December 2017
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This is a bi-monthly compilation of questions that our clients have asked us recently!
How safe is the data on my computer? The answer to this question depends partly on your definition of "safe." In terms of the data being stolen by an unseen intruder, most home computers are pretty secure. Both Macs and PCs have built-in "firewall" software that, by default, blocks unsolicited access from the outside. Your Internet provider's modem or gateway also acts as a firewall against intruders. But please note that all of the firewall protection in the world will not protect your computer's data if you consciously permit any external user to access the hardware! This is why we have been so loud with our warnings over the last few months about bogus online computer support scams. In terms of data loss arising from some kind of computer hardware failure, it falls on the user to implement some kind of backup strategy that makes copies of what we like to call "die-if-I-lost-it" files. For most of our clients this is largely limited to documents (Word, Excel or PDF files) and pictures. E-mail used to fall under this category but increasingly we see folks using a web browser such as Microsoft Edge or Apple's Safari program to access e-mail. Using a browser for e-mail leaves everything stored at the provider's website and easily accessible from another computer if one's primary hardware fails. The simplest way to protect those "die-if-I-lost-it" items is to use a small external harddrive (available online or from most any large retailer carrying electronics for less than $100) and the computer's built-in backup software to make copies of those files on a regular basis. "File History" in Windows 10 and "Time Machine" on almost any Macintosh is quick and easy to configure for local backups. It is also possible to back up files to an Internet-based site using any one of several paid services that cater to both operating systems. Off-site backup vendors have an excellent track record for keeping their data secure from unauthorized users. They also protect a user from any sort of local calamity (fire, hurricane, whatever) but do entail an ongoing expense to maintain. A few of our clients use a combination of both on-site and off-site backups. We can help you evaluate the safest and most cost-effective backup strategy in your particular situation. The most important thing is to have some kind of strategy to protect yourself from losing those important computer files! As we come to the end of another year, what are Terri and your annual crystal ball readings of what the new year will bring in the vast realm of computer technology? Future gazing is always a dicey proposition but there are a lot of things we see coming down the pike (at least potentially). *It is almost a certainty that the concept of "Net Neutrality" will be abolished by the Federal Communications Commission. This is the notion that Internet providers (your AT&Ts, Comcasts, etc.) cannot charge content providers (like Pandora, Hulu, Netflix and such) a higher fee for fast Internet speed while slowing down service to providers who don't, won't or can't pay for the higher speed. The providers want Net Neutrality to go away while small, startup vendors want it to continue so that they can be competitive. It's a complicated subject and here's one of the better articles I read concerning it recently. *Hacking of online databases will continue to be a frequent occurance. Already the personal data of almost all Americans (Social Security numbers, addresses, etc.) has been stolen for a variety of nefarious purposes from credit theft to tax fraud. There will be increasing pressure on data possessors to improve their security but it will be quite awhile for them to gain the upper hand against cybercriminals who come through electronic back doors. *Online vendors of services from banks to health providers to retail sales will try to protect their front doors by tightening log-in procedures with tactics such as stronger password requirements, log-in security "tokens" and/or so-called "two-factor authentication" in their attempts to ensure that access to their services are restricted to legitimate users. *The price for computer hardware and other types of consumer electronics will continue to drop as the power of that hardware continues to rise. *And "spam" e-mail will continue to clutter up our inboxes despite the best legislative and technological efforts to curb it. Vigilance will always be the most important factor in keeping the bad guys on the Internet at bay. Beware of computer- or phone-based computer support solicitations that may bilk you of hard-earned dollars. Keep those online passwords strong and periodically update them. And, as we've said numerous times before, anytime anything on or about your computer causes you concern, Terri and I are always available for a quick consultation. What do you want to know more about? There are still many other topics we could talk about here or in a personal consultation. We welcome your comments and questions for future issues of the OCW Insider. Or give one of us a call or shoot an e-mail and we'll set up an appointment to meet with you! Happy Holidays, y'all! |
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phone: 864.710.7009 email: dave@oneclickwonders.com |
phone: 864.633.6707 email: terri@oneclickwonders.com |