Rash of telephone scams affecting Windows and Macs

January 24, 2015 by Lynn Thames

My last blog post was on a pop-up that Mac users have been getting with a fake tech support number to call. Lately, Windows users have been getting phone calls from fake technicians claiming to be associated with Microsoft. If someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support, or affiliated with Microsoft, calls you:

Do not purchase any software or services.
Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the “service.” If there is, hang up.
Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
Take the caller’s information down and immediately report it to your local authorities.
Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support.
If you tell the scammer you have a Mac, they will still try to get you to gain control over your computer. Do not let them!

Read more at this link. Microsoft is going after these scammers legally. Report the scam here:

Federal Trade Commission – ftccomplaintassistant.gov
State’s Attorney General – naag.org/current-attorneys-general
Better Business Bureau – bbb.org

Have you seen this pop-up? It’s a scam.

January 21, 2015 by Lynn Thames

If you see the pop-up below while on the internet on your Mac, DO NOT call the number. If you call the number, DO NOT give the “technician” remote access to your Mac. This is a scam to get control of your computer and have you sign up for technical support.

It is important to understand that no website can scan your computer for malware or suspicious activity. Mac OS X will never display such a message within your web browser.

Press Command-Option-Esc to display the Force Quit Applications window. Force quit your browser to make the message go away. Restart your computer.

Read a great explanation of this scam here.

What to do before calling Tech Support

January 6, 2015 by Lynn Thames

People often call because some piece of technology is not working for them. We all know how frustrating that can be. Often, the fix is something simple. Here are some things to try before calling for help:

1. Shut down the computer/phone/printer/tablet. Turn it back on. Simple, right? This one easy step can fix many problems especially if you haven’t turned the device off and on again in awhile. Printers rarely get turned off and on so they are receptive to this action.

2. If your internet isn’t working, turn off the modem/router and turn it back on. This can be a tad tricky depending on if you have a modem/router combination or you have 2 separate devices. If you have a modem/router combination, there should be an on/off switch on the back of the modem/router. If there isn’t, pull the power cord out, wait 10 seconds, and then plug it back in.
If you have a separate modem and router, unplug both devices from power. (please tell me you can figure out which is the power cord). Plug in the modem first. Wait 2 minutes until all the lights are on or flashing. Then plug in the router. Try your internet again. This works even if one device is not connecting but all other devices are.

3. OK, this one is embarrassing but please make sure it’s “plugged in” or the battery hasn’t run out. No more needs to be said.

4. Got an error message? Take a picture with your smartphone. Those cryptic error messages can sometimes be very helpful in solving or at least diagnosing the problem with your computer.

5. If your printer isn’t working, try these steps:

Turn off the printer. Unplug it from power. Wait 2 minutes. Plug it back in and turn it back on.
If it’s wireless, reset your modem/router as described in Step 2.
If it’s connected by a USB cable, disconnect the cable from the computer and reconnect it.

Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcuts

July 13, 2014 by Lynn Thames

Microsoft makes lots of good free stuff available. Here are some useful keyboard shortcuts for Office 2013.

To do this: Press
Go to “Tell me what you want to do” Alt+Q
Open    Ctrl+O
Save Ctrl+S
Close    Ctrl+W
Cut Ctrl+X
Copy Ctrl+C
Paste Ctrl+V
Select all Ctrl+A
Bold Ctrl+B
Italic Ctrl+I
Underline Ctrl+U
Decrease font size 1 point Ctrl+[
Increase font size 1 point Ctrl+]
Center text Ctrl+E
Left align text Ctrl+L
Right align text   Ctrl+R
Cancel Esc
Undo Ctrl+Z
Re-do Ctrl+Y
Zoom 0Alt+W, Q, then tab in Zoom dialog box to the value you want.

What is Net Neutrality and what you can do

July 1, 2014 by Lynn Thames

I’ve been meaning to write about this Net Neutrality issue for awhile. It’s complicated and oh, so boring so I’m going to try and make it short and sweet here. The takeaway is to please write to the FCC and let them know how you feel.

To start, watch this video for a quick 2-minute description on what Net Neutrality means. Also, this site gives a great visual description of the issue.

Currently, when you access the internet on your phone, tablet or computer, you get to view websites and watch video at pretty much the same speed everyone else does. You may pay for a faster download speed from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) but no matter what site you go to, your ISP treats them all the same. That is called Net Neutrality. Everyone gets the same treatment.

Here’s the issue: The FCC, based on lobbying by companies like Comcast, AT&T and others that provide internet services, has said it would create new “fast lanes” for websites that pay them more money. That means Comcast will give faster access to companies that pay them money to put them in the “fast lane.” Consumers will probably not be able to pay for this “fast lane.” Companies like Netflix will pay. Business Insider has a great explanation of this.

What you can do
If you think adding fast lanes for those who can pay is unfair, there are several ways to have your voice be heard. Check out this post at “SavetheInternet.com” for steps you can take. I think the best step is to write to the FCC as they are taking comments for a few more weeks. Other options on this link include signing a petition and calling Congress and/or the President.

To write the FCC, click here. Go to docket 14-28. It should be at the top. Fill in your name and email address. In the comments, say you want to keep the internet neutral and there should not be fast lanes for companies that pay more. Also, you can say that if the FCC classifies the ISP’s as Class II providers, then ISP’s will be treated like the phone companies where everyone has the same access.