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Archive for category Technology Tips

Do not access PDF files from untrusted sources!

Aug 25

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Technology Tips | No Comments

Do not access PDF files from untrusted sources! Adobe has recently outlined a number of security vulnerabilities affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat. It is important for you to remember not to open unfamiliar or unexpected PDF files, particularly those hosted on websites or delivered as email attachments.

An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by convincing a user to open a specially crafted PDF file. By opening a malicious PDF file, your system could become infected with detrimental spyware. The solutions are to (1) update the program, (2) disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader and Acrobat and (3) prevent Internet Explorer from automatically opening PDF files. Contact WingSwept to see if you have the affected versions (Reader and Acrobat 9.3.3, earlier 9.x versions, 8.2.3, and earlier 8.x versions) or to execute the security solutions.

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Is Outdated Equipment Holding You Back?

May 27

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Technology Tips | Comments off

Many businesses have been avoiding new purchases because they are dealing with a tight budget and have a need to cut costs. As a small business, we understand your concerns and the economy, but when it comes to your office’s computer equipment delaying a PC recap can actually increase your operating expenses. Productivity decreases as maintenance and support costs can increase over time. To learn about the costs associated with maintaining and supporting outdated equipment, contact WingSwept. A PC recap can really benefit your business!

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Don’t Rush Into Using Your New Computer

Mar 29

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Technology Tips | Comments off

The excitement of getting a new computer can feel like opening gifts on Christmas morning.  Most of us are in a hurry to open our new tech toys and start them up.  Experts at WingSwept want to remind you to slow down and not rush to use a new computer before taking some preliminary steps that will save you time later on if something happens. 

 

First, make sure the computer will be located in a practical place.  Open the box and save the papers as well as the box itself in case there’s a problem and the computer needs to be returned or exchanged.  Take all those important disks and papers out and put them in a safe place after the computer is set up.  Set up the computer according to the instructions and make certain you plug everything into a surge protector or a UPS.

 

Turn your new computer on, but don’t skip over essential steps such as the setup wizard and registration information.  Don’t skip over these steps as they are essential to making sure your computer is configured properly and its warranty is in place. 

 

The last thing to do before you can start surfing the net is to install an anti-virus program.  The last thing you want to do is get a virus and break your new toy before you really get to use it.

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Follow these steps and Improve Your PC’s Health

Mar 25

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Technology Tips | Comments off

Although there is no definitive answer to the life span of desktop PC, WingSwept wants to provide you with some definite ways to increase your PCs performance and help extends its life.

Emptying Temporary Internet Files periodically will help your PC’s overall health as well. The Temporary Internet Files (or cache) folder contains Web page content that is stored on your hard disk for quick viewing. To delete the files in the Temporary Internet Files folder, follow these steps:

1. Quit Internet Explorer and quit any instances of Windows Explorer.
2. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Internet Options.
3. On the General tab, click Delete Files under Temporary Internet Files.

We suggest monthly defragmenting of the hard drive. Do this by going to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. Make sure to have at least 15% of your hard drive as free space.

Another way to keep your PC healthy is to protect it from threats. Is your anti-virus software up-to-date? Certain viruses can not only slow down your computer, but can stop it dead in its tracks. Please let us know if WingSwept’s team can assist you with this.

Our technicians can help you with these and other issues to extend the life of your PC equipment, keeping more of your money where it belongs…in your wallet.

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Online Computer Safety Tips for Young Children by Norton

Mar 24

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Industry News, Technology Tips | Comments off

Attention, WingSwept would like to encourage readers to follow these online safety tips, which will hopefully reduce the risk of falling victim of cybercrime especially among children and families.  This information was brought to you by Norton.

Hot tip: Teach the youngest children never to share passwords, even with their best friend! We’re seeing account theft (a junior version of identity theft) happen to kindergartners.
Key Recommendations:

  • Limit approved Web sites and hours spent online.
  • Set high security settings with browsers, membership,and social networking sites.
  • Install and maintain Internet security software and parental controls.
  • Use parental controls to limit the Web sites your child can visit.
  • Monitor your child’s computer use and sit with them when they’re online
  • Talk about protecting private information (name, phone number,etc.) and never sharing passwords with friends.
  • Start having “The Talk” as part of your regular “Back to School” preparations

Entire Safety Guide available: http://www.symantec.com/content/en/us/home_homeoffice/media/theme/parentresources/14550777_FOSG_final.pdf

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Most Confusing Tech Buzzwords

Mar 22

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Technology Tips | Comments off

View this slideshow on the “Most Confusing Tech Buzzwords” : Click here!

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Get rid of your office clutter! Free Drop Off on April 17

Mar 19

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Industry News, Press Releases, Technology Tips | Comments off

Did you know that improperly throwing away technology equipment pollutes landfills? With Earth Day just around the corner, think about what old and unused technology equipment you have laying around your house or office.  Most likely that equipment is getting in your way and taking up space.  As a service to the community, WingSwept and its supporting partners are holding the second annual Technology Spring Clean in a couple of weeks at 951 Heather Park Drive, Garner, NC 27529.  It is a FREE drop-off recycling event occurring on April 17 from 10 am – 4 pm.  It couldn’t get much easier! Get more details here: www.wingswept.com/recycle

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Microsoft Outlook Email Tip – 2 Minute Delay

Mar 15

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Technology Tips | Comments off

WingSwept is a local IT consulting company helping small to medium sized businesses leverage technology, minimize downtime, and secure business.  WingSwept has been delivering peace of mind since 1995, and focuses on businesses in Garner, surrounding areas in North Carolina, and provides certain services nationwide.

If you want to be able to hit “send” but have the email stay in your outbox for a time, use the following rule. When it is in your outbox, you are able to re-open it and make changes without using the Recall feature!

 

  1. In Outlook, go to the Tools menu Rules and Alerts
  2. Click on New Rule
  3. Click Start From a Blank Rule
  4. Highlight Check Messages After Sending, then click Next
  5. Do not select any checkboxes showing, then click Next
  6. Answer Yes to dialog box asking if this applies to all messages
  7. Select the last checkbox – Defer delivery by X minutes
  8. Under Step 2 that now shows, click on minutes
  9. Edit number of minutes you would like the delay to last (suggested delay 2 minutes), Click OK and Next
  10. Decide if you want an exception – Some use “Importance” to have emails go immediately  
  11. Name your rule and click Finish! You can now go grab and delete from out Outbox for 2 minutes if you realize you didn’t mean to send a certain email

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Electricity Could Put Your Network and Data in Danger

Feb 25

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Industry News, Technology Tips | Comments off

It seems pretty ironic, but electricity, the very thing that powers your computer, can actually hurt it more than help it.  WingSwept wanted to let you know that electricity can cause your computer network to go haywire in a couple different ways:

 

First there are transients, also known as surges or spikes in service usually caused by weather, animals, or even damage to a power pole caused by a vehicle accident.  Transients can occur pretty regularly, up to several times per week.  Having a surge protector does not guarantee your computer and data safe, however.  According to experts, surge protectors become burned out after just a few months of fighting off transients.

 

At the opposite end of the transient scale is what’s called a sag.  This is what happens when power drops below normal.  Everyone has witnessed a sag as they may come in the form of flickering lights caused by when some piece of equipment turns on or comes out of power saver mode.  Experts say offices can experience up to 30 sags a day. 

 

Another issue is a blackout.  The definition is just what it sounds like—sudden power loss.  No matter how long a blackout lasts, it can cause major problems for your computer to include not even starting back up again.

 

How do you protect your computers and data?  Get yourself an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS.  These devices can sense electrical problems and adjusts accordingly to maintain normal power.  Make sure to get a UPS that will support your computer.  Contact WingSwept with any questions you have regarding UPS compatibility.

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IT Precautions for This Weekend’s Severe Storm

Jan 29

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Industry News, Technology Tips | Comments off

With the pending storm, this is a good opportunity to remind everyone of some standard IT procedures.  Before leaving the office for the weekend, we advise you power off desktops.  All WingSwept client servers have been given peace of mind with preconfigured with battery backup and automated software to gracefully shut down in the event of a power outage.  This is a good opportunity to review your server setup with your IT service provider.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions/concerns.

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