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“Banking Security Update”

AdminP — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:15:57 +0000

Wanted to bring a new virus threat to your attention – if you haven’t heard about it. It has a new twist in that it is delivered directly via the opened email – not by an attachment. The following is quoted from a newspaper article I read today about this.

This is the subject line you want to watch out for: Banking Security Update

Begin Quote

A new class of cyber attack is threatening PCs — emails which infect PCs without the user having to open an attachment.

The user will not even be warned this is happening — the only message that appears is “loading.”

The email automatically downloads malicious software into your computer from elsewhere the moment a user clicks to open it.

Think your security system will catch the email? Chances are probably not — unless you have your security software set at maximum level. The Daily Mail reports that because the email itself isn’t necessarily infected, many security systems will not pick up on it. Security experts were reported as saying the virus is “particularly dangerous.”

Eleven Research Team states that the new virus is called a “drive-by virus,” consisting of an HTML email that only requires the user to open the mail.

End Quote

Stay Safe!

8 Steps for Closing an Internet Business

AdminP — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:49:06 +0000

We’ve talked about setting up an Internet business – but not about closing one down. So let’s see what some of the basic steps are should you decide to close an Internet business. If you have been working with only one website, you will have more to do than if you have several websites that are using or sharing the same support services, i.e., payment/credit card, website hosting, domain registration, etc.

The following steps would primarily be used to close down a single domain website (business). Again, if you are using some of the services for other businesses, you would want to leave those accounts open and active.

1. Domain Registration – Check the domain account settings with the registrar to be sure it is not scheduled to ‘auto renew’. You do not want to pay for a domain you don’t want – unless you plan on using that same name again at a future time. In that case, you may want to leave it on ‘auto-renew’ or put it on ‘manual’. Having a domain registration on ‘manual’ gives you the opportunity to make decisions based on current situations.

2. Hosting If you have separate, stand-alone hosting for your website, you need to cancel this service …. ( only IF you do not have multiple domains hosted under the same IP address or account ). Before canceling , we recommend downloading and keeping a complete copy of the website for possible future need.

3. Online payment services, i.e, PayPal can also be closed – if they are a one use account. But before canceling, any monies in the account should be requested via check or bank transfer. If you have your own credit card service, you will also need to cancel that service as well – unless it is being used for other businesses.

4. Bank Accounts – The business bank account should be closed . . . again, unless you are using it for other on-going business ventures. And, if you are waiting on transfers from online payment services like PayPal or affiliate payments, the account should be left active until all receipts have been posted and all out going checks have cleared. If you must close the account immediately for some reason, the original payment method selected of ‘bank transfer’ should be changed to an alternate method, ie., check, debit card, etc. Note: Any credit or debit cards associated with the business account should also be terminated at the same time the bank account is closed.

5. Miscellaneous Services – Any other on-going services associated with the website should also be terminated. This might be advertising, web design service/maintenance, SEO work, etc. Note: When closing an account, make sure there are no outstanding balances and request email or written confirmation that the account has been closed on the specified day with no monies due. This is good advice to follow for closing any account.

6. Email – If you have any business email addresses associated with the .com (info@yourdomain.com), you may want to advise clients, associates, etc. that the email address they have been using will no longer be active and provide an alternate generic email address (Google, Yahoo) to use should they need to contact you.

7. Taxes – If you have your business registered with your state taxing authority, you will need to advise them that the business has been closed . Should you have more than one business associated with your tax number, in most cases, the state will still need to know if one of the business locations has been shut down.

8. Files – Reconcile all accounts associated with the business and then compile all tax records and have them ready for filing sales tax and income tax. These files - and any other pertinent data associated with the business – should be stored in a labeled box for future reference should they be needed.

In all cases, check the ‘fine print’ with regard to canceling services to avoid any penalties or additional fees.

Surprisingly, closing a business can be more labor intensive than starting one up. The main thing to remember is to keep good, accurate records of your actions . . . date, time, phone numbers, person you spoke to, copies of email confirmations, etc. as you go through the process.

These steps are intended to be a brief overview of what is associated with closing an online-only business. It is not intended to be exact, nor complete, as every business venture is different. However, we hope that it gives you some things to think about. When in doubt, any concerns or questions regarding the closure of a business should be discussed with your CPA or the proper authorities.

Dell Update

AdminP — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:49:03 +0000

Wanted to report that I was able to find information on the Net on how to install my HP printer program (previously used on a 32-bit Dell computer) into my 64-bit Dell – and get around the Administrator block at the same time.

By performing a search on Google, I was able to find a web site with information that gave directions on how to install programs that were not intended for a 64-bit compatible but will still work with a 64-bit computer.

I was able to get the HP program to install by holding down the Crt + Shift keys simultaneously when starting the HP installation – and continued to hold them down while the program was initializing. Once the program fully initialized, I released the Crt + Shift keys and the program went forward with the installation per usual – not only circumventing the Administrator program that had me blocked but also when finished my printer was working just like before!!

For any of you that may have a similar problem – you’ll need to do a search based on your computer and the program issues you are having.

Also, want to give credit where credit is due. While I had problems with the Tech people in resolving the Administrator problem on the new computer – I requested a service call for another issue on my older Dell computer (covered by a maintenance warranty) and Dell came through. Next day service – as promised – and the service rep was very professional and courteous.

What’s Happened to Customer Support?

AdminP — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:30:20 +0000

Well, I had intended to write about passwords this week – and in a way I am – but not like I had originally intended. After an hour plus ordeal on the phone with Dell – I hereby resolve NEVER to buy another Dell computer and will tell you why.

Let me start by saying that I have four Dell computers – three PC’s and one laptop. My most recent purchase a Studio XPS was an ordeal in itself – that lasted over a month – about which I wasn’t happy at all, but putting that aside, let me continue with my most recent encounter with Dell. On trying to load my printer software into my new computer, I ran into a wall and received a screen message that said that the ‘Administrator’ would have to do this. Before I continue – let me say I didn’t have any trouble installing any of the other software programs.

That being said – you should know that I didn’t set any Administrator password in my computer – so where did this come from? After multiple attempts to install the HP program – I called Dell Customer ‘Support’. After being transferred three times I finally got to the ‘software person’ who informed me ‘my problem’ was a ‘software issue’ and that since I hadn’t purchased a ‘Software Warranty’ they could help but it would cost $$$$. Did you know Dell had two different types of warranties? I didn’t – news to me. Yes, I purchased a warranty… for 3 years in fact – but apparently it only covers ‘hardware’. I then asked to speak to a supervisor. After speaking with a ‘supervisor’ and again explaining my situation about the Administrator ‘wall’ – I was left with the same answer – “no pay – no fix”. What a disappointment in Dell and their customer support. And must confess, I was a little more than angry after having spent quite a sum purchasing the computer and what I thought was a warranty for everything.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do about this issue – yet. After all, I need a printer for this computer. You can be sure of one thing – you won’t find me buying Dell again. My last purchase was not only an ordeal during purchasing but also trying to get support after the purchase.

I guess what I’m trying to say here is that it’s sad how companies let their customer support decline. I felt all the people I talked to didn’t care one way or the other whether or not my new computer was working satisfactorily and if I was a happy customer that would return. I would have been happy if they would have just offered me a link I could go visit to get information on how to solve my dilemma – after all, computers don’t come with Operating Manuals.

Now – for those of you out there who are planning on buying a computer in the near future*- I say ask questions!

If I buy a ‘warranty’ – exactly what does it cover?
What does the hardware warranty include? Labor? Parts?
Is the software included in the warranty or do I need a separate warranty for that?
Do you offer service in home – or do I have to take or ship it somewhere? If so, where? And who pays for the shipping?
Can my warranty be cancelled? If the answer is yes, what constitutes this?
Can my warranty be transferred if I sell my computer? Is there a set procedure.
If I have a problem with my new computer (hardware and/or software), will you fix it for free? and for how long?

The best defense is being an informed consumer – this is true for any purchase – so bottom line is that I hope that the problem I’ve encountered with the purchase of my last Dell computer will serve as a lesson for some of you and help you out there avoid the same problem.

2012 Check List

AdminP — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:42:37 +0000

Here’s hoping everyone had a great break and are now ready to get back to work. We have lots of plans for this year but before we begin - after a great two week break I might add – we always take a little time to get ourselves organized. This includes . . .

getting all necessary papers together for filing taxes
finishing any general filing that might need to be done for 2011
turning in state sales taxes
renewing any domains that may be expiring (don’t forget fees go up middle of the month)
making sure websites are backed-up
getting file folders, etc. ready for 2012 and boxing up old out-dated files . . .

and in general just making sure everything is in order. This also includes making sure we have current virus protection for our computers and uploading all current virus updates available. Our favorite virus protection is through AVG – you can download on line and buy multiple licenses if you have more than one computer.

Just read an article about a virus to be aware of – seemingly transmitted through a picture of a ‘dead’ Fidel Castro. Yes, this has been around before, but according to the article on The Blaze, this picture of FC is being used to send a trojan virus. If you don’t have your computer files backed-up either using an external drive or jump drive, you may want to think about doing so. Over the years we’ve lost our files about three times – so I’m a firm believer in redundant backups. And as far as backing up your website goes, for those with Hostgator – you can backup your website files using the cPanel and the Backup Wizard. It makes the process incredibly easy and takes about a minute.