It's time to cut AOL loose...

AOL??

Lately I've seen a number of computer users still using AOL for email.  A few are STILL PAYING AOL.  Here are some facts:

AOL used to provide dial up access to their website and email servers.  They charged for  this service.  While AOL may still provide dial up services, most users have long since changed their computer access to FIOS or cable companies.  These users do not need the services AOL bills for.  However they still dutifully pay their monthly AOL bill.  There is no need to pay that bill.  AOL has become an News/lifestyle website like Yahoo or MSN.  Anyone who has FIOS, Comcast, Time Warner, AT&T, or others for high speed internet access do not need AOL's internet access.  AND, if you choose to continue using AOL email, you don't have to pay for it either.  It's free and has been for a long time.

There are a few options other than AOL email.  Google's Gmail is an excellent option, as is Microsoft's outlook.com email system.  Both are free and provide excellent service.  Changing email systems is also very easy.  Simply send messages to your most frequent contacts stating that you are changing email providers and give them the new email address.  You may also put an "intercept" message (using the away / vacation function) stating that this current email id is no longer used.  Do not include your new email address.  Instead, put a sentence similar to "if you know me, call me for the new email address".  This may cut down on spammers following you to your new email. 

Please give consideration to changing to an email other than AOL, and definitely call them and get them to stop charging you for free services.

Have a great Holiday Season!

Peace,


Dave

Summer and Autumn in the rear view mirror!

December Already

Yep, it COLD, wet, cloudy weather!  Ah, New Jersey Living!  To those who left for Florida, take me with you, please!

Ok, so no takers, so I move on.

Phishing Messages

I have a friend who MAY have inadvertently replied to a Phishing message, and compromised her Banking information.  Of course, this brought up all kinds of account closings/openings, password changes and much more FUN activity.   If you receive a message from "your bank" or "your credit card company", don't click on any links.  Get out of the message and log into your institution from their own website.  If the message said your account was suspended or locked and you can get on, then the message was a false attempt to get you to give out your account information.  Be careful out there

XP Once Again

Anybody running computers with Microsoft Windows XP should buy a new computer immediately.  XP is not supported and is vulnerable to hacking attacks.  Microsoft is no longer fixing XP security issues, so it's a hackers dream to get access to all those XP computers out there.  Don't be a casualty!!  New PC's are inexpensive, PLUS there are deals out there for the holidays.  I can help.  Just call me at 732-568-4943 for recomendations.

Remember Pearl Harbor

Oh, and remember that our nation was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the Empire of Japan on December 7, 1941.  Take time from your day tomorrow to remember those who passed in the defense of our freedom.

All for now,

Have a Merry, Happy and a Happy New Year.

Peace,

Dave