Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category
Recently it was discovered certain 1st Generation iPod Nano’s may have a defective battery. This can lead to problems with the device. If you have a 1st Generation iPod Nano purchased between September 2005 and December 2006 you may be affected.
According to Apple:
“Apple has determined that, in very rare cases, the battery in the iPod nano (1st generation) may overheat and pose a safety risk. Affected iPod nanos were sold between September 2005 and December 2006.
This issue has been traced to a single battery supplier that produced batteries with a manufacturing defect. While the possibility of an incident is rare, the likelihood increases as the battery ages.
Apple recommends that you stop using your iPod nano (1st gen) and follow the process noted below to order a replacement unit, free of charge.”
The 1st Generation iPod Nano can be identified by its White or Black plastic front, and silver metal back. You can check to see if your 1st Generation iPod is affected by the recall by visiting Apple.com and entering the Serial Number on the back of the iPod. Apple is replacing the affected units with a 1st Generation iPod Nano that does not have the defective battery.
As always, if you have any questions feel free to contact 1-800-Geek-Squad, visit Http://www.GeekSquad.com to chat with an Agent, or tweet us at Http://twitter.com/Twelpforce.
-Agent Patrick B.
Today is Veteran’s Day. The Geek Squad would like to honor everyone who has served in the United States Military. If you know someone who has served or is currently serving in the military, please take a moment to thank them for all the sacrifices they have made for our country.
Please join us thanking Veterans around the world on Facebook and Twitter.
Geek Squad Agents understand the importance of staying connected with your family and friends, wherever they are serving. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way from it taking 3 weeks to send a letter around the world. Today’s technology provides us with many online tools – email, text, chat, and video – that allow real communication in real time. Skype, for example, is an incredible program that lets users share real time video with voice and chat from any computer with a camera and many of today’s smart phones. It is a great way for service members and their loved ones to have “face-to-face” conversations while they are thousands of miles apart.
Skype is available for free, from the following locations:
Skype for Windows and Mac OSX based computers
Skype for Android powered mobile Devices
Skype for iOS powered mobile devices.
For additional details on how to setup Skype on your PC, check out this free Geek Squad 2 Minute Miracle on setting up your account! http://www.geeksquad.com/do-it-yourself/2mm/Skype-Setup.aspx
We are committed to developing services that support members of our armed services and their families. As a special “thank you,” Geek Squad is proud to offer a 50% discount with no setup fee on our Geek Squad Online Support Plan for Veterans, and those on Active Duty status. We think they have enough on their plates. It’s the least we can do to help them stay in touch with those they love. Visit Http://www.geeksquad.com/military for details.
On behalf of all Agents, thank you for your service.
-Agent Jackie P.
Much like a majority of the United States on the eastern seaboard, a Geek Squad Service Center has also been affected by the recent heavy snow.
Unfortunately, our primary facility for digital camera and camcorder repair is currently without power. We are working hard with local authorities to restore power to the facility as quickly as possible, however it may impact our turn-time for digital camera and camcorder repair. This outage is impacting our service center’s ability to repair units, ship and receive units, and contact clients via the phone.
As always, we at Geek Squad take pride in our ability to serve our clients as quickly and efficiently as possible, and apologize for any delay this may cause in our mission. We hope the delay is minimal, and we look forward to being fully operational again as soon as possible.
-Agent Jackie P.
Social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook have risen in popularity as they keep you constantly plugged in and connected. It’s great to be able to tweet about your recent antics or keep in touch with family members continents apart, but there are some dangers lurking within Social Media sites and it’s important for people to know how to keep themselves protected.
In the last 48 hours there has been a resurgence of twitter accounts being hacked due to a familiar scam. Typically, the user receives an at-reply or DM containing a link and a standard greeting. This can vary from “Have you seen this blog?”, “Hey, is this you!?”, or “LOL!” with a link in the message. Unsuspecting twitter users click the link only to find their account spamming the same message to their friends and their password compromised. Here at Geek Squad we have compiled a few tips and tricks for keeping your various social media accounts safe.
Make sure your account has a strong password, and never share it.
Use capital letters, numbers, and do not include easy to guess words such as your favorite actor or color. Do not use the same password for multiple sites, and be sure to change your password every 90 days. Also, never share this password with anyone, even if they claim to be an employee of the company. Remember, these companies will never ask you directly, if they really worked there wouldn’t they have access already?
If you use apps, only allow trusted applications access to your account.
There are apps written specifically to get your information and hack your account. If you have an app you want to use, make sure it is endorsed by the social media network [such as Twitter] before you use it. Don’t grant every interesting app that comes your way access to your account.
Be careful where you access your social networks.
It is generally a bad idea to use your office or school network to access your social media accounts, as they can be targeted by malicious users for ’account harvesting’ or hacking. Even worse are using publicly available computers like at the Library or on display at a store. These computers are accessed by hundreds of people a day, just imagine what could happen if you forgot to log out!
Don’t click password reset links.
If you do get an email informing you your account security has been compromised and you are worried about the account, do not click the link in the email! It is one of the original methods of hacking your account known as a phishing attempt. Instead, visit the website directly through your web browser and change your password on your account page.
Don’t click random links messaged to you directly.
Today’s password scams are bit more complex. They don’t need you to tell you their password, they just need you to click a link. These links arrive as direct messages or in chat, frequently enticing you to click them with a “Hey check this out!” or “I saw this video/photo of you”, often from people you know. If you get a message such as this ask the person who sent it about the message before you click the link. These links often are a result of a spreading infection, and can potentially cause an infection on your own system or compromise your account. They tend to be bad news, even if it is from your friend. Send them a message or give them a quick call before you click.
These are some general ground rules to help keep your social media accounts safe. Be sure to follow them and if you’re ever unsure about something, don’t click it before you verify it’s source. Also, only accept friend requests from people you know, and be careful who you let follow you. Obey these basic ground rules and you’ll be headed in the right direction to keep your accounts and your privacy safe!
Fix It Free Day in the Twin Cities
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 26th. 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:
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:
What should I do before I visit the store?
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 31st.
-Virtual Agent Derek M.
Steve Jobs is gone. The founder and father figure of Apple has died, leaving us all wondering what will happen in the wake of his passing.
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.
Since the program’s inception in 2007, the tech boot camp has grown from a one-day summer camp in Chicago to a nationwide program spanning nearly 20 states. This year, Geek Squad Summer Academy adds five camps for military communities through its participation in the “Joining Forces” initiative, a national initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to support those who serve in the military and their families.
By teaming up with local non-profit organizations, whether it’s The Girl Scouts of America or local YMCA’s, Geek Squad Agents volunteer their time to accomplish one unanimous goal: to inspire curious teens to embrace technology by exploring the ins and outs of their favorite gadgets. Agents teach attendees about everything from iPods to gaming consoles to desktop computers – and help them incorporate these gadgets into their everyday lives. Geek Squad Summer Academy is a unique opportunity for any child with a passion for technology to spend some time learning what makes it work.
New markets this year include: Charleston, S.C., Greensboro, N.C., Honolulu, Houston, Sarasota, Fla., and Phoenix, as well as five military bases located throughout the country.
For additional information, please visit http://geeksquadacademy.com/summeracademy.
So what happens when a non-Windows OS gains traction? Well, the inevitable happens – and people using such systems without malware protection face a nasty wake-up call (yes, even systems with fruit-based logos adorning the front). Today’s example? Mac Defender.
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.
Summer is fast approaching! Families are piling in the car and setting out on the Nation’s highways and skyways in search of an inexpensive and stress-free vacation. Here at the Geek Squad, we want to make sure you know about a few technologies available that will help ensure your vacation is safe, efficient and a little less stressful.
Perhaps one of the most obvious tech gadgets in use today when on vacation is the GPS unit. This relatively simple-to-use device allows you to not only get easily from point A to point B, but also allows you to find new places of interest once you get to your vacation destination. What you may not know is that some newer GPS units also allow you to navigate a route using less fuel, monitor your fuel consumption and avoid traffic. Savings in the wallet and savings in time! Check out a GPS that offers live traffic reports such as a Garmin or TomTom. To get even fancier, Garmin has an accessory (ecoRouteHD) that ties your Garmin ecoRouteHD compatible GPS into your vehicle’s computer-control system to provide you with live engine data, including miles-per-gallon and engine trouble codes, right on your Garmin GPSs screen!
The smartphone is another tech tool that can help you save some cash. For example, a slew of applications are available on the market that allow you to see average area gas prices. Some applications, including GasBuddy (iPhone/Android), AccuFuel (iPhone/iPad) and GasBook (iPhone), even help you calculate whether or not it is wise to drive out of your route to save a few cents at a cheaper station. Smartphones and tablet devices can also help keep those back-seat drivers occupied by providing endless choices of entertainment. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you “are we there yet?” gets very old very quickly.
Technology can also help keep you safer when you are away. Digital cameras can be used to take a backup picture of vital documents such as passports or the condition of your rental car. GPS routing can be utilized at home before you leave, so you can let loved ones know your expected travel and arrival times. Smartphone and tablet applications that share your live location can also be shared with loved ones for a little extra peace of mind on those long-haul trips. Some people even leave their webcam-equipped computers on at home so they can log in via an internet connection and view get a live view of what is going on in the house.
Below is a short checklist you may find useful in planning and executing your vacation travel. Enjoy your adventure and keep it safe:
• Plan route in the GPS, write down times/dates and share with loved ones via email or written letter
• Take pictures/make photocopies of important documents as backups in case you lose the originals.
• On the day of departure have a list ready of all accessories: Do you have power cords, charters, batteries, and mounts for all your gadgets? Would an all-in-one power supply or charger help cut down wires?
• During your trip use your phone, portable DVD or tablet as a source of entertainment.
• Check in with your loved ones periodically by phone or email, especially if you have to deviate from your planned route.
• Always remember to have a map as a backup. GPS units are not infallible and should not be your only source of navigation whether you are in the car or on the trail. Please, use your head, it is the best safety device you will ever have!
Beginning the Sunday before Memorial Day (May 29) and extending through the Saturday after Independence Day (July 9), military personnel and their immediate families will be able to take advantage of two exclusive offers available at their local Best Buy store, online or by phone:
1. 50 % off In-Home Technology Consultation – A Geek Squad Agent will visit your home to understand your technology needs, review your current devices, and recommend integration options, upgrades and purchases. To learn more and print the Geek Squad In-Home Consultation coupon visit www.bestbuy.com/military, then schedule your consultation by visiting any Best Buy store with the printed coupon from the website.
2. 50% off Remote Desktop Support – Geek Squad will help you stay connected with your friends and family at home or overseas by supporting your webcam and communication software (i.e. Skype or MSN Communicator). You will also receive technical support by phone or online for up to three personal computers, connected devices and support for your home network for $9.99 per month with no set-up fees (regular price of $19.99 per month with $69 set-up fee per computer). Go to www.geeksquad.com/military or call 1-800-GEEK SQUAD and to purchase the Geek Squad Online Support Subscription for Military Personnel and Families. (Not available in stores, no coupon necessary.)
While military families support our country, Geek Squad is available to support them and keep them connected wherever they happen to be. These Memorial Day offers are another way Best Buy and Geek Squad hope to help out these families who give so much to all of us.
Note: Comments are moderated and will be handled as per our privacy policy. Please keep your comments on-topic and free of profanity. For more information, please view our Blogging Terms of Use.
anti-virus Apple Blu-ray Cell Phones CES cnet computer Dancing With the Stars Digital Television DIY (Do It Yourself) projects DTV facebook Firmware Geek Squad Global Positioning System Google Maps GPS HDTV Home Alone Home Theater internet laptops malware Microsoft Microsoft OS netbooks PC Security skype Smartphone Spyware Star Trek Technology twitter Two Minute Miracle United States Update Video video game console WiFi Windows 7 Windows XP wireless networking Wireless Networking XBOX360
WP Cumulus Flash tag cloud by Roy Tanck and Luke Morton requires Flash Player 9 or better.
Geek Squad