UPDATES ARE COMING.

Updates Are Coming. Is your computer ready?

Windows 10 computers will be receiving the next version update 1909 beginning with the November update cycle, starting November 12. It's not likely your computer will try installing 1909 on the 12th, but you should see it within the first month. If you've paused updates nothing will happen until after the pause date.

Be sure your Windows 10 computer already has version 1903 installed, which should have happened sometime between last spring and now. To check your current version, type the word about in the "Type here to search" box, then click on About your PC. Look under Windows specifications, then version. If it's anything other than 1903, check for updates and let the update start.

If your computer is still using Windows 7 it will still receive security updates until January. After then there will be no further Windows 7 updates and you'll be on your own to protect your computer, your data and your identity from security issues. Adding more (third-party, paid or otherwise) security won't be the answer. Upgrading to Windows 10 or replacing the computer if it's more than 3 years old is the next step.

I'm doing price, specification, and availability surveys on new equipment almost every day now. Prices and availability change almost by the hour. If you'd like current information on what's involved in replacing your computer contact me anytime.

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

THE TIMES, THEY ARE A-CHANGIN'

I've had a long-time love affair with CCleaner, and installed and used it on countless computers for many years. I've insisted you all use it, too, but things change and technology improves and it's time to say goodbye to CCleaner.

Background: For some time I've been unhappy with the default settings and the fact there's no internal updater so in order to use the current version you have to download and install it again - which many times resets the default settings to always run in the background, among other annoyances. Like, tricking you into installing third-party software such as Avast - which is no longer necessary but completely understandable when you realize Piriform (CCleaner's developer) was acquired by Avast.

As a free tool CCleaner has performed flawlessly, removing temporary files and cookies and making you feel good about scrubbing your computer. The free version exists mainly to trick you into paying for the "Pro" version - a tactic of many developers and quite justified. Nobody gives away their hard work and long-developed product without hoping for a return. We've skirted their generosity for years (I did pay for my own, however, because they earned it).

But the program became more aggressive, more intrusive and sloppier as versions were pumped out. With Windows 10's tools and better system management CCleaner's usefulness has been effectively neutralized. We've long-known removing cookies and temporary files actually slows down the computer for a short while as these files are rebuilt; we chose to ignore it, telling ourselves cleaning them out was better than not. Optimizing the Windows Registry has become a totally useless endeavor - Windows 10 does a tremendous job now, and has for years.

And who hasn't cursed CCleaner and me in the older days because they had to re-enter their login names and passwords after running CCleaner? I always considered it a good thing, to know and use your current logins and passwords, but for some reason it sent people over the edge at the thought of typing their email address and password in order to get back into Facebook and email. Sheesh.

So, now what? Now, in Windows 10 we simply turn on and configured Storage Sense and let it do the job. BE SURE to configure Storage Sense to never clean your Downloads folder if you save anything of importance there. 

CCleaner - you've been a good and faithful friend, but it's time to move on.

Questions? Want help? Contact me here or at cathy@cathycom.com or text or call 315-573-4905

Cathy Contant June 24 2019

I GOT AN EMAIL WITH MY PASSWORD IN IT - HAVE I BEEN HACKED?

Have you received a scary email saying your computer, your email and/or your passwords have been hacked, and you need to follow instructions to pay up or things will get worse? Stop the madness and read on.

First, calm down. You probably haven't been hacked, there's likely no keylogger installed on your computer, and your porn-surfing habits won't be exposed to the masses. Ok, I'm not saying you surf porn, a lot of these scam messages that are trying to get your attention say so. Key word being "scam".

"But, they showed me my password! And, maybe a photo from my computer! And, the email looks like it came from me!" Yes, it's possible you haven't changed your password in years, and they're showing you one they bought from a list of hacked information - maybe from a bank, an account you set up online, or a web site you gave your email address and password to a long time ago - and, of course, you use the same password all the time. Stop it.

Next, go change your email password(s). Now. Just do it, no matter how painful - or get some help to do it.

Next, go ahead and scan your computer if it it will help you feel better. Try AdwCleaner, Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. See? Nothing but run-of-the-mill adware and spyware.

Lastly, keep your computer up-to-date. Install the Windows Updates, the Ninite updates (more on that in the next post), run CCleaner and some malware scanners on occasion. But don't panic.

Here are some links with more information. Contact me if you'd like help, or reassurance, or both.

https://blog.malwarebytes.com/cybercrime/2019/02/sextortion-bitcoin-scam-makes-unwelcome-return/?fbclid=IwAR3cmCZ8a-p7cIeylySAGVm_ftw2_a63SUOvQ-edW0FPCDX6ODP0wABTCz0

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/08/how-avoid-bitcoin-blackmail-scam?fbclid=IwAR0ryGQdTM7XRNZxEB62eOjrN8sLuxCfJ59Uwwy_XWqwcbj-KoHSzPIFavM

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2019/jan/17/phishing-email-blackmail-sextortion-webcam?fbclid=IwAR2Bo1ZsXfA_R33fPXbQge7UaRgcYkvtIHh2mqEb1goIgCdIEWgWX_rO2J0

https://www.businessinsider.com/new-email-scam-uses-old-password-fake-porn-threats-webcam-video-bitcoin-2018-7?fbclid=IwAR2HfSGfx7swoi9lhO5qQifMdo0VvUmPa-hybCJm3II2nFpW1VdlYYA4GWk

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