What is Coming This Holiday? A Computer Maybe?

SandraNet on December 4, 2017

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With the Holidays Coming… is a Computer in Your Future?

This is a charged question, leading to MANY other computer questions.

How much memory do you need?
What is it going to be used for?
Do you also need a monitor?
Do you need a printer?
Do you want to bring it with you?
Do you think you just want a tablet?

The list goes on and on. The main things that may be answered by “someone in the know” is how much memory is going to be needed and what applications are you planning on using in its daily use? There are lots of deals out there and lots of brands and LOTS of misinformation out there.

Sometimes going to that “big box” store is not the best option, and can be antiseptic, leaving you with a frustrated or misinformed state at the end of a large purchase.

One way to prevent this is to sit down with highlighter, notebook, cell phone, millennial and as much online research as you can find, prior to your purchase.

The OTHER and far more efficient way is to give us a call at Sandra Network for hardware services where we determine what the best tool is for your needs, without the techno-geek-speak. Not only will you not be wasting money, but you will have the tools you need at a reasonable price. Click here to discover an exciting deal from Sandra Network.

Make those holidays happy!

Give us a call at Sandra Network 978-535-0202 #3 or email us at [email protected]

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To be USB 2.0 or USB 3.0… That is the Question

SandraNet on September 26, 2017

What may be one of the most frustrating things when connecting new “Plug-n-Play” equipment with USB cables, is the difficulties faced upon connecting them… and they neither Plug… nor play (Insert primal scream here). Frustration tends to mount while moving a file from one drive to another and it is doing so, seemingly at a snail’s pace.

We at Sandra Network would like to help with this BEFORE you are forwarded from phone extension to phone extension, continent to continent, waiting on hold for the answer that may be right there in the clear blue! (You will see what I did there… in a moment, and laugh… just wait)

One common issue is the age of the equipment, be it a keyboard/mouse/ flash drive, external drive or printer, they all may cause the same frustrations. It is all about speed, and the simple way to tell (if you no longer have the box with the description, or the “Read me” file) is the color of the connector or the icon next to the connector on the computer.

USB 3.0 is the third major version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard for connecting computers and electronic devices. USB 3.0 is usually distinguishable from USB 2.0 by blue color-coding of the ports and plugs, and by the initials “SS”.

USB 2.0	USB 3.0
480 Mbps (Megabits per second)	4.8 Gbps (Giga bits per second)
Can either send or receive data, i.e. copy or paste	Can simultaneously send and receive data, i.e. copy and paste

Overall:

If you want seamless speed as an option in transferring data,
If something you plugged in as a new device is not properly connecting or is giving USB errors
If there is the option of USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 on the computer.
check to see what color the port is, that choice can make all of the difference in speed or connectivity

If you are still unsure PLEASE give Sandra Network a call at 978-535-0202 or email [email protected] and we will help you out!

What Are The Benefits of Anti-Virus Software?

SandraNet on August 8, 2017

One of the most important things is to stay ahead of the attacks with updates and real time protection. Without this, there is very little that may be done once the malware assaults, other than rebuilding the machine or hiring an IT company to clean the virus from the machine and THEN install an anti-virus application.

Special November Deal – Fine Tune Your Computer!

SandraNet on November 9, 2016

Thank You for Being a Loyal Customer

For that we would like to make you and any of your friends an offer for some fine-tuning for the computer.

If at this very moment, you or someone you know have clicked on a file to open it, and you have time to run a load of laundry AND catch up on your favorite television show … you are who we are looking for!

With daily use the computer stores many processes, temporary files and other non malicious files. The longer the computer is running the more piles up. At some point, you will select an application to open and it will either fail to open or it will take an inordinate amount of time to do so.

The solution to this is to contact someone to help you fine tune your computer, if you do not already know how to do this.

That being said, for the month of November, we at Sandra Network will give you a free hour of maintenance for your referral of a new customer who signs up.

If you are a new customer, there is probably more of a need for the cleanup, so we are offering two (2) hours for the price of one, then potentially set up on a schedule for monthly/quarterly or yearly maintenance to keep running smoothly.

If this is of interest to you, or you know someone who might benefit from this, PLEASE contact us at Sandra Network and we will get you productive again!

[email protected]
978-535-0202

It’s A Trap, A Scam!

SandraNet on October 19, 2016

Recently, a great many people have asked what to do if they receive calls where someone asks to connect to their computer to resolve some issue. the quick answer is: It is a Scam!

Did you already sign a contract with this company?
How do they know you signed onto your computer?
Have you recently seen any suspicious activity on your computer?

If these questions create a long list of additional questions, please DO NOT allow them access to your computer, it is a scam. Please contact us first!

This is how it tends to happen:

You are sitting around, your computer is on, but not being used and the phone rings.

“Hello this is Peggy from Microsoft, I noticed that your computer has been sending error messages. There are problems with the internet connection or phone line and this has affected your computer’s recent performance. On top of that, the broadband connection has been hacked. May I have remote access to the computer to find out what the problem is?”

Your first thoughts should be… I don’t know anyone named Peggy. WHY are they monitoring my system, I didn’t hire them and if I didn’t, who did?

These are all valid and you are correct in being suspicious of this call. This is not a technical support service, already hired (such as Sandra Network) then the scamming call should be ended immediately.

What is the best way to protect yourself?

Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer. This is ALWAYS a scam!
Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source; otherwise, this is a scam!
Receiving a phone call out of the blue about your computer and remote access is requested – hang up – even if they mention a well-known company such as Microsoft.

If you have questions or think you may have been hacked, or have given out pertinent and private information:

Please call your financial institutions and have your accounts monitored or closed.
Change your passwords for your email, login.
Call us at Sandra Network and with your permission, clean out the machine of any suspicious activity.

Now, About These Passwords…

SandraNet on June 27, 2016

In past months we have discussed not opening email that has come from an unknown source, being sure you save often and have your system backed up, and even about malware and what to do if you download it. One thing that is one of the more important things to stay on top of is your password! Read the blog to avoid using some of the common passwords as mentioned in the blog.

First things first, do NOT write it on a piece of paper and stick it under the keyboard or monitor base, or even put it in a notebook that is “easy to get to”.
It needs to be something secure and it needs to be a SECRET! It ALSO needs to not be something obvious. For example, some of the worst and common passwords of 2015 were:

123456
password
12345678
qwerty
12345
Starwars

Let’s talk about what makes a GOOD password.

Create a password of twelve (12) characters or more
Use a different password for each website you log into. Though this is cumbersome for many, it is a safe practice, preventing easy access to all accounts and personal information.
If memory is the issue, there are many password managers that store and protect the passwords
Use a Letter/Number substitution. For example, instead of using:
- Password (DO NOT USE. JUST AN EXAMPLE)
Instead use
- 9@s$w0rD (DO NOT USE. JUST AN EXAMPLE)

SandraNet Forest

One thing that may also be used to test is Password Meter. This website checks the integrity of the password and in addition shows suggestions on what could make it better than a common password on a security level.

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Windows 10 is coming, do I HAVE to install now?

SandraNet on March 14, 2016

Where the release is free and it will at some point be the only supported operating system, it is not necessary to run the update immediately. There are pop-ups daily in browsers that read the configuration of the machine and suggest you are missing something should you not update your operating system. Pay no attention, unless you really want to.

Here are a few suggestions for Windows 10 and upgrading.

Back up your machine and all of your data. This should already be a plan, but it cannot be said enough. We have plenty of ideas of backups, so if you need any, give us a call.

Check to find out if the other applications you have installed are compatible with Windows 10.

You have a month to roll back the update, should you decide you do not like it, or it is not working for you the way you had hoped.

Open the Start menu and select Settings.

Click the “Update & security” icon and select “Recovery”.

You should see a “Go back to Windows 7” or “Go back to Windows 8.1” option.

Click the Get started button to get rid of your Windows 10 install and restore your previous Windows install.

If it has been over a month, you will not have the option to run the recovery, If this is the case, you will need to use your prior operating system DVD, or download to reinstall. The product key is generally on a sticker on the top or back of your machine (depending on the brand).

Do a “Custom (advanced)” installation, and this will not save any of your files or programs, so be sure to again… back up your machine prior to the installation.

If you do not feel comfortable installing this update yourself, PLEASE call Sandra Network support line at (978) 535 – 0202 #3, and we will schedule to have a technician do it for you.

The MAJOR things to take away:

BACK-UP your hard drive BEFORE you begin the upgrade.
You can always roll back within 30 days.
If you would like, contact Sandra Network’s Support line and we will schedule a technician to do the upgrade for you 978.535.0202 #3, or [email protected]m.

Why do I need more than one backup?

SandraNet on January 8, 2016

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“My IT Company is crazy! They want me to have multiple backups… I use my flash drive nightly, and am ok.”

“I know I have backups, someone set it up years ago and it runs automatically… I think.”

“What, you should test your backups?”

Yes, backing up can be a pain, but unless you are willing to use all your hard work, or memories, it might be worth it. If your home or office burns down, what will you be able to retrieve if you don’t have multiple backups.

Types of data to backup:

System State:

This is a copy of the configuration of your machine. In the event of failure, sometimes the COST of rebuilding the machine and the programs is the most expensive element.

Data:

This is your documents, pictures, music libraries and company data. One should always create multiple backups for such data.

Application based backup:

Many applications have their own backup, and for restoration purposes, need the backup in their proprietary format in order to restore the data. If this is the case with the applications, you should run the application-specific backup, and then backup the data file set it produces on another medium.

Types of backups (Media)

USB Drive:

Great for second copies of data and system state and data. Do realize that after the USB Devices fall from the top of the cabinet once, they can mechanically stop working and become DOA. Not a good place for your only backup, and definitely not a good place for original files and music libraries!

Tape Drives

These have been in service for years, and still work. Unfortunately, they do rely on complicated restores of data, and offsite storage. Nothing says failure when your backup tapes are on top of the server you are backing up. Very expensive fire | storm | water victim when the tapes are ruined with the server they are backing up. Can be very expensive for both tapes and tape drives.

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I won’t click on random or suspicious links

SandraNet on January 6, 2016

Fake emails and websites will try to look like a real company’s email: all for the purpose of stealing your personal information. Passwords and account numbers are the favorite to grab, but sometimes to simply track your browsing habits and send information to the criminal’s web site. Hence it is important to check shortened links that come in emails to ensure more safety.

EBay, PayPal, Amazon are some of the favorites to spoof, because they are such common web sites. If you are getting emails from a web site like those mentioned, and you are not sure, then close the email. Open a browser, and login to the web site directly. Any email that came to you should be mentioned somewhere in the notifications area. The good news is a lot of the emails come from out of country, and the wording of the emails are sometimes a giveaway. Check for proper use of grammar and spelling. Really look at the logo in the email – is it pixelated? Or, does it look as clean as the ones on the web site.

Online Thief

How to tell if the link in the email is safe without clicking on it

Use a link scanner

Link scanners are web sites and plug-ins that allow you to enter in the URL of suspicious link and check it for safety. URLVoid is a really good one, because it uses multiple services to research.

In order to copy the link safely, without clicking on it, you can right click on the link and choose copy shortcut (IE), Copy Link (Firefox) or Copy Link Address (Chrome). You can paste this into the Link Scanner utility.

Check Shortened Links

URLVoid can’t handle shortened URLS from services like tinyURL or Bitly, Ow.ly. To check shortened links that you usually find on services like Twitter, you can use Sucuri. It will expand the shortened links and check it against a variety of services to ensure no threats are pending. In order to copy the link safely, without clicking on it, you can right click on the link and choose copy shortcut (IE), Copy Link (Firefox) or Copy Link Address (Chrome). You can paste this into the Link Scanner utility.

Hover over the link

If you hover over a link without clicking on it, you will see the full URL pop up with the links destination in the lower corner of your browser.

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I Promise to Restart My Computer

SandraNet on January 5, 2016

How often should I restart my devices? That is always the question. We all know the technology answer to everything: Did you restart? But why? Restarting your device simply gives your device a fresh start. Nothing bogging down memory, froze applications cleared, and generally either fixes or at least give a fresh troubleshooting start.

If the device is a smartphone, you should not have to restart it often at all. If you have recently installed OS updates, or, on occasion if things just don’t seem to be acting right. You can simply shut down the apps to solve the problem. Restarting your device is sometimes the quickest way to free up RAM. If the phone is suddenly running much hotter than usual, a restart is also in order.

If the device is a tablet, like an iPad or Android, they are in the same category as a smartphone. However, when you get into Surface Pros, Windows Tablets, or equivalent, then they should be treated and restarted as you would a laptop. If applications are hung up, or when the fans are whirring loudly and sound like a jet airplane. Most newer laptops with Windows 8 or Windows 10 are designed to sleep and use virtually use no power or resources. Because of this, you should not have to keep restarting your device.

If the device is a laptop, it depends on the brand, and the usage. If applications are installed, Windows Updates, or simply seems like the fans are whirring, it is simply time to reboot. Windows 7 Laptops have more of a power draw, and should be rebooted a little more often. And what about if you running something older? Restart at the end of each business day, and then call Sandra Network for a replacement!

If the device is your desktop, then same rules apply as a laptop. Windows 10, Windows 8 need a restart rarely. Windows 7, sometimes. Anything older, daily is best.

Personally, I try to remember to restart each Friday or at the end of my work week, to ensure the computer AND I both get a fresh start for my return Monday morning.

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What is Coming This Holiday? A Computer Maybe?

With the Holidays Coming… is a Computer in Your Future?

This is a charged question, leading to MANY other computer questions.

Make those holidays happy!

Give us a call at Sandra Network 978-535-0202 #3 or email us at [email protected]

To be USB 2.0 or USB 3.0… That is the Question

USB 2.0

USB 3.0

Special November Deal – Fine Tune Your Computer!

Thank You for Being a Loyal Customer

For that we would like to make you and any of your friends an offer for some fine-tuning for the computer.

It’s A Trap, A Scam!

This is how it tends to happen:

Now, About These Passwords…

Windows 10 is coming, do I HAVE to install now?

Here are a few suggestions for Windows 10 and upgrading.

The MAJOR things to take away:

I won’t click on random or suspicious links

How to tell if the link in the email is safe without clicking on it

Use a link scanner

Check Shortened Links

Hover over the link

I Promise to Restart My Computer

4 Critical Security Mistakes That Put Your Organization At Risk

Address:

8 Essex Center Dr Suite 330,
Peabody, MA 01960, United States

Local Phone:

978-535-0202

With the Holidays Coming… is a Computer in Your Future?

This is a charged question, leading to MANY other computer questions.

Make those holidays happy!

Give us a call at Sandra Network 978-535-0202 #3 or email us at [email protected]

USB 2.0

USB 3.0

Thank You for Being a Loyal Customer

For that we would like to make you and any of your friends an offer for some fine-tuning for the computer.

This is how it tends to happen:

Here are a few suggestions for Windows 10 and upgrading.

The MAJOR things to take away:

Types of data to backup:

System State:

Data:

Application based backup:

Types of backups (Media)

USB Drive:

Tape Drives

How to tell if the link in the email is safe without clicking on it

Use a link scanner

Check Shortened Links

Hover over the link

4 Critical Security Mistakes That Put Your Organization At Risk

Address:

8 Essex Center Dr Suite 330, Peabody, MA 01960, United States

Local Phone:

8 Essex Center Dr Suite 330,
Peabody, MA 01960, United States