Apple users in security warning

Users of Apple's OS X operating system are being warned to take care when browsing online as they wait for a solution to a security flaw.

A software update was released last week to owners of iPhones, iPads and iPods to protect users from "an attacker" who may "capture or modify data".

It was later discovered that the problem also existed on Apple laptops and desktop computers running OS X.

A security fix has not yet been issued.

The problem was first spotted on Apple's mobile devices which run the iOS 7 operating system. It relates to the way secure connections are made between Apple's safari browser and websites, including banking sites, Google and Facebook.

These sites have digital security certificates that allow an encrypted connection to be established between a user's computer and the website. This means any data that is sent over the connection should be secure.

Dropped the ball

However, a vulnerability in the code for Apple's iOS and OS X operating systems meant the security certificates were not being checked properly. This meant hackers could impersonate a website and capture the data that was being sent over the connection before letting it continue its journey to the real website.

iPads

A security fix has already been issued for users of iPads, iPhones and iPods

Apple released a fix for mobile devices running iOS 7 last week but a spokesperson issued the following statement about OS X: "We are aware of this issue and already have a software fix that will be released very soon."

According to researchers the security flaw had existed for months but no-one had reported it publicly.

Graham Cluley, a security analyst, said it was a failing by the company that it had not been identified earlier.

"It's pretty bad what Apple have done, they've seriously dropped the ball. How much the problem has been exploited is hard to say. Hackers may now be trying to take advantage while users wait for the security fix."

He advised users to take care when using the web and consider using an alternative browser to Safari until the problem was fixed.

He also urged users of Apple's mobile devices to upgrade to the latest iOS version as soon as possible and for OS X users to keep their eyes open for a security update and to implement it as soon as it was available.

Original Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26335701

PCs lumber towards the technological graveyard

Companies switch to tablets and laptops to cut costs and let workers feel benefits of mobile technology

The headquarters of iCore Networks has not seen a desktop computer in five years. Instead, each of the McLean, Virginia-based information-technology firm's 160 employees relies on a company-issued iPad. They may request a laptop if they need it, but iCore is free of the bulky personal computers common to many offices, opting for devices employees can take home with them.

"We're pretty mobile – throughout multiple departments such as sales teams, account management, engineers, [employees] are always on the go," said Lorena Roberts, marketing vice-president. "They begin at the office, maybe in the morning, but by the time 11 o'clock hits, they're really out in the field."

The company is part of an emerging trend among businesses eschewing PCs for laptops and tablets. The pattern is reflected in the global computer market: PC shipments suffered their worst decline in history in the final quarter of 2013, according to a Gartner report, the seventh consecutive quarter of shipment declines. The 82.6m units shipped globally last year represented an almost 7% decline from the previous year.

Losses in the PC sector were enough to force Sony to exit the market altogether. The company announced plans last week to sell Vaio, its PC brand, to Japan Industrial Partners, citing declining sales.

iCore buys about 15 laptops each quarter for new hires, Roberts estimated, enough for about 75% of the employees. All iPads are installed with iCore's proprietary software, which it sells to other businesses, allowing users to manage phone calls and video chat requests. The machines also come loaded with Microsoft's virtual desktop software, which allows employees to remotely access programs on their laptops. They can access email, use Microsoft Office and complete any other computer task, Roberts said.

For those tasks that are easier to complete with a larger screen or a mouse, – such as compiling Excel spreadsheets or working in Photoshop – employees often keep laptops as backup. Although maintenance, software licences and hardware costs make laptops significantly more expensive than tablets, iCore continues to invest in them to offer employees "that sense of security you have with your laptop that people are used to".

Some analysts say the steady decline in PCs partly reflects the relatively high price of tablets, making it an either-or proposition for some buyers. Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa recently wrote that as tablet and laptop prices decline, PC sales might improve, because more people can own both.

Tablet sales, meanwhile, are rising quickly. Almost 80m tablets were shipped globally in the fourth quarter of 2013, according to anInternational Data Corp report, representing a 62.4% growth over the previous quarter and a 28.2% growth since the corresponding period the year before.

Still, PCs remain a necessary part of office routine for many workers. Jeremy Collins, who runs the sales division at Consolidated Communications, a Sacramento, California-based internet and cable company, issued his 24 sales representatives iPad minis to accompany – not replace – their PCs.

Although they often use tablets when visiting the residential neighbourhoods where they sell cable connections, employees spend about 30% of each day answering and logging customer-service requests from their PCs, Collins said. Some customer-service requests are easier to address when employees have large, dual-screen monitors – and some have more data stored on their computers' hard drives than could fit on a tablet.

Collins said the team tried using Dell laptops to offer employees the functionality of a PC in a device they could use at their desks and in the field, but "laptops aren't realistic. You can't carry a laptop with you when you're walking around territory," he said. Employees complained they had to leave them in their cars.

So last year, Collins decided to get rid of the laptops and invest in tablets, while maintaining the PCs for office use. "It's more of a convenience factor," he said. "If you're already sitting down at your desk [in front of a PC], you're going to be a lot quicker navigating through everything you have to navigate."

This article appeared in Guardian Weekly, which incorporates material from the Washington Post

Source:  http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/11/personal-computer-decline-pc-obsolete

When You Need Computer Repair Services Turn To The Experts

When it comes to choosing a computer repair company there are a ton of choices to choose form starting with big box chain computer stores to local computer repair shops.  How does a computer novice know where to turn when they have an issue and need computer help? To find the best help for your computer repairs we have established a few important tips to consider before dropping your computer off to be fixed.

It is important to note that where ever you take your computer to be fixed it must go through a diagnostic process to determine exactly what is going on inside the computer.  A sure sign that you are at the wrong computer repair shop is upon entering if the technician claims to know exactly what is wrong with your computer.  Lots of times symptoms all sound the same but lead to different computer repairs; it is your computers best interest to have a complete diagnostic ran before any diagnosis is even considered.  The first tip is to find a computer service store that starts with diagnostics.  Most repair shops will charge a half hour labor for this service that will be applied towards repairs if you decide to fix your computer. 

When looking into local computer service stores check to find out what type of computers they have experience in and services they offer.  They should offer a wide variety of services such as virus removal, memory upgrades, blue screen repairs, hard drive failures, motherboard replacement and more.  You don’t know what could be wrong with your computer but you want to make sure whatever it is they will be able to fix it. 

It is also significant to see what type of certifications the technicians have.  Computer repair techs should be qualified all aspects of computer services and should be certified in various operating systems.  Most technicians have at least a Microsoft certification. 

It is also important to find a computer repair shop that offers repair methods other than those done in house.  In some cases you may need the technician to visit your place of business, home or even via remote control.  The shop that you want to build a relationship with is one that offers all of these services.  There may be a time where you just can’t get the machine into the office and need to make sure the technician can still help alleviate your computers problem.  

Word of mouth is always the best way to find a place to do business.  If your friends and family like the service they received well enough to tell you all about it then you know that the place is reputable.  This is what you are looking for in the way of a referral to a local computer store that will help fix the issues you are having with your personal computer.  It may be hard at first and large box chains seem tempting as they have built a reputation on their name however note that their product reputation is far different from the reputation their services provide.  

Don’t Be Left Out In The Dark When It Comes To Computer Repair

Bringing in the year 2014 has left me thinking about a lot of things.  Technology being one major topic that I think about a lot especially with two kids and the iPhone and iPod craze that exists.  Going one day without technology is a difficult task in our family.  I know this will make many people shake their heads in disbelief.  There are some people that would be fine to go back to an age where telephones were connected to the wall with a cord and an encyclopedia was still the main research source. 

I personally cannot imagine a day without access to my computer world.  I rely on the computer to communicate effectively in my personal life as well as my work life.  Communication is simplified with the use of a computer. Mundane tasks are made easier and life just runs smoother using a computer.  This is why when I went to turn my computer on and it hesitated, hissed and went black I was devastated.  I knew I needed to get the computer fixed as soon as possible.  This began the quest in to finding a technician to fix my computer without too much hassle. 

My first step to finding someone reliable to fix my computer was to call upon my tech savvy friends.  I wanted to see who they would trust to fix their laptop or towers.  All of them commented not to take it to a large chain for repair as the computer would not get the attention it needed.  I was told that many times it is a process that leaves you without a computer for weeks while they ship it about fixing it and yet it comes back to you and is never the same. 

The problem is that the person you speak with is not the person fixing your computer.  This was an issue.  If I was leaving my baby overnight I wanted to make sure she was in good hands and attended to. That left me in search of a local computer store to repair my computer.  It was important that I was able to speak with the technician working on machine to explain how I needed the computer to function in the end.  I feel it best to lay the expectation out first, if the expectation is not possible with this machine then they would be able to tell me it was not worth the cost to repair it and move on.  This was important as sinking money into a machine was not something I was going to be able to do a lot of. 

I found a local computer service company searching Google on my phone.  I was able to go into the office with my computer and speak the tech about the issues.  It was great because right off the bat the problem sounded familiar to him.  For a small diagnostic fee I left my machine to be repaired.  That same day, later in the evening, I received a call that the glitch could be fixed for about a half hour of labor costs which was covered by my diagnostic fee and I just needed to give the approval.  My pc was repaired and home with me the next day. 

When it comes to repairing and maintaining my computer in the future I know who to trust.  I would recommend that everyone take a few minutes to scope out a local computer service store, even before you have an issue with your machine. I know being without my computer is like being without my right arm. Establishing a relationship with local computer support can save you when it comes to time, money and sanity. 

What Exactly is All This Search Engine Optimization

Wikipedia defines search engine optimization (SEO) as the process of affecting the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine's "natural" or un-paid ("organic") search results. In general, the earlier (or higher ranked on the search results page), and more frequently a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine's users. SEO may target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, video search, academic search, news search and industry-specific vertical search engines.

What does this mean to you and your website?  In laymen terms search engine optimization is the practice of building meaningful, quality back links to your site increasing the organic rank.  The closer your websites position is to the top of the page, within the search engine, the more likely your site link is going to be seen and clicked on.  It is that simple.  It is similar to being the number 1, 2, 3 or 4 batter in a softball game.  You are more likely to get more touches on the ball just because you are in a position that occurs more often.

Various tactics are done to increase the rankings of your website. Most are done with the sole purpose of effectively marketing your website.  The basis of solid search engine optimization is to start with a site that contains quality content and proper Meta tags.  The next goal is to work on linking your site to other creditable sources throughout the Internet.

SEO is needed for promotion of your site.  Companies that do nothing but host their site will see very little front page traffic unless they are in super noncompetitive market.  Promotion of your website through SEO is what coupons are to foot traffic to your physical location.  It brings people in.  When in a physical location your product and service will keep them there as well as once they are to your site the design and products you are offering will keep them coming back.

Article submissions are just one of the popular techniques used in optimization. This practice is very simple in that you write about the keywords your business is searched for.  For instance, if you are a bathroom contractor you see when doing research the phrase bathroom remodeling is the most common term searched on the popular search engine Google.  With this information you do a basic article that talk about an aspect of bathroom remodeling using this keyword as your anchor and work in other key phrases that say the same thing just in a different manner, such as bath remodel.  The tedious process is hand submitting to blogs and article posting sites that distribute them on the web.  This process takes a good deal of time but is an incredibly important factor in building white hat SEO.

Learning what to do to increase traffic to your website has been a practice optimizers have tried to figure out since the start of the Internet.  Anyway you can scam the system you can guarantee will land you on a blacklist.  Be sure that when working with an SEO company that they are reputable as well and don’t go for quick rankings.  Links that are going to sustain and never disappear are what you are looking for and these take time to build.

Finding A Reliable Computer Repair Service Company

Technology in the form of mobile phones, computers, laptops and tablets has become vital to daily life.   Yes, there are those limited few that seem to function and go about daily life without technology but look around you, look who is successful in business.  Now of course I realize that success in business is measured in different quantification's however for these purposes we are talking about the all might profit.  Using these devices lets people socialize, shop, communicate and work.  Your computer needs to be in the best condition it can be at all possible times because of its importance.  If technology assists you in your day to day life you will need to find a computer repair service provider that you trust and who can quickly resolve the issues you are having.

If you work for a business of any size you are bound to hire an I.T. Company that assists you in computer maintenance, server repair, network issues and more.  Turn to them when your personal computer or laptop needs repairing.  If the company they work for only handles corporate clients you can bet that they are in line with someone that works with residential clients.  A referral from a trained corporate technician is priceless when it comes to having work done on your P.C.

Choosing a Computer Repair Provider

One important factor when finding a computer technician to fix your P.C. is to look for qualified computer technician.   Look for qualifications and experience.  There is nothing wrong with asking for referrals.  Another thing that you can do is to run a search on the internet to check reviews on the technician and company.  Find out the fee that is charged to diagnosis the computer or laptop.  This should always be applied to any service work that is performed in regards to your computer repair.  Labor is a separate charge over and above the cost of any hardware needed.

What You Can Expect From a Local Computer Repair Center

An easy way to figure out what services are performed by your local computer center is to check out their website.  This will give you a good idea on the range of services that they offer and devices that they work on.  Look for services to include; computer consulting, virus removal, Data Backup Services, Troubleshooting, Networking, Servers, PC Sales, Refurbished computers, Wireless Networking Set Up and Repair as well as custom built systems and installation. Computer repairs can range from bad charging ports to failed hard drives.  The technician will be able to work on any and all of the issues arising with your P.C.

When you encounter an issue with your equipment don’t try to fix it on your own.  This usually causes more issues than the initial issue.  Turn the machine off, disconnect the power sources and take it into the computer repair experts.

Creating An Online Presence With Website Design

When I was growing up the minute you need to find out anything you hit a dictionary, encyclopedia, library or a phone book.  That was our "internet".  A lot has changed in the past thirty years!  Helping kids with homework and finding a good pizza joint are only a click away on our mobile devices; be it a laptop, phone or tablet.  With the internet and technology information is electronically at the tips of our fingers all day every day.  This is why it is so important if you are a business owner of any kind to have an online presence.  One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is with a company website. 

Many business owners don’t even know where to begin when it comes to their online presence.  It is so important that business owners align with an I.T. Company that specializes in a variety of fields within the tech industry including website design and website presence online. A company that is all encompassing is best as they really get to know your business and are always looking out for your best interest.  One call to update text and pictures on a website and to get rid of the virus one of your workstation computers has.  This saves time, money and employee resources.

When it comes to website design, your first step in creating a site that represents you and your company is to meet with the web and graphic designers.  They will sit with you and go over different aspects you are looking to offer to clients with your website.  If you are starting from level zero many designers will take you through the company’s portfolio to begin to determine elements on other sites that you like including fonts, pictures, colors and layouts. 

After the initial meeting your website will go through the development phases.  This is where website developers, graphic designers and search engine specialists come together to develop a plan, based off of experience and testing, to create verbiage to get people to come to your site and graphics to make them want to stay and explore more.  After this is done and mockups are created they will be sent to the client for approval.  The client’s opinion is of the utmost importance to website design.  Clients know their business and exactly what people will be looking for when coming to their site. 

The next step is to take the suggestions given by the client and integrate them into the website design.  Often you are given the choice to write text for your site or have a web team member who specializes in keywords and keyword density to write text to allure people to your site.

Creating a website with a qualified team of experts makes the process as easy as one, two, three.  Having a website created to improve your online presences doesn’t have to be a daunting task.  Once you give the final approval on design and text the site will go live.  From here search engine specialists will work to increase qualified traffic to your website and business.