TechTip Thrusday: Useful Extensions With Your Browser

Hello again! Today I will be talking about how to improve your browser experience through the use of extensions that are available for your browser. 

Extensions are like apps, but for your browser. Extensions can do a variety of different things such as blocking adds, downloading video, or even allowing your browser to interact with apps on your phone. 

Some extensions that I use on my chrome browser are AdBlock, Page Monitor, and Push Bullet.

AdBlock is an extension that can, as the name implies, block any and all ads from websites that you visit. This can also stop those pesky youtube ads that always seem to load faster that the video itself. Only draw back would be that AdBlock may interfere with access to some sites such as Hulu, however the settings can be set to make certain site exempt from being blocked.

Page Monitor is a simple extension that can keep track of changes that occur on a certain web page and notify you when those changes occur. You can set how often it checks and how it notifies you. So you will always know when a sales happens on your favorite clothing site. 

Push Bullet is an extension that allows for interaction between your phone and browser. It enables you to response to text messages from your browser, store notifications, and send links or notes to any device that you have Push Bullet on. It is very easy to use and customize. 

In order to see if any of these extensions and more are available for your browser, check out the links below for each store. 

Chrome

Internet Explorer

Firefox

Safari

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TechTip Thrusday: Own A Lenovo? You Could Be At Risk To Attacks.

Hi and welcome to another TechTip Thursday. Today I will be taking about a severe problem with certain Lenovo devices. Recently it has been discovered that Lenovo has been installing an adware software on to their new devices. The adware known as Superfish is a very dangerous program that allows itself to access any data from sites that you visit regardless if you have a secure connection or not.

The adware functions by monitoring websites you access and gathers information that it then uses to send to advertisement companies. The software even functions under secure connections by communicating with the site you are accessing and telling it that you are secure. However, this is a big problem since the software itself is not secure. The right person with an open access point along with the right software could monitor a Lenovo user, gather all their information, and send false updates along with malware to their devices.

If you have a Lenovo immediately find out if you have this on you device. To test you device and see if you are infected use this site. In order to remove this software you will need to follow these instructions .

Alternatively you could wipe your hard drive and then reinstall windows, which if you have the know how and resources, I would highly recommend.

Good Luck and Be Safe!!

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TechTip Thrusday: 5 Ways To Protect Your Online Information.

Hey everyone! Today I will be talking about one of the most important things when using the internet, Security. I will give you a list of tips that can keep you safe!

Keep your operating system / app up-to-date: Your everyday computer use is something you do not want to be interrupted. So you usually ignore popups or prompts to update. This, can put your self at risk. App or system updates keep your devices safe and allow them to function properly by having everything with the latest software.

Invest in free online protection software: Everyone should be secure with how easily you can access free software. There are always threats that can harm your computer when surfing the internet. Being cautious and alert will always benefit you. Here is some free software that can help keep you safe.

AntiMalware

Mac: ClamXAV
PC: Malwarebytes

AntiVirus

Mac and PC: AVG

Create a secure password: Now I know what you're thinking, "No one will guess it" or "It takes to much time". Well taking the short time to update you passwords can save you a world of headache. Keeping your password too simple, using the same one for multiple sites, or leaving the default one can put you at risk. Doing so makes it easier for people to gain access to your personal information. Here is a list of the 25 most used passwords in 2014. If you have anything close to these or similar you can be putting you and your information at a great risk.

Watch where you click: Everyone has to deal with pop up ads now and again. They are fairly easy to ignore or you can block them completely with ad block . Sometimes you can make the wrong click and end up installing malware or viruses. So be careful of the sites you go to and what you click. If it sounds too goo to be true, don't click.

Don't click .exe: Getting this type of file is normal when you are installing a program. However, if you receive this type of file in an email from an unknown source. DO NOT OPEN. This type of file is a virus and will infect your computer. Always check to see who you receive emails from.

Enjoy! 

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TechTip: Free Useful Software For Your Computer

Hey everyone! Today I will show a list for FREE programs you can download to do various tasks on your computer without having to buy an expensive paid version. Also, remember to always check to make sure you are downloading the correct version and be sure all the correct settings are chosen when you being installation.

Aseprite - A really nice program for making Pixel Art.

GrafX2 - Bitmap paint program, mainly used for Pixel art.

Game Salad - 2d game engine with drag and drop feature that does not require programming.

GXSCC - Turn ANY song into an 8-bit NES song. 

AOMEI - PC backup and restore software.

Pixelarteditor - Powerful pixel-art editor with multitouch support for Android.

Flex - Application that allows you to easily build mobile applications for iOS, Android™, as well as applications for browser and desktop.

GraphicsGale - In case you didn't like the other Pixel art tools that I already mentioned.

Starling - Cross platform game engine.

TexturePacker - Drag and drop graphics in the program and it will generate spritesheet.

Anti Spyware - In my opinion this is just as good (if not better) as Malwarebytes.

Photorec lets you recover deleted or damaged files from hard drives and flash memory. You can even pull stuff off of a drive that has been formatted.

Gyazo - Free screen shot and gif maker that is easy to use.

Chrome Remote Desktop - Allows you to set up your computer so that you are able to access another person's or your own computer over the internet. 

Microsoft Office - (Free for Fresno State students) - come by the hub to find out how to download this full office suite for free.

Caffeine Windows / Mac - This software will keep your computer on without falling asleep by the click of a button in your tray.

Enjoy! 

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