Computer/ Internet Tips & News
May 2021

  • Spend a few minutes to check out these scams so that you don't become a victim
  • 10-digit dialing required by October
  • Chip shortage likely to raise computer prices
  • Verizon sells off Yahoo & AOL
  • Emergency Broadband Benefit provides temporary internet discount for low-income households
  • Previous articles you may have missed or want to read again are available on our website and newsletter archives
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Spend a few minutes to check out these scams so that you don't become a victim
Scammers are becoming increasingly clever. Every month we hear from clients who have been scammed by letting someone take control of their computer and coerce them into paying for support for non-existent computer or account-related problems. With a little bit of knowledge of how these scams work, you won't become a victim yourself.

Scams typically start with a website pop-up, email, phone call or text message from a well-known company such as Amazon, Windows/Microsoft, Apple, or Netflix. You are notified about a large purchase that has been or will be charged to your account - or there's a problem with your account or device/computer. You're told to call, click a link or talk to a fraud/account representative to confirm the purchase or account information. No matter how legitimate it sounds - It's a scam!

10-digit dialing required by October 2021
If you’re used to calling your neighbor or doctor by just dialing their 7-digit phone number – things are about to change. Beginning October 24, 2021 you must dial 10-digits to reach any number in the 775 area code – and most area codes in the United States.

The change is so that callers may reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing the 3-digit number “988” – similar to dialing “911” for local emergencies.

Beginning October 24, 2021 if you dial only 7-digits you will be instructed to hang-up and re-dial using the 10-digit phone number.

Now is the time to start updating the phone numbers stored in your cell phone to the full 10-digit number.
Chip shortage likely to raise computer prices
Semiconductor chips are used in computers, smartphones, TVs, automobiles, and many other things that we use in our daily lives. The COVID-19 pandemic and fires at chip manufacturing facilities in the past year have caused shortages of chips, thus raising prices as the supply can't keep up with demand. This will likely cause your next computer to be more expensive than it would have been 2 years ago. This recent CNBC article gives more details.
If you've been putting off buying a new computer or computing device, make sure to read our advice on how to get the best bang-for-the-buck on your next purchase, and what type of storage/drive is a must-have.

Click here to read our detailed buying information, or if you want just our recommended specifications and links to specific computers click here.
More recent news...
Easily access previous tips newsletters
You can easily access tips and news from previous newsletters on our newsletter archives webpage. Articles you may have missed or wish to read again include:

  • How to make it easier to read articles in your web browser - use Reader Mode
  • FTC Identity Theft website guides victims through the recovery process
  • Top 5 password tips that you need to know
  • How to spot scams that pop-up on your screen - and how to get rid of them
  • How to spot emails, texts and pop-ups that "phish" for your private information
  • Your old cellphone may stop working soon
  • We can help with more than just computers and smartphones
  • How to fix most printer problems
  • Watch the world from home
  • How to send a message or email from your phone correctly
  • Ad blockers becoming less effective
  • Why you don't need to buy AntiVirus for your device
  • Is it time to replace or optimize your Wi-Fi?
  • Be proactive about computer maintenance
  • Why you should keep your computer ON when you're not using it
  • Canceling your TV service
  • Why you should never unsubscribe from certain emails
  • How ads follow you around the internet
  • Are you prepared if you lost your data?
  • Check to see if your email address was exposed in a data breach
  • Are you fed up with your internet provider's email "service"?
  • The one spec your next computer must have
Get regular computing device maintenance and priority support
It's time to be proactive about maintaining your computing devices - rather than calling after problems get out-of-control. With reports of websites and databases getting hacked occurring on a daily basis, and the increasing chance of your personal information being compromised, it’s more important than ever to keep your computing devices secure, up-to-date and maintained.

Thanks to the peace-of-mind that our Computer Maintenance Plan provides, clients that sign-up for the plan don't have to worry about the seemingly constant barrage of updates, security patches and computer hackers. They also get priority callbacks and messaging replies.

With our Computer Maintenance Plan we will maintain, update and check the security on your computer - and other devices (when performed on-site) - on a convenient regularly scheduled basis.

For more information read more...


Thank you!

Mark Cobb
Owner/Technician/IT Consultant