What is Twitter: Microblogging 101

Asking "What is Twitter?" - Some Helpful Tips

What is Twitter? Well, when I think of Twitter, the first thing I think is: too much information. Do we really need to share the blow-by-blow of our lives with the world, or follow along on our friends’ every move? Yet with over 300 million users, it’s the second most popular social media outlet (following behind Facebook’s behemoth 850+ million users) – they can’t all be wrong, right? I set out to figure out what I’ve been missing, or rather, if I’m missing something about Twitter.

What makes Twitter different from other forms of social media? Facebook helps you stay connected with your circle of friends and family, but Twitter connects you with people all over the world. Search for subjects that interest you and join the conversation, even if it’s with someone you’d never connect with in real life, like your favorite celebrity or a politician. If you like to stay on top of what’s hot (i.e., “trending”) online, Twitter’s little "sound bites" from around the globe are a constant stream of instant information.


Every user has a unique username, or "Handle," used so people can follow you. People can link their tweets to you by "Mentioning" you, using the @ symbol in combination with your handle. For example, @CNN links to CNN News. Users are notified when their handle is mentioned, and it allows you to conduct discussions in a public forum. Lastly, "Hashtags" (#) are used to notate a topic of larger conversation, linking words together without spaces: say, #BatmanBegins or #BarackObama. It's used as a discovery tool that allows users to find tweets related to a particular subject as it allows you to see all the tweets that mention the topic in real time, even from people you're not currently following.
Ready to start tweeting? Signing up is simple. Visit www.twitter.com, create your account (name, password, email) and you're off and away. You start by building your Timeline, which looks a lot like your Facebook Wall (in Twitter-world it's called a "feed"), filled with the Tweets people have posted. You can choose to "follow" anything or anyone you're interested in, whether it's your favorite TV show or celebrity, or even your brother George if you can find him within the myriad of Georges. Twitter can suggest friends from your Facebook list, or you can search for people you know using Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail or AOL accounts.

Once you're signed up you can begin tweeting right away, but the best way to get your voice heard is to reply to tweets you're following and use your @mention liberally. The power of Twitter is the one-on-one connection you can have with some very influential people. The more you interact, the more you'll be heard, and who knows? Maybe they'll even strike up a conversation with you! To see the power of Twitter in action, look no further than last year’s wave of political protests across the Arab world: Twitter is credited with having a large influence, as activists used social networking sites to publicize and mobilize the movements (http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/facebook-and-twitter-key-to-arab-spring-uprisings-report).
Businesses are connecting with their customers through Twitter. With millions of active users and over 300 million tweets sent per day, it's likely your industry and competitors are already in the midst of the conversation. Use it to get the word out about your brand while gathering insights about what your customers want so you can deliver.

It's no surprise that Twitter applications are available for your Smartphone. The official Twitter application is free and will help you when you're starting out, but check out Tweetbot (http://tapbots.com/software/tweetbot/, iPhone, $2.99) when you're ready to get serious about your tweeting. It allows you to create lists of tweets you're following so you can easily separate your world news from your friends' with the tap of a finger. Its fun to use, too, with its cute sounds and animations and easy integration with other Twitter apps you're using. All other users should check out TweetCaster (http://tweetcaster.com/, all platforms: ad-supported is free, otherwise $4.99). The paid, pro version has extra features and no ads. Links are shared easily with a handy copy-paste feature and a simple-to-use interface.

Computer Won't Turn On? Check for Viruses

Computer Won't Turn on Because of a Virus? Try This

If you’ve ever had a virus that kept your system from booting at all, you know how infuriating it is. One mistake and your computer is now a very expensive brick. If you’ve never had this happen to you, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. Viruses are on the rise and show no signs of becoming less of a problem in the future. Fortunately, there are now tools that can save your computer even when you can’t start Windows, and they’re much cheaper than buying a new computer.

If you don’t have access to another computer, or can’t follow the instructions here (they can get a little technical), you can always buy the fixmestick at http://www.fixmestick.com. This little device will help you boot into your computer and remove the virus.

However, if the $59.99 price tag seems like a little much for you, and you think you’ve got what it takes to fix it on your own, there’s a much cheaper way to take control of your infected computer.

What you’ll need: A spare computer (ask a friend), and a blank CD or DVD.

First, download the Avira Rescue System at http://www.avira.com/en/downloads - tools and save it on the computer you’re using.

Second, put the blank CD or DVD in the computer and double-click on the Avira Rescue System installer. It’ll walk you through the steps you need to burn the disk.

Once you’re done here, put the disk in the infected computer. If it doesn’t boot into the rescue system, restart your computer and look for a quick dialog that says something like “Press DEL to enter setup.” It differs from system to system, but it’ll be something like F2 or DEL. Once you’re in setup, look for something that specifies “boot order” and make sure your CD drive is the first thing that it boots from.

Once you’ve booted into the rescue system, it’s time to clean things up. When it boots up, Avira will ask you if you want to boot into the system. Type 1 and press enter. It will boot up from there. For your first attempt, you probably just want to go to the “Virus Scanner” tab and click “Start Scanner.” As it runs, it will fix any problems it finds. You should be done after that!

If you’re still having problems, the problem is probably more severe, and should be taken to a computer repair expert.

Whichever route ends up fixing your computer, you should protect against it happening in the future. Download Microsoft Security Essentials and install it for free – it should keep you protected against most attacks.

Borrow eBooks: All of the Library, None of the Late Fees

Borrow eBooks Online

Whether you read them on an e-reader, tablet, smartphone or your computer, e-books are growing increasingly popular, and with good reason. Instant download capability lets you get right into the newest bestseller, you can hoard thousands of books without having to build a library in your basement, and with a mobile handheld device you can have your library always at your fingertips.
It may come as a surprise that e-books aren’t necessarily less expensive than their printed counterparts. That can lead many frugal bookworms back to the budget-saving oasis of the library to borrow the latest best seller. Luckily, more and more libraries are delving into the digital realm, offering an expanding selection of e-books available to download onto your computer or e-reader device. Here’s how to borrow an e-book from the library.


While you may envision instant access to every bestseller you’ve ever wanted to read, keep in mind that digital books require licensing just like their traditional paper counterparts. The library has to purchase every “copy” they offer for digital lending. As many institutions are new to the e-book lending arena, many libraries only have room in the budget to buy one or two copies of an e-book. If someone else has already borrowed the book you want, you’ll have to wait until they “return” it before you can get it on your device. If the book you covet is new and popular, it can make for an impressive waiting list.

Another obstacle you may encounter is file compatibility. OverDrive (www.overdrive.com) is the leading distributor of e-books for libraries. It provides the software interface that transfers the file from the library’s database to your computer or device and manages the process of “expiring” the copy when your borrow time is up.

OverDrive Media Console (OMC) is a free application available for download through all major mobile phone carriers, as well as Mac and PC, should you want to read books on your computer. Visit their website and click on Software/Apps to learn more about the appropriate download for your particular device. Once you've downloaded the application, simply locate a library or school in your area, enter your valid library card number or school ID and borrow for up to 3 weeks.

Just this month, OverDrive announced the release of an application for NOOK that allows users to wirelessly borrow books and MP3 audiobooks from their library. This is a vast improvement over the previous process of installing a plug-in and downloading an Adobe file that didn’t support all of the NOOK’s bells and whistles.
Amazon Kindle chose a proprietary format for their e-books so while Kindle users can borrow from the library, you'll need web access to do it. Use your library card information and PIN number to log into your library's website. Once you find an e-book you'd like to borrow, place a hold on it and choose Get For Kindle. Then, log into your Amazon account to complete the transaction. Select the device you'd like your book delivered to from the drop down menu and your library book will download to your Kindle, just like a normal purchased title.
Shasta Public Libraries users have access to a number of digital titles. Visit www.shastalibraries.org and click on Digital Media at the top of the page. Use the Quick Search if you have a particular title in mind, or browse titles using the arrow keys for each section. You’ll need to sign in using your username and PIN, so establish those in advance. Users are limited to five digital checkouts at a time, with a maximum of three weeks to keep the material. Be aware, popular books yield a lot of waiting lists as they generally keep only one copy of each. Still, if you don't mind reading other things while you're waiting, it's certainly nice to be able to read for free.

Image is of Amazon Kindle

Internet Printing with Google Cloud Print

Print from Anywhere: Google Cloud Print Enables Internet Printing

I refuse to replace my old, ailing printer because I believe it’s a dying technology, like landline phones and fax machines. Yet just as a home phone is good for emergencies and faxing is often convenient, sometimes you just need to print - forms that require signature, travel confirms, etc. Enter Google Cloud Print: a simple application that allows you to print remotely to any Google Print-enabled printer from any computer or mobile electronic device with access to the Internet. Finally, I can print without wrestling with my own printer.

You can use Google Cloud Print on any printer that connects to the Web (it supports both Windows and Mac), even those that have to be connected to a computer to do so, but if you plan on using the application regularly, consider a Google Cloud Print Ready printer (http://www.google.com/cloudprint/learn/printers.html). They connect to the Internet right out of the box over your home or office Wi-Fi network without needing to run through a host computer and register themselves directly with the Google Cloud Print service, so they’re always available. You’ll get the same PC-free functionality from any Wi-Fi capable printer, but it may require additional drivers.
To enable Google Cloud Print on an existing printer, download Google Chrome (www.google.com/chrome) onto the computer to which it’s connected. After Chrome is installed, click on the wrench icon on the browser toolbar and drill down through the settings tab to Advanced Settings to the Google Cloud Print section. Sign in using your Google Account. Then, click "finish printer registration" and Google Cloud Print is enabled.

Once the printer is registered with Google Cloud Print, enable sharing with the parties you want to allow to print. Log into your Google account and navigate to the Google Cloud Print management page. Click on "Printers" and select the printer you'd like to share. The person you share with will receive an email to confirm their registration.
Simply install an app onto your Wi-Fi enabled smartphone or tablet and Google Cloud Print to gain the wireless printing capability most mobile devices lack. Users of iOS devices should look for the PrintCentral Pro App ($5.99 for iPhone and iPod Touch, $9.99 for iPad, iTunes Store). Gmail for Mobile allows you to create and print emails from any mobile device. Visit m.google.com/mail from your phone or download the application from Google Play or iTunes. Google Docs for Mobile lets you create, share and print Google Docs from your Android or iOS device.

A note about iPhone 5: You’ve likely been inundated with buzz about the newest generation of iPhone, available in stores on September 21st. It sports a larger, 4” screen (up from 3.5”) that enables watching widescreen media without the black bars on the top and bottom while still managing to be thinner and lighter. A faster processor, improved display and support for 4G LTE network connectivity round out improvements. Drawbacks are a new docking connector, so existing charging cables won’t work (argh!) and, of course, having to shell out $199 or more for a new phone.

 

Image copyright Google

 

Wireless Security Breach: Reaver

A New Program Thwarts Wireless Security

Having wireless internet access is awesome, especially with how many devices these days use the technology. And with proper network security, we can be sure that al our data is safe from intrusion…as long as we don’t make any silly mistakes, right? Well, that would be nice. However, there is a new piece of software in distribution that makes it easy for anyone with the know-how to crack into your wireless network. It’s called “Reaver” and it’s available to anyone online. Now don’t worry too much just yet – most people using it are just going to use it to try and get free internet access where they’re not supposed to have it. But this can cause slowdowns on your network or, if you have sensitive files, can be a possible bigger problem.

Reaver works by exploiting a flaw in your wireless router. The flaw was originally designed simply to make setup easier for the end user – you. However, it can be exploited by someone using this tool to gain your wireless password, which gives them access to your internet just like another one of your computers. You might not even be able to tell. This flaw is called WPS, and even if you turn the feature off, the program can still use it when you can’t.


Use a secure password. The way the program works makes it harder to determine your password the more complicated it is. As we’ve written about in previous articles, there’s an easy way to come up with a secure password: use a phrase that has significance to you but to no one else. For instance: andreacollectspetrocks. This way you’ll have a password that will take so long for the computer to guess that it will eventually give up. Stay current on updates if you’re concerned further about this issue!


 

 

Travel Pages on Pinterest: Trip Out

Travel With Pinterest

Whether you’re compiling your own personal “1,000 Places to See Before You Die,” planning your summer vacation, or just collecting gorgeous images for your desktop screensaver, Pinterest’s many travel boards offer ample material. If you just love drooling over white sand beaches, iconic landmarks, and picturesque cityscapes, there’s more than enough inspiration for a thousand daydream vacations. You’ll also find useful tips to make your trips more enjoyable and insider information to visit like a local, making Pinterest a great resource for planning a real-life getaway. With so many amazing destinations to discover, the hardest part will be narrowing it down to the places you want on your travel “bucket list.”

Travel Channel

http://pinterest.com/travelchannel/

It’s no surprise that the people who compile content for a channel dedicated to travel have a pretty amazing collection of places, cultures, foods and natural wonders to explore around the world. It’s tough not to get lost in the undeniably gorgeous images which link back to their primary site, www.travelchannel.com for more information about the destination. Whether you’re drawn in by the idea of hanging in a hammock by the ocean, looking to explore your inner champion with skiing, golfing, or fitness boot camps, or planning a family vacation on a budget, you’ll find links to helpful articles and the Travel Channels many “best of” lists. The “Travel Bucket List” board is full of fodder for your own must-see file, while the “Daily Escapes” board offers a different awe-inspiring image for (you guessed it) just about every day of the week. There are also boards devoted to behind-the-scenes peeks at their most popular shows, including “Destination Summer,” “Man v. Food,” “Off Limits,” and many more. Whether you’re looking for amazing hotels or the ultimate romantic locales, you’ll find it here.

Travel Hyper

http://pinterest.com/travelhyper/

Created by down-to-earth travel blogger Julie, Travel Hyper explores ultimate vacation destinations, to be sure, but with a more down to earth approach that allows you to translate your dreams into real trips. There are boards organized by place, from Australia to Bulgaria to Spain and just about everywhere in between; boards devoted to Disney, “Vacation Reads”, maps, and much more. Travel vicariously with her “2012 Vacation” board, tracking her route through Western Europe, or escape for a one-of-a-kind experience with inspiration from “2012 Events.” There are boards to help you plan your trip, from budgeting to keeping the kids copacetic on a plane, tips for packing or capturing your memories with “Travel Photo Tips”. If you plan your trip around where you’ll stay as much as what you’ll see, explore “Amazing Hotels,” “Castles,” and “B&B Love.” It’s hard to balance awesome escapes with a sense of achievability – Travel Hyper makes you believe you could one day make it to that beach in Jamaica, not just fantasize about it.

Thrifty Travel Mama

http://pinterest.com/thriftytrvlmama/

While I may wistfully imagine a relaxing beach vacation, toes in the water and margarita in hand, my reality is planning travel around nap schedules and kid-friendly entertainment. For that, I love Thrifty Travel Mama. From the gear that will get you where you’re going with the least amount of “are we there yet?” headaches, to ideas for making memories when you get there, there are solutions to any of the hurdles standing in the way of you taking your kiddos on that amazing getaway.

Conde Nast Traveler

http://pinterest.com/cntraveler/

One of the most well-known travel magazines has created one of the most massive Pinterest pages dedicated to all things travel, with 2,500 pins of inspiring images, tips and links to their picks for the best places to visit across the globe. While not always particularly budget conscious, the peek behind the first class curtain is fun while balanced with some great ideas for the rest of us. I didn’t know that “glamping” was a thing, but apparently so. Boards dedicated to just about any major destination are full of breathtaking images, from Shanghai to Charleston to Egypt. Get ready to ooh and ahh your way through page after page of pictures that will make you want to pack your bags.

Photo Copyright Flickr User Gael LE HIR


 

 


&

Malware Primer: Deciphering the Digital Devils

Understanding Malware: Everything you need to know

You’ve probably heard the terms “virus,” “malware,” “spyware,” and others all used interchangeably. However, these are actually all different types of bad software. The blanket term for software that harms your computer is “malware.” If you paid attention in Latin class, you’ll know that “mal” is a prefix that means “bad” and “ware” simply refers to any type of computer program.

Now the second-most-popular term that gets thrown around is “virus.” A virus is pretty much the same as its biological counterpart, but on the computer. It attaches itself to files on your computer, replicates itself, and spreads itself out to as many computers as possible. It can attach itself to the hidden parts of your hard drive, system files, or even random files that contain data valuable to you. Quite often they spread through executable files. If you see a file that ends in “exe” where you didn’t expect it to, don’t open it! It’s probably a virus. Make sure to run a scan on it.


ScareWare is relatively new on the field of malware. It tricks you into downloading something that looks like an antivirus, and then tells you that you have hundreds of viruses which you have to pay to remove. Chances are however that the only virus is the program that is telling you that you have a virus! The best chances for removing this virus, if your other programs haven’t caught it, is simply to Google the name of the software and see how to remove it. Many security programs haven’t quite figured out how to deal with these yet. Your best defense is simply not to download any programs that you can’t verify are legitimate.

The final type of Malware that gets mentioned a lot is a Trojan Horse. This software allows your computer to be controlled remotely. It’s unlike a virus in that you have to be tricked into installing it, but once installed, you might never know. Hackers use PCs with Trojan Horses for their own ends – proxy servers, attacking websites, or even sending out spam. Make sure your antivirus is up-to-date and you should be able to stay safe from these.

There are of course many other types of viruses, but the methods for protection essentially remain the same: practice safe browsing, and keep your antivirus updated. If you have more questions about these or other computer repair related topics, contact me at http://www.callnerds.com/blog

Screenshot copyright Malwarebytes Corporation