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Welcome to this week's edition of the Computer Kindergarten Newsletter.
Today is Sunday, December 2, 2007
In this Issue:
Special Feature: Email Virus Warning
Tips & Tricks: Keyboard Shortcut – Insert Today’s Date in Microsoft Word
Tips & Tricks: Changing Folder Names
This Week's Topic: Online Shopping Safety Tips
Question: Windows Vista Power Button Settings
Websites of Interest: Chanukah; Changing the Present; eMedicineHealth; Cookie Recipes; Paint by Numbers
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Special Feature: Email Virus Warning
The following is from the Federal Trade Commission
Don’t Open Bogus Email that Claims to Come From the FTC
Email That States its From the FTC’s “Fraud Department” Has Virus Attached
A bogus email is circulating that says it is from the Federal Trade Commission, referencing a “complaint” filed with the FTC against the email’s recipient. The email includes links and an attachment that download a virus. As with any suspicious email, the FTC warns recipients not to click on links within the email and not to open any attachments.
The spoof email includes a phony sender’s address, making it appear the email is from “frauddep@ftc.gov” and also spoofs the return-path and reply-to fields to hide the email’s true origin. While the email includes the FTC seal, it has grammatical errors, misspellings, and incorrect syntax. Recipients should forward the email to spam@uce.gov and then delete it. Emails sent to that address are kept in the FTC’s spam database to assist with investigations.
Simply opening the email does not appear to cause harm. However, it is likely that anyone who has opened the email’s attachment or clicked on the links has downloaded the virus on their computer, and should run an anti-virus program. The virus appears to install a “key logger” that could potentially grab passwords and account numbers. More information about bogus emails, phishing, and virus protection is available at www.OnGuardOnline.gov.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,600 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. For free information on a variety of consumer topics, click http://ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm.
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Tips & Tricks: Keyboard Shortcut – Insert Today’s Date in Microsoft Word
In your Word document, move the Insertion Point to the place where you would like to type today’s date. Hold down the Alt and Shift keys on the keyboard. Press and release the d key. Release the Alt and Shift keys. And there you have your date!
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Tips & Tricks: Changing Folder Names
Question: Can I change the name of a folder?
Answer:
Yes, you can. Find the folder and Right click on it. A menu will open; left click on Rename. Type in the new name and press the Enter key. The name will be changed and the new name will now appear.
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Today's Topic: Online Shopping Safety Tips
The following is from worldstart.com
Online shopping is a quick and easy way to get what you need for the holidays, but in doing that, you're also taking a security risk. Don't get me wrong, most companies have top notch security for their Web sites, but there are still some things you need to look out for. Don't stress though! I'm here to help. Below, you will find the top five tips for safe online shopping. Read through them and then put them to practice. Here we go!
1.) Know Who You're Dealing With - The first thing you need to be aware of is the merchant you are buying from. There are a lot of companies out there today that run completely off of their Web site, which means you probably won't be as familiar with them as a store you could visit at the mall. In that case, you should take some time to learn about them and the reputation they hold. You can do that by searching them out on the Internet. Use a search engine to see if you can find any reviews about them from other consumers and try to find an information page on them. If previous shoppers really like or dislike a company, chances are, you'll be able to find some comments about them somewhere on the Web. If you take the time to do this before you order from a new business, you'll be much better off in the end.
2.) Protect Your Privacy - When you're shopping online, you have to think about yourself first and that means doing whatever it takes to protect your privacy. Before you do any ordering, you should be aware of what information the merchant is asking of you, how it will be used and if they have any intention of sharing it with others. The best way to do all of that is to check out the company's Web site. If they're a legit site, they should have a Privacy Policy posted there. You should take the time to read through that and make sure you're comfortable with everything they say. It's a good idea to look for seals from privacy enforcement organizations, such as TRUSTe and BBBOnLine, as well. If you're asked to enter in such things as your social security number or bank account information, do not do it! Those things are red flags and they are not needed to make an online purchase. If you pay close attention to what you're doing, you will be just fine.
3.) Know All the Details - When you're shopping online, you should always check out the complete details of your purchase. For example, make sure you know all about delivery dates, shipping and handling costs, warranties, return policies, etc. It's also a good idea to get a company's contact information before you finalize your order. They should have a telephone number or e-mail address on their Web site that you can keep on hand in case you have any questions or problems once you receive your items.
4.) Use a Credit Card - I know that may not sound like the safest thing to do, but it really is a good way to keep yourself safe. If you do business with a liable credit card company, they will protect you if anything happens while you're making online purchases. Most credit card companies provide liability agreements, so if your card information is stolen, they will be able to put a hold on your card and issue you a brand new number. That way, whoever has your number is stopped from being able to use it. So, if you suspect any suspicious activity after you make an online purchase, call your credit card company right away and they'll be able to handle everything for you. Also, when credit card companies see unusual activity on your card, they will inform you about it.
When you're using your credit card online, make sure you look for the yellow padlock at the bottom of your Web browser or for the "https" in the URL. Those are two signs that a site is secure and that your credit card information will transmit safely. You should also always use strong passwords when you're logging in to certain Web sites and make sure you don't share them with anyone.
5.) Keep It On Record - The last thing you should always do is keep good records of your purchases. Make sure you either print out the receipt for your transactions or save it somewhere on your computer. Most companies send confirmation e-mails, so it's a good idea to save that and print it out as well. In doing that, you will be able to keep better track of your total price, shipping and handling fees and shipping dates.
There you have it! Now, I know I mostly talked about online companies in this article, but these five tips go for every store you shop with online. It goes for all the "big box" stores, the department stores, grocery stores and so on. No matter where you're doing your shopping, you need to be aware of your surroundings and make sure your number one priority is keeping yourself safe. Online shopping is even better when you're smart about it.
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Question: Windows Vista Power Button Settings
In the last newsletter, there was an article on shut down in Windows Vista. Is it possible to change the Power Icon button to shut down instead of putting the computer to sleep?
Answer:
Yes, it is. Here are the steps:
Click on the Start Orb, and then open Control Panel. Open Hardware and Sound. (If you do not see Hardware and Sound, click Control Panel Home on the left; Hardware and Sound will now display on the right.)
In Hardware and Sound, click Power Options. On the left, click Choose what the power buttons do. Next to When I press the power button, change the setting to Shut Down.
Click the Save Changes button and close Control Panel. Now, when you click the Power button, the computer will shut down.
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Websites of Interest:
Chanukkah
The festival of lights begins on Tuesday. Learn more about this holiday, the story, the traditions and much more, at our website.
http://computerkindergarten.com/html/hanukkah.html
Changing the Present
If you are all out of ideas on what to give that person who has everything, take a look at this website. Changing The Present is a non-profit organization that enables people to give charitably on behalf of friends and family. Browse for causes meaningful to you or search for your favorite charity. Many worthwhile causes and reputable charities are listed
http://www.changingthepresent.org
eMedicineHealth
Here is a useful site to bookmark. It can help with first aid issues and procedures to follow when dealing with specific medical emergencies.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com
Cookie Recipes
It is time to start thinking about the upcoming holidays and cookies are always a big part. Visit this website for some good recipes, decorations, tips and ideas.
http://www.cookie-recipes.net/
Paint by Numbers
Just for fun. Did you like paint by numbers when you were a kid? If you did, now you can paint by numbers online. (Hint: scroll all the way down and click on a category).
http://www.segmation.com/SegPlayChoose.asp |
