10.php#unique-entry-id-10http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/bdfbbb20ece968212e326e054bc80909-10.php#unique-entry-id-10Networking - what exactly should you look for in joining a new group to network with? Oh, wait... these are tek tips aren’t they? In that case - networking from a standpoint of what is IPV4 and IPv6 and how does it affect you! Keep reading to learn a little bit more....]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comNone2010-08-29T17:19:05-04:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/8efbd534a0c2b53b1100e1ccd66b841c-9.php#unique-entry-id-9http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/8efbd534a0c2b53b1100e1ccd66b841c-9.php#unique-entry-id-9So Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, and more.... your information is all over the web in so many forms and locations...how do you manage it all? SineTek is advising it’s clients to be sure they think twice about what information they are posting online, and who has access to it. Give us a call if you need help figuring out what you should be allowing potential employers, friends and family to see!]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comNone2010-04-18T21:27:46-04:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/c75d76cc54f5472b702e5942029cd727-8.php#unique-entry-id-8http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/c75d76cc54f5472b702e5942029cd727-8.php#unique-entry-id-8It goes without saying that email has replaced many forms of communication, and has also made it easier for people to steal information. Many times, we blindly open emails without checking to see who really sent it, or if the email might be fake. Often times, banks sites, social networking, and other everyday use websites become targets of “phishing attacks”. Sadly, we aren’t talking about the get in the boat and go fishing attacks either. We are talking about emails that are purposely created to get you to send false information to a third party while looking authentic. Many times, you don’t even know it has happened until it is too late. Follow these few simple guidelines and you will be able to stay safer online:

If an email sounds fishy, follow their instructions but manually go to the website (eg: You get an email from XYZ Bank asking you to update your information through a link in the message. If it seems odd, open your internet browser and manually go to https://www.xyzbank.com and update it there. It is VERY rare for a company to ask you to change a password or email or anything from a email.)

Attachements are still a target. If you get a message from a package carrier that seems odd ( we see a lot of UPS scam emails ) that ask you to print out a form, and you haven’t mailed anything - this might be a sign that you are being Phished!

When in doubt - delete the message or call the sender. Don’t be afraid to challenge the authenticity of a website or email message. Being your own advocate can often prevent issues. As always, keep your anti-spam and anti-virus software up to date, as well as your keen sense of when something just doesn’t sound right!]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comNone2009-11-13T22:54:24-05:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/c3c5b5e2ac7ea4535300669313318761-7.php#unique-entry-id-7http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/c3c5b5e2ac7ea4535300669313318761-7.php#unique-entry-id-7Often times, we get phone calls for data recovery, retrival, and the like. The problem is, once data is in the state where it needs recovery - it usually isn't good! Our best advice to all clients is to keep backing up their systems! You can never have too much backed up!

What is the best way to backup a computer? Typically, your computer comes with some sort of backup software. In Windows, this could be Windows Backup, or NTBackup for Windows XP. These programs provide a great basic level of backup, and are better than nothing. You can also invest in programs such as Acronis True Image, Carbonite or Mozy. These programs each have a different set of features that will enable you to backup your data both locally and offsite.

Keep your backups for at least 2 weeks, in case you accidently delete something. Keep at least one copy of the backup away from the main location of your computer, like a friends house, or bank safe deposit box. This will help in the event of disaster.

Call SineTek to learn how we can help setup a recovery plan for your home or business!]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comNone2009-11-05T12:09:00-05:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/7bf14288842daeeb4736418945568bd1-6.php#unique-entry-id-6http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/7bf14288842daeeb4736418945568bd1-6.php#unique-entry-id-6Want to save some time when your doing everyday tasks on your computer? Here are a few quick shortcut keys you can use to make your input and searching habits faster!

For these tips - you'll be using the Windows Key (The key with the little flag on it).

To Open Windows Explorer - Press WindowsKey + E
To Open the Run Dialog Box - Press Windows Key + R
To Open the System Properties Box - Press Windows Key + Pause/Break Key

Basic Shortcut Keys:

Copy - Control + C
Paste - Control + V
Cut - Control + X
Undo - Control + Z
Redo - Control + Y

Hope those quick shortcuts make your typing a little easier!]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comNone2009-10-24T17:03:41-04:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/83c18a92ac236574ee31ca94b5c81e54-4.php#unique-entry-id-4http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/83c18a92ac236574ee31ca94b5c81e54-4.php#unique-entry-id-4Some common terms you might hear in the computer field include the word Firewall. What is a firewall exactly? A firewall can be a software or hardware device that protects your computer from internet threats and hackers. A common firewall in most homes is a router, such as a Linksys, Netgear, or other device. On a software side, it can be a program such as Norton Internet Security, Microsoft Windows Firewall, or ZoneLabs Firewall.

A Firewall keeps your computer "hidden" from the internet and other computers. It also keeps your connection safe because external sources such as "hackers" cannot easily enter your computer. Firewalls give you the ability to allow other computers to connect to yours, if you choose. An example of when you might do this would be to connect to your work computer from home.

Firewalls - A simple device that is another tool in your protection belt aganist internet demons!]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comNone2009-10-24T17:00:55-04:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/f838d1f9c544db569fd6e68980cfeb97-3.php#unique-entry-id-3http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/f838d1f9c544db569fd6e68980cfeb97-3.php#unique-entry-id-3In this time, it is difficult to stay ahead of cybercriminals, but with a little know-how, you can stay on the ball.

Microsoft is trying hard to help the thousands of unprotected users with their new "Microsoft Security Essentials" product. This optional download from Microsoft's website (link), gives otherwise vulnerable computers a chance. This tool is a good basic free program to keep your machine safe, however it is not meant as a full package solution.

There are many programs out on the net that claim to be "Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware" solutions. The problem is that many of these programs are not legitimate, and indeed a scam. The best way to tell if you might have a program that isn't going to be working for you include it appearing one day with no prior notice, as well as asking you to register it after telling you about possibly hundreds of infections.

Some of the mainstream products include Norton, McAfee and Kaspersky. Some of the Free ones include AVG, Avast and Avria. This list is a small sample of the actual antivirus / internet security products. This list isn't conclusive, and the best way to ensure your product is legitimate is to call the software vendor, or our office and ask for an evaluation.

Remember - Your computer needs protection from online threats much like your car needs insurance! These products are only good if they are turned on, and up-to-date. If you have a doubt about your protection, call SineTek today!]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comWeekly Tips2009-10-19T20:28:00-04:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/7293247d747877e9881f4f2c7a8da5f6-2.php#unique-entry-id-2http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/7293247d747877e9881f4f2c7a8da5f6-2.php#unique-entry-id-2As your using your computer, you will frequently see a little yellow icon and a ballon that wants to "Install Updates" to your computer. What exactly does this mean? This means that Microsoft has released changes or enhancements / security fixes to your verison of Windows and they want you to update to it. These updates happen frequently, sometimes several times a week. These updates are safe to install, and will usually provide a benefit to your computer. Occassionally there will be problems with these updates because Microsoft can't anticipate every issue that can happen. Overall, these changes to your computer are a smart idea as they keep you protected from security risks.

To Manually get Windows Updates : http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
To See your current settings: Go to Start - Control Panel - Security Center]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comWeekly Tips2009-10-09T20:21:16-04:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/0581533a4a0aa409cd7c94e24b8c103e-1.php#unique-entry-id-1http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/0581533a4a0aa409cd7c94e24b8c103e-1.php#unique-entry-id-1
When you look at your bookshelf - are all the books in order, no gaps, and in the correct order? Defragmentation is a tool built into Windows based computers that accomplishes this task. When you run a "defrag", your hard drive inside the computer brings all the little bits of files back together, and organizes them in a way that helps the computer find the files and utilize them best. It also moves the free space around and compacts the drive overall. It is a great tool that should be run based on your usage. If you frequently are installing programs, moving files, copying files, etc, you should run this weekly or bi-weekly. For a normal user, a monthly defragment should be fine. Fortunally, there is a report that comes up and tells you if the defrag is needed.

To use Defragmenter - Go to Start - Programs (or All Programs) - Accessories - System Tools - Disk Defragmenter.]]>info@sinetekcomputers.comWeekly Tips2009-10-06T22:28:06-04:00http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/bbcf80934d5c54834ff0c7cc2572d4f5-0.php#unique-entry-id-0http://www.sinetekcomputers.com/tektips/files/bbcf80934d5c54834ff0c7cc2572d4f5-0.php#unique-entry-id-0