Spam is an annoyance.  It is basically an intrusion of your privacy and wastes your time in trying to get to legitimate e-mails.  How does spam find you?  If you provide your e-mail address online, you’re bound to be e-mailed back and possibly, spammed in the future.  Most sites offering free downloads will find a way to spam you.  Also, if your computer contains spyware or pop-ups, there is a good chance spam will follow.

How can you block spam?  You may follow the below three easy steps:

1. Do not provide your e-mail address on websites.  Not only may these sites spam you, but they may distribute your e-mail address to other sites for spamming.
2. Use your junk filters.  E-mail software, such as Outlook and Outlook Express have junk filters that may be turned on to filter spam.  Online e-mails, such as Yahoo!, AOL, and Earthlink also have spam filters that should be used.
3. Install spam software.  If your spam is excessive, install a spam software, such as Cloudmark, may integrate easily with your Outlook or Outlook Express to block unwanted e-mails.

If you block spam, it is key to check your junk folder every once in a while.  Sometimes, spam filters or a little aggressive or may block sales/marketing info that you may want to view.

The UN site, www.un.org, was hacked on Sunday morning.  Hackers took particular interest in defacing the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon page, by replacing text and speeches with the hackers computer names, KEREM125 and GSY, and requesting for Israel and the US to “don’t kill children and other people…peace for ever…no war.” 

You may view a sample of the hacked text viewing this Screenshot.

How did the UN site get hacked?  By an SQL injection attack.  This is an attack that exploits the SQL database used to host the website.  These attacks are common with governmental agency websites.  You may protect yourself from them by shoring up your security, passwords, and ports of your SQL server.  For more info on SQL hacker prevention, you may check out Wikipedia.

The UN site is now up and running fine, but it did take hours before the problem was resolved.  You may avoid embarassment and losing such control by locking up your SQL server vulnerabilities.

We can all listen to free music on the Internet.  But, what if you want to go on a road trip, to the beach, or just be outside with commercial-free music?

There is a new breed of portable radios that play satellite or internet music.  The difference between the old radios and these Internet radios is that the new ones are digital, play hundreds of channels, and are labeled by genre or category.  The older radios were on dial where you can just numbers, such as 95.5 or 97.1.  Now, like on computers or Sirius radio, you may choose categories, such as Alternative, Hip Hop, or Dance.  The guesswork of what number is associated with what genre is now out the window.  These new radios typically double as alarm clocks and integrate with external speakers.  Ranging from $250 - 350, a great feature is that you don’t need a computer to listen to music on these radios.
Here are some of the new available Internet radios:

• Roku:  This is the Rolls Royce of the bunch.  It even networks with your home network and shows playlists from your computer on its sreen.  Best sound quality, but thumbs down on not running on batteries.
• Phoenix: At just 2 lbs, it is the lightest of the bunch; runs on batteries; and USB drives may connect to it to listen to playlists.
• Pico:  battery-operated and splash-proof for pool or beach fun.  May integrate into wireless networks too. A little bulky.
• NetWorksGo: Battery-powered, iPod-input, and good sound.  Difficult navigation.
• Noxon: Not a wise choice - poor quality and navigation.

There has been a long debate on whether computers stimulate a child’s mind in a positive way or if computer use deters a child from socializing and human interaction.  We have read through several studies, including Children and Computer Technology by The Future of Children and Fool’s Gold: A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood by Alliance for Childhood and have found the following consistent points for both sides:

Computers stimulate growth in children:

• Playing computer games enhances children’s ability to read and visualize images.
• Home computer use is linked to better academic performance.
• Internet searching introduces new concepts and topics for growth development

Computer use negatively affects children’s socialization and growth:

• Increased use of Internet might cause depression and obesity.
• Playing violent computer games can distort simulation from reality, causing desensitization.
• Excessive use of computer use may discourage children from partaking in outside activities.

Overall, the studies concede that more research must be performed for more conclusive results.  The take-home message, albeit obvious, is that computer use for children should be in moderation.  The computer is a great way for children to learn by images, text, and exploration.  If performed excessively, as anything else, negative effects may occur. 

At such an early age, there should be parental controls put forth on children’s computer use, such as:

• Time limits - hourly limits depend on the child’s age
• Website filters - no adult content
• Positive video games - limited to no violence
• Intergrate homework with computer use for growth and development
• “Practice what you preach.”  As a parent, do not excessively use your computer.  

How can you stay updated with the NYC bus and train delays?  Knowing exactly which stations are closed can save you lots of time and aggravation by finding quick alternate routes.

First, you should go to the MTA site for up-to-the-minute updates on delays

Then, you may check out NY1 for advisories from transit authorities and timelines of service throughout the day.  Finally, live footage and images of the NYC area may be seen at WNBC. 

As for what routes you can take via bus, train, or by foot, check out HopStop for detailed start-to-end directions.

Good luck, have a safe commute, and don’t forget to look both ways before crossing the street!

You might have played around with setting up your home wireless network.  It is fun setting it up especially when it actually works afterwards.  There is nothing like being on your couch watching TV and surfing the Internet without cables.  There might be a hiccup here and there if you move your laptop too far from the wireless router, or if you move to another room that has brick wall or another type of interference in the way. 

What if you feel adventurous and want to go outside of your house with your laptop?  How do you get to the Internet wirelessly.  Well, you can jump on a hot spot, or free Internet access.  The hotspots may be found in parks, airports, cafes, or restaurants.  Starbucks on pay-as-go services will offer fee-based Internet access.

What if you don’t want to be bothered with the home setup or wondering how to get to the Internet outside your house?  You can get a wireless Internet card for your laptop.  This is not the same wireless card you used for your home or free Internet access.  This is a card where you’d pay approximately $50 - 60 / month so that you can get connected to the Internet wirelessly anytime!  It doesn’t matter where you are.  There are satellites in strategic positions so that you can get on the Internet whether you’re traveling to Idaho or Missouri.  There are typically two types of cards: Nationwide for US wireless access and Global for wireless access outside the country.  If you have Global, that means it may only be used outside the US and not within.  The same goes for the Nationwide card.  Some providers offer one card for both access, but you have ask about this.

How do you get a card?  The best way is to order one through one of the following phone providers: 

• Verizon 
• att
• Tmobile
• Sprint 

It is wise to go through a current phone provider so you keep the billing simple and you might get a deal by adding an additional account.  You may go to the store or call up.  It is recommended to call up since they’ll have to register your card with a phone number, and sometimes the local store doesn’t coordinate well with the main office which means delays for you. 

Once you get the card, you’ll need to install the software that comes with the card.  It will walk you through the appropriate steps.  Then, you’ll be on the Internet anywhere, anytime!

It is easy to back up your files on your own computer.  You may back up to CDs, DVDs, or an external hard drive.  You may even go an extra step and back up your files online through an online storage company.

But, what do you do for an easy back-up solution for 2 or more people.  Whether you want to back up files for your family from multiple computers or a small computer office, there is a better solution than unplugging and plugging in one external hard drive for mutliple computers.  Also, you may share one external hard drive from one computer for all the rest of the computers, but this solution is not ideal since it slows down the hosting computer and only works when the hosting computer is on.

You should consider getting a NAS device, or Network Attached Storage device.  These devices look like an oversized external hard drive, but plug directly into your router via a network, or ethernet, cable wire.  This will allow your computers to connect to the storage device by wired or wireless connection.  These devices can range from 250GB to 2TB (2 x 1,000GB) of storage.  One computer doesn’t need to be on for it to operate and all computers may simulataneously open and back up files with ease.  Some devices may even be set up so you can access the NAS device from outside of the house by username and password security.  Further, the NAS devices usually come with the ability to set up hands-free, automated backups on a periodic basis.

The NAS device is definitely the way to go for backing up your music, pictures, and other important files.  Please note that NAS devices include hard drives that do have a lifespan to them as all computer components.  This means that eventually your NAS device will fail (app. 4 - 6 years) and that you should have your precious files duplicated elsewhere so you’re prepared if and when disaster strikes.

We get this question asked all the time:  “How do I get my business set up for a website and e-mails.”  Are you starting a small business, home office, or side gig?  Or maybe you’d like to make a little cash on the side.  There are a few critical online components your business should be using if it is not already.  By following the below steps, you’ll ensure that your business has the online presence and professionalism required:

1.  Register a domain name.  Sign up for a website (i.e. www.newyorkcomputerhelp.com).  The name you want might be taken.  An easy way to see if your website is available is by going to Register.com.  If it’s not available, you’ll be provided variations that you can use as alternatives (i.e. www.manhattancomputerhelp.com). 

2.  Set up a website.  You can have a website designer create a site for you, or you can have your site up in minutes with a pre-created template.  It’s recommended to try the pre-created templates first and then if you need to tweak anything, then you can have a web designer further assist.

Site Objectives:  Advertise your product or service, provide contact info, and mission statement and/or background.  You might also want to include online ordering, blogs, chats, and email sign-up lists.

3.  Set up an e-mail account.  Don’t think of using your existing AOL, Yahoo, Hotmail, MSN, or Gmail e-mail account.  Those are personal e-mail accounts and should stay that way.  To show you mean business, set up an e-mail account that uses the same domain name as your website (i.e. support@newyorkcomputerhelp.com).  It’s smart to also throw in a signature when e-mailing folks to advertise your website, location, phone, and possibly memorable slogan.

Okay, by now you’re probably wondering “How do I do this?”  It is ideal to take care of these 3 tasks with one company.  Nowadays, companies make it easy by lumping these 3 tasks in one package as a monthly charge starting as low as $3.99 / month.  You should not only look at pricing, but also the site interface.  How easy is it to get from the domain section to the e-mail portion?  Further, is the website designer template easy to set up?  Test out the customer service and see if they meet your standards by calling them up.  Here are the recommended companies, based on the above factors, to review when getting your business online:

• 1 & 1 Internet:  Starting at $3.99/month, you’re offered a lot of features.  The interface is clean to navigate and design your own website. 
• Register:  Provides a quick way to advertise and sell products & services online.
• GoDaddy:  Great customer support for those computer-illiterate.  However, the site interface is difficult to navigate.  

We wish you luck on getting your business online or polishing up your current company.  The sky is the limit after going online!

For any questions or technical support on furthering your business online, feel free to contact New York Computer Help.