Stories about hackers and virus attacks seem to be making the news almost every day, and many of these news stories include tips on how you can avoid becoming a victim. One common theme among these tips is making sure your Windows operating system is up to date.
Every day hackers are trying to figure out new ways to break into Microsoft Windows and once they do find a weakness, they try and find a way to spread it. This could be through a malicious email attachment or even something that spreads without your involvement.
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Updates Explained
Whenever Microsoft discovers a potential flaw, they push out a small piece of software to all Windows computers running a supported version. If set correctly, your computer will check for any updates or patches and install them automatically. In new versions, this usually happens when you’re shutting down or starting up, and doesn’t impact your experience at all. Unfortunately, some users will manually disable or delay their updates, creating a risky situation.
The updates may include security patches, drivers or simple tweaks to address bugs or issues with Windows. Sometimes, they even include new features or applications to improve the stability of your operating system. They’re a good thing!

Not All Versions Get Updates
Some older operating systems are no longer supported, which means unless there are extenuating circumstances (such as the recent WannaCry outbreak), Microsoft won’t issue any new updates. Generally, if cyber criminals discover a flaw after support to the operating system ends, they’re free to exploit it.  For example, Windows XP support ended in 2014, and Windows Vista just ended in April this year. The moment an operating system is retired it becomes a playground for cyber-criminals. This is because they know that many people will continue to run these outdated systems, giving cyber criminals easy prey.
It’s not just Microsoft walking away from these old versions either. Third party software like the Google Chrome browser will still work, but they’ve also stopped supporting old versions with crucial updates and patches. Although it might seem like everything is working fine because your anti-virus isn’t pinging in alarm, the reality is that you are piling risk atop risk. Speaking of anti-virus software, most of these products that are running on older versions of Windows are also either unsupported or given only definition updates. These editions leave your system even less protected due to their lack of advanced support and new features.

What to Do With Unsupported Systems
As much as you’re comfortable with your older version of Windows, each time you boot up you’re exposing your system, important files and entire network. It only takes one weak entry point in the chain to allow malware into all connected devices. That could mean your photo storage, media center or even smart appliances will be vulnerable. The risk posed by unsupported and unprotected systems is not worth risk. If you’re running Windows XP or Vista, you need to update to a more modern operating system ASAP. Give us a call to upgrade your computer, and get the protection you need!

We can also monitor your system remotely and apply your Windows updates with our Managed Services packages, ensuring you are always up to date and protected. Give us a call!

Email Etiquette
Did you know that there are manners in the email world? Being mannerly in your emails conveys respect, clarity, and helps you to communicate better. So, let’s get started:

CAPS
Don’t use ALL CAPS. It’s generally considered to be “shouting” in email, text messages, etc. Of course, if it’s an exciting event like “IT’S A BOY!” or “I’M ENGAGED!” then “shouting” is appropriate.

Fonts & Colors
Don’t use multiple fonts and colors. The more fonts or colors you use, the harder it is to read. Unless you’re a graphic artist and you know how to properly combine more than a couple fonts or colors in a complementary way, excessive use will distract from your message, not enhance it.

Use Proper English
Don’t use texting-type word shortenings. Spell your words out. Can you imagine the Declaration of Independence being written this way: “Whn n th cors of humn evntz it bcoms necsy 4 a peep 2 dis th poltcl bonds whch hv…"? While you may think you’re saving time writing, what you really do is make it harder to read and comprehend your message. Besides, proficient writing is fast becoming a lost art. The more frequently we use poorly spelled, abbreviated, or grammatically incorrect writing on a daily basis, the more we’re going to forget how to truly write.

Email Forwarding
Be slow to forward “junk” emails to a bunch of people. By junk emails we mean those non-personal ones that share jokes, pictures, touching or humorous stories or news.
Take a moment to consider if your friends life will truly be enhanced or helped by the tidbit of information you’re about to send them. If they live a busy life, they may appreciate you spared them from seeing yet another forwarded email from you.
Along this vein, be wary as well that you could be spreading false information or malware. There are many email scams going around. “XYZ political leader is about to sign a bill to change the National Anthem,” or “I made $80,000 working from home.” Remember as well that even having a photo “proving” the information means very little. Photography has been manipulated since its inception and it’s relatively easy to do. Perhaps you think you’re being helpful to share all this “vital info” with your friends, but it’s not helpful if the information is false, in which case you’re helping the “bad guys.”
If you’re the recipient of a constant stream of unwanted emails from a friend or relative, there are several ways to deal with this. First, it’s usually best to be tactful, but up front that you’d prefer to be sent fewer emails of that nature. But if that doesn't work, you can create a filter to conveniently send all those emails directly into a folder that skips your inbox.
In the event of cyber miscommunication where you might have an upset friend, it’s best to put email aside and give them a call or visit in person. Tone is so easily misconstrued when it’s in print.
 
Sending Photos
Most email providers place limits on the size of email messages. When you want to send pictures, you might need to re-size them first. Windows 7 and 10 can do this if you use an email program like Outlook or Windows Mail. Select the picture or pictures you want to send, click on the Share tab, then Email. A window will open where you can choose what size to use. Click Attach and the pictures will be placed in a new message. If you use an online service such as Gmail, simply drag the photo onto the message and click on the size you want.
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Handwritten Notes
Finally, when communicating with a special friend or loved one, consider the value of a good, old-fashioned, hand-written note. There’s something to be said for communicating via letters and cards. They are always in style and show that you care enough about the person to spend your valuable time in writing to them.