Orbis Blog » How to’s http://blog.orbissolutions.com Business and Technology Advice Thu, 29 Aug 2013 01:49:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Sunglasses & Trench Coats: Your Guide to the New Facebook Privacy Settings http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2009/12/28/sunglasses-trench-coats-your-guide-to-the-new-facebook-privacy-settings/ http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2009/12/28/sunglasses-trench-coats-your-guide-to-the-new-facebook-privacy-settings/#comments Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:05:02 +0000 http://blog.orbissolutions.com/?p=393 In a thinly veiled attempt to compete with high traffic sites like Twitter, Facebook’s new privacy settings have upset some of its more clandestine users. The problem is this: these new modifications may put you at risk of publically publishing more information than you had originally intended. But don’t let this ruin your day. A […]]]> In a thinly veiled attempt to compete with high traffic sites like Twitter, Facebook’s new privacy settings have upset some of its more clandestine users. The problem is this: these new modifications may put you at risk of publically publishing more information than you had originally intended. But don’t let this ruin your day. A great deal of your privacy can still be restored.  Here’s some help.

An important thing to remember when dealing with your new privacy settings is this: Everyone really does mean everyone. Literally, any person with Internet access can see this information. These new settings have also made it easier for your profile to be found using search engines such as Bing and Google. If you are uncomfortable with either of these modifications, they can be adjusted in your privacy settings.  Unfortunately, there are some pieces of information that are now permanently  publically available as a result of Facebook’s new policy. This public information includes:

  • Your Name
  • Your Profile Picture
  • Current City
  • Gender
  • Network
  • Your Friends List
  • The Pages You are a “Fan” of

This information can now be seen by everyone who comes across your profile, even if they are not on your friends list.

Facebook has also made it easier for app developers and advertisers to utilize information on your profile. Now, whenever your friend adds an app, the app developers can gain access to your information, even if you don’t use apps. These changes have definitely agitated Facebook users who prefer to use the site as a social networking tool, as opposed to a means for self-promotion.

Although this new policy may seem disagreeable, the changes aren’t all bad. In a more popular move, Facebook now allows users to define the privacy of your Facebook content on a post by post basis. The site has also eliminated  regional networks. You take the good, you take the bad, I suppose.

If you need further help making adjustments to the privacy of your profile, here is a link to Facebook’s guide to privacy:  http://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation.php

]]> http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2009/12/28/sunglasses-trench-coats-your-guide-to-the-new-facebook-privacy-settings/feed/ 0 Top 5 Ways to Keep Your Computer Safe http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2009/08/07/top-5-ways-to-keep-your-computer-safe/ http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2009/08/07/top-5-ways-to-keep-your-computer-safe/#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:14:17 +0000 http://blog.orbissolutions.com/?p=229 computer bug1. Anti-Virus Program: Remember that it is not enough to simply have an anti-virus program, it is important to make sure it is updated regularly and running scheduled scans on your computer. Many times you can set these tasks to run at a time when you are not working on your machine (like in the middle of the night). There are a number of quality programs out there and some are even free. [...] ]]> computer bug1. Anti-Virus Program
Remember that it is not enough to simply have an anti-virus program, it is important to make sure it is updated regularly and running scheduled scans on your computer. Many times you can set these tasks to run at a time when you are not working on your machine (like in the middle of the night). There are a number of quality programs out there and some are even free.

AVG 8.5 Free Edition – AVG has become one of the most trusted names in Anti-Virus software over the last couple years. This free edition of their software has most of the features one could want in an anti-virus program such as automatic updating and scheduled scanning.

2. Firewall
Odds are you are protected by a hardware firewall in your router at work or at home, but if you ever use your laptop in a coffee shop or an airport, it is imperative to have software protection as well. Firewalls control the communication in and out of your computer, allowing only traffic specified by you and thus protecting against unwanted attacks.

3. Malware removal
Try as we may to guard against it, infectious programs and files occasionally find a way on to our machines. There are a number of free tools available on the internet that aid in removing this malicious content. Like anti-virus software, it is good to be in the habit of keeping these programs up to date and running them on occasion. Two of the products that we recommend using are listed below, and you can download them both for free.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (Free) – Malwarebytes is a great full feature malware removal program. It was one of the first programs to successfully remove the pesky Antivirus 2008/2009 programs, and with databases being updated frequently it is able to stay on top of the new malware being released every day.

Spybot Search and Destroy (Free) – At Orbis we tend to use Spybot in conjunction with Malwarebytes. It is another great program for eliminating spyware and malware on your machine. It has been around for years and they continue to keep their databases current. Use it as a tool to keep your machine running smoothly.

4. Windows/Operating System Updates
Microsoft is constantly releasing Security Fixes for its operating system, as well as other updates designed to improve performance. Be sure that you have Automatic Updates configured on your machine and that you install them when needed. Again, this is something that can be easily done automatically when you are typically away from your machine.

5. Passwords
As we migrate more of our everyday lives onto our computers, almost everything is password protected. It is important to remember a few password do’s and don’ts.

Do:

  • Use more than one password, it may be tempting to have one ‘master’ password for your life, but if anyone were to discover it, they would have control over your entire virtual self (bank accounts, social network sites, e-mail)
  • Make it hard to figure out. Devise a system for creating passwords for yourself, one that combines both letters and numbers. Use the street you grew up on and the last few digits of an old phone number eg: Juniper0283. You don’t want to make it so hard you can’t remember, but too easy for someone to guess.

Don’t:

  • Write it down (or save it in a file on your desktop).
  • Tell it to anyone, no matter how close of a friend/relative they may be. If you do find yourself in a position where you have given it away, be sure and change it immediately.
  • Use ‘Auto-Complete’ features for important accounts. Our internet browsers are always trying to offer a hand by offering to remember our login information, but if your computer was ever stolen, access to your accounts goes with it.

]]> http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2009/08/07/top-5-ways-to-keep-your-computer-safe/feed/ 0 Easy Image Resizing http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/11/06/easy-image-resizing/ http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/11/06/easy-image-resizing/#comments Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:11:35 +0000 http://blog.orbissolutions.com/?p=191 image resizingWhen you email a photo, you’ll want to reduce the size of the file since large digital images can take a long time to view or download and potentially be too large for someone’s inbox. This can be done in most image editing programs, such as Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, and even Microsoft Office Picture […]]]> image resizingWhen you email a photo, you’ll want to reduce the size of the file since large digital images can take a long time to view or download and potentially be too large for someone’s inbox. This can be done in most image editing programs, such as Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, and even Microsoft Office Picture Manager. Here’s a free tool from Microsoft that will let you resize one or more image files with a right click.

This tool only works with Windows XP. For some other fun, free and functional tools from Microsoft, check out these Microsoft Power Toys.

]]> http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/11/06/easy-image-resizing/feed/ 1 Keyboard Shortcuts http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/10/30/keyboard-shortcuts/ http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/10/30/keyboard-shortcuts/#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:13:25 +0000 http://blog.orbissolutions.com/?p=193 keyboardKeyboard shortcuts are a great way to let you work quickly without lifting your hands from the keyboard. Here are some basics that can help you cut down on the number of times you reach for the mouse every day: CTRL + S: This saves the file that you’re working on. CTRL + C: Use […]]]> keyboardKeyboard shortcuts are a great way to let you work quickly without lifting your hands from the keyboard. Here are some basics that can help you cut down on the number of times you reach for the mouse every day:

CTRL + S: This saves the file that you’re working on.

CTRL + C: Use this to copy text, files, or icons that you’ve highlighted. CTRL + V will paste them where you point your mouse.

CTRL + Z: This is the powerful UNDO shortcut. It undoes your last action. Programs vary in how many actions they’ll let you undo, some will even let you go all the way back to the beginning. (CTRL + Y is the redo shortcut.)

ALT + TAB: This lets you switch between all of your open windows. Hold it down to bring up a system window that shows you what apps are running and which one you’re switching to.

WINDOWS + M: This one minimizes all of the windows that are open on your desktop. To bring everything back up, hit SHIFT + WINDOWS + M

]]> http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/10/30/keyboard-shortcuts/feed/ 0 Google search tips http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/10/23/google-search-tips/ http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/10/23/google-search-tips/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:14:46 +0000 http://blog.orbissolutions.com/?p=196 googlelogoGoogle is a great way to search for information on the web, but not everyone knows that you can quickly get specific information with search modifiers. Here are a few ways you can refine your searches: 1. stock: ticker symbol – This will give you stock information as well as links to relevant sites. For […]]]> googlelogoGoogle is a great way to search for information on the web, but not everyone knows that you can quickly get specific information with search modifiers. Here are a few ways you can refine your searches:

1. stock: ticker symbol – This will give you stock information as well as links to relevant sites. For example, try typing in “stock: goog” and you’ll get a chart for Google’s stock, including current price and volume, as well links to other sites with relevant information.

2. define: word – This brings up definitions and relevant phrases. For example, if you type “define: megabyte” you’ll learn that it is an amount of computer memory that is approximately one million bytes.

3. conversions – Google has a built in currency converter. For example, if you type “100 USD to GBP” you’ll find out that 100 U.S. dollars is equal to 48.95 British pounds. It also can handle converting common weights and measures, like “100 gallons to liters” or “100 miles to kilometers.”

]]> http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/10/23/google-search-tips/feed/ 0 Backing up your data http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/10/12/backing-up-your-data/ http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/10/12/backing-up-your-data/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:16:22 +0000 http://blog.orbissolutions.com/?p=199 Life PreserverMost corporate networks have a system for backing up all company data stored on the server. But what about all the personal photos, pictures, and music that are on your home computer? Most people think about backing up their data about 5 minutes after it’s too late to do any good. Make sure you’re not […]]]> Life PreserverMost corporate networks have a system for backing up all company data stored on the server. But what about all the personal photos, pictures, and music that are on your home computer? Most people think about backing up their data about 5 minutes after it’s too late to do any good. Make sure you’re not headed for a disaster and give some thought to a system for backing up your personal data.

Fortunately, backing up your data doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. If you’re using Windows XP, it’s especially easy.

]]> http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/10/12/backing-up-your-data/feed/ 0 Microsoft Outlook keyboard shortcuts http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/09/12/microsoft-outlook-keyboard-shortcuts/ http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/09/12/microsoft-outlook-keyboard-shortcuts/#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:34:13 +0000 http://blog.orbissolutions.com/?p=124 outlook 2007For those who use email regularly, click here to check out a listing of some useful keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Outlook 2007. If you are interested in upgrading to Microsoft Office, or Microsoft Outlook 2007, contact us today.]]> outlook 2007For those who use email regularly, click here to check out a listing of some useful keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Outlook 2007. If you are interested in upgrading to Microsoft Office, or Microsoft Outlook 2007, contact us today.

]]> http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/09/12/microsoft-outlook-keyboard-shortcuts/feed/ 0 Convert old Office files to the 2007 version http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/08/25/131/ http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/08/25/131/#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:36:45 +0000 http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/08/11/131/ Office 2007 ProfessionalIf you’ve recently upgraded to Microsoft Office 2007 and want to quickly convert your old Office documents to the Office 2007 format, click here for step-by-step instructions. This is a great way to avoid manually updating every file separately.]]> Office 2007 ProfessionalIf you’ve recently upgraded to Microsoft Office 2007 and want to quickly convert your old Office documents to the Office 2007 format, click here for step-by-step instructions. This is a great way to avoid manually updating every file separately.

]]> http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/08/25/131/feed/ 0 Use the web to manage the gas crunch http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/07/14/137/ http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/07/14/137/#comments Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:43:21 +0000 http://blog.orbissolutions.com/?p=137 gas pumpWith the U.S. national average gas price up to $4 a gallon and climbing, here are a few helpful user-submitted websites to check regularly: www.GasBuddy.com www.GasPriceWatch.com These sites make it easy to monitor which stations have the best prices in your area. Updates are made frequently, so check as often as you like. Do keep […]]]> gas pumpWith the U.S. national average gas price up to $4 a gallon and climbing, here are a few helpful user-submitted websites to check regularly:

www.GasBuddy.com

www.GasPriceWatch.com

These sites make it easy to monitor which stations have the best prices in your area. Updates are made frequently, so check as often as you like. Do keep in mind, however, that you won’t save much by driving 12 miles just to save a couple of pennies per gallon.

]]> http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/07/14/137/feed/ 0 Get up-to-date Antivirus Software http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/07/07/get-up-to-date-antivirus-software/ http://blog.orbissolutions.com/2008/07/07/get-up-to-date-antivirus-software/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:43:32 +0000 http://blog.orbissolutions.com/?p=140 antivirusAccording to security experts, the total number of viruses will reach one million by the end of 2008. Malware (“Malicious Software” designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system with the owner’s informed consent) writers have been forced to create new types of viruses more regularly as computer users improve their security practices. The number […]]]> antivirusAccording to security experts, the total number of viruses will reach one million by the end of 2008. Malware (“Malicious Software” designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system with the owner’s informed consent) writers have been forced to create new types of viruses more regularly as computer users improve their security practices. The number of infectious email attachments getting through are down from about one in 40 around 2003, to one in 1000 today. As a result, roughly 25% of unique malware has been created in the last 9 months alone. This means more creative types of viruses are being worked on, many specifically targeting websites. Current and thorough antivirus software is crucial for users in today’s world. Contact Orbis today to update your virus protection.

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