The holidays are around the corner. Have you started shopping yet? Whether you have or haven’t yet decided to dive in, this post is for you.

Have you ever received the Christmas wish list from the kids and significant other and wondered, “Now where in the world am I supposed to find this?” I have, and I went right to my favorite search engine to look it up. A list of all the places that sold items x, y, and z were laid out right in front of me. I just need to pick one and shop away, right? Absolutely not!

Exercise extreme caution when shopping on any website. Here are a few things to look for:

• Is it secure? There should be a padlock to the left of the website address, or the address should start with https://. Do not enter credit card information on a site missing these features.
• Is the website legit? Check the site name. https://crownedcomputerservices.tech is a legitimate site. https://crownedcomputerservices.newsite2.tech should be questioned before entering any information.
• Anyone can create a website for a company. Use your favorite search engine to look for reviews that would verify authenticity. If you decide to purchase and receive your product, leave a review to help others.

Happy shopping!

We spend most of the day looking at computer screens, tablets, and cell phones. Aren’t you tired of looking at screens all day, every day? I am too!

Too much screen time can cause headaches, eye strain and irregular sleep patterns. It’s important to give your brain and your eyes a break.

Here are a few helpful tips:

• Take breaks (Sit and close your eyes for a moment. Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.)
• Turn off notifications (So you’re not tempted to open apps each time you pick up your device)
• Adjust screen brightness (To prevent eye strain)
• Set a cut off time for the day (To prevent mindless scrolling through social media apps)

Remember, whatever you are working on will be there in the next hour or even tomorrow. Give your brain a break (or several) today.

The summer break flew by as usual. It’s time to send the kiddos back to school! Let’s make sure they have all the necessary technology to ensure a productive school year.

Visit the tech aisle of your favorite store and check out some the latest gadgets. Here some ideas:

• Smart alarm clock
• Laptop or desktop
• Wireless mouse
• Earbuds or noise cancelling headphones
• Wireless Printer
• Laptop backpack with USB charging port
• Cell phone and case
• Air tag

Have a wonderful school year!

The internet is filled with so much information about various subjects. However, the information out there isn’t always appropriate for our children. We don’t have to ban them from computers though. It’s important they learn how to navigate through our world of ever-changing technology…safely.

Every operating system has built-in parental control features. These features include:

• Content filtering (Blocking inappropriate websites or results from a search engine)
• Apps and games (Allows only age appropriate items to be downloaded)
• Screen time (Set the times your child is allowed to be on the device)

Together these categories help us control what our children are exposed to as they navigate the web and their computers. Explore the parental controls on your child’s devices today!

We’ve said it before, but it doesn’t hurt to say it again…beware of the dangers of plugging unknown devices into your computer. Malware is lurking around every corner, but it’s not just downloads from websites that you should be concerned about.

Malware could be hiding in the most unexpected places.

“Look! Someone left this free basket of flash drives. It says to take one and I really could use another one. Sure, why not?”

“This random flash drive was sitting on my desk. Maybe if I plug it in and I can tell who it belongs to.”

“I left my charger at home! Does anyone have one that can borrow?”

Malware can easily be installed on your computer as soon as the USB device is plugged in. USB charging cables are now also being used to aid in hacking attempts. These “hacked” cables are embedded with technology that allow remote access, install malware, and steal your information.

Watch what you’re plugging in. We don’t want you to be paranoid. Just exercise good judgement. Stay safe friends.

Lately I have received multiple random emails seemingly from known companies, like Geek Squad or Best Buy, stating that my subscription has ended, and my card will be charged [insert random expensive amount]. Usually, these emails would come with a link that’s supposed to be clicked and we all know what that could lead to.

However, these emails contain the sentence: “To cancel subscription call: [insert phone number]”. This is a call center scam. These threat actors want to trick you into calling and hope that you’ll fall for whatever scam is waiting on the other side just because you’re speaking to a “real” person!

A couple of tips:

1. Always look at the email address the email is coming from. Inspect it closely as there will always be something to let you know it’s not legitimate.
2. If you want to call to confirm, locate the number for customer service on the company’s website. Do not call any number listed on the random email.

We have been asked many times, “Do I really need anti-virus/anti-malware software installed on my computer?”

The answer: Yes!

Anti-virus software scans your computer for viruses, alerts you to its existence then removes it. There are malicious people in the world who are looking to steal important information from you.

Viruses are often hidden in attachments downloaded from the internet, sketchy websites, and software that has not been properly patched with security updates.

You may get a warning that something is wrong when your computer is slow, files are missing, or programs are opening and closing on their own. However, a computer that is running like normal gives no cause for alarm.

Anti-virus software runs often and lets you know when something isn’t right.
Don’t skimp on the antivirus software. Do a little research and find one that works best for you (just be sure not to download a “free” program from a sketchy website😉)

Here is another gentle reminder: change your password! There seems to be a new breach every day. A breach that compromises passwords.

Here are a few tips:
• Change your password every 30 to 60 days
• Create strong passwords that are not easily guessed
• Turn on two factor authentication
• Don’t use the same password on every website
• Use a reputable password safe program to assist with password storage if needed.

It’s the first quarter of a new year. Most would say, “Out with the old and in with the new!”. Maybe it’s time for a computer audit.

• When was the last time you backed up your important files?
• Check your photo album. Do you really need to keep eight copies of that selfie you were trying
to get right? What about the one hundred screenshots that transferred over from your phone?
• Do you need those word documents from 2013?
• Is your desktop covered with icons?

Well, now is a good time for an audit. Clean it up, back it up and continue into the new year with a faster, more organized computer.

It’s 2023! Can you believe how fast 2022 flew by? Here at Crowned Computer Services, we are very excited for the new year! We look forward to assisting with your computer support needs, and are wishing you an exciting and prosperous year!

Dream big and put some action behind your plans!

Happy New Year!!