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Malware Warning – Microsoft Reports On Fake Windows Support
Calls
 Beware! Computer scams don't just happen on computers.
A recent study commissioned by Microsoft describes how scammers are now
calling people on the phone and tricking them into installing computer
software designed to steal money, identities, and passwords.
Here's how it works: The scammer calls and, after sharing their
"credentials," tells the victim that his/her computer is at risk.
The scammer directs the victim to view a harmless error report that the
scammer claims shows how the victim's computer has been compromised. The
scammer then asks for a credit card number for the victim to
"purchase" software that will solve the "problem." Or
they direct the victim to install software that places a virus on the
victim's computer, enabling the scammer to gain access to critical
information.
Microsoft recommends these do's and don'ts to help prevent becoming a
victim:
DO
- Be suspicious of unsolicited
calls related to a security problem, even if the caller claims to
represent a respected company.
- Use up-to-date versions of
operating system and application software.
- Make sure security updates
are installed regularly.
- Use strong passwords and
change them regularly.
- Make sure your firewall is
turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date.
DON'T
- Provide personal
information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited
caller.
- Go to a website, type
anything into a computer, install software, or follow any other
instruction from someone who calls out of the blue.
If you think you may already have been a victim of a phone
scam, do the following:
- Change the passwords for
your computer, your main email account, and financial accounts.
- Contact your bank and credit
card companies to alert them to the potential breach.
- Scan your computer with the
Microsoft Safety Scanner (microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx)
to find out if you have malware (virus) installed on your computer.
Remember, there is no security software that can protect
against this kind of threat so your best defense is to be informed and be
prepared.
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You Won't Believe The Great Deals We Have For You, Just Ask!
When you contact Polar customer service in August to add any new service be sure to say, "Can I get a deal on this?" and
we'll say, "Yes!"
Add a new calling feature, more cable channels or High Speed Internet!
Call us at 1.800.284.7222 or email sales@polarcomm.com to tell us which
service you'd like to add and remember to ask for a deal!
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Two To View – A Couple Of Amazing Videos You Don't Want To
Miss
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Roger Ebert calls this "The Greatest Music Video Ever
Made." It's also the largest and longest LipDub
video to date. Filmed in downtown Grand Rapids,
it involved 5,000 residents and was created in response to the Newsweek
article calling Grand Rapids
a "dying city." Even if you only watch part of it, you'll find it
fun and inspiring.
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You've never seen a seatbelt commercial quite like this one.
It's been described as "the most beautiful seatbelt advocacy
commercial ever" and for good reason; the unique imagery is both
compelling and thought provoking. Take a minute to watch it and then share
it with someone you care about.
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This Month's FAQ – Do Mac Users Need To Worry About Viruses?
 Let's start with
the big picture. Worldwide, about 90 percent of the computer market is
comprised of PC users with about 10 percent being Mac users. Cybercriminals
are well aware of these statistics and tend to focus their virus efforts on
the "bigger slice of the pie." So traditionally, Macs have been
known to experience fewer viruses.
However, Mac security has been in the news again lately due to the MacDefender malware and its variants. MacDefender
masquerades as antivirus software, showing a webpage that looks like a virus
detection screen, and then prompting the user to complete the install
process. If completed, the malware will ask for credit card information to
eliminate nonexistent viruses.
Do Mac users need to worry about viruses? The short answer is yes. No
computer is completely immune from threats and Apple recommends that Mac
users keep antivirus software updated and take precautions when downloading
files, opening email attachments, etc. If you're in the 90 percent with a PC,
you should be practicing these security measures as well.
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Sites Of The Month – Great Sites To Check Out In August
 Travel Fare
Tracking
yapta.com – If
you're looking for the best prices on travel, visit
this site to help you track them. You can enter information about the flight,
hotel, or car you're looking for and then have the site send you email
updates when the price goes down. You can also use the site to get a refund
from the airline if a flight price drops after you book it.
 Donate And Learn
freerice.com – This
site allows you to use your smarts and help people at the same time. Answer
quiz questions on a variety of topics and for every answer you get right, the
site donates rice to those in need in places like Cambodia
and Africa. This is a nonprofit
organization, so you can also donate money or read their blog to find out
more about how they're making a difference.
 Summer Salad
Recipes
momswhothink.com – Warm
August weather is a great time for cool salads. Here you'll find recipes for
all kinds of salads including classics like macaroni and potato; desserts
like Jell-O and fruit; and hearty like shrimp, chicken, and taco. Explore the
rest of the site to find useful articles on health, parenting, nutrition, and
more topics of interest to moms and others who care for kids.
 Video Education
khanacademy.org – Before
they start the new school year, do your kids need a refresher on some of what
they learned last year? This free and comprehensive e-learning site has
videos on hundreds of topics to choose from. Subjects include math, science,
history, and finance. Even if your kids are all caught up, you might consider
using the site yourself.
 Best Months To Buy
freeshipping.org – From kitchen appliances to winter coats to
champagne, you can spend less by knowing the right time to buy. For example,
August is traditionally a great time to purchase things like computers, lawn
mowers, and swimsuits. But every month has its bargains. Before your next
major purchase, check this guide to figure out the best time to buy.
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Short Tutorial – Creating An Account On Twitter
 According to
Twitter, 200 million tweets are now posted daily, compared with 65 million a
day just one year ago. If you aren't currently on Twitter but are ready to
"test your wings," you'll be happy to know that it's easy to sign
up and get started. Simply follow these instructions:
1. Visit twitter.com, enter
your full name, and click the yellow button on the right side of your screen.
You can also simply navigate to twitter.com/signup.
2. Fill in the first
field with your full name.
3. Select a username
from one of the usernames suggested or create your own. Twitter will
automatically suggest available usernames based on the real name and email
address you've entered. Try to pick something that describes you—whether it's
a nickname, an interest, or a hobby. (See below for more tips.)
4. Enter a password.
Be tricky! Make sure your password contains letters, numbers, and symbols.
5. Enter your email
address; it should be one that you actively use.
6. Fill in the CAPTCHA
to prove you're human, not a machine!
7. Pick sources that
interest you (more on this below).
8. Search for Friends
and follow them.
Here are some tips for choosing a username:
1. Your username is
the name your followers use when sending @replies, direct messages, or Retweets.
2. Your username will
also form the URL of your home timeline. Twitter will provide a few available
suggestions but feel free to choose your own.
3. You can change your
username in your account settings at any time as long as the new username is
not in use.
4. Usernames must be
fewer than 15 characters in length and cannot contain 'admin' or 'twitter' in
order to avoid brand confusion.
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We hope you found this newsletter to be informative. It's our
way of keeping you posted on the happenings here. If, however, you'd prefer
not to receive these bulletins, click here.
Thanks for your business!
Best regards
The
E-Connections Team
 Polar
Communications
110 4th St E
Park River, ND 58270
800-284-7222
©2011 Cornerstone Publishing Group Inc.
Trademarks: All brand names and product names used in this eNewsletter are trade names, service marks, trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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