IT Security Tip:
Don’t Store Passwords In Your Browser!

There are a variety of security reasons NOT to store your passwords in your web browser. Yes, it’s convenient, but it’s not as secure as we need it to be! Click the link to learn more!

This Tuesday Tidbits series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need a good AUP in place and training. If you’d like our help in creating one for your company, based on best practices, call us at (608) 755-1524. You’ll be glad you did.

Contact us if you have any computer-related needs by visiting computer-center.com.

Microsoft Tips for Windows

Keep Tabs With Your Website Tabs

When you’re on a frequently-used website and have a lot of tabs open, pin that site to your taskbar. Then, just hover over the pin to see a preview of all the open tabs.

To pin website to the taskbar, in Microsoft Edge, go to Settings and more > More tools > Pin to taskbar.

Shortcut of the Week

Shift Key And Mouse Click

Many programs allow you to highlight all or portions of text using the Shift and the mouse. For example, click at the beginning of the text, hold down Shift, scroll to the bottom, and click at the end of the text to highlight the text.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tuesdaytidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President The Computer Center 39 S. Main St. – Upper Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 755-1524

IT Security Tip #3:
Use STRONG Passwords!

Thanks to powerful brute-force-attack software readily available online, hackers can try tens of millions of possible password combinations per second. For example, hacking software can guess a five-character password in under three hours. If you only use lowercase letters, it’s 11.9 seconds.

You KNOW you need to have a better password than “password” or “letmein” if you have any hope of keeping hackers out of your PC; but what does a “strong” password mean? A good password should be at least eight characters long (or longer!) and have a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols that are hard to guess. Don’t use dictionary words with proper capitalization because they’re easy to guess (like Password123#). Even though it meets the requirements we just discussed, it’s easily hacked; remember, hackers have sophisticated password-hacking software that will run 24/7/365. If you want a quick tip for remembering your password, use a phrase and insert letters and numbers into it, like $h@KeNb8ke.

This Tuesday Tidbits series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need a good AUP in place and training. If you’d like our help in creating one for your company, based on best practices, call us at (608) 755-1524. You’ll be glad you did.

Contact us if you have any computer-related needs by visiting computer-center.com.

Microsoft Tips for Windows

Stay Up To Date While Staying In Your Flow

To quickly check in on the latest headlines, weather, sports, and more, open News and interests on the taskbar. Get caught up with a glance, then get back to what you were doing.

Shortcut of the Week

Move Forward And Back Using The Keyboard

In all major Internet browsers, you can move forwards and backwards by pressing and holding the Alt key and then pressing the left or right arrow key. Pressing the left arrow goes back a page and pressing the right arrow moves forward a page.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tuesdaytidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President The Computer Center 39 S. Main St. – Upper Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 755-1524

IT Security Tip #2:
Working From Home? DON’T Until You Read This!

If you plan on catching up on some work from home AND you’re using a personal device such as a smartphone or personal laptop – DON’T! Unless your personal device is covered under our Comprehensive Care plan, you could accidentally introduce a virus to the company’s network.

ONLY devices that are under our vigilant watch of patching, updating and monitoring should be used to work remote. Side Note: We can set up a way for you to work from home securely; call our office if you would like us to set that up.

This Tuesday Tidbits series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need a good AUP in place and training. If you’d like our help in creating one for your company, based on best practices, call us at (608) 755-1524. You’ll be glad you did.

Contact us if you have any computer-related needs by visiting computer-center.com.

Microsoft Tips for Windows

Choose Your Favorite Color Mode

Make your apps and app tiles stand out by switching to Light or Dark mode. Select Start  > Settings  > Personalization  > Colors . Under Choose your color, select either Light or Dark mode.

Shortcut of the Week

Use PowerPoint To Record Your Screen

You can use PowerPoint as a mini video editor! You can record your screen, and then save it in a video format. Mark shows you how in this video tutorial.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tuesdaytidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President The Computer Center 39 S. Main St. – Upper Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 755-1524

Covid-19 and Working Remotely
A How-To Technology Resource

Welcome to The Computer Center’s Covid-19 resource center for small businesses. Our focus is to provide you with the information you need to keep your business running, collaborate with your team, meet with customers, and make the best of the current situation by leveraging technology. Visit www.computer-center.com/covid19/ for access to more helpful information.

IT Security Tip #1:
This Will SHOCK You About Bank Fraud On Business Accounts

Did you know your COMPANY’S bank account doesn’t enjoy the same protections as a personal bank account? For example, if a hacker takes money from your business account, the bank is NOT responsible for getting your money back. (Don’t believe me? Go ask your bank what their policy is on refunding you money stolen from your account!) Many people think FDIC protects you from fraud; it doesn’t. It protects you from bank insolvency, NOT fraud.

Quick Tip: Set up e-mail alerts on your account so you are notified any time money is withdrawn from your account. The FASTER you catch fraudulent activity, the better your chances are of keeping your money. If you contact the bank IMMEDIATELY, you have a very high probability of foiling a hacker’s attack.

This Tuesday Tidbits series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need a good AUP in place and training. If you’d like our help in creating one for your company, based on best practices, call us at (608) 755-1524. You’ll be glad you did.

Contact us if you have any computer-related needs by visiting computer-center.com.

Microsoft Tips for Windows

Customize Your Start Menu

Pin apps to the Start menu for quick access to what’s important. Select Start > press and hold (or right-click) the app you want to pin > Pin to Start. You can also unpin the apps you don’t need.

Shortcut of the Week

Increase and Decrease Web Page Font Size

Quickly increase and decrease the web page font size by holding down the Ctrl key on the keyboard and scrolling up or down with the wheel on a wheel mouse. Or you can also use Ctrl + or Ctrl – to increase/decrease the font size. To get the font back to the default size press Ctrl+0 on the keyboard.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tuesdaytidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President The Computer Center 39 S. Main St. – Upper Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 755-1524

Covid-19 and Working Remotely
A How-To Technology Resource

Welcome to The Computer Center’s Covid-19 resource center for small businesses. Our focus is to provide you with the information you need to keep your business running, collaborate with your team, meet with customers, and make the best of the current situation by leveraging technology. Visit www.computer-center.com/covid19/ for access to more helpful information.

IT Security Tip #46:
Is My PCI Compliance Good Enough
To Serve As A Network Cybersecurity Audit?

We often get asked if an organization has passed their PCI compliance requirements for accepting credit cards; is there really a need for more security and compliance? The answer is yes! While the PCI architecture and requirements heavily overlap network security issues, a network security audit is going to take a deeper look into how you utilize the technology you own. Most businesses typically need to conduct a network security audit at the same time they conduct a PCI audit.

The PCI regulations have gone a long way toward making every business that accepts credit cards become more secure – it’s a threat to the payment industry to have unsecured businesses responsible for millions in fraudulent charges. A good network security audit at the same time as your PCI audit typically provides for a balanced scale when weighing security and functionality.

This Tuesday Tidbits series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need a good AUP in place and training. If you’d like our help in creating one for your company, based on best practices, call us at (608) 755-1524. You’ll be glad you did.

Contact us if you have any computer-related needs by visiting computer-center.com.

Microsoft Tips for Windows

Turn Off Background Images

Minimize visual distractions by turning off your background image. Select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Display, and then use the toggle to turn off Show desktop background image.

Shortcut of the Week

Move Forward And Backward Using The Mouse Wheel

Quickly move forwards and backwards between web pages by holding down Shift and scrolling up or down on your mouse wheel.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tuesdaytidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President The Computer Center 39 S. Main St. – Upper Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 755-1524

Covid-19 and Working Remotely
A How-To Technology Resource

Welcome to The Computer Center’s Covid-19 resource center for small businesses. Our focus is to provide you with the information you need to keep your business running, collaborate with your team, meet with customers, and make the best of the current situation by leveraging technology. Visit www.computer-center.com/covid19/ for access to more helpful information.

IT Security Tip #45:
Is It Time For Cybersecurity Planning?

The time to start planning for a security threat isn’t during a virus outbreak or immediately after you discover funds transferred within your banking accounts. Decisions and judgments made during this time are typically driven by emotion and not facts. The time to make those cyberthreat plans is now.

Things to consider when you’re planning:

• Physical access to your building(s)
• What to do with lost or stolen mobile devices
• PCI (payment card industry) compliance requirements
• Data-breach incident response
• Threat monitoring

That’s where we are here to help! Give us a call and we’ll be glad to help you evaluate your “cybersecure” plan.

There are great resources out there for businesses that just don’t know where to start with cybersecurity. Take a look at http://www.fcc.gov/cyberplanner for a customizable guide to where to get started with operational and organizational planning.

This Tuesday Tidbits series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need a good AUP in place and training. If you’d like our help in creating one for your company, based on best practices, call us at (608) 755-1524. You’ll be glad you did.

Contact us if you have any computer-related needs by visiting computer-center.com.

Microsoft Tips for Windows

Use The Web Version Of Your Apps

You can help keep your work secure and up-to-date by using the web version of your Office apps like Word, Outlook, or Excel. Using the web versions and storing your work to the cloud makes sure that your data stays on the server without needing to be downloaded to your local device.

Shortcut of the Week

Move Forward And Backward Using The Mouse Wheel

Open all your favorite daily visted web pages in two clicks. First, create a folder in your bookarks with the web pages you visit daily. Once created you can right-click that folder and click “Open in Tabs” to get all your favorite links open.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tuesdaytidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President The Computer Center 39 S. Main St. – Upper Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 755-1524

Covid-19 and Working Remotely
A How-To Technology Resource

Welcome to The Computer Center’s Covid-19 resource center for small businesses. Our focus is to provide you with the information you need to keep your business running, collaborate with your team, meet with customers, and make the best of the current situation by leveraging technology. Visit www.computer-center.com/covid19/ for access to more helpful information.

IT Security Tip #44:
Should My Computer Be Encrypted?

It’s another Tuesday in the airport, and you just cleared the TSA line and went to the pretzel shop for a quick bite before you catch your plane. You sit your laptop down to get a straw, and the next second…your laptop is gone. It’s not in sight, nor is the thief who stole it.

If you have a password on your laptop, that will likely prevent the thief from immediately having access to your private documents. What it doesn’t stop is someone removing the hard drive from your laptop and connecting it to another computer – suddenly your hard drive is sitting there, ready to browse – just like any other folder or drive letter.

What do you do? Encrypt it! A good first step toward protecting the hard drive of your laptop and other mobile devices is to encrypt it. With the drive encrypted, a thief can’t just pull it out, hook it up and suddenly have access to all your files. At least you’ve made it pretty hard for them to get to your data.

This Tuesday Tidbits series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need a good AUP in place and training. If you’d like our help in creating one for your company, based on best practices, call us at (608) 755-1524. You’ll be glad you did.

Contact us if you have any computer-related needs by visiting computer-center.com.

Microsoft Tips for Windows

Write On Your PC Screen

Use a digital pen (or your finger) to write and draw on your screen. Select Windows Ink Workspace on the right side of the taskbar and choose Fullscreen snip to get started.

Shortcut of the Week

Quickly Open Multiple Favorite Pages

Open all your favorite daily visited web pages in two clicks. First, create a folder in your bookmarks with the web pages you visit daily. Once created you can right-click that folder and click “Open in Tabs” to get all your favorite links open.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tuesdaytidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President The Computer Center 39 S. Main St. – Upper Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 755-1524

Covid-19 and Working Remotely
A How-To Technology Resource

Welcome to The Computer Center’s Covid-19 resource center for small businesses. Our focus is to provide you with the information you need to keep your business running, collaborate with your team, meet with customers, and make the best of the current situation by leveraging technology. Visit www.computer-center.com/covid19/ for access to more helpful information.

IT Security Tip #43:
New Quarter, New Password

It’s a wise idea to follow the calendar year when changing passwords to your online sites, financial/banking sites and computer systems. We recommend you change these passwords at least once every three months. It’s also important you don’t reuse passwords or use the same passwords for two different resources.

If your social media account gets hacked, you don’t want the attacker to also be able to gain access to your Amazon.com and banking accounts simply because you used the same password for both sites. Maintaining separate passwords is a lot of work – but the cybersociety we live in demands it.

A good password will be composed of both lowercase and CAPITAL letters, numbers and !@#$%^ (symbols). Passwords for various sites should always be different, but they can be similar. You may use J@nu@ry1! for site A and J@nu@ry1@ for site B.

Need help in developing strong password policies? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

This Tuesday Tidbits series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need a good AUP in place and training. If you’d like our help in creating one for your company, based on best practices, call us at (608) 755-1524. You’ll be glad you did.

Contact us if you have any computer-related needs by visiting computer-center.com.

Microsoft Tips for Windows

Add Emoji From Your Keyboard

Express yourself however and wherever you want. Press Windows logo key + period (.) to open an emoji panel. Use kaomojis to create faces with text, and symbols—like punctuation and currency—to make a statement.

Shortcut of the Week

Make The Browser Window Full Screen

You can set your browser to full screen mode on a computer, hiding the toolbars and address bar, by pressing the F11 key. Press F11 again to reverse this action.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tuesdaytidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President The Computer Center 39 S. Main St. – Upper Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 755-1524

Covid-19 and Working Remotely
A How-To Technology Resource

Welcome to The Computer Center’s Covid-19 resource center for small businesses. Our focus is to provide you with the information you need to keep your business running, collaborate with your team, meet with customers, and make the best of the current situation by leveraging technology. Visit www.computer-center.com/covid19/ for access to more helpful information.

IT Security Tip #42:
Do You Allow Guests
To Access Your WiFi Network?

Do you have guest access on your company WiFi network? Or do you simply give out the same password that your employees use? If you give out your password, you’re practically opening the door for anyone to come in and steal private information, infect your private computers and even steal customer credit card data if you are processing them over the same Internet connection.

The key to providing free guest WiFi access is in segregation and security. Your WiFi guests need to be completely isolated and segregated from your private network. Your guests should not be able to reach your internal computer network, credit card terminals or other network-connected devices. Don’t know how to enable guest WiFi access? Give us a call and we’ll help you out.

This Tuesday Tidbits series is one great way to keep your employees informed, but you STILL need a good AUP in place and training. If you’d like our help in creating one for your company, based on best practices, call us at (608) 755-1524. You’ll be glad you did.

Contact us if you have any computer-related needs by visiting computer-center.com.

Microsoft Tips for Windows

Switch Between Open Windows

Hold down the Alt key, press Tab repeatedly until the window you want is selected, and then release the Alt key.

Shortcut of the Week

Quickly Scroll Up And Down A Web Page

Scroll one page at a time in all major browsers by pressing the Spacebar key. Move back up the page by pressing Shift + Spacebar or the Home key on the keyboard.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tuesdaytidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President The Computer Center 39 S. Main St. – Upper Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 755-1524