How to synchronize your Desktop Computers, Laptops, Smart Phones, etc.

If you are like me, you have a smartphone, a laptop and a desktop computer... Who knows, you might even have an iPad and maybe even a work computer too.  You likely spend more time synchronizing all these devices than you'd like.

Luckily there is a solution!

I recommend you use a few different solutions to keep it all together.

Contacts, Mail and Calendars:

You can easily synchronize all devices by using Gmail for your calendars and contacts.  This way all of your contacts are immediately available on all of your devices.  You can also use a Google calendar and that way you can set up appointments from a computer that is automatically pushed to your phone.  You even have the ability to share calendars with friends, colleagues and even your spouse.  No excuse for not picking up milk (or wine in my case) on the way home.

Here is a resource to help;
https://support.google.com/mail/answer/3008051?hl=en

Dropbox for files:

This is an excellent tool to share files between multiple computers.  There is also a smartphone app that you can use as well.

Download Link:
http://www.dropbox.com/

TeamViewer for remote control:

I've been using this tool for years.  You can use this to transfer files from computer to computer, but more importantly, you can use it to control a computer remotely.  This is excellent, for example, if you want to do your banking but don't want to do it from a work computer.  You can log into a home computer from work and do your transfers.  Another use is for printing at home.  You can easily log in to the home computer and print on your home printer from a coffee shop and your document is ready when you get home.

Download Link:
http://www.teamviewer.com/

If you need any additional support for your computers and networks feel free to contact me
Tim Melanson
tim@timmelanson.com

Spyware & Malware

Are you noticing that your computer seems to be running slower than normal? Has it become a waiting game when you are surfing the internet?

Chances are you have fallen victim to a problem sweeping the internet. Spyware!

Spyware is a type of Malware that is installed on computers and collects information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user. The spyware is usually secretly installed on the user's personal computer.  Sometimes spyware programs such as keyloggers are installed on shared, corporate, or public computers on purpose in order to secretly monitor it's users.

There are programs out there that can stop Spyware and Malware from hitting your computer, but the problem is that once it is there, it is quite tricky to remove. Many times it is far more efficient to re-install your operating system. This is a very tedious task, and it is especially difficult if you do not have anywhere to backup your data.

You may want to hire a computer technician to fix it for you. They have the required tools to backup your data safely and restore it back onto your computer.  They can also upgrade all the software for you and give you some of the latest new free gadgets.