Showing posts with label Nerd Chick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nerd Chick. Show all posts

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Nerdy Women You Should Know

Top 5 Nerdy Women Today




Most people think of goofy looking guys in horn rimmed glasses when they think of geeks, bloggers, or businesspeople, like the quintessential geek, Bill Gates.  These stereotypes completely embody a “nerd” persona in our mind’s eye, but rarely you think of a computer-savvy successful person as feminine – but that is about to change! The powerful and talented women who make up the list below are in no particular order, because geeks don’t have to be better than each other when they’re better than everyone else!

EBay Maven:  Marsha Collier is well-known for building a career off a website – something only a geek would do. In the early days of eBay, she became one of the site’s most well-known sellers. She used the money she made from her efforts to put her daughter through school as well as college. She’s written a number of books on her success and how to replicate it. For those interested in making a career out of eBaying, you might want to check out her “Starting an eBay Business for Dummies.” Recently, she’s become active online, and has been ranked as one of Forbes’ Top 50 Social Media Influencers, is listed on the top 12 Twitter accounts to follow in 2012, as well as on the 100 Most Powerful Women on Twitter.


Actress by day, Blogger by night:   No list of female techies and geeks would be complete without Felicia Day. While she did not build her career around the culture, she has certainly used her fame to push computer-lover interests. She started as an actress, and has since branched into blogging at feliciaday.com/blog, tweeting @feliciaday, and promoting the acceptance of women within the traditionally male-dominated internet and techie culture.

Reporter, Tech Expert:  Maegan Carberry first rose to prominence as a reporter and columnist for the Chicago Tribune, then becoming Chief of Staff for the Huffington Post, a major news organization. She has been heavily involved with Rock the Vote, which aims to use modern technology and tools to help promote social activism in a younger population. She has a large following on Twitter, where she continues to promote political activism and social media use in an evolving technological world. She currently serves as “viral curator” for Upworthy, a position which requires her to stay ahead of the game of the internet and to be a progressive face of technology. Her cat also tweets! @KittyScarlettO

Social Buzz:  Shelly Kramer has been consistently listed as one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the field of social media. She’s had mentions on Forbes as well as other well-known publications for being such a driving force. She has worked in marketing for more than twenty years and is the founder of V3 Integrated Marketing as well as Kramer & Co. She describes herself as the “Chief Imagination Officer,” because as she says on her corporate bio “if you can or want to imagine something incredibly happening with regard to your business, she’s the one you want to rely on to make it happen.”

Fictional, but noteworthy:  Despite being fictional, Liz Lemon is one of our heroes for geeky women in the workplace. She’s smart, funny, and can’t get enough Star Wars references in her life. She’s a hero for women trying to make their way in the business world all over America. And her real-life counterpart, Tina Fey, is just as adept as her character. Always staying true to her geeky upbringing, she’s established a name for herself as one of the funniest people in the entertainment business, and has won multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and a multitude of other accolades. In addition, she’ll be hosting the Golden Globes this year with her friend Amy Poehler .

That’s just a few of the female nerdy bloggers, businesswomen, and entrepreneurs who have made it big by embracing their own uniqueness. Don’t be afraid to be labeled as a geek or a nerd! Great things come out of being exactly who you are!

 

Image from 30 Rock on NBC

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Top Pinterest Pages For The Bride and Groom

Best Pinterest Boards For Weddings




They’re just three letters, but they’ll change your life forever: “Yes” to the proposal and soon, “I do.” But as any bride or groom can attest, the time between those two utterances can be overwhelming, stressful, and even crazy. Whether you’re planning an unforgettable affair for 400 or so of your nearest and dearest, or searching to instill your own unique style into your special day, Pinterest has boards to make your vows full of wows.

The Perfect Palette


http://pinterest.com/perfectpalette/
What started out as a wedding blog aimed at “exploring the color palette possibilities for your wedding,” has grown into more than 115 boards of beautiful, colorful images covering coordinating palettes, to be sure, but also shoes, accessories, paper straws (with 31 pins!)… you name it. There are boards dedicated to weddings by season and every detail imaginable from cupcakes (even a board of cupcake flags!) to burlap – I didn’t even know that was a theme. If you are looking to color coordinate your big day, join the ranks of over 261,000 followers and add this to your list of wedding resources. If you haven’t decided on a color, prepare to be overwhelmed and inspired. One caveat: not all the images contain links that facilitate purchasing the item you see, so while you’ll be given lots of colorful, beautiful ideas for every detail of your wedding, you may be on your own to recreate it.

Offbeat Bride


http://pinterest.com/offbeatbride/
If the idea of a white princess dress, bow tie tuxedos, chiffon bridesmaids and roses makes you yawn, check out Offbeat Bride. The images explore unique, wild, and, well, offbeat weddings to help you create a special day all your own. They promise to “provide positive encouragement to couples who are trying to retain their identities,” and suggest you “altar your thinking.” Just to give you a sample of the creative ideas filling every board: the invitations page includes a ransom note invitation, Dr. Who themed invites, vintage templates, and a walk through of how to create a Harry Potter howler card. Many of the pins link to how-to instructions so you can create a celebration that’s distinctly yours without breaking the bank.

intimatewedding


http://pinterest.com/intimatewedding/
For many, the prospect of hosting a wedding for hundreds of people you barely know is less than appealing. If you want your special day to be more personal than grandiose, the 50 or so boards that make up “intimatewedding” are full of ideas and DIY tips to help you create a perfect party for your closest loved ones to celebrate your matrimony, on any budget. Many of the boards are full of ideas to incorporate nature, creating beautiful décor, accessories and gifts from pine, moss, even pumpkins. More sweet than stuffy, those planning a small gathering will find plenty of inspiration.

Brides


http://pinterest.com/brides/
Created with the images that adorn the pages of Brides Magazine, I have to admit that my first perusal left me feeling overwhelmed and over budget just looking at the couture-laden photos. Yet it’s impossible to deny the classic beauty artfully displayed throughout the 74 boards. I actually love the “DIY Wedding Details” board with over 100 pins of creative ideas for favors, décor and details. The how-to tips offer anyone with some time the tools to add personal flair to their dream wedding. Exploring past the “fashion-week” pages reveals that Brides offers ideas to bring beauty and grace to any affair, whether it be rustic or romantic, classic or colorful. Turns out decades of creating one of the most iconic wedding magazines around lends itself to an impressive collection of stunning images, awww-inspiring stories, and ideas to help any bride achieve her perfect day.


Photo used by permission: http://www.victoriajohnson.co.uk

Top Pinterest Pages for Cooks and Foodies

Best Pinterest Boards For Cooks




The world of cooking and food is a perfect match to the visual scrapbook nature of Pinterest. From gorgeous images of food art to helpful tutorials for the novice chef, finding inspiration isn’t hard; narrowing it down to a few great boards to follow so you don’t get overwhelmed… well that’s a bigger challenge. Here are my favorites:

Two Peas and Their Pod


http://pinterest.com/twopeasandpod/
Brought to you by Salt Lake City food blogger and recipe developer Maria Lichty, she promises her over 13,000 followers “simple, fresh and family-friendly” fare. There are 107 boards filled with sweet treats, dishes for every season, and boards dedicated to some of her favorite foods (from French toast to asparagus). More than just a food-centric page, it’s also a collection of Maria’s life and style loves. You’ll find ways to create tasty gifts, entice your kids to the table, and prepare a unique presentation.

The Kitchn


http://pinterest.com/thekitchn/
Dedicated to “real home cooks,” The Kitchn boards contain recipes, to be sure, but also tutorials and DIY projects aimed to inspire you to try new techniques and get more comfortable in your kitchen. The Kitchn’s blog boasts a following of over 3 million readers who come for the food and return for daily articles that keep their menus fresh and innovative. The Kitchn shares their favorites with their 9,000 Pinterest followers.

Cooking Light


http://pinterest.com/cookinglight/
For those of us that try to balance their love of food with a desire to keep fitting in their jeans, my favorite healthy eating platform, Cooking Light, has a Pinterest board dedicated to just that. With 45 boards full of categorized recipes, cooking tips and guides to help you eat healthy, you won’t have to cut out taste to cut calories.

Paula Deen


http://pinterest.com/pauladeen/
At the other end of the cooking spectrum, if you’re a fan of the queen of Southern Home-style cooking, you’re not alone. With over 76,000 followers, Paula Deen’s page hosts 46 boards of finger lickin’ goodness. Beautiful images of comfort food galore, Paula’s signature down home fare abounds. Those who fear butter need not follow.

Video Chat to Connect this Holiday

Video Chat With Family & Friends




The holidays are all about connecting with loved ones, but it can be a challenge when you’re separated by miles… or oceans. While you can pick up the phone, you miss out on seeing your nephew’s gleeful happy dance when he opens the super deluxe Batman Batcave action set you sent. There’s never been a better time to try one of the free video chat services to host a virtual get together. It’s the best way to feel like you’re there when you can’t be.

Everyone needs to have a computer, high-speed internet connection and a webcam with audio. Most newer laptops and tablets will have a built-in camera and voice-transmitter. While the screen is tiny, many smartphones can support video chat as well.

In the event that Aunt Edna is missing the necessary hardware, there are many inexpensive plug-and-play webcams with built-in audio. I like the Logitech 720p Webcam C510 (www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000593-720p-Webcam-C510/dp/B003LVZO92, $50) for its clear video and integrated noise-cancelling audio. The swivel feature is nice because you can adjust placement to accommodate your monitor size and location. Also, it’s really easy to install and will likely be automatically recognized on most systems.

If everyone has a Wi-Fi enabled Apple device or iPhone, Facetime is probably the easiest of the available software applications. I use it when my husband is working in our Sacramento office so we can still have family dinner “together”and my 4-year old knows how to “call daddy.” Everyone with an Apple computer or mobile handheld device should already have it installed and it’s super easy to use.

Just launch the Facetime app and select among your contacts for the person you want to chat with. If you want to FaceTime with a FaceTime-enabled iPod touch, iPad 2 or Mac, select the email address that is linked to their Apple ID from your Contacts list. If you both have iPhones, just place a call to the recipient and tap the FaceTime button when it appears on your screen in the grid of six options (alongside mute, keypad, speaker, etc).

The biggest drawback of Facetime is that it ONLY works on Apple devices, and doing it on an iPhone’s small screen isn’t exactly endearing. The winner for cross-platform simplicity is Skype (http://beta.skype.com/en/), a name that just about anyone who has ever heard of video chat is likely familiar with.

Skype is great solution for its ability to work over just about any operating system and a bunch of different devices, like tablets, smartphones and more. Video chat is free between Skype members, so everyone will need to create an account and download the software to use it.

While video quality is great, some users complain that the audio doesn’t sync perfectly, which can be annoying and distracting. Also, while the software supports group chat so you can connect with multiple parties simultaneously, it’s only available when you upgrade to Skype’s premium service ($9.99/mo or $4.99 for a “day pass”). There are several other cool perks to a premium account, particularly if you plan to call landlines or internationally, so it may be worth considering.

If you’re looking to put together a multi-party virtual gift opening extravaganza, your best bet is Google Video Chat (https://www.google.com/chat/video). It’s free and pretty easy to use. It works across platforms which is a big plus, though everyone needs a Google login (usually a Gmail account). Google+ Hangouts allows you to add up to nine video chat participants simultaneously with a split screen, all for free. While the interface will likely be easy enough to navigate for someone familiar with Google products like Gmail, others may require time and assistance to get their Google+ login established and chat to launch.

If, for example, Grandma doesn’t have a web cam, Skype and Google Chat both support one-way video so that she can see and hear you while you only hear her (provided she has a microphone). Worst case you can piggyback a standard phone call so you can hear each other while she gets to see you on her computer screen.

Photo used by permission: stefan.erschwendner

Last Minute Unique Gifts

Unique Gifts For The Procrastinator




Every year I swear I will have my Christmas presents bought, wrapped and under the tree by the first week in December. Yet as the big day nears I inevitably note the passing of the last day to reasonably expect to ship online purchases with dismay, knowing I have at least a few gifts left to find and acquire. Lucky for you, dear reader, this has led me to amass a variety of great last minute gift alternatives that are easy to get a hold of yet more unique than a standard gift card.

Check out the deals available through sites like Groupon (www.groupon.com), Living Social (www.livingsocial.com) or Google Offers (www.google.com/offers) for great deals on unique services and experiences that you can gift. Think half price sky diving or heli-skiing for the adventurer on your list; half off online cooking, photography or music lessons; or discount online personal training sessions for your favorite workout junkie. While deals are made available by area, just pick the nearest major metropolitan area to your gift recipient. Online deals are typically redeemable anywhere, but if you spring for a certificate for an in-person adventure you’ll want to make sure your recipient can take advantage of it without too much travelling.

Amazon Prime isn’t just about the free two-day shipping (though that’s a pretty amazing selling feature). It also gives members access to their sizable collection of movies and TV shows free to stream to any WiFi enabled device that supports Amazon’s app (most of them do). While anyone with a Kindle or the Kindle app on their computer, smartphone, or mobile handheld device can buy or access some free eBooks via Amazon, Prime members gain an expanded collection of free titles.

Nerds love social media. It lets us stay in touch with friends and family that we might otherwise never see or hear from, what with our propensity to sequester ourselves indoors with our computer and home theater system. If you want to hear more about what’s going on in the life of your favorite nerd, join their preferred social media site, be it Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc and soon you’ll be sharing LOLs and know more about the dietary habits of their cat than you ever thought possible.

Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to find a way to gift an Amazon Prime Membership. However, I’d suggest a $79 Amazon electronic gift card with an attached note that you’d like to give them the joys of Prime.

I loved story time in school, particularly when the librarian seemed to vocally act out the dialog with different voices. As an adult I’ve discovered that many great audioboooks convey that same engrossing experience. Even better, I can enjoy a great book when I’m driving or doing the dishes. Audible (www.audible.com/mt/giftmembership, 3 months for $45) allows members to instantly download any their more than 100,000 audio books. Install the Audible app on just about any mobile handheld device and listen to audiobooks on your phone, iPod, or a wide selection of MP3 players. Membership typically covers one audiobook download per month with additional books at a reduced price. If gifting by the month seems too impersonal, you can gift a specific book.

If you know someone that breaks their piggy bank every month downloading the hottest new music from iTunes, Google Play or Amazon, a gift subscription to Spotify (https://www.spotify.com/us/get-spotify/e-card/, $9.99/mo) will surely be the highlight of their holiday. A Spotify Premium membership gives them access to millions of tracks that can be streamed while online, or downloaded to a device for listening offline. In addition to unlimited music synced across all their devices, they’ll be able to listen to custom, ad-free radio stations tailored around their favorite artist or song. Purchase Spotify e-cards by number of months you’d like to give and then email or print the certificate.

We all know someone who grumbles every time they tear open their cable or satellite bill. Consider gifting them a membership to Hulu Plus (https://secure.hulu.com/plus/buy, $7.99/month). Using a Hulu-compatible internet capable device (like a computer, gaming console, Roku Box or even many internet-ready TVs), a Hulu Plus membership allows users to stream TV shows - including many first run shows shortly after airing on regular TV and entire seasons of older episodes - and thousands of movies on demand.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Things Nerds are Thankful For

Nerds Give Thanks like a Baws!




Everyone has a nerd or two in their life these days, whether it’s a computer guru, video gamer or mobile gadget aficionado. From texting to email to blogging, the typical nerd often favors electronic communication over “real world” conversations, and this can make it difficult to connect. In honor of Thanksgiving, here’s a bit of insight into the heart of the nerd you love with a few things that just about every nerd is thankful for this year.

Nerds are thankful for loved ones that accept our quirks. We are thankful you finally got cable. We are thankful for Dr. Who, Peter Jackson and the preponderance of free WiFi.

Nerds are thankful for websites that let us keep in touch without speaking.

Nerds love social media. It lets us stay in touch with friends and family that we might otherwise never see or hear from, what with our propensity to sequester ourselves indoors with our computer and home theater system. If you want to hear more about what’s going on in the life of your favorite nerd, join their preferred social media site, be it Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc and soon you’ll be sharing LOLs and know more about the dietary habits of their cat than you ever thought possible.

Nerds are thankful for the ability to do holiday shopping without having to get dressed.

We nerds are grateful for the annual holiday shopping day for the public-phobic, Cyber Monday. The Monday after Thanksgiving has grown to be one of the best online shopping days of the year. Major online retailers like Amazon, Walmart.com, Newegg and Dell slash prices on computers, televisions, handheld electronics, computer parts and much more, allowing those of us that shudder at the sea of people swarming Walmart on Black Friday to still get a crack at some of the lowest prices of the season. Plus we get to compete with our fellow nerds in the sport of snapping up limited quantity sale items, just like we would on Black Friday, just without any actual physical interaction.

Nerds are thankful for expanded access to high speed cellular data.

Smartphones have become the nerd’s go-to gadget to stay “plugged-in” on the go. Nothing drags down our sunny disposition like slow mobile data – waiting while that YouTube video buffers can really fray the nerves. Thank goodness 4G networks are expanding beyond major city centers. Now we can actually get some benefit from that next generation 4G compatible phone we sprung for 2 years ago in the hope that 4G would come to our area soon. It’s finally here!

Nerds are thankful for the promise of more Star Wars.

In October 2012 the unthinkable happened: Disney purchased Lucasfilm Ltd and simultaneously announced that production will soon begin on the next installment of our beloved Star Wars series. Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted to release in 2015. Regardless of whether the nerd in your life greets this news with glee or horror, they’re surely going to see the movie when it comes out. Will it be awesome? Many of those that were disappointed with George Lucas’ rendition of Episodes 1-3 argue that it can’t be worse. Or will Disney over-commercialize the file, stripping out the true spirit of Star Wars? Only one thing is certain: it will provide fodder for debate in the nerd community for years to come.

Nerds are thankful for algebra.

Nothing cramps a nerd’s style like slow internet. Luckily we have an international team of telecom technology researchers from MIT, Harvard, Caltech, the University of Porto in Portugal and the Technical University of Munich to thank for discovering what many believe is the future of broadband: algebra.

Typical broadband works by breaking up large amounts of data into packets and sending each packet separately to the user requesting the data. On average, 2-5% of packets are lost in transit, requiring that the data be re-sent. Researchers have discovered that sending data in the form of an algebraic equation instead of traditional packets allows the recipient computer to “fill in the blanks” of any missing packets, resulting in significantly faster internet transfer speeds and more stable mobile data connections.

And these Nerd Chicks are thankful for you, dear reader; we hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving.

Create Custom Gifts Online

Who has Time For Custom Gifts?




Nothing says you put time, thought and effort into a gift like personalization. I don’t mean just pasting Uncle Barry’s name on the coffee mug you bought at Target. I mean creating something unique for that special individual. Before you book a weeklong craft-a-thon at your neighborhood paint your own pottery shop, check out these great ideas for creating a totally custom gift online.

These days it’s easy to get your photos printed on any number of items, from shirts to mugs to jewelry to canvas. Costco, Snapfish and Shutterfly are just a few of the sites that offer a wide array of photo gift products.

If you’re looking to branch out beyond photos, however, Café Press (www.cafepress.com/make/personalized-gifts) maintains one of the most comprehensive collections of single-run, design-your-own products. Choose from an overwhelming list of clothing, drinkware, kitchen items, home and office décor, and accessories - from stuffed animals, bags and wallets, custom cases for mobile electronics and much more. Add full color graphics; enter your own text in a wide variety of fonts and colors; and adjust layout until you have your masterpiece.


While there are many other sites that offer a large selection of customizable products, what makes Café Press special is the ability to get a single item at a reasonable price. Most other sites require a sizable minimum order (in many cases it starts at 10 or more). Giving out the same hand designed t-shirt to everyone you know makes it a bit less personal, even when it’s undeniably awesome.

For the soda-lover on your list, Jones Soda Co. (http://www.jonessoda.com/) offers a fully custom label that you can have printed on any of their twelve most popular flavors. Upload a photo and enter your own text for the back of the bottle. A 12-pack will set you back $30, but it will be the most memorable blue berry lemonade soda they’ve ever enjoyed.

Little ones on your list are sure to love a book all about them. I See Me! (www.iseeme.com) offers a great selection of personalized books about their name, the holidays or their birthday, even “The Super, Incredible Big Sister” (or Brother). Simply provide the child’s name and a few additional specifics depending on the book (such as date of birth, gender or name of sibling) and they’ll send you a beautiful, personalized, hardcover book. My son has the “My Very Own Name” book where it tells the story of animals selecting each letter in his name. Each letter has a poem in which the animal of the same letter (Jaguar for J, etc) sings the praises of the letter. He got it when he turned one, still loves it now that he’s four, and has memorized it (despite the fact there’s more than 20 letters in his name).

Trailblazers and on-the-go snack-lovers alike will get a kick out of the custom nutrition bars you devise for them at You Bar (www.youbars.com/buildabar). Choose your base from a variety of nut butters, dates, soy or sunflower. Then select protein powders, nuts and seeds, fruits, sweeteners, seasonings, cereals and infusions. If there’s anything you want that’s not listed, you can write it in under a “special requests” option. As you add ingredients the nutrition facts automatically updates so you can see the effect on fat and calories if you add those chocolate chips.

The choices can be overwhelming so they’ve added tips and recommendations along the way as well as a “Taste Tester” to ensure your concoction is delicious, not disastrous. Name your creation and you’re ready to order a box of thirteen for about $3-5/bar (depending on size). Ingredients are all natural and their online support can help you build a bar to fit just about any nutritional requirements. Bars are “guaranteed delicious” – if you don’t like your bar they’ll help you replace it for free.

Even those of us that aren’t crafty enough to sew mom a custom tea cozy can achieve personalized present perfection with a few clicks of the mouse.

3 Easy Ways to Save on Gift Cards

Score a Deal on Gift Cards




Gift cards are a ubiquitous staple of the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to show some appreciation to someone you don’t know very well (like your newspaper delivery person or your gardener), or have someone on your list that’s hard to buy for, a gift card can be the perfect present for giver and receiver.

However, sometimes you get a gift card that you can’t or don’t use. What can you do with it? This dilemma has led to the creation of a gift card resale market where you can snap up gift cards at a discount. Saving money while giving more value – now that’s a gift.

My favorite gift card resale sites are Cardpool and eCard Exchange. They buy gift cards from people who want to cash out a card they don’t need. Once received, they verify the authenticity and balance on the card, and then resell them at a discount. While the savings isn’t as substantial as you may find on eBay, the balance is guaranteed to be valid at the merchant (Cardpool covers up to 100 days from the date of purchase, eCardExchange covers for up to 30 days). There’s a large selection of retailers and restaurants available, including Target, Walmart, Petsmart, Outback Steakhouse and Olive Garden, just to name a few. Shipping is free, so the price you see is what you pay.

Most merchants will allow you to use one gift card to purchase others. For example, you could buy one $90 TJ Maxx card for $80 and trade it in at the store for three $30 cards which you can give as gifts. Or use the card to pay for the gifts you’re buying and score yourself an instant discount on your purchases.

Discounts are proportional to the popularity of the retailer. As such, Target cards carry an average 3% discount while you can score 30% off PacSun gift cards.

Gift Card Granny is a gift card resale consolidation site. They collect lists of gift cards available across a multitude of other sites, including eBay, Coupon Trade, Cardpool, eCardExchange, ABC Gift Cards and more. Since each site’s stock is limited by what they’ve acquired from individual sellers or partner retailers, this site is a great way to find and compare available deals all with one search. It has, by far, the largest selection of gift cards available across the net. You aren’t buying direct from Gift Card Granny, however, so pay close attention to the terms and conditions of the site you’re re-directed to in order to ensure the site guarantees the balance on the card before you buy.

Speaking of guaranteed balances, many people choose to sell their unused gift cards through eBay in order to obtain the most money on the sale. Resale sites purchase cards at a greater discount than they sell them for. This means that the person who sold the $90 TJ Maxx gift card in the example above probably netted about $65 dollars for it. Those looking to try their luck at getting more for their card often turn to auction or direct to buyer sites. While cutting out the “middle man” consolidation site can score you a better deal, you lose the guarantee that the card you buy will have the promised value on it when you show up at the store.

Finally, if you maintain a membership at Costco or Sams Club, check out their gift card offerings. Unlike grocery stores that sell a variety of retailer cards at face value, wholesale outlets typically offer cards at a discount. Purchase $100 worth of gift cards for $80 and you’ve scored an instant 20% discount whether you use the cards yourself in lieu of cash of give them as gifts.

Photo used by permission y2bk

Monday, November 12, 2012

Use Pinterest to UP Your Holiday Game

Unleash your inner Martha Stewart with Pinterest




The holidays are my favorite time of year – gathering with friends and family over special meals, showing you care with gifts, watching the kids explode with excitement over pumpkins, decorated houses, lit Christmas trees… you get the idea. If you’ve yet to explore the wealth of inspiration that is Pinterest, this season is the perfect time to take a tour. Whether you’re a holiday lover like me, looking to build some memorable traditions without going overboard, or a budding Martha Stewart ready to make over your home in festive extravaganza, Pinterest has something for everyone.

Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/) is a social, image-sharing website that functions like a shareable scrapbook. Users “pin” images to a virtual board from the Internet, other user's boards or their own computer, resulting in a collection of images that you can visually scroll through until something catches your interest. Boards are all public, so once you’re a member you can see anything that anyone posts.

The biggest challenge for those new to Pinterest is the overwhelming abundance of material and a relatively weak search function. Search is limited to a single text box where you enter keywords and choose to search Pins, Boards or Pinners. Searching for Pins results in specific images where the “pinner” has listed your keyword in their description of the image or link. Search by Boards for collections of images that pinners have categorized under your keyword. Search by Pinner if there’s someone on Pinterest that you’d like to follow.

When it comes to using Pinterest for holiday inspiration, I recommend that you start with a relatively generic keyword search by either Pins or Boards. For example, search Boards for “Thanksgiving” and you’ll get hundreds of images: crafts to keep the kids busy; beautiful ideas to decorate your home with pre-made printables, nature or artistically presented edible arrangements; and food upon glorious food. My favorites are the ideas to help me connect with the spirit of the holidays with creative family activities, charitable acts or homemade crafts and gifts.
When you find an image that links to something that you like, click through to view the other pins on the same board and then the other images that the pinner has collected on different boards. In many cases, once you find someone with similar taste, style or interests, you’ll end up discovering a wealth of great ideas that they’ve already done to footwork to collect. I’ve also discovered that perusing the boards of others who have repinned something I find appealing often leads me to like-minded individuals and the ideas they’ve found to be appealing.

Once you find inspiration, “repin” the links onto your own boards so that you can have them at hand when you’re ready to get in the holiday spirit. I’ve collected numerous ideas that I can come back to when I want to take some time to do a craft with the kids or make a special themed treat for family or friends. There are many, many things I will surely never get around to, but even if it gives me two or three memorable things to try, it’s a win.

In the same way that leafing through a fitness magazine can motivate you to go for a walk or choose a healthier snack, it’s not the specific project so much as the overall feeling that you can create something cool or beautiful. It gives those of us with little time and creativity the opportunity to find achievable projects while offering those with more crafty skills tools, tips and tricks to take their creations to the next level.

While I’ve grown to love Pinterest, it truly is an Alice In Wonderland-style “rabbit hole.” You start off looking for homemade gifts you can create for the neighbors and before you know it you’ve ventured into DIY garden gnomes or motivational quotes. Time on Pinterest is like dog-years – an hour morphs into five more often than I care to divulge.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to attempt to make marshmallows into snowmen.

Top 5 Ways to Save on Your Holiday Shopping

Use Technology to Save on Holiday Shopping




November seems to sneak up on me every year. I’m minding my own business, working out costume details and sugar coating trick-or-treaters when, BAM! Out of the blue it’s time to get cracking on holiday shopping. To help myself get in the game and to help you save some money, here are my top five ways you can use your tech savvy to save money on your holiday shopping.

1. Check out the resale market:


I know, you’re thinking, “wrapping up used gifts?” but a lot of things available though sites like Craigslist and Ebay, or even at your local gently-used second hand store, haven’t actually been used. We’ve all received a present that we thought for sure would come in handy but instead just gathered dust. That posh purse may be perfect for your sister-in-law and is significantly less expensive than buying it in the store. If you have any youngsters on your list I can assure you that they aren’t going to care that the shiny new tricycle took a few spins in someone else’s yard before it showed up under their tree.

2. Use discount gift cards:


Just as there’s a resale market for items that people didn’t end up needing, there’s a resale market for unused gift cards. Check out eCard Exchange (www.ecardexchange.com) or Cardpool (http://www.cardpool.com ) for an extensive selection of discount gift cards that you can use to get instant savings on your holiday shopping. Benefit from those looking to cash-out a gift card they don’t need with savings averaging 10%. Unlike buying on eBay where you have to take a leap of faith that the balance on the card will be valid when you receive it, these sites act as a middle man. They purchase the card from the seller and then guarantee the value to you, the buyer. There’s even free shipping. While you can certainly re-gift the gift card itself, I like to buy discount gift cards for the places I know I’m going to shop for presents, earning myself an instant discount that I can then combine with sales and coupons.

3. Become a coupon printer:


Before you head out the door to cruise the mall, check out the in-store coupons available online through RetailMeNot (www.retailmenot.com/printable) and Coupon Cabin (www.couponcabin.com/printable-coupons/?tn=printable-coupons). You can earn yourself a quick $10 or percent off your purchases with just a couple of clicks and an available printer. If you’re buying online, be sure to check the coupon codes section for instant savings on your order.

4. Compare, compare, compare:


The Shopping Assistant browser extension (http://taoassistant.com/, available for Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Safari) gives you a toolbar that automatically shows similar products to what you’re shopping for at other online retailers, such as Walmart, Newegg and slickdeals. If you prefer to peruse the shelves in person, make that Smartphone data plan earn some money back for you with ShopSavvy 5 (http://shopsavvy.mobi/, for iPhone, Android and Windows Phone). Once installed on your Smartphone, simply use your phone’s camera to take a picture of the barcode of the item you’re considering. The app will instantly report back prices of that item online and at other local retailers, allowing you to request a price match or drive next door to get the best deal.

5. Make your credit card work for you:


Many credit card companies have discovered that the key to keeping customers is to help them save money on purchases they are already making. Most deals and special coupons can only be activated by logging into your account and navigating through the associated deals section. For example, Bank of America cards now offer “cash back deals” that give you cash back on purchases made at certain retailers, restaurants and more. The catch is that you have to activate the offer in advance of making your purchase to get the reward. Citibank now offers Citi Price Rewind which it calls “buy now, save later.” Register your covered purchases and Citibank will track prices at online retailers for 30 days. If the price drops by at least $25, you get the price difference back – up to $250 per item.

Photo used by permission: stevendepolo

Monday, October 29, 2012

Comparison Shop Your Life

Great Ways to Comparison Shop Online




While all the money-saving forums suggest you take a look at your latte habit to trim a few dollars from your budget, it's good to take stock of the things you pay for regularly to make sure you're getting a fair shake. This includes everything from your prescription medication coverage to your car insurance. We all know that prices continue going up. As much as we can't stop them, at least we can make sure what we're paying is fair.

Medical and Dental


I don't know about you, but I haven't got a clue what medical or dental procedures should cost these days, except that they're usually enough to empty my bank account. Health Care Blue Book (www.healthcarebluebook.com) can help. It's a free consumer guide to help you find fair prices for everything from surgeries to laboratory tests, tailored to your area based on your zip code. There's also a mobile app for iPhone and Android so you can price compare on the fly when you're sitting in your doctor's or dentist's office.

Prescriptions


Every month when I pick up my prescriptions, even when they’re covered by insurance, I wonder if I should be taking my business across the street for a better price. Short of calling around town, prescriptions can be as much as 90% cheaper when purchased online. PharmacyChecker (www.pharmacychecker.com) can help you decide which pharmacy is right for you. It's an independent evaluator of online pharmacies, designed to help you save money on your most-used medications. Compare prices of individual medicines, including shipping, and link directly to pharmacies through the website. They even offer pet medications!

Gas


Before you head out to gas up the car, check GasBuddy (http://gasbuddy.com/). Enter your zip code for a list of the cheapest gas prices in your area, reported by users like you who update the site on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. Update the site yourself to help out your neighbors and earn points used to enter contests for free gas cards.

Phones


If you’re still using a landline, compare phone service rates using ABTolls (www.abtolls.com). Use your monthly bill to tailor the recommended plan to your specific needs. Enter the number of calls you make monthly and the minutes you use for long distance and local calling. Obtain information and advice regarding how to read your current long distance bill and avoid telecom scams.

Cellular services


LetsTalk (www.letstalk.com) helps you sort out all the cell phones and service plan options before you renew your contract. Purchase through their site or simply use them to shop around. Another site for all-things-cellular is Wirefly (www.wirefly.com). With a huge selection of the latest cell phones from all major carriers, you can renew your wireless contract without ever leaving your easy chair. Their satisfaction guarantee assures you can test out your new phone and service for up to 14 days before you commit.

Insurance


Insurance for your home, car or boat seems to go up every year, even if you haven't made a claim. It doesn't hurt to check out other companies to make sure you're getting the best deal. InsureMe (www.insureme.com) connects you with insurance agents in your area, helping you obtain free insurance quotes and eliminating the timely process of calling around yourself. Enter your information once and receive quotes from all the big names: State Farm, American Family, Farmers, etc. Don't forget to bundle your auto and home owners insurance for extra savings.

All else


Comparison Shopping.com (www.comparisonshopping.com) has links to comparison sites for just about anything you’re in the market for, from automotive to travel. Whether you’re looking to compare daycare providers or cable TV services, if a comparison site exists for the product or service you’ll find a link to it here. Enter what you’re looking for in the handy search function for a quick list of links to sites offering a roundup of options.

Photo used by permission Polycart

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Nerds On Call Reviews Windows 8

Windows 8: Finally, Microsoft ahead of the Curve



It's been a few years since Microsoft came out with their last operating system, and in those years there have been some big changes to computing technologies. Windows 8, scheduled to release on October 26, attempts to evolve software in a direction that is compatible with the changes that have come to the hardware world since then. So how well did they do? Even more importantly, how well does it introduce users familiar with the old methods of computing to the future that Microsoft is looking to build?

Touch screen Trends:


Windows 8 attempts to capitalize on the current trend towards touchscreen computing. The entire feel of the operating system has been redefined. The first example that users will immediately notice upon starting Windows 8 for the first time is the tutorial video that explains how to use the new operating system. When you create an account, the video explains how to "swipe in," making a gesture from the edge of the screen to trigger certain actions. Touch interactions like this have replaced many of the obtrusive buttons in previous versions, and for the first time in almost 20 years, Windows no longer has a start button.


Gone Metro:


This new design aesthetic is referred to as "Metro." Instead of the familiar desktop, with the start bar and icons, there is now a grid of colored, changing tiles. If you've set up a Microsoft account with Windows 8, your email, calendar, and contacts will be automatically added, a welcome feature. If your Microsoft account is linked with your Facebook, your brand-new computer will seem almost eerily familiar, with friends' statuses and photos already scrolling across one of the tiles on your screen.

Navigation:


Most of the navigation is obviously meant for touch devices, but translates well to the mouse, as long as you can familiarize yourself with the new gestures. Fortunately, most commands have touch, mouse, as well as keyboard commands, so that no matter what you're familiar with, you can learn quickly. Swiping from the right will bring up the "Charms," five icons for a number of basic tasks. It will also show the standard time and date, as well as battery life and network status. Unlike previous versions, the date and time are not constantly displayed on screen, which can get frustrating if you're used to it.

There’s a Store:


What is arguably the biggest change to Windows 8 is the Windows Store. Similar to the app store born on the iPhone and bred in the Android marketplace and Mac App Store, this is a centralized location from which users can download verified apps directly from the publisher. Microsoft is attempting to create a unified source for apps that look, feel, and behave the same across all devices. The reason for this is that once purchased with your Microsoft account, apps will be available on all computers that you use, including some that carry between Windows Phone 8 and the desktop counterpart. The selection is limited for the time being, but will certainly explode in the future.

Internet Explorer now Intuitive:



There are thousands of new features in Windows 8 - and it will no doubt take a while to get used to them. A few of the downsides like limited Windows Store availability will be ironed out in time. For the number of new directions that Windows 8 has gone in, it succeeds remarkably in them, and will certainly improve as Microsoft responds to consumer demands. For those who have no need of the newest technology, it's probably not worth an immediate upgrade - at least wait until "that guy who's good with computers" gives it a shot and can help you use it. But Windows 8 it certainly ushering in a new trend in computing, and does it with style.

Photo used by permission Ceo1O17

Windows 8: Worth the $40 Upgrade?

Do We Need Windows 8?



In just a few days, Microsoft will release the newest version of its flagship product: the Windows operating system. Named Windows 8, this piece of software promises to completely overhaul the PC computing experience, while adding functionality, security, and efficiency.

Didn't Windows 7 Just Come Out?


Windows 8 has been in development for three years. Earlier this year, Microsoft released the Consumer Preview to registered Microsoft users, which allowed the public to see the direction that the operating system was heading in, and allowed them to give their feedback.

On August 1, it was finalized and shipped to the manufacturing plants to be physically created and packaged for purchase. It releases worldwide on October 26, 2012.

What's Different?


The operating system is optimized for tablets, like the Microsoft Surface which releases this year, as well as the many tablet computers being made by manufacturers like Sony. The layout is more touch-based than previous iterations, and uses large colored tiles in what is called the “Metro Interface.”

The Metro interface is a full-screen management system that allows the user to keep track of running applications, check up on messages, Facebook posts, weather, and new applications to launch. It uses large colorful icons, which are geared towards those using a tablet, especially those not familiar with the technology. Microsoft promises increased usability with the new feature.

Windows 8 is the first Microsoft operating system in almost twenty years not to have the start button on screen, traditionally in the lower-left corner. It remains to be seen how consumers will react to this drastic change.

Windows 8 Has an App Store?


For those with multiple computers, such as a laptop, desktop, and tablet, the Windows Store has been added as a digital distribution platform which allows users to purchase software that is linked to their account and can be installed on any computer owned by that user. Similar to the Apple App store, it offers a centralized location to download apps that have been verified, which can cut down on security breaches.

Is This The End of Viruses?


For security, Windows 8 is equipped with the new WinRT system, which allows programs to run in a “secure sandbox.” This means that potentially malicious programs will not be able to modify the essential files of the computer, which is how viruses propagate traditionally.

On top of these changes, it comes with a multitude of new features, including Internet Explorer 10 and a host of hardware fixes, including support for USB 3.0, which allows for faster transfer of files.

How Much?


For those running an older version of Windows, all the way back to XP, Microsoft offers an upgrade for only $40, the cheapest price that they have ever offered on an operating system. However, this is only available as a digital download – the disc will cost another $30.

More than Just Computers?


Windows Phone 8 will launch three days after Windows 8, and will include many of the same features as its big brother on the phone architecture. Nokia, Huawei, Samsung, and HTC will all offer phones based on this operating system. Many of the features will be compatible between the two systems, including some Windows Store apps.

Photo used by permission Ceo1O17

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

DNSChanger: What you need to know

DNSChanger: How To See If You're Infected, How To Fix It If You Are.




On Monday, July 9th, the FBI will pull the plug on internet access to hundreds of thousands of computers infected with a malware Trojan known as DNSChanger. Even if your computer is clean, companies that have compromised systems in their network will be taken offline, hindering their ability to do business and possibly breaking their websites, in what many are referring to as “Internet Doomsday.”

In November 2011, the FBI (together with international cyber crime agencies) identified and located a ring of cyber criminals that had infected more than four million computers across the world with a Trojan virus known as DNSChanger. According to the FBI’s webpage about this malware (www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/malware_110911), “DNSChanger was used to redirect unsuspecting users to rogue servers controlled by the cyber thieves, allowing them to manipulate users’ web activity.”

Systems infected with DNSChanger were ultimately controlled by the crime ring that perpetrated the infections. The Trojan re-directed unsuspecting users to fraudulent websites which in many cases resulted in users providing personal information or credit card numbers to websites they thought were legitimate. It interfered with web browsing and in some cases prevented infected PCs from downloading anti-virus and operating system updates, leaving them vulnerable to viruses and spyware.

Once the rogue DNS servers were found and seized, the FBI faced a daunting challenge. Take them offline and millions of systems would lose all access to the internet causing widespread damage to online commerce and business functionality. Instead, they set up temporary replacement servers which allowed infected computers to remain functioning in the hopes that users would clean the Trojan off their system before the temporary servers go offline on July 9th.


Perhaps more troublesome, a report by IID (Internet Identity) indicates that machines at 12% of Fortune 500 companies and 4% of government agencies are still infected with the malware (http://internetidentity.com/news/blog/686-iid-finds-12-of-fortune-500-still-infected-with-dnschanger#). When their systems are taken offline on the 9th it will lead to loss of productivity and may make it harder to service their customers.

Facebook and Google are sending notices to users that browse to their sites from a DNSChanger-infected computer. However, even if you haven’t been notified of an infection you shouldn’t breathe a sigh of relief and consider yourself in the free and clear.

When the FBI disables the temporary servers it will break infected system’s access to the internet but it will not remove the malware from those systems. Take a few minutes to ensure that you’re not kicked offline on July 9th.

First, open your internet browser and go to www.dns-ok.us. If your system is infected you’ll see a red image with the words “DNS Resolution = RED.” Alternatively, a green image with “DNS Resolution = GREEN” means that your computer is looking up IP addresses correctly. Unfortunately, a green isn’t necessarily an all clear either. Some internet service providers have created their own mini-DNSChanger servers which allow infected systems to bypass the FBI servers to access the internet. This means that while you won’t lose access to the internet on the 9th you may still be infected.

Next, if you don’t have a reputable antivirus software program installed on your system, get one. I like Microsoft Security Essentials (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials) because it scans for and protects against malware and viruses in one step. The DCWG’s website, www.dcwg.org, also offers a list of links to download software to rid your system of the Trojan.

Finally, make sure your anti-virus is up to date. You’d be surprised how many users cripple their anti-virus by not downloading updates regularly. Once it’s up-to-date, run a scan to make sure you’re DNSChanger free before finding out the hard way.

Still worried that your system is part of a malware-infected bot net? Get in touch with us at www.callnerds.com/nerdchick

Check out the news coverage about the DNS Changer on KRCR News Channel 7 in Redding.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Cyber Bullying: Protecting Your Kids Online

How to protect against cyber bullying




Nerd Chicks love a happy ending. Cliff hangers at the end of our favorite TV shows drive us nuts. After last weeks discussion of types of cyber bullying and the ways our kids are at risk, you may have been left thinking, 'Ok, now that we're sufficiently concerned, what's a parent to do?' Never fear, this week we're exploring ways to reduce the risk that your child will become a victim of cyber bullying.

Disclaimer time: you know your kids and your family best. Some parents may be comfortable with a more hands off approach involving open communication with a trusted child, while others may need a little more control. We're here to present some options to help you decide the path that's right for your family. The main components to protecting any child are communication and education. Teach your kids to be vigilant about protecting their private information. Check out Stop Cyber Bullying together to read about the ways cyberbullies target victims and how to get help if you think you've been a victim. There's even a quiz to help kids determine if they're unwittingly engaging in activities that may be victimizing others. If you don't find all you need there, Wired Safety and Netsmartz and are great sources of Internet safety information.

E-Mail and Social Networking Sites: Anyone can create an email address and the person's identification is rarely verified. Make sure your kids know not to open emails from unknown senders, even if the name looks familiar, and to be especially wary of attachments. Make sure they never share their passwords with anyone but you. Set your child's Facebook or Twitter account privacy settings at the highest possible security level to prevent private information from being shared unintentionally and publicly.

Cell Phones: Talk to your kids about "sexting" and the inherent dangers in participating. It can be illegal, images can be used against them by a bully, and it may affect their scholastic future. Encourage them to talk to you if they ever receive a text or picture message that makes them uncomfortable. Research shows that when parents are involved in their kids' activities they're less likely to engage in these behaviors. Whether that means limiting their per-month texting allowances or monitoring the texts and pictures they receive, let your kids know that limits you set are to help protect them.


Instant Messaging (IM): IM accounts can be acquired anonymously. Review your child's buddy list for unknown contacts and talk to him or her about the identities of the people on their list. Learn as many of the chat acronyms as you can, such as POS (parent over shoulder) and A/S/L (age/sex/location) so you'll be aware of anyone saying anything inappropriate to your child.

How do you know if your child is being bullied? They may avoid the computer, cell phone, and other technological devices or appear stressed when receiving an e-mail, IM or text. They may withdraw from friends or family, or be reluctant to attend school or social events. If you suspect your child is being bullied, trust your instincts.

Finally, you have technology on your side. We've detailed parental control and monitoring software in the past, but Spector Pro 6.0 is the best solution for parent that suspect their child may try to circumvent parental controls or monitoring if they are aware of them. It runs silently in the background so that no one but you will know it's installed. It documents every keystroke, website visited, e-mail sent and received, chats and IMs. Everything they do on Facebook, including if they're maintaining multiple accounts, will be captured. It may even provide you with the proof you need to report a bully to their ISP, their school, or higher authorities.

For more tips on how to protect your family from cyber bullying, drop us a note on Facebook (facebook.com/nerdsoncall) or email us at nerdchick@callnerds.com.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

How To Help Kids Deal With Social Media Cyber Bullying

Cyber Bullying happens 24/7




From Facebook, to Twitter, to Foursquare, social media sites are everywhere and full of virtual land mines for our teens. They can quickly become a victim of cyber bullying.

Anything they say can and may be used against them by a bully at school, a college admissions counselor or a future boss. There are numerous ways they're exposed to the world, from harsh life lessons to predators and scam artists. It's important for parents to teach them how to navigate social media safely, and avoid cyber bullying.

Our mom used to say, "Never put anything in writing that you don't want published on the front page of The New York Times," and this warning definitely applies to present-day social media. That photo of your teen doing something exceptionally dumb can be used against them: by a schoolmate playing a prank, or worse, school administrators - even the police.

A few tips:

  1. Caution them not to post anything that could trace them back to their location offline or allow a criminal to take advantage of them, like their full name, Social Security number, address or phone number.

  2. Make sure their screen name does not contain any personal information such as email address or birth date.

  3. Remind them that under no circumstances should they post anything sexually oriented about themselves or anyone else.


Just as we teach our kids to be polite members of society, there are social ramifications to not using their manners online. It's really difficult to convey tone in text, so be especially careful when you're joking. "Please" and "thank you" (pls and ty if you're texting) go a long way in electronic communications. They help the recipient feel that you're not demanding when you make a request.

Also, teach them to avoid the "rant." No one appreciates being yelled at in the real world, and using bold fonts, lots of exclamation points or all caps is the Internet equivalent.

The best resource we've found for parents to help their kids stay safe on Facebook is "A Parents' Guide to Facebook". It's written by the co-directors of ConnectSafely, a nonprofit organization designed for kids, parents and educators to join in a public discussion about online safety. It's intended to help parents have more meaningful discussions about Facebook, including how to best use it and its built-in protections.

For example, did you know that Facebook has extra protections in place for users between the ages of 13 and 18? That's one reason it's important for your child to report her birth date correctly. In this pamphlet, you'll learn how to gain greater control over your child's Facebook account without being too intrusive into his privacy.

OnGuardOnline , managed by the Federal Trade Commission in partnership with over a dozen government agencies, is literally a treasure-trove of information. The OnGuard Online Blog has up-to-the-minute articles on everything from preventing victimization by online scammers to teaching your kids how to protect themselves online.

Several videos are laugh-out-loud funny (under the Video and Media tab), designed to engage kids with animation and humor while teaching them about online safety. Check out the hilarious one-minute videos about "phishing" (titled "Phishy Home," "Phishy Store," etc.) about criminals trying to obtain personal information to steal your identity.

If you think your teens may be getting themselves into real trouble, trust your instincts. Our primary recommendation is to talk to them first about their experiences. Encourage them to tell you if they feel anxious, uncomfortable or threatened.

We've mentioned this product before, but if you feel like you're not getting the whole story and have exhausted all other options, Spector Pro 6.0 from SpectorSoft can be a useful tool. Designed to document every keystroke, website visited, email sent and received, chat and IM, and all their social media activities, it runs in "ghost mode" so it's undetectable by your child. One word of caution: since it's only installed on your home computer, it's easily circumvented by accessing the Internet from a mobile device or friend's computer.

If stalking your kids on Facebook still isn't keeping them safe, email us at nerdchick@callnerds.com for more tips to protect your kids from social media dangers.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Cyber bullying: What It's All About

Cyber Bullying - What the heck is it?




As a computer repair company we feel a responsibility, not just to fix computers, but to also be a positive influence in the world of technology. These days we spend more of our lives online than ever before and our kids are certainly no exception. Parents and caregivers hear more and more about the risks our kids are exposed to on the internet and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the flood of risks and tips. One question we get over and over from parents is how to protect their family from cyber bullying. In this 2-part series, we'll explain the lingo and give you some tools to arm your kids in cyber-land so you can protect them even when you're not with them.

There are so many terms that refer to online abuses; it can be hard to keep them straight. "Cyber bullying" is harassing or intimidating someone over the internet through mediums such as email, instant messaging, social networking sites (e.g. Facebook and MySpace) and cell phones. There are several types of cyber bullying:

Flaming and Trolling - sending or posting hostile messages intended to '93inflame'94 the emotions of others.


Happy-Slapping - recording someone being harassed or bullied in a way that usually involves physical abuse, then posting the video online for public viewing.


Identity Theft/Impersonation - stealing someone's password and/or hijacking their online accounts to send or post incriminating or humiliating pictures, videos or information.


Photoshopping - doctoring digital images so that the main subject is placed in a compromising or embarrassing situation.


Physical Threats - sending messages that involve threats to a person'92s physical safety.


Rumor Spreading - spreading gossip through e-mail, text, or social networking sites.



Cell Phones Risks: A recent study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project (www.pewinternet.org) shows that teens (ages 12-17) use text messaging to communicate with their friends more than e-mail or instant messaging. "Sexting" is a sexually-explicit text or picture message sent by one minor to another. According to Pew, only about 4% of the teens they surveyed say they have sent sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude image of themselves to someone via text message; however, 15% have received one, and older teens are more likely to be the recipient.

Online Gaming: Online gaming allows your child to communicate with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of other people inside a giant chat room (which is not always bad, in fact we have also talked about the positive effects of gaming here). The anonymity can provide your child with some safeguards - if they don't tell anyone who they are then no one is likely to target them. However, they can leave themselves pretty exposed if they share too much personal information, or get too emotionally invested in the game. These games often have a competitive aspect to them, from fighting with other players for in-game items to "killing" other players, sometimes extremely realistically. Bullies may feel empowered to be mean and can go to extreme lengths to follow another player around, mock them, repeatedly "kill" them or spam them with nasty messages.

Social Networking, Email and Instant Messaging: Children sometimes forget that what they share or post can be forwarded just as instantly as it was received, setting themselves up as a potential target if they share private information. Some kids intentionally post or share intimate details of their lives because they believe it will help them gain popularity. This can leave them a prime target for a cyber bullying.

read part2

With all the ways they're potentially exposed to danger, should you just unplug and live off-grid? Next week we will share our tips and tricks to help keep your kids safe online. In the meantime, drop us a note on Facebook or email us at nerdchick@callnerds.com for help with your family's cyber situation.

photo by: cc511

Thursday, September 1, 2011

5 Easy Steps To A Clean Computer

A Clean Computer In 5 Easy Steps




Long summer days with the kids downloading all manner of Internet sludge has likely left your computer with the technology equivalent of a hangover. Before you give in to your kids' pleas to replace your old reliable, try a few simple things to help you get back to a clean computer. After all, your computer needs to run smoothly for schoolwork (at least until winter break).

Clean Computer Tip #1 Run your antivirus and antispyware:

I know, I know, you're probably tired of me saying it. However, when the kids have been wreaking havoc on your system all summer, it's highly likely that viruses and spyware are slowing it down.One of the best suggestions to help your computer is to run regular and through virus scans, bu before you click "Run Scan" and assume all is good, make sure you download the most current updates. If your protection programs have expired, consider downloading Microsoft's free all-in-one solution, Microsoft Security Essentials (www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/). Once you've installed it, it will automatically update itself and run regular scans without much more interaction from you. The best protection is the one you can forget you have.

Clean Computer Tip #2 Remove unwanted programs:

Your teenager may think the program he installed to download and share music with his friends is imperative, but I bet you don't need it running in the background slowing down your system. Go to your control panel's "Add or Remove Programs" option to remove programs that have mysteriously popped up over the summer.


Clean Computer Tip #4 Activate parental controls:

Both Windows 7 & Windows Vista operating systems have embedded parental control options that will allow you to limit your child's screen time and control Internet access and downloads.

Clean Computer Tip #5 Install a Firewall:

One of the most reliable ways to help your computer, is to install a hardware firewall. Most users access the Internet through some sort of broadband connection (cable and DSL are the most common). While they're far speedier than dial-up Internet access, the lines also let malicious software more easily access and attack your system if you don't install some sort of firewall on the connection. Windows has a software firewall you can (and should) activate. But a better line of defense is to also install a hardware version.

Installing a basic router will adequately protect most home-based users. Make sure that it's configured per the manufacturer's recommendations, that you change the router's default password settings and that you keep the firmware updated.

If your kids protest these measures, tell them they'll have to make it through high school without Internet access. I would love to hear any other clean computer suggestions that you have tried. Drop a note in the comments below.


[transcript]
Hi, I'm Ryan from Nerds on Call, and today we're going to talk about securing your PC.

I've said it a million times, run your anti-virus and your anti-spyware. If you don't have one, go to Microsoft.com and download Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free, it's easy to use, and it'll run in the background and not take up a lot of resources.

Next, you're going to want to remove unwanted programs. Now, they do more than just take up space on your hard drive. A lot of times, different programs have security risks. For example, you ever wonder why Microsoft Office always needs an update? It's because people find different ways to exploit problems in their code in order to attack your system. So, you want to go through and clean out programs you don't ever use.

Next, you're going to want to set up user accounts. Don't ever run as an administrator. Set up one administrator account, and then set up a different account for everyone else that's a limited user. The reason you want to so this is, one, you can customize your experience. Have different desktops, different program for every single user without anybody having to cross-infect anybody else if one person happens to download a virus.

Next, you want to activate parental controls in Windows 7. The reason you want to do this is because there's no reason why you want your kids going to some of those unwanted websites. And a lot of times, those are infected with all kinds of stuff, and all of a sudden your computer is running slow and not working right.

Last, you want to install a hardware firewall. Now, an unsecured connection like DSL or cable, that is perfect for hacker to use to attack other computers, and a lot of times you won't even know it's happening. Go down to the store and buy a cheap hardware firewall or a wireless router, and attach that to your system and you'll stay more protected.
[/transcript]

Monday, June 20, 2011

5 Backyard gadgets for the 4th of July 2011



4th of july fireworks and food


 

The Fourth of July is almost here. This year, make the 4th of July a time to gather friends and family, aat lots of food, play with fire(works). Of course, Nerd Chicks are always looking for ways to add some sparkle to any get-together, and your backyard barbecue is no exception. Pick up one or two of these cool tech gadgets for your upcoming party and your bash is sure to be the talk of the town!
a iphone outdoor portable speaker

MUSIC

No party is complete without a soundtrack of great tunes, but who has time to DJ while you’re manning the barbecue? Use your iPod or MP3 player to create a playlist of your coolest dance party mix and plug in to the iHome iP29 Portable Speaker Case, retailing for about $80. These compact speakers produce impressive stereo sound and will play music from your iPod, iPhone or any device with a headphone jack. The unit runs off an A/C adapter or four AAA batteries, so you can easily take it with you to the pool. The splash resistant case will even offer some protection from your cannonball contest. While plugged in, the docking station will charge your iPod or iPhone so you’ll be rocking out even after your party is long over.

pool light show on 7-4-2011

LIGHTS

Who needs to fly to Vegas when you can create your own music and light display in your backyard pool using the, Light Show Fountain for about $70. You can drop this floating, LED-lit disc in your pool, spa or pond to create a lighted, multi-color fountain water show. The separate wireless base station connects to your iPod or MP3 player and speakers so that the water and lights “dance” in time to your music. It can be used without a music source as well, resulting in a random flashing light show for after-dark ambience. There’s a video on the Solutions website to see it in action. While you probably won’t get away with charging admission, you will be the coolest kid on the block.

outdoor projector screen

CAMERA

While sitting through Uncle Bob’s last family photo slide show, did you secretly ponder whether there could be a better use for his projector? Now you have a reason to borrow it. The Airblown Inflatable Movie Screen allows you to create an outdoor movie theater in your own backyard. Available at Target for about $170, the unit comes with stakes, tethers and fan to quickly self-inflate the approximately 9′ x 12′ screen. You’ll need a projector to get an image large enough to fill the screen, but you won’t worry about keeping your guests entertained. Project movies from your laptop, or connect your Wii for a rousing Wii boxing tournament. Just make sure you invite the neighbors, or you’ll be scrambling to feed your extra guests when they crash your party.




fireworks for 4th of july

ACTION

A July 4th celebration isn’t complete without fireworks, so what do you do if there aren’t any viewable in your area? Consider the Uchiage Hanabi Fireworks Projector, sold for $125. Bring the fireworks display indoors with four sounds, five display modes and 55 different designs. You can even allow your younger party guests to create unique firework designs with an included template. Fireworks appear to launch from the ground to explode up the wall or on the ceiling. The unit runs off three AAA batteries and can run for about three hours; plenty of time to satiate even your most fireworks-obsessed little ones.




iphone and android vintage apps

ALWAYS REMEMBER!

If the photos just don’t seem to live up to the excitement of your July 4th bash, add some pizzazz with photo modification applications. Android users can download Vignette for approximately $4, and iPhone users can get Instagram for free. Both applications allow you to quickly add effects, modify color or make shots sepia, black-and-white, or retro before easily uploading to Facebook or Twitter. If you didn’t get any worthy shots with your phone, never fear. Google’s Picasa is a great free photo modification program that will allow you to crop, eliminate red eye, modify color, add effects, frames or stickers to any photo on your computer. Your friends will wonder, “Where was the professional photographer?” We won’t divulge your secret.


Still pondering more ways to electrify your summer get-together? Drop us a note on Facebook.www.facebook.com/nerdsoncall or email us at nerdchick@callnerds.com


Photo by: plaskotaEd YourdonDavid Gallagher .



Andrea Eldridge is CEO and Co-Founder of Nerds on Call, offering on-site computer & home theater set up and repair since 2004. For additional information or to contact her, go to www.callnerds.com/andrea