Back to School -Technology Tip to Better Schools

It is that time of year again. Whether you are jumping for joy as you will now have a few moments peace in the day, or you are sad because the work load just increased, either way... schools are (will be) back in session.

In these financial times, our school children can use our support more than ever. Waste needs to stop of course. But why waste the freebies provided by big business. Look around on the web. Many of the places you already shop offer rewards points that can be applied to your local school. Food stores, general merchandise, and more can help your schools fundraise without much effort.  Perhaps a few clicks of the mouse, an application there.  Wouldn't this be worth the investment in our future?

It would be lovely if everyone had the power to write a large check to donate to education. But we know this isn't realistic. Yet, everyone does have the power to choose to make their purchases even more beneficial.

Not sure where to begin. Here are a few samples:

• Stop and Shop A+ School Rewards, (http://www.stopandshop.com/our_stores/bonus_bucks/index.htm)

• ShopRite and Campbells Elabels program, (http://www.elabelsforeducation.com/Sites/Campbells_eLabels/Page/HomePage)

• Target Take Charge of Education,
  (https://sites.target.com/site/en/corporate/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-005174)

• Boxtops4education [earn by shopping online for items you normally order], (http://www.boxtops4education.com/)

There are many more programs. A quick google search may find a program that you would like to use to support your local schools. As always, The Tech Angels of New Rochelle would like to encourage you to put technology to work for you.

Frustrated in a Flash

Today's user demands portability. Today's consumer may have several methods of portability. How many of us at one time in our lives have needed that all important file only to find it missing? Live through this heart-wrenching situation once and you will probably find yourself backing up important documents in multiple places.

As prices fall and software advances backing up of such materials becomes all the easier to accomplish. Small devices that plug into your system can hold so much more information today then yesterday. Modern technology puts so much accessibility and portability at our fingertips. But unfortunately nothing is perfect.

Recently, we purchased two flash drives for use to save information. However, they are designed to be easier to use. Plug in, a software program runs, and now your files are easy to access. However, this software program is unknown by several computer security programs. Your antivirus or malware scanner may flag the program as an issue. After repeated scans of the drive with the appropriate scanner software the conclusion finally came to us... the software on the drive is being picked up as an issue.

Now on the other hand... whenever something good is created someone comes along to try to exploit it. If only these people would channel their energy for good we could end war and stop world hunger. But instead people decide to utilize their time in a different manner. Some are now beginning to create viruses and malware programs that will attach themselves to your flashdrives. Infact a recent report from Panda Security shows a marked increase of such infections taking place.

Suggestions:

• Purchase fresh:

Back to School season is here. Many sales are being hosted or will be hosted in the next few weeks. Consider purchasing new flash memory. Remember flash memory is also used in your cameras and phones. Why not upgrade and start with a clean slate.

• Scan what you have:

Take the time now to check what you currently have before you no longer have it. There is nothing worse then finding out the hard way during crunch-time that your portable media has been compromised. If you need help doing this feel free to contact The Tech Angels of New Rochelle Computer Repair Services, http://TheTechAngels.com.

Are you being frustrated by the malware warnings your computer is generated?

Have you experienced an actual malware infection?

We would love to receive your feedback.