Wednesday, June 14, 2017

SNIPPING TOOL - COPY YOUR SCREEN

SNIPPING TOOL - COPY YOUR SCREEN

You want to save or email something on your computer screen, whether it's a recipe or photo in your browser, part of a newspaper article or an error message on your screen. There are several ways to do it besides taking a photo with your camera or phone.

WINDOWS SNIPPING TOOL


Available in Windows 7, 8.1 and 10, this is a great tool to learn to use. In Windows 7 click the Start button (lower left corner, unless you've moved the Task Bar), then start typing snipping tool in the Search box. In Windows 8.1 and 10 just start typing in the Search (Cortana) box on your Task Bar next to the Start button. Choose Snipping Tool out of the results, then click New. Draw a square or circle around the part of your screen you want to keep (capture), then save it as a new file in a place where you can find it.
Here are two links that explain in more detail, but be SURE not to click on any ads or downloads!

PRINT SCREEN
You can always press the PrnScn button on your keyboard while you're on the screen you want to capture (it will save the whole screen), then open Paint (search for it as above) and Paste. Save, print or send at will.

Questions? Let's chat!


Cathy Contant 315-573-4905 cathy@cathycom.com

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

PATCH TUESDAY - JUNE 13 2017

Welcome to Patch Tuesday

Microsoft has released a number of updates today, and if you have Automatic Updates enabled you should start seeing the request to "Update and restart" your computer. If you want to be sure you have the latest patches and fixes you can check for updates manually. On Windows 7 click the Start button, then click on Windows Update in the menu. On Windows 8.1 and 10 Click Start - Settings - Update & Security - Windows Update.
Other apps and plugins with updates today are CCleaner, Adobe AIR, Adobe Flash, and Adobe Shockwave. If you have the free Ninite Updater, run it now. Note that CCleaner doesn't have an automatic updater and you'll need to download and install the current (FREE) version. Adobe Flash should update itself; allow it if prompted.
Have questions or want help along the way? Call, text or email me and we'll take care of it.
Cathy Contant 315-573-4905 cathy@cathycom.com

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

WHY YOU DON'T NEED FOR-PAY SECURITY SOFTWARE

WHY YOU DON'T NEED FOR-PAY SECURITY SOFTWARE


SPECTRUM CUSTOMERS: did you get an email from Spectrum with a download link for your free McAfee Security Suite software? Think hard before installing it.
If you're using Windows 10 or 8.1 your computer already has good security included - it's called Defender. If you're using Windows 7 or Vista you can use the free Microsoft Security Essentials.
There's no need to purchase or subscribe to additional security suites. In fact, if you want to install McAfee, Norton, WebRoot, Avast, AVG or any other antivirus or security software you'll need to disable Defender or completely remove any other previous security software already installed on your computer.
Viruses aren't the problem today they were years ago. That's because any good, up-to-date antivirus program will do the job. When you add a suite of programs that include firewalls (your computer is already operating behind several firewalls), identity protection, online backups and malware and spyware protection you're adding layers of stuff running in the background. This slows down your computer with additional programs running, slows down your Internet experience and sends your activity back to the security suite's home servers.
And your computer still isn't protected from self-inflicted malware, which causes the vast majority of computer problems today.
Still think those pricey security suites protect your computer from everything, or most things? Almost every computer that comes into my office with McAfee, Norton or WebRoot installed is infected with malware. Why pay for protection that gives you a false sense of security?
A free offer is pretty appealing, but it helps them more than it does you. Just say no!