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Must Have Cloud Applications

January 14, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

Since the 1980s, consumers have enhanced their computer experience through purchased software. Within months the software became outdated! Today computer users experience immediate access to up-to-date programs through on-demand cloud applications. Here are Frankie’s “must-have apps.”

  1. 1.Gmail.  Besides easy access anywhere, anytime – Gmail has an awesome spam filter, large storage amounts, an excellent search feature and HTTPS encryption to keep your mail secure.
  2. Google Calendar. Online calendaring is an excellent tool and Google’s calendar is extremely easy to use.  It sends reminders to email and can be integrated with Microsoft and smartphones.
  3. Google Docs. No need to clog your hard disk with files and files of word documents and spreadsheets.  Google docs is a free application that allows you to store, create, share and access documents, spreadsheets and presentations online.
  4. Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. Both Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome are excellent browsers known for speed, security and user-friendly navigation.
  5. Remember the Milk. Trying to remember what you have to get done this week?  RememberTheMilk, a free app that can be integrated with smartphones, web browsers, and even Twitter, helps you organize your to do list, prioritize tasks, share tasks and even set reminders.
  6. Carbonite or Mozy. Both Carbonite and Mozy are excellent back up recovery services that allow you to select files and folders on your computer and safely back them up online.  In the case of file corruption, accidental deletion or hardware failure, you may easily restore your backed up files from the web to the original computer or any another PC.
  7. CCleaner. CCleaner is a free system cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system – allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history.

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Online Security Tips

January 7, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

As cloud computing expands, and we access personal information via the Internet, we recommend the following tips to increase your privacy and security in a virtual environment.

  1. Read End User License Agreements so you understand the risks of cloud computing downloads.
  2. Carefully review privacy and security settings – particularly on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.  Many default settings allow sharing of information.
  3. Keep your computer operating system up to date to ensure the highest level of protection.
  4. Be sure to use a current version  of your web browser (ie:  Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome).
  5. Close your browser when  you are not using the Internet.
  6. Use secure websites for transactions and shopping. Shop with merchants you know and trust. Make sure Internet purchases are secured with encryption to protect your account information. Look for “secure transaction” symbols like a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of your web browser window, or “https://…” in the address bar of the website. The “s” indicates “secured” and means the web page uses encryption.
  7. Conduct online banking activities on secure computers only. Public computers (computers at Internet cafes, copy centers, etc.) should be used with caution, due to shared use and possible tampering. Online banking activities and viewing or downloading documents (statements, etc.) should only be conducted on a computer you know to be safe and secure.
  8. Always log off from any website after making a purchase with your credit or debit card. If you cannot log off, shut down your browser to prevent unauthorized access to your account information.

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Smart Computing in the Cloud

January 3, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

If you have ever used web-based email (Hotmail, Yahoo mail, Gmail, etc.), watched YouTube, or used a search engine – then you have been “there, up in the clouds!”  As the cloud gets smarter, so too, computer users must get smarter. Best practices must include both local and offsite data back up and password management.  We recommend the following computing habits for smart cloud computing:

Back up, back up, back up. No need for panic when data is lost or compromised when computer users exercise both local and offsite back up.  Online back up provides an alternative safe, secure and reliable place to store information that is available wherever there is an Internet connection. Available in free and paid subscriptions, cloud storage providers include companies like Carbonite, Mozy and Box.net with versions for Windows and Mac.  Your OnCall technicians prefer Carbonite; however, which ever solution you choose – cloud back up is a must!

Secure passwords.   Do not make it easy for hackers by using the same password on every site you visit. IT experts recommend:

  • Passwords should be 8 or more characters.
  • Passwords and security clues should be personal. Use a relative’s birthday, pet name or family name and spell it backwards.
  • Make an acronym of your favorite phrase or quote.  Add extra numbers or letters at the beginning or end for different accounts.  For example, “I pledge allegiance to the flag” would be IPATTF.  IPATTF1 could be your password for Facebook; IPATTF2 your bank account; and so on. If your memory needs tech assistance, research password manager programs such as KeePass or Password Safe.

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