The Browser wars - year 6
No, this isn't something out of a Star Wars movie, this is a battle
that is being fought on PC's just like yours. The contenders are
the 600 lb gorilla (Microsoft Internet Explorer) vs. Firefox
I will spare you the history lesson for today but realize this - Firefox
is an impressive browser with significantly more functionality, greater
security, and enhanced features which can help make you be more productive.
Reasons to consider using Firefox:
-
You like having multiple browsers open
simultaneously while you work on the internet
(multiple tab feature) <grin>
-
You like to download add-ons to your browser for almost anything
-
You are tired of all of the "special" security patches from
Microsoft for IE (see the ZDNet article
One IE flaw leads to another)
-
Internet Explorer is acting funny and there is not virus on your
machine.
If Firefox is of interest to you, please let us know and we can
install and configure it on your machines.
PC Maintenance Tip
Did you hear about the critical "mega-patch" Microsoft
released last month? Or about the patches to fix the mega-patch? Most
users have not heard of either.
Why is this a important? Because last month's patch
will protect you against some of the
high-profile bugs in Windows that are currently being used in cyberattacks. This
patch fixes security wholes in Windows Internet Explorer (see above
article) and Microsoft Office (i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel).
(Remember - a good backup strategy is always prudent -
for when all else fails.)
Do you need this patch? YES
What to do about it: Make sure
Windows update is current.
Risks: If you
don't apply this patch you will be more susceptible to malicious code than
people who are
up-to-date. How we can help
We offer a proactive approach to
computer maintenance. Our
computer
maintenance package will ensure that your computers have the latest
in Security patches from Microsoft as well as the latest virus updates
and spyware updates. We focus on IT
so you can focus on your business!
 Email corner
DON'T TAKE THE BAIT - YOU DON'T WANT THIS KIND OF PHISHING !
(fish´ing) (n.) The act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The e-mail directs the user to visit a Web site where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The Web site, however, is bogus and set up only to steal the user’s information.
We see many emails which look legitimate (i.e. ebay, paypal) which are actually phishing schemes. BEWARE. Use this rule of thumb - unless YOU asked for it within the last few minutes -
assume it is a scam. You should only put your credit card info on a web site when
you choose to - not when someone asks.
How we can help
If we host your web site then you have at your
disposal a product called Spam Assassin. Turn it on and it will catch 90-95%%
of the spam you would normally receive.
If we do not host your site, then we
also provide a service to filter the spam from your domain. (This
will only work for clients that have their own domain.)
Please contact us at
helpdesk@swiftecit.com for more information.
Wireless: Hot-spot in-a-box
Do you have a business where you want to provide controlled
access to the internet? This can be fee based, or free - where the
customer must ask you for a username and password.
Are you moving into a new office / or rearranging an
existing office? Wireless offers the flexibility that your
computers do not need to be where the computer connection is.
Commercial grade wireless can broadcast a signal over a
mile to connect remote offices and can handle over 50 concurrent clients
on a single access point (the pictured unit can handle over 100
connections).
Do you want to extend your
phone system without any wiring? Voice over IP (VOIP) systems will
allow your employees to communicate with each other, or place outside
calls - without wires.
Let us know what your goals are and we
will work with you to recommend the best solution for you. Please call
us or contact us at
helpdesk@swiftecit.com. We offer both commercial and
residential wireless solutions.
We hope that you find this information helpful and informative.
Please forward this to someone you think would like it. |
