Have you ever had that sick feeling in your gut when you think you deleted a really important file and aren’t sure if you can get it back? Trust me – I’ve been there, and it is the worst. Since that fateful day, I learned to back up duplicates of all my data on external drives.

My backup drives run the gamut from small flash drives to full-sized external hard drives. My data didn’t seem to care where it was stored as long as it had a home.  However, as I started to accumulate more than just a few flash and hard drives, maintaining my backup library started to bug me.  I hate clutter!

Enter “THE CLOUD”

Cloud-based backups allow users to securely save important files to an online data backup server. These systems allow users to store their data on professionally maintained servers while providing secure access to it anytime from any computer – and many mobile devices – with an Internet connection. Clearly just the thing for a data security maniac and neat freak like me.

Sound too good to be true? Well, depending upon how things play out in the next few months, it may just be.

Though cloud-based storage solutions like Norton, Sugar Sync and Carbonite are great options to backup your important data off-site, what happens if the company managing the storage system is shut down or closes for some reason? What happens to your data?

What happens to my data?

Users of the MegaUpload service are finding out the hard way at this moment.  The target of legal action by the U.S. Justice Department, MegaUpload recently had their assets frozen. While some users of MegaUpload may have used it to illegally share movies and TV shows, over 50 million users who used it for legitimate purposes have had their data swept up in this legal dispute. Attorneys for MegaUpload and the companies it used to host client data say the U. S. Attorney in charge of the case sent them a letter giving them permission to start deleting data from its servers as early as Feb. 2^nd.

What does this mean for users? Pictures, spreadsheets and documents for private citizens and small businesses could be deleted without advance warning. For small business owners who don’t have a local backup, the loss of client data could be devastating to their livelihood. While users have had limited-to-no access to their data since January 19, MegaUpload is continuing its fight to keep user data from being deleted.

This situation reinforces the advice of data security and privacy professionals when it comes to choosing a cloud storage provider. They emphasize users should focus on well-known, established companies as service providers. Publicly-traded companies are very good options because they will be more risk averse than start-ups. Using a company you already have a relationship with –your ISP for instance – and one based in the United States is also a good idea.

For more on the risks of cloud storage see this article from National Public Radio’s business show, Marketplace. For more on choosing a cloud storage company, see this article from PC World Magazine. Can you imagine if this had happened to you?

Cloud storage is a great part of a backup solution, but this underscores why it should not be the only option. Storing your data is too important to trust to a single method. I think cloud storage is pretty awesome, but I will not give up on the clutter and safety of the old fashion external hard drive – and neither should you.

Keep your data safe! Back up today – locally, and online. You’ll be glad that you did.

-Agent Timothy E.

To learn more about how to ensure your data is backed up safely and securely, visit your local Best Buy and talk to a Geek Squad Agent about all the different ways to back up data — or visit us at support.geeksquad.com (24/7) and we can help back your data up for you! 

One of the most common resolutions people make in the New Year is to get a handle on their finances. Here at Geek Squad, we want you to know that your technology is ready and willing to help you make that resolution a reality.

Goodbye Cable?

If you are feeling your wallet get tighter every time your cable bills arrive, it may be time to change your habits and begin using your high-speed internet connection to your advantage. Almost all major television networks now offer most of their shows online shortly after, or in some cases as, they air on live TV. Other websites  like Hulu, Joost and YouTube give you the ability to watch older episodes of many popular network and cable shows. You can also find classic TV shows on these channels, particularly YouTube. Cut yourself loose from cable by taking advantage of the wide variety of free streaming content available online.

Worried that you don’t want to watch a whole TV show on your little laptop screen?, Never fear. Almost all newer televisions allow you to connect your computer directly to the TV with an extra cable or two. Just remember you need to have minimum high speed internet connection of 1.5Mbps to be able to get a good video streaming experience. If you’re not sure what your current speed is, try out Geek Squad’s speed test: www.geeksquad.com/speedtest

Coming Soon To A Computer Near You

Sure, I suppose some people love walking through a movie theater in its sticky-floored glory. But more and more people prefer to stay at home and watch films. Staying home to watch movies in your pajamas and Snuggie is not only more comfortable than sitting in a drafty theater, it can be much less expensive

With your computer and high speed internet connection, you can use Netflix, Apple iTunes and CinemaNow to choose a movie, download it and start watching within minutes. Again, you don’t have to worry about watching these movies on a small computer screen because many services use small set-top boxes with easy set-up to stream movies from your computer to your TV. In fact, Netflix is available on all gaming consoles [Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360] and most Blu-ray players include applications for most of these services,  so you can easily turn your living room into your own comfortable movie theater. So, get your popcorn in the microwave and your family together, and make it a movie night tonight.

Phone Home, for a Lot Less

You are going to want to tell everyone about your plan to ring in the savings in 2012. Fortunately, there are new telephone options that allow you to lower your monthly bills without sacrificing talk time. These services allow you to turn your pre-existing Internet connection into a functioning phone line. Web-based providers such as Skype, magicJack and Jajah are affordable ways to turn your computer into a phone, especially for international calls. Skype and Jajah are also available as apps for on-the-go calling [free on Android and iPhone]. You can also text for free using your Gmail account or apps like textPlus and Kik [both free on Android and iPhone]. Using some additional hardware, you can use VoIP systems like Vonage and Ooma for low cost calling.

Mighty Music Master

No matter your music preference, there are ways to listen to your favorite tunes without destroying your budget. Free, high-quality radio and music streaming via sites like SHOUTcast, Pandora, Grooveshark and Spotify allow you to listen to the music you like through your internet connection. These sites are also great ways to discover new artists and songs, and you are able to listen to whole songs, not just clips. Be sure to  check out your favorite band’s website because many artists release songs as free downloads on their sites.

Smart Phone Spending

Smart phones are called smart for a reason.And now they can help you wise-up about spending. There are a plethora of applications that are available for download, offering quick and easy ways for you to save some money no matter where you are. So, download the apps and let the savings roll in!

• No longer do you need to waste ink and paper to print your online coupons. With apps like The Coupon App] and Coupon Sherpa [both free on Android and iPhone], discounts are right at your fingertips. Based on your location, these apps find coupons for stores near you.
• There seems to be an inverse relationship between a gas tank and a wallet: when one is full often times the other is empty. Gas Buddy and AAA TripTik [again, both free on Android and iPhone] are apps that list area gas stations and, most importantly, their prices, so you can fill your tank and minimize the damage on your wallet.
• Taking a trip to the store to pick up a new toy? Check out PriceGrabber, Shop Savvy and ShopKick [all free on Android and iPhone] to easily compare pricing and availability to other local stores.
• Checking in can save you cash! Download the FourSquare app [free on Android and iPhone] and start checking in at your various destinations to unlock coupons, discounts and sometimes free things using the app.  Plus it’s always fun to check in more than your friends.

To learn more ways to technify your budget in the New Year, or for help with the rest of your technology needs, call 1 800 GEEK SQUAD to set up an onsite consultation. Find an Agent or location near you at www.geeksquad.com, or visit the Geek Squad Precinct at Best Buy and other locations to speak with an Agent directly. We provide our services wherever and whenever you need them – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

-Agent Laura G

Every day, Covert Remote Support Agent Laura G. is remotely saving the sanity of clients around the United States while thwarting the presence of malware on their computers. When not working on computers remotely you can find Agent Laura in her kitchen in sunny Vero Beach, FL baking creative and innovative cakes. 

Why not take full advantage of your tablet to make planning and meeting those goals easy? Today we’ll take a few common New Year Resolutions that we all share, and look at how your tablet can help with each.

Keeping organized

Syncing your tablet with the cloud has never been easier. If you have an Android device you can let your Gmail account keep track of your contacts, calendar, notes, tasks, pictures, music, messages and more, keeping everything lined up, no matter how many devices you have. Whether you are on your tablet or on your computer, everything will stay in sync as long as you’re connected to the Internet. With an iPad, iCloud will do many of the same things for you. On Windows tablets you can use Google or SkyDrive. You can even export from one service and import it into another if migrating everything to one central account makes your digital life easier to manage.

Keeping fit

There are apps available to help you with pushups, sit-ups, yoga or walking. Nike, and coming soon from Jawbone, there’s pedometer-like gear that will work with apps to give you more accurate readings of your accomplishments. If making fitness more social and fun helps keep you motivated then you can go to Fitocracy from your tablet web browser to share your experience with others while keeping track of your progress.

Keeping in touch

Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones can be a challenge with our busy schedules. Fortunately, social sites like Facebook, twitter and foursquare make it easier to share in the lives of the people that you care about. If logging in to separate web pages to check in with your social network is a bit overwhelming to you, you may want to consider consolidating them into one app on your tablet. Both Tweetdeck and Hootsuite do a great job of streamlining this experience in a way that may just make you want to use those services even more.

So no matter what you resolve to change in your life this year, remember your tablet can help you out, and help you stick to it! Also, keep in mind that we are always here to help. If it all seems a bit overwhelming, Geek Squad offers a Tablet Setup, as well as a variety of other services to help you skip the “techie” part, and get straight to using your new tech-tools. As always, Geek Squad Agents are standing by 24/7/365 at 1-800-GeekSquad and GeekSquad.com to help keep your unruly tech in order.

-Agent Shane N.

Geek Squad Online Support Agent Shane N serves the public by policing technology at Support.GeekSquad.com

He is father to four boys who remind him that no matter how smart he thinks he is, they are smarter. He likes Sci-Fi and skateboarding.

But what about things like tax records, photographs, and music?  Used to be, we kept those things in drawers, books, and file cabinets.  Not anymore.   These days, a lot of what’s important to us are strings of zeros and ones, as more and more of our priceless documents and memories are stored on computers.

Computers aren’t foolproof, and accidents happen that can cause data loss.  It’s important to be prepared.  Why take chances with things that are important?  Make a New Year’s resolution to back up your data, and we Geek Squad Agents can help make it a reality.  Let me break it down – here are a few different solutions for a few different people.

• Flash Drive: Small, inexpensive storage, this device is ideal for a business professional on the go.  Just stick it into the side of your laptop!  The drive will show up with its own letter in My Computer, so you can easily drag your most important files into it.
  
  Drawbacks: The small size makes it easy to lose and those with a lot of data to store may run out of room quickly.

• External Hard Drive:Perfect for media hounds, or families with only one computer.  External hard drives have large capacities!  Buy one as big as the hard drive in the computer you own, and set your computer to back up your files once a week.  Both Windows and Apple machines have backup options built right into the operating system.  Check out the Backup and Restore feature for Windows, and Time Machine for Apple.Drawbacks: More expensive than flash memory and external hard drives can also be bulky to transport.

• Network Attached Storage (or NAS drive): Like an external hard drive, but typically with more storage, these are hard drives that can be accessed by multiple computers and devices in your home.  They’re perfect for families with many computers and a lot of files, and some can even be accessed wirelessly!  It’s like giving your family their own personal cloud.  Check out this two terabyte NAS device here.Drawbacks: NAS devices require a router, and can be tricky to integrate into your home network.  If you don’t have our number – oh wait, you do.

• EyeFi SD Card: This device is perfect for those on vacation.  Essentially, it’s an SD card with the ability to access the internet – just stick it in your camera and it will use the internet to send your pictures to your computer.  That way, if you drop your camera off the Golden Gate Bridge, at least you won’t lose the pictures.  Check out a 8GB Eye-Fi Card here.Drawbacks: Requires a wireless internet connection to work.

• Cloud Storage: If you use a lot of different computers and want to be able to access your data anywhere you go, or if you don’t like the idea of keeping track of another accessory, then cloud storage may be right for you.  The Cloud is a place where you can send your files to keep them safe if anything should happen to your computer.  You can access the files anywhere that you have an internet connection.  Many online companies offer Cloud storage, including SugarSync and Symantec (Norton.)  They’ll give you software that backs up your files for you, too – so no need to worry about it.  Some companies will even have data-management apps that you can install on your tablet or smartphone.Drawbacks: Backing your files up to the cloud requires an internet connection, and most services charge an annual or monthly fee.

We all have things that are important to us.  Don’t let the intangibility of your most important documents and memories stop you from taking steps to protect it.  As you can see, there’s a solution out there for everyone, and as always, your friendly neighborhood Geek Squad Agent is just a phone call away.  Chat with an Agent today at Http://www.geeksquad.com, at 1-800-GeekSquad, or stop by for a visit at your local Geek Squad Precinct in Best Buy.
-Agent Laura M.

Every day, Counter Intelligence Agent Laura M, of Precinct 329, heroically removes malware and saves the personal lives of computer users in Maple Grove, MN.  She has a vitamin D deficiency from playing too many video games.  She likes animals and books.

Keep your PC clean of clutter!

Over time, hard drive space can get used up by temporary files (from the Internet, program installations, and more). The easiest and safest way to get rid of these and reclaim disk space is to use the built-in Windows Disk Cleanup Utility. You can search for “Disk Cleanup” in the start menu, or find it under “All Programs” > ”Accessories” > ”System Tools”. Not only will this utility safely find the files unnecessary for your PC, but will allow you to select which of them to be removed.

Another source of frequent clutter on your drive are files stored by your Internet browser.  These files accumulate as you surf the net every day.  To clear these unnecessary temporary files in the latest version of Internet Explorer, IE 9, click the gear icon in the top right-hand corner of your browser and select “Internet Options”. On the very first page/tab, you’ll see a “Browsing History” section in the middle of the window, with the option to “Delete.” On the next window, you get the option of deleting some or all of that data. Some of the information stored within Internet Explorer, like cookies, you may want to keep, as they help track when you revisit certain websites, preferences from last visits, however you can choose to delete all the information here safely. If you’re using another popular browser, like Firefox, you would find similar options under a “Tools/Preferences” menu, typically listed as “private data.”

Keep your PC healthy and up to date!

Updates are an important part to keeping your PC/Mac as secure and bug-free as possible. If you are using Windows, search for “Windows Update” in the Start Menu, or find it directly listed in the “All Programs” menu.  On a Mac, you can click the Apple logo in the top left-hand corner of your screen, and click “Software Update.” For both, it will scan your computer and check for any available updates. Once it has determined which updates you need, you can review them prior to installation, and determine if they appeal to you. If you’re not sure what something is, just use this rule of thumb: if the update is not listed as important, then you don’t have to install them; they’re optional. Anything listed as important, however, is vital to keep your computer as secure, and well behaved, as possible.

Keep your PC safe!

Antivirus or antimalware is another thing to keep in mind while maintaining your PC. If you have an active antivirus program, we recommend opening it on occasion to make sure it is up to date, and has scanned your PC recently. If you don’t have a current antivirus program installed, there are several recommendations we can make.  Norton, Trend Micro, and Kaspersky all make very effective products for a variety of terms and options.  If you prefer a no-cost solution for your antivirus, we can also recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. While lacking some of the features of a paid antivirus product, it offers you basic protection, and is updated by Microsoft themselves.

Keep your PC dust free!

Lastly, there is the physical cleaning of your PC. If your PC is over a year old, or in a dusty location, you may want to clean it with compressed air.  Keeping your PC clean of dust allows air to flow more freely, keeping the temperature down, and protecting the PC from overheating.  If you choose to use compressed air, be careful and follow the instructions listed on the can. Not doing so could result in damage to your computer from condensation (hold the can upright, spray in short bursts).

Geek Squad recommends performing these steps every 6-12 months, to keep your PC in optimal condition.  Not sure this is a project you want to undertake?  These are some of the same steps Geek Squad Agents utilize when performing a PC Tune-Up on your PC.  Agents are standing by 24/7/365 to keep your PC in prime condition.  Chat with an Agent today at GeekSquad.com or give us a call at 1-800-GeekSquad.

-Agent William G.

Agent William G. has been an Agent with Geek Squad since 2004. If he’s not working on computers remotely, or contributing to the Geek Squad Intelligence Blog, he can be seen skateboarding in the city streets of Atlanta.

Connect for the Holidays

So, how did you spend your Holiday Season last year?  Trying to connect the 10 different devices of 10 different relatives to your home network?  Wrestling with a new digital camera or smartphone?  Trying to understand what you’re going to do with an iPad?  If you’re tired of being overwhelmed by an onslaught of new technology every year, we have glad tidings. It is our mission to help the holidays go smoothly and help the excitement of your shiny new toys last beyond reading the first page of that poorly written instruction manual.

“Grandma, I want to use the internet.”

Every year more and more devices are designed to connect to the internet.  Handheld gaming devices, iPods, laptop computers, and digital cameras are just a few of gadgets your extended family may be bringing to your house this holiday season.

Let your relatives share their ugly sweaters on Facebook, watch their favorite YouTube videos after dinner, and keep things simple and secure by creating a wireless network specifically designed for visitors.  A “Guest Network” is a small section of your home’s wireless network that is set up for use by temporary guests in your home.  Perfect for your holiday gathering!

What do I Need? 

Setting up guest networks can be easy, but you have to have the right gear.  Almost all dual-band routers support guest networks, as well as a few newer routers that do not have dual band capability.  You’ll want to check your wireless router’s specifications to verify it supports a guest network.

What do I do?

Setting up a guest network is actually easier than configuring a wireless router, and routers that support guest networks have all the tools you’ll need, already built in! To start your guest network, you’ll need to visit your router’s configuration page, specifically the page for wireless settings.  IF your router supports guest networks, you’ll see an option under the wireless settings to enable a guest network.  You’ll be able to turn on a guest network, set up a password to control who is allowed to connect to it, and even limit the number of users connected simultaneously.  By setting up this guest network, utilizing a simple password, you won’t need to share your encryption key with your family.  This second network will keep your network isolated, protecting the information on your computers, and helping to keep everything safe and secure.

If diving into your router’s configuration doesn’t sound like something you want to try, fret not!  Geek Squad Agents are standing by 24/7/365 to configure it for you.  For help with setting up your guest network, contact us at 1-800-GEEK-SQUAD or visit GeekSquad.com.  We set up guest networks in our sleep and would be glad to help!

-Agent Laura M.

Every day, Counter Intelligence Agent Laura M, of Precinct 329, heroically removes malware and saves the personal lives of computer users in Maple Grove, MN.  She has a vitamin D deficiency from playing too many video games.  She likes animals and books.

In part of our mission to police technology and protect the world, Geek Squad Agents have prepared tips to keep you safe while shopping online.   Here are a few ways to ensure your identity remains safe while grabbing those hot deals on Cyber Monday.

Our mobile devices are replacing computers for more of our common tasks each year, and this year’s online shopping season is no different.  There are a few special security concerns that come with using a mobile device to shop online.  While shopping on the go this year, be sure to follow these security precautions to keep you and your digital wallet safe.

Remember, Geek Squad Agents are there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Our primary mission is keeping your techno-stress at bay, whether that is providing you with some preventative tips, or saving the day when everything seems to be going wrong; we’re here when you need us.

-Agent Patrick B.

October can be a scary month, with Halloween just a few days away, but it can also be a happy month if you’ve been having issues with your Mac or PC and live near select Best Buy stores in the Twin City Metropolitan area in Minnesota.

Did you say “fix it free?”

To help reduce the October techno-stress your technology may be causing, Geek Squad Precincts in the Twin City area will be holding a “Fix it Free Day” on Wednesday, October 26^th.   If you bring your computer into select Minnesota Twin City Best Buy stores, our Geek Squad Agents can help with the following services at no cost:

• Virus and Malware Removal
• Troubleshooting and Diagnosis
• Hardware Installation
• Operating System Installation and Repair
• Software Installation and Repair
• Password Resets

So if your computer is running slow, your email program won’t load, or your word processing software won’t save files, let us show you exactly how Geek Squad can resolve your issues with our expert Geek Squad Agents and services.

What limitations are there?

Here are a few disclaimers for your PC or Mac to qualify for free service:

• Offer limited to select Twin City Geek Squad Precincts.
• One day only, Wednesday, October 26^th.
• Limit of 50 customers per store will receive free in-store support.
• Limit of one computing device per person (PC, Mac or Tablet).
• Does not include data backup or recovery services, or necessary hardware/software to correct any issues.
• Complex services may require customers to leave their computer with the Geek Squad and may take several days to complete.
• Does not include in-home or online services.
• Free support only provided to Macs using OS X and PCs running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 or higher.
• Computer must be able to boot up to receive free service. 

What should I do before I visit the store?

• Make sure that you have Antivirus and Antispyware software installed on your computer, and update it if possible.
• Back up any important data (documents, photos, etc).
• Be aware that repairs may take several days to complete and that you can be without the system for that length of time.

Which Geek Squad Precincts in the Twin Cities are participating?

For a complete list of participating Geek Squad locations at Twin City Best Buy Stores visit http://www.geeksquad.com/fix-it-free-day.aspx

Fix It Free Day is a great way to let Geek Squad show you why we are so proud of our Agents and our services, while helping you to get your computer issues resolved.  It’s all at no cost to you, so feel free to spend the money you save on Halloween candy you’ll be giving out on the 31^st.

-Virtual Agent Derek M.

Steve’s impact on modern computing is incalculable. When you look at technology (MP3 players, smartphones, tablets, and laptop/desktops) in pop culture, hardly a segment of it doesn’t have Steve’s handwriting all over it.

Steve had a unique vision. It didn’t always buy him friends. He was a perfectionist in every sense of the word.  “Good enough” wasn’t in his lexicon — and aren’t we glad for that! He was an uncompromising visionary, and his vision & drive brought a true marriage of form and function together in Apple products that first delighted print and design professionals, and then the rest of the world.

Each Apple Keynote with Steve was a magical event, looked forward to with great anticipation. “What new piece of technological wizardry will he unveil now?”, we’d ask, sitting on the edge of our seats. And like the master showman that he was, Steve would spin it out like a well-crafted yarn — releasing tidbits slowly, bit by bit, until — with a final flourish — he’d unveil the final bit of magic. Whether it be a new iPod, new iPad, Macbook or the like, he did it with style — and the people voted with their pocketbooks, gobbling up the new technology and cementing his impact on the world.

The loss of Steve came like a blow yesterday. Yes, we all knew it would happen eventually — and when he stepped down as CEO, I figured it would be sooner rather than later. That still didn’t lessen the impact when I heard he was gone.

Steve: you walked the land as a giant. You showed us the power of true belief, what happens when you aren’t afraid to dream, and are willing to follow thought with action. You showed that it is possible to marry form and function, creative design and excellence in performance — all with class and style. You inspired a new generation of dreamers, and left your mark upon the land.

You will be remembered.

Farewell, Steve.

Mac Defender first appeared in May 2011 as a browser pop-up screen, stating that the computer is infected – and that Mac Defender can remove the infections. The truth? It’s actually a false antivirus application with a built-in malware payload. It demands payment to work, so once users enter their credit card number… BAM! (They’ve got you.)

Malware like this is nothing new. Malware is constantly evolving, as hackers find new ways to wreak havoc on your computer, or to obtain your confidential information. And once you’ve been infected, removal can be complicated – often requiring Geek Squad Agents (or other experts) to get it cleaned up.

To protect yourself from malware, all computer users should follow these tips to help them stay safe:

- Update your operating system often. People avoid updates because they seem like a hassle. System updates include fixes to vulnerabilities often exploited by malware. Updates are your first line of defense against infections.
- Don’t download suspicious-looking programs. If it looks suspicious, it probably is so avoid it! Only download programs and updates that you are familiar with, and then only from official (safe) resources.
- Email attachments and links: be cautious. Most people know better than to open attachments or links in email from unidentified sources. It’s common for many malware applications to harvest email address books on infected computers and send out copies of the infection on your behalf to your family and friends. Got an attachment from a friend or family member? Give them a call to verify whether they actually sent anything. When in doubt, toss it out – no matter how tempting it is to open.
- Beware of pop-ups. Like Mac Defender, these pop-ups may look like legitimate warning messages from your operating system. They try to trick you into purchasing, downloading or installing some sort of application that can infect your computer. Clicking on them often loads malware onto your computer, and can lead to all sorts of headaches. Get to know what to look for to close pop-ups (tiny “X” or red dot for closing the window in the upper corner), and NEVER click anywhere else within it.
- Avoid giving out personal or financial information. If you are prompted to provide credit card information and you are uncomfortable with where you are submitting it, walk away. (Only provide credit card information to authorized sources that you trust.)
- Install protection software. To reduce threats to your computer, purchase and install protection software. Anti-virus software is a good start, and there are programs with internet security available that can help prevent hackers from getting into your computer and stealing your personal information.
- Scan your computer for viruses or malware – especially if your computer is sluggish. Quite often, Internet slowdowns and general slow operation of the entire computer can be one of the symptoms of an infection. When in doubt, scan the computer for a malware infection to determine if this is the cause.

Malware – regardless of who’s behind it or what operating system it runs on – is a fact of life for computer users. Yesterday, it was only Windows-based PCs. Today, it’s fruit-labeled ones. Tomorrow? (Hey Linux, I’m looking at you.) By following these simple tips and making sure your operating system is up to date, you can avoid most of the headaches that come with a malware infection.