Please share this with all your friends and family! Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, etc WILL NOT CALL YOU to say your computer is malfunctioning. This is a SCAM. When you click on their webpage, they're able to login to your computer and they'll run a fake program making it look like your computer is broken and needs help. For $299, they'll 'fix it'. Worse – once you let them in, many will lock you out of your computer, claiming your 'Windows license has expired so they were required by law to lock you out'. Once you pay the $299, they'll unlock it.

THIS IS A SCAM! While many legitimate IT companies, including IT Xpress, offer service contracts for your computer, we will NEVER call you posing as someone we're not.

For more information, see http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

Please share this!!! We have systems brought into our shop almost weekly by people who have fallen for this. The scam artists are VERY good and VERY convincing.

Do you have a Google account? Use 2 Factor Authentication to keep your email/data safe!

Google:

Here's an easy way to protect yourself (and your selfies). When you have two-step verification turned on, Google will send a message to your mobile phone whenever someone tries to log into your account from an unfamiliar computer. #SafeOnline http://goo.gl/vZvitr

External hard drives are used by so many people to backup (or worse store) their data. Being mechanical drives, they fail often due to bumps, drops, etc. Now Samsung has brought solid state (all electronic) external drives to a price point many can afford. Some type of online backup is necessary to properly protect your data, but these little external drives are a great way to keep your data backed up locally and make it portable.

Samsung's first portable SSD packs fast storage for relatively little cash
www.engadget.com
You don't exactly have a ton of options when it comes to portable solid-state drives. You can get fast performance or high capacity at a halfway affordab

Ever wondered where all those cyber attacks are coming from? These visual tools from a variety of security companies try to map out who's attacking whom. http://krebsonsecurity.com/2015/01/whos-attacking-whom-realtime-attack-trackers/

Worried about your computer security? IT Xpress has a wide range of security solutions for your home or business! Contact us at 336-525-5005 or help@itxpress.biz

Did you get a new Chromebook for Christmas? OMG Chrome is a fantastic site with lots of useful information. Here are some great time saving tips!

OMG! Chrome!:

15 time-saving Chromebook tips.

Whether you're new to Chromebooks or already love Chrome OS, there are a lot of shortcuts and neat features that can streamline your workflow and improve your productivity.

15 Time-Saving Chromebook Tips
www.omgchrome.com
I've been using Chromebooks for several years now, but even I continue to learn of new ways of getting more from it, from simple time-saving tips to keyboard shortcuts that speed up my workflow.

A very Happy New Year and wishes for a wonderful 2015! IT Xpress will be closed Fri Jan 2nd so we can spend some more time with our friends and family. We'll reopen at 9AM on Monday January 5th.

The #cloud is a generic term, but it can have a big impact on your small business. From files, PCs, and apps you can access anywhere to centrally monitored anti-virus protection, the cloud can help your small business is ways you may not realize. Let IT Xpress help identify services that can give your small business a much needed boost in 2015! Call 336-525-5005 or email help@itxpress.biz for your free business IT evaluation today!

Bitdefender:

Many SMBs are not in the business of IT, but need #cloud more than ever http://bit.ly/13vvxPG

Many SMBs are not in the business of IT, but need cloud more than ever
businessinsights.bitdefender.com
All SMBs and even larger enterprises need to understand the security implications, and have a variety of options about how to secure cloud systems.

This is also true for Time Warner Cable – buy your own modem and save the monthly fees. Now – if the modem gets fried by lightning – you have to replace it vs TWC doing so. But they're not that expensive, and if you get a WiFi enabled cable modem or use your own WiFi router with a typical cable modem, you can save $12-$18/month in some cases! Not sure about setting up your own modem? We can help!

On Comcast? Buy Your Own Modem.
techcrunch.com
Comcast just raised their modem rental fees from $8 to $10, because apparently charging you too much for a modem costs more than it used to. If you're on..

This is likely to become MUCH more common. Always be careful what you install on your phone and ALWAYS check the reviews – not just the first couple!!! Sideloading may be neat but it's dangerous! Here at IT Xpress, we use Android extensively and can help you with your smartphone!

First Aid for Android: How to unlock your ransomed phone
nakedsecurity.sophos.com
What do you do when your Android device freezes or locks up so you can't do anything useful…especially if it wants $300 to let you get back to work? Here's an Android troubleshooting technique…

Ever felt like this when your computers or network aren't doing what they're supposed to do? We can help! http://itxpress.biz/ 336-525-5005 #bigbangtheory #penny #ithelp

Did you get a Chromecast for Christmas? Here are a few neat things you can do with it that you may not have realized.

Four Things You Didn't Know You Can Do With Your Chromecast
lifehacker.com
Google's Chromecast is a great way to stream anything in your living room, but mastering its intricacies can really make it shine. There are some hidden Chromecast capabilities many people don't know exist, and here are some of the best ones.

Be careful! Scammers are trying to get your gift card numbers to drain them of any value….

Yes, I got an iTunes gift card for Christmas – but HOW DID THE CROOKS KNOW THAT?
nakedsecurity.sophos.com
You *are* being doubly cautious for phishing campaigns over the holiday season, aren't you? Spammers and scammers don't have to know anything about you to hit the bullseye in what might feel lik…

This chart gives you an idea why it's so important NOT to use the same password everywhere. Some of you may be surprised to see GMail up there – Google wasn't hacked. However, a third party app that collected user's GMail information was – which is why its so important to never share credentials with 3rd parties. Instead they should be able to use single sign on (you click 'Authorize and grant permission'). This is MUCH safer.

Explore the World’s Biggest Data Breaches with This Interactive Chart
lifehacker.com
With the new year comes a fresh start, and there's no better way to prepare for the new year than with a brief reminder of how important it is to be aware and careful with your data. This interactive chart covers the biggest breaches out there, along with reports of how it all went down.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from IT Xpress! We'll be open Dec 24th from 9AM until 2PM for your last minute technology needs! We'll be closed Dec 25th and 26th and will be open regular hours Monday Dec 29th to help you with all that technology wrapped under the tree!

With the news full of stories about hacks and network compromises, are you worried about the security of your network? IT Xpress is an authorized Bitdefender dealer and are now certified Sales and Technical Specialists for Bitdefender's consumer and small business line of anti-virus/security products. Bitdefender has routinely ranked #1 in detection and performance in AV-TEST's comparisons. We're excited about rolling out Bitdefender's new GravityZone Cloud Anti-Virus to our small business My ITXpert clients in 2015 (http://myitxpert.biz/) allowing IT Xpress technicians to continually monitor all your systems for virus alerts and other security issues. Call us today for a free consultation and quote.