Many people have a home network in order to share an Internet connection, stream movies from the Internet, share printers, or share files or music among devices, such as computers, TV sets, Home Theater equipment and Music Players.

There are three types of home networks: wired,wireless and mixed (wired and wireless). Wired networks use wires to connect the devices together. Wireless networks use radio waves to connect the devices. Mixed networks use both wired and wireless connections.

Wired connections are by far the most reliable. If at all feasible, we recommend wired connections for all stationary devices.

To setup a home network, a device called a router is used to connect the devices inside your home to the Internet. Routers can wired only, or more commonly both wired and wireless Routers also include a firewall as an additional level of protection from Internet threats.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when setting up your home network:

1. Not securing the network with a wireless password. Without a wireless password, any device within range of your network can connect to it and use your Internet connection, which can cause your Internet speed to slow to a crawl. Also, any shared devices, such as printers or computers that are sharing files may be accessible.

2. Not writing down all network settings and passwords. We spend an inordinate amount of time trying to find forgotten or misplaced passwords, usernames and settings.

We have extensive experience setting up and troubleshooting wired and wireless networks for both PCs and Macs.

The post Home Networking appeared first on Nerd4Rent Computer Support.

This does not affect users who signed up before December 6, 2012, or individual accounts.

The post Google Apps for Business Now Requires a Fee appeared first on Nerd4Rent Computer Support.

Below is a message from Appriver re: an issue with Apple devices connecting through hosted Exchange.  The gist of the article is that there is not an immediate fix, but both Apple and Microsoft are working on a solution.  In the meantime, if you are affected, they have a workaround, which we can help implement if needed. Conspiracy theories anyone?

“ Apple iOS 6.1.x connection problems

Apple mobile device users (iPhone/iPad/iPod) who have upgraded to iOS 6.1 or 6.1.1 may experience connection issues with Hosted Exchange mailboxes. If you have not upgraded to iOS 6.1 or 6.1.1, please do not do so yet . If you are experiencing connection issues with your upgraded iOS, the only fix available now is to remove your Exchange mailbox connection, wait 30 minutes and then add your Exchange connection without your calendar. That would mean your iOS device would not sync with your mailbox calendar.

Apple and Microsoft are both actively working on this issue and if anything changes we will update our notice.”

The post iPhones and iPads may have an issue with Hosted Exchange eMail & Calendars appeared first on Nerd4Rent Computer Support.

Apparently, Google is not denying this. Is this a big deal? It depends upon your views about privacy/advertising, etc.

Some would say that it’s better to receive ads that are of interest, while others argue that it’s an invasion of privacy.

If you’re uncomfortable with Google analyzing your Gmail, then consider switching to a vendor who does not. Microsoft claims it doesn’t with their online email service outlook.com

The post Is Gmail (Google) sending you ads based on what’s is your emails? appeared first on Nerd4Rent Computer Support.

I have purchased an iPad case and wireless keyboard made by Kensington, and it really helps make the iPad much more usable. I love the keyboard-it makes typing soo much easier, especially since you don’t have to switch keyboards for numbers and special characters.

My client and friend, steve Meagher of Site Solutions has released a video which discusses some steps you can take to make you iPad more ergonomic. Check it out here http://www.siteergonomics.com

The post Is Your iPad an Ergonomic Nightmare? appeared first on Nerd4Rent Computer Support.

There are multiple security vulnerabilities that the update corrects. If you have an unpatched version and a bad person tricks you into clicking on a PDF file contained in an email, the bad person could take over your computer.

Here’s the official notification from the National Cyber Awareness System

Adobe Releases Security Update for Adobe Reader and Acrobat

Original release date: February 14, 2013 Last revised: –

Adobe has released a security update for Adobe Reader and Acrobat to address multiple vulnerabilities. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to cause a denial-of-service condition or take control of the affected system. Adobe is aware of reports that these vulnerabilities are being exploited in the wild in targeted attacks designed to trick users into clicking on malicious PDF files delivered in an email message.

Adobe has released updates for the following versions:

* Adobe Reader XI 11.0.01 and earlier for Windows and Macintosh

* Adobe Reader X 10.1.5 and earlier for Windows and Macintosh

* Adobe Reader 9.5.3 and earlier 9.x versions for Windows, Macintosh and Linux

* Adobe Acrobat XI 11.0.01 and earlier for Windows and Macintosh

* Adobe Acrobat X 10.1.5 and earlier for Windows and Macintosh

* Adobe Acrobat 9.5.3. and earlier 9.x versions for Windows and Macintosh

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Adobe Security Bulletin APSB13-02 and follow best-practice security polices to determine which updates should be applied.

Relevant URL(s):

<http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa13-02.html>

Adobe has released a security update for Adobe Shockwave Player to address multiple vulnerabilities. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

* Adobe Shockwave Player 11.6.8.638 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Adobe Security Bulletin APSB13-06 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risk.

Relevant URL(s):

<http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb13-06.html>

Adobe Releases Security Update for Adobe Flash Player

Original release date: February 13, 2013 Last revised: –

Adobe has released a security update for Adobe Flash Player to address multiple vulnerabilities. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to cause a denial-of-service condition or take control of the affected systems.

Adobe has released updates for the following versions:

* Adobe Flash Player 11.5.502.149 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh

* Adobe Flash player 11.2.202.262 and earlier versions for Linux

* Adobe Flash player 11.1.115.37 and earlier versions for Android 4.x devices

* Adobe Flash player 11.1.111.32 and earlier versions for Android 3.x devices

* Adobe AIR 3.5.0.1060 and earlier versions

* Adobe AIR 3.5.0.1060 SDK (including AIR for iOS) and earlier versions

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Adobe Security Bulletin APSB13-05 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risk.

Relevant URL(s):

<https://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb13-05.html>

The post Update your Adobe Reader, Acrobat, Flash & Shockwave appeared first on Nerd4Rent Computer Support.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/windows-8-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html

Here’s a Windows 8 cheat Sheet for seniors

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/windows-8-for-seniors-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html

The post Windows 8 Cheat Sheet Links appeared first on Nerd4Rent Computer Support.

With the concern for privacy and identity theft, many people feel uncomfortable giving out their social security number. There’s an easy way to keep your social security number private and still comply with the reporting requirements-just apply for an employer id number for the IRS. You can do this even if you have (and never expect to have) any employees. You can apply online at http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-%28EIN%29-Online.

Disclaimer: I am not a CPA or attorney. Please check with your CPA to make sure the above comments apply to your situation before use.

The post Entrepreneurs-You don’t have to put your SSN on w-9 forms appeared first on Nerd4Rent Computer Support.

Prices are still very high for 4K products: a 4K projector costs around $25,000 on Amazon, but as with all new technology, expect prices to fall rapidly as more units are sold.

And guess what? 8k TV is coming too!

The post 4k Ultra Hi-Def TV is here appeared first on Nerd4Rent Computer Support.

Windows 8 was a huge gamble for Microsoft. Microsoft bet the farm on the idea that people want their phones, tablets, laptops and computers to have exactly the same interface. I get the idea for tablets and phones, but not computers. Windows 8 emphasizes touch screens, where you control your device with swipes and taps from your fingers. Fine for mobile devices, not fine for computers (in my opinion). Why?

When you use a touch-screen computer, you have to sit close to it to be able to reach out and control everything with your fingers. Also, it doesn’t seem ergonomic to me. And what about cleaning all those fingerprints off the screen?  I think using your fingers to work your computer is slower and harder than using a keyboard/mouse (at least in the present incarnation).

The post Windows 8 tablet computers not selling well appeared first on Nerd4Rent Computer Support.