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Malware Warning – Microsoft Reports On Fake Windows Support
Calls
 Beware! Computer scams don't just happen on
computers. A recent study commissioned by Microsoft describes how scammers
are now calling people on the phone and tricking them into installing
computer software designed to steal money, identities, and passwords.
Here's how it works: The scammer calls and, after sharing their
"credentials," tells the victim that his/her computer is at risk.
The scammer directs the victim to view a harmless error report that the
scammer claims shows how the victim's computer has been compromised. The
scammer then asks for a credit card number for the victim to
"purchase" software that will solve the "problem." Or
they direct the victim to install software that places a virus on the
victim's computer, enabling the scammer to gain access to critical
information.
Microsoft recommends these do's and don'ts to help prevent becoming a
victim:
DO
- Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a
security problem, even if the caller claims to represent a respected
company.
- Use up-to-date versions of operating system and
application software.
- Make sure security updates are installed regularly.
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Make sure your firewall is turned on and that
antivirus software is installed and up to date.
DON'T
- Provide personal information, such as credit card or
bank details, to an unsolicited caller.
- Go to a website, type anything into a computer,
install software, or follow any other instruction from someone who calls
out of the blue.
If you think you may
already have been a victim of a phone scam, do the following:
- Change the passwords for your computer, your main
email account, and financial accounts.
- Contact your bank and credit card companies to alert
them to the potential breach.
- Scan your computer with the Microsoft Safety Scanner
(microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx)
to find out if you have malware (virus) installed on your computer.
Remember, there is
no security software that can protect against this kind of threat so your
best defense is to be informed and be prepared.
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E-learning Brings Lessons To You Anytime, Anywhere
 Education is no longer confined within the
walls of a classroom. Thanks to e-learning, it's now possible to get a
college degree in some academic areas without having to set foot inside a
campus building. Of course, you can also go online to gain knowledge about
subjects of a narrower focus — like how to play guitar or deliver a great
speech or decorate a birthday cake.
With the start of the school year, you may want to consider e-learning
resources for the students in your family. For example, the Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org) is a virtual
school that offers free educational resources to anyone — students, teachers
and principals, homeschoolers, or adults returning to the classroom after
many years. With over 2,100 videos, it's easily the most exhaustive
collection of instruction on the Internet, covering K-12 math, biology,
chemistry, physics, finance, and history.
If you'd like to increase the speed of your Internet connection to keep pace
with your online activities, call Moapa Valley Telephone
at 397-2601.
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Two To View – A Couple Of Amazing Videos You Don't Want To
Miss
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Roger Ebert calls
this "The Greatest Music Video Ever Made." It's also the largest
and longest LipDub video to date. Filmed in downtown Grand Rapids, it involved
5,000 residents and was created in response to the Newsweek article
calling Grand Rapids a "dying city." Even if you only watch part
of it, you'll find it fun and inspiring.
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You've never seen
a seatbelt commercial quite like this one. It's been described as "the
most beautiful seatbelt advocacy commercial ever" and for good reason;
the unique imagery is both compelling and thought provoking. Take a minute
to watch it and then share it with someone you care about.
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This Month's FAQ – Do Mac Users Need To Worry About Viruses?
 Let's start with the big picture. Worldwide,
about 90 percent of the computer market is comprised of PC users with about
10 percent being Mac users. Cybercriminals are well aware of these statistics
and tend to focus their virus efforts on the "bigger slice of the
pie." So traditionally, Macs have been known to experience fewer
viruses.
However, Mac security has been in the news again lately due to the
MacDefender malware and its variants. MacDefender masquerades as antivirus
software, showing a webpage that looks like a virus detection screen, and
then prompting the user to complete the install process. If completed, the
malware will ask for credit card information to eliminate nonexistent
viruses.
Do Mac users need to worry about viruses? The short answer is yes. No
computer is completely immune from threats and Apple recommends that Mac
users keep antivirus software updated and take precautions when downloading
files, opening email attachments, etc. If you're in the 90 percent with a PC,
you should be practicing these security measures as well.
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Sites Of The Month – Great Sites To Check Out In August
 Travel Fare Tracking
yapta.com – If you're looking for
the best prices on travel, visit this site to help you track them. You can
enter information about the flight, hotel, or car you're looking for and then
have the site send you email updates when the price goes down. You can also
use the site to get a refund from the airline if a flight price drops after
you book it.
 Donate And Learn
freerice.com – This site allows
you to use your smarts and help people at the same time. Answer quiz
questions on a variety of topics and for every answer you get right, the site
donates rice to those in need in places like Cambodia and Africa. This is a
nonprofit organization, so you can also donate money or read their blog to
find out more about how they're making a difference.
 Summer Salad Recipes
momswhothink.com – Warm
August weather is a great time for cool salads. Here you'll find recipes for
all kinds of salads including classics like macaroni and potato; desserts
like Jell-O and fruit; and hearty like shrimp, chicken, and taco. Explore the
rest of the site to find useful articles on health, parenting, nutrition, and
more topics of interest to moms and others who care for kids.
 Video Education
khanacademy.org – Before they
start the new school year, do your kids need a refresher on some of what they
learned last year? This free and comprehensive e-learning site has videos on
hundreds of topics to choose from. Subjects include math, science, history,
and finance. Even if your kids are all caught up, you might consider using
the site yourself.
 Best Months To Buy
freeshipping.org –
From kitchen appliances to winter coats to champagne, you can spend less by
knowing the right time to buy. For example, August is traditionally a great
time to purchase things like computers, lawn mowers, and swimsuits. But every
month has its bargains. Before your next major purchase, check this guide to
figure out the best time to buy.
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Short Tutorial – Creating An Account On Twitter
 According to Twitter, 200 million tweets are
now posted daily, compared with 65 million a day just one year ago. If you
aren't currently on Twitter but are ready to "test your wings,"
you'll be happy to know that it's easy to sign up and get started. Simply
follow these instructions:
1. Visit twitter.com,
enter your full name, and click the yellow button on the right side of your
screen. You can also simply navigate to twitter.com/signup.
2. Fill in the first field with your full name.
3. Select a username from one of the usernames
suggested or create your own. Twitter will automatically suggest available
usernames based on the real name and email address you've entered. Try to
pick something that describes you—whether it's a nickname, an interest, or a
hobby. (See below for more tips.)
4. Enter a password. Be tricky! Make sure your
password contains letters, numbers, and symbols.
5. Enter your email address; it should be one
that you actively use.
6. Fill in the CAPTCHA to prove you're human,
not a machine!
7. Pick sources that interest you (more on this
below).
8. Search for Friends and follow them.
Here are some tips
for choosing a username:
1. Your username is the name your followers use
when sending @replies, direct messages, or Retweets.
2. Your username will also form the URL of your
home timeline. Twitter will provide a few available suggestions but feel free
to choose your own.
3. You can change your username in your account
settings at any time as long as the new username is not in use.
4. Usernames must be fewer than 15 characters
in length and cannot contain 'admin' or 'twitter' in order to avoid brand
confusion.
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We hope you found
this newsletter to be informative. It's our way of keeping you posted on the
happenings here. If, however, you'd prefer not to receive these bulletins,
click here.
Thanks for your business!
Best regards
Brad Lyon
Internet Manager
Moapa Valley Telephone Company
183 S Anderson St
Overton, NV 89040
702-397-2601
©2011 Cornerstone
Publishing Group Inc.
Trademarks: All brand names and product names used in this eNewsletter are
trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
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