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Rye, NY 10580

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4 Things That Make Moving To A New PC Simple

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Do you have an outdated PC? Are you ready to upgrade to new equipment? It may seem daunting. Depending on how many files, photos and data you have on your current computer, it may be. Let’s make this easy. I’m going to share four useful tips to make your transition seamless, take less effort and be foolproof. These tips can be used at home or work.

Let’s break it down. There are the four steps to follow as you move to a new PC:

Use Webmail for your eMail:

You don’t need to make new accounts and ditch your old ones, if you’re using Webmail you simply have to log-in to your accounts on your new PC. You can use webmail with GMAIL, Yahoo, AOL or Outlook). Email clients are desktop software that allows users to access their emails on their computer without having to log in via the web, this is a bit more complex and results in frustration for many people.

Use Services to Save Your Files:

The easiest way to transfer your files to your new PC is to use a cloud storage service. Your files are stored online and are available to all your computers and mobile devices that are signed in. It’s essentially instant transfer! Cloud also saves on storage for your devices since the consumption occurs on the cloud. The most popular cloud storages are Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive. They are free at the base level. Upgrades are available, of course. OneDrive has 1TB of storage if you buy MS-Office (365).

Sign into Your Browser:

Google Chrome is one of the most popular browsers and you can create multiple profiles to make transferring computers that much easier as it saves your browsing data, like bookmarks, cache, history, etc., on the cloud. All you have to do is create a new profile and link it to an existing Google account on your new computer.

Microsoft Edge works the same way as Chrome where you have a profile that stores all your data, to transfer onto your new computer launch Edge on your old computer, go to Settings, and click on Profile in the left-hand pane. Next, click on Sync, and select the items you want to sync. Make sure to include your bookmarks on the list. Then launch Edge on your new PC, log in to your Microsoft account and hit the Sync option again.

Firefox also has profiles that store all your data, the easiest way to transfer your data without having to move everything to a flash drive is to move your profile from the old PC to the new one. Log into your profile on your old PC then copy everything you need, then go to your new computer sign in again and paste it all to your new computer.  

Have a Microsoft account:

With a Microsoft account, you can manage everything in one place. Track your subscriptions, organize your family’s digital life, update your privacy and security settings, and mange the health and safety of your devices.

Everything stays with you in the cloud and across devices. Your OneDrive account is linked to your Microsoft account so you can back up your files online. When you’re ready, sync them onto a new PC. Alternatively you can leave them in the cloud without having to download them. This saves space on your new PC’s hard drive and leaves your files and photos easily accessible from any of your devices. If you do not already have an account, you may create one here.

All in all moving to a new computer isn’t as much of a headache than one may believe. With the right accounts, programs and apps moving from your old PC to a new one is as easy as can be. Just be sure to keep track of all your account information such as username and password, have all your files sorted and up-to-date and try to keep all your files in one place to avoid confusion or loss. If you need any help navigating your new or old computer, I’m here to help!

Contact Dominick

The Dark Web – 3 Things You Need To Know

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You’ve heard the term “Dark Web” before but what exactly is it? Are you at risk? What can you do if your information is leaked? Read on, I’ll tell you everything you need to know. It’s mysterious and dark. But you can protect yourself.

Dark web, identity theft, hackers, hacking

What Is The Dark Web?

The dark web is the World Wide Web content that exists on darknets, internet sites you cannot access through a normal browser.  You need to go through overlay networks that use the Internet but require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. There is a lot of privacy and anonymity that comes with using the dark web compared to traditional websites which is what makes it so intriguing to certain individuals. 

On the “surface web” when you use browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge, etc and you may be tracked. Hackers and certain individuals seek anonymity so they go into the Dark Web. The tracking there is not stored on one data base. That tracking is shared across thousands of computers across the web. Thereby it’s nearly impossible to track the source.

The dark web was originally  created and used by the United States Department of Defense. The idea was to communicate anonymously. The dark web has now become a hub for users wishing to remain anonymous around the world. People can use the dark web for both legal and illegal purposes.

Dark web, identity theft, hackers, hacking

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Is My Information On The Dark Web?

There are a few ways you can tell if your data is on the dark web. You can get a dark web scan with some credit bureaus like Experian. Additionally, if your data winds up on the dark web, you can find out by checking the “Have I Been Pwned” (HIBP) website. It’s a free service, and all you have to do is conduct a search using your email address or phone number.

What Can I Do About My Information Being On The Dark Web?

If a dark web scan reveals your information is available online: Here’s what to Do:

  1. Change Your Passwords immediately.
  2. Add Two-Step Authentication to Your Accounts where applicable.
  3. Try to Add SIM-Swapping Protection to Your Phone so a hacker cannot take control of your phone number and use the secure code to break into your account.
  4. Report the Theft of Your Personal and Account Information to your bank or any other important accounts.
  5. Freeze Your Credit on all three bureaus.
  6. Stay Proactive, if you are made aware of a breach, take action before anything happens. Have monthly reports of SSN alerts, many institutions offer this service at  little to no cost.

This is not to scare you. It’s not to steer you away from internet. I provide you the necessary information to keep you and your personal data safe and secure. Every day the government and institutions work to keep your data safe. Hackers however work twice as hard to continue to steal and leak your information. Being proactive and taking the time to make sure your information is safe is a small use of your time that will go a long way in the long run. 

If you need any help navigating protective measures, or, if you feel your data has been leaked and are not sure what to do about it, contact me for further assistance. 

Reach Dominick

What is Account Verification? Should I Really Verify My Accounts?

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Yes! Ensure your accounts are your own. It’s important to verify that your account as belonging to you. . Generally verification is done by email or text message. Google may ask you to verify your account using a separate email address. sThis is important to help keep your accounts safe. It keep you in solid and good standing.

Signing into an account through an unknown or new device may prompt a verification. This gives you that extra peace of mind and keep your accounts secure.

Verify your accounts. It will prove you own them. It’ll prove you (or your business) use them. Creating a new account automatically prompts verification through email or mobile device. If not, it is in your best interest to see how you can verify your account with additional safety measures. 

account verification, gmail, appleid

ADVANTAGES OF VERIFICATION

  • Avoid breaches of your accounts.
  • Guard against improper use of data.
  • Ensure proper recording and valuation of assets and data.

All you need to do is provide the account with your email or your phone number to verify your account. Not doing so can risk someone else accessing your account. Your data can become exposed. You may get locked out of your own account. No longer having access to your account leaves you jumping through hoops to regain access.

You can check to see if your accounts are verified or not here:

Do not get locked out of your accounts. If they are verified it will be easier to gain access again.

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For a Google account: If you have a recovery email address, you will be sent a verification code to reset your password. If you don’t, provide an email address or phone number where you can receive a code. Once you receive the code, type it and click Next. You’ll then create a new password. 

For an Apple ID account: Open a browser and go to iforgot.apple.com. Enter your ‌Apple ID‌ email in the box. Follow the onscreen prompts and answer the questions to verify that you are the owner of the account.

For an AOL account: Use the Sign-in Helper to locate your username and regain access to your account by entering your recovery mobile number or alternate email address. If you know your username but need to reset your password, make sure you create a strong password after you’re back in your account.

Account Verification VS. Two Factor Authentication

What you need to know! Account verification and two factor authentication are different. Account verification is the process of you verifying that this account is owned by you. Two factor authentication involves verifying two different factors of authentication. This is before granting access to your account and may done every time you sign in to your account. You only need to verify your account once.

If you have any questions or need help making sure your account is verified and you have all the information you need to help keep your accounts safe, contact Dominick for further assistance and guidance.

Reach Dominick

Protect Your Internet Privacy In 4 Easy Steps

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You’ve seen a lot of articles about internet privacy over the years. What can you actually do to protect yourself? We use the Internet more and more, your privacy is under constant threat from cybercriminals, governments, and corporations who want to gather your personal information and tailor specific ads. The ads based on your interests. Internet privacy laws are not the total solution. Play today at King Casino safely and securely.

This means it’s up to us to protect our privacy  and personal data on the Internet. Your internet privacy matters. Your privacy is constantly being attacked. This is regardless of your age. 

Ever wonder why you’re seeing ads for specific items you may have been researching prior? Coincidence? No! Companies track your behavior across websites to serve you with highly relevant advertisements.

Different Generations Regard Privacy Differently

Millennials grew up with the internet and a device in their pocket, it has come to be a myth that they go unbothered by internet privacy. CivicScience found that 67 percent of Millennials expressed a worry over hacking of their personal financial information. . Millennials are not far behind Gen-X and Baby boomers. Those two groups do express more concern over the matter. It is rare to see different generations express the same concerns. LOL. This makes Internet Privacy not something to take lightly. 

Many Major Companies Have Been Accused of Violating User Privacy

  1. Yahoo. Yahoo voluntarily scanned customer emails. They handing over the data to the NSA.
  2. Vizio. While people were watching their TVs Vizio went and shared that information with companies that served out targeted ads.
  3. CVS. In just four years, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found over 200 instances in which CVS violated federal patient Privacy Laws. Read about that here.
  4. Verizon. Verizon created the “supercookie” and tracked customers’ browsing history. A supercookie is unlike a normal cookie. It makes deleting cookies difficult. It’s very difficult to erase from one’s web browser. Verizon was fined more than a million dollars as a result.

Major companies have been exposed for breaching data privacy, this is the tip of the iceberg.

The History Of Privacy Violations

Amendments to the US Constitution afford privacy as a right for all Americans. The establishment of the FTC, the ruling of sealed mail, the Privacy Act of 1974, the Gramm Leach Bailey Act Privacy establish privacy as law.  

We live in a world of technology that shows no signs of slowing down so rather than going head to head against technological intrusions, we can simply put more effort towards recognizing the value of our data. Let’s ensure we will have a space where we can be ourselves and be left alone to enjoy the internet.

Wherever You Can, Opt Out of Interest-Based Advertising

Tech companies do offer instructions to say no to ads. Suppress tailored ads. Tailored ads are those aimed at your browsing or buying habits. They identify your interests. This will not eliminate ads, but the ads you see will not be targeted.

Protect your Privacy in 4 Easy Steps

FIRST: Block Ads on Google

Google, of course, is the predominate marketing and search site.

Protect Yourself on Google

SECOND: Control the ads you see on Facebook

Facebook is the largest online social media and social networking service. American company, Meta Platforms, owns Facebook.

Protect Yourself on Facebook

THIRD: Internet-based opt-out Policy on Twitter

Twitter is a microblogging and social networking service owned by American company Twitter, Inc., on which users post and interact with messages known as “tweets”.

Protect Yourself On Twitter

FOURTH: Control personalized ads on the App Store, Apple News, and more with Apple

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company. It specializes in consumer electronics, software and online services headquartered in Cupertino, California

Protect Yourself on Apple

If you need help, contact me. Together we can implement your privacy wishes.  

Contact Dominick

6 Things To Do With Your iPhone Photos

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Chances are you snap a photo anytime you visit a new place, have family gatherings, or your pet does something absolutely adorable. What about when your kid celebrates a milestone or life simply makes you feel good? It’s worth taking a photo with your iPhone.

But, what do you do with it afterwards? Does it just sit there on your phone? You may pull it out to show someone, but for the most part it sits on your phone underutilized. Be more social with it. I can help.

You have so many options for fun, creative ways to share your photos and turn them into something you can look at and appreciate everyday! 

Don’t Let Thousands of Photos Just Sit on iCloud

  • Send Them in a Text message
  • Email Them
  • Make an Album
  • Share Folders
  • Print a Book
  • AirDrop to People Nearby
  • Free Your Photo from Being On a ‘virtual’ Desert Island All Alone

If you’re wondering how. I’ll show you to share your photos with friends and family. They will enjoy them also. There are different and creative ways for you to use your photos and get the most out of them

Photos, iphone, iCloud, IOS

Text Photos To Contacts On Your iPhone

Have a family member or friend that would enjoy a picture on your phone? You can text photos to your contacts by simply going to your messages, selecting your chosen contact and selecting the camera icon to choose a photo to share! This is a great way to keep friends and family up to date on your latest adventures! 

Insert Pictures Into Your Emails

A more formal way to let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to is to add photos to your email to share. You can add photos to your emails by selecting the attachment icon and select upload to upload the photo you wish to share! This can also be a visual aid to your emails when trying to communicate your inspiration ideas!

Make Albums On Your iPhone

Organizing your photos can help you easily access the photos you are looking for whether it’s a time of year, a certain trip or memory you’d like to access. You can create albums on your iPhone to organize all your favorite memories! Go to your photos app on iPhone, navigate to albums and on the top left corner hit the + icon to create a new album and add your desired photos to that album!

Share Folders On Google Drive

If you don’t already have a Google Drive account you can get one for free. There you can easily upload your pictures or even videos and share them as a folder to anyone! This is another great way to keep your photos and videos organized without taking up storage on your iPhone. Simply create a folder on Google Drive then upload all your photos to that folder.

Make A Printed Book:

There are so many services where you can send or upload all your photos and make printed books, canvas wall art and so much more with them! Here a just a few:

This is a great way to physically have your favorite photos with you and it can also be a great gift for weddings, anniversary’s, holidays or other celebrations! 

Airdrop Your Photos To People Nearby

Airdrop is a great feature from Apple that lets you automatically send pictures, videos or even contacts to people within your range and it will automatically save it to the recipients phone. So when you’re at a party or gathering and you’ve just taken a picture and someone wants it you can send it to them then and there! 

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These are just some ways you can utilize your pictures that gather on your phone for others to enjoy.

Don’t let precious memory just sit on your iPhone gathering dust. With plenty of pictures apps, the latest IOS updates and printing services out there you can make the most of your photos and relive those moments for years to come! 

If you need help figuring it out, guidane on what to do next with your photos.

I can help you navigate your iPhone, Airdrop, emails or google drive

Contact me further assistance. 

Contact Dominick