Tip-Of-The-Week

June 22, 2007

From the Free Computer Consultant

http://www.FreeComputerConsultant.com

Don't be embarrassed like this

and

This week in the Blog

(I apologize to anyone who receives this email twice, I'm in the process of upgrading to a better email service; thanks.)

"I hate it when you lie like that, Russell"

That's what a client and I heard after a conference call with a vendor hoping to sell us some expensive software.

I was in the client's office, so when the call was over, even though I was closer to the phone, I didn't feel it was my place to "hang up" the call. My client was a fantastic guy, now deceased I'm sorry to say, with many health problems; so he didn't move too fast.

We sat and listened, probably with our jaws dropped a little, as the technical advisor railed upon the salesman for "stretching the truth". She was still chewing on him as they left the room and we could hear no more.

(No, my client did NOT buy the software!)

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Today there are more tools and toys for transmitting audio and video from your computer to the outside world than ever before; whether to one location at a time or even broadcasting to the world. Now many of those tools are either cheap or free.

(Yes, I will try to write about some of them soon.)

Some of you may be using webcams for Skype or other communication types now; especially you younger ones.

I have a Logitech webcam that has a little hood that drops over the lens for when not in use.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you come up with a system to make sure any transmitting you do of either audio or video from your computer is terminated when you THINK it's terminated.

Unplug that microphone, hood that webcam, but do SOMETHING to make sure you don't have unintended watchers or listeners. It might save you a sale, your job, a friendship or just plain old great embarrassment.

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Blog entries:

WEP is Dead - Secure Your WiFi With WPA, WPA2

FBI Goes After Zombies - Why You Should Care About PC Security

Windows Vista, A Cheap Computer, and Vista Ready Boost

Windows Vista WiFi Connection - Not a No Brainer

How To Upgrade Memory in a Laptop - Video on Associated Content

Leave Computer On or Shut Off?

No Excuse Not to Have Data Backup

When was the last time you backed up YOUR PC?

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The Free Computer Consultant