One of the more successful (and growing) methods of virus infection these days is the fake Anti-Virus warning. You may have seen it. You're browsing the web and suddenly a Window pops up that looks like a message from your antivirus software warning you that your machine may have detected a virus. It gives you instructions on how to remove the virus before it does damage to your PC. When you follow the instructions, you are actually installing a virus from a malicious website. Sometimes the virus you install will then attempt to extort money from you in order to effect removal from your machine. Trust us. Even if you pay the money you'll still have the virus, and you'll find your credit card maxed out.
 The reason this approach works so well is because it's quite simple to implement. No fancy programming tricks are required. The hacker counts on years of social programming on your part. If your machine gives you a warning and instructions, you will follow them. How simple! The solution is just as simple. Practice safe computing. Just because there is an OK button doesn't mean it's OK to click it. Check with the Help Desk before clicking 'Run' on a message asking if it's OK to do that.
Another form of quick moving virus is a nasty little piece of software that attaches itself to USB flash drives and takes advantage of the Autorun feature included for these devices. Just like when you insert a CD in your machine, flash drives can have programs that execute automatically when the drive gets plugged in. This approach is particularly devastating because the program often installs itself in such a way as to be undetectable to your antivirus software. The best way to avoid these viruses is to disable the autorun feature. If this interests you, please contact the Port-to-Port Help Desk.
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The last cool gadget we mentioned in our newsletter was the Amazon Kindle 2. I purchased one right when it became available and I still love the device. If you're a reader, this is a device worth considering. You can justify the cost with the savings on books since they are typically $9.99 compared to the $25 or more for hard cover books. If you want the whole story, let us know. This story is about more recently acquired, or re-acquired, cool stuff.
First on my list is the CardScan compact business card scanner. This little device will make short work of that stack of business cards in your drawer that you keep meaning to enter into your address book. Jeff Clark, one of the principals at JC Partners, is a self-confessed technology hater. He can't say enough good things about this device. There are many portable scanners on the market. None compares to the simplicity and accuracy of the CardScan. It is really only useful for one purpose, but it does that so very well.
Speaking of devices that have only one useful purpose, the Seiko Smart Label printer is another in this category. It can be loaded with different sizes of label stock, but its strength is in printing those odd shaped (and usually small quantity) stickers for mailing, or labeling, or even postage. It comes with software that allows you to grab an address and print it on a label.
 Microsoft recently gave me a Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000. This little mouse (that comes with its own carrying case) works like a regular mouse on any surface but glass. It also has a set of buttons on the bottom that allow you to control a presentation while walking around the room. If that's not enough, it also includes a built-in laser pointer.
My favorite in the gadget category recently is the Wacom Bamboo Tablet. As you know, we've played with many models of Tablet PC only to be left feeling like they aren't worth the extra cost and added fragility. The Bamboo allows you to have tablet capability when you need it and go standard PC when you don't. It also will work with a desktop so it's more versatile. I'm far from gifted when it comes to any form of art, but I was able to recreate a drawing I had made on a napkin to include in a presentation I did in Charlotte recently. It caught the audience's attention to see a hand drawn picture in the middle of a PowerPoint presentation.
The latest of my cool gadgets is too new to me to say much about. It's a Sony Vaio notebook. It's made of carbon fiber so it's extremely lightweight. It has a solid state drive so there are no moving parts. And it comes equipped with everything required to connect it to the rest of the world including a cellular modem. I'll write more about the TT in the future.
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She is voice who helps you remotely. She connects to your machine and more often than not, can make the problems go away. She's our own Becky Hardwick - IT Client Manager.
Becky is a long time Port-to-Port employee. Her tenure began over ten years ago when she shadowed members of the Port-to-Port staff during her spring break from IUPUI. We immediately recognized her initiative and thankfully, she joined the team. She enjoys helping people and likes to stay busy. Enjoying the challenge of seeing a problem through to resolution and multi-tasking keep Becky motivated.
Staying busy outside of Port-to-Port is not at all hard for Becky. Married for 12 years, she is the very proud mother of three beautiful girls, Anya, age 7, Mckenzie - 4 and Haylen - 3½. For our detailed readers, Mackenzie and Haylen are very close - so close in fact they are only days away from the world record of closest births. When asked about hobbies, she will chuckle, but she would tell you when she finds free time, she enjoys scrap-booking, decorating, gardening and home renovation.
Becky can be reached directly by calling her at (317) 624-9380 x130, or becky@port-to-port.com.
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