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Posts Tagged ‘twitter’

The Woz Waltz Watch

My mom absolutely loves the reality TV show Dancing with the Stars. So I had to call her up as soon as I heard that Steve Wozniak would be competing alongside Karina Smirnoff in the next series of competition, which starts today. Of course, her first reaction to this was, “Who?”

It’s not really a surprise to me that Steve Wozniak isn’t a household name like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. Yet “The Woz” (as he’s known in the geek community) is every bit as important to the early history of personal computers as those two.

Twitter Clickjacking

Have you ever had the sudden urge to do something you were specifically told not to do? Well, this exact scenario played out thru the web via Twitter’s weblog service last week. Here’s what Biz Stone, one of the co-founders of Twitter, said about it on the official Twitter blog.

Apparently a string of malicious code infiltrated Twitter’s servers, causing many users to unknowingly post a hyperlink stating “Don’t Click Here.” Once clicked, the clicker gets their own Twitter account hacked and the shenanigans continues to spread to other fellow tweeters. Fortunately, the code was only an annoyance and didn’t inflict any damage to user’s machines or accounts. Twitter responded quickly by putting an end to the malicious code by patching it up.

Although the problem was stopped, tweeters shouldn’t let their guard down. Sure it seemed like a harmless online prank, but it shows how even popular sites like Twitter can be compromised. Rest assured, as Twitter’s popularity continues to grow, so will the attempts at exploiting the service. Here are three simple tips we’ve prepared to help ensure your tweets remain problem free:

1. Be cautious when clicking on any link. If you hover your mouse over any hyperlink, you can view the actual web address you will be directed to. If you feel that the now displayed web address seems legitimate, then proceed to view it.
2. As always, make sure your anti-virus/spyware scanners are set to block fraudulent pop-ups/phishing Web sites. Having proper protection is always a must when using the Internet.
3. Avoid accepting/reading online messages from users you do not know. Most scammed material usually comes from another random infected user or bot.
4. Change you password often using random letters, numbers, and symbols to ensure you account is secure. For tips on how to choose a secure password, check out our Two Minute Miracles video on the subject here. 

If you feel you’ve already been compromised or if you’re in search of more tips, feel free to contact any of your local Geek Squad Agents through GeekSquad.com, call 1-800-GeekSquad or stop by your nearest precinct inside your local Best Buy.

Caregivers fill out an exhaustive series of questions to give users an understanding of their background, skill sets, and personality style. Sittercity uses a four-step screening process (online feedback, reference checks, video interviews, and background checks) to help users search for a reliable caregiver. In addition, they’ve got SpeedSitting events, where (just like speed dating) parents sit at a long table across from sitters and interview each other for 5 minutes before moving down to the next potential sitter.

Care.com provides most of the same elements as sittercity.com (matching by zip code), with the addition of Special Needs care givers, and the ability to search for a caregiver by age, gender, language, hourly rate, and more. It uses Google Maps to plot out available caregivers in a map of your area, making it even easier to find a caregiver near you.

Full subscriptions for sittercity.com are as low as $7.99 a month for an annual subscription. Care.com goes for $10 a month annually. Both are free to try, so next time you and your significant other want to get out of the house and on the town, consider using the Internet to help you find that perfect (caregiver) match.

Tips on Starting Your Own Blog

I attended a blogger conference earlier this month called Blissdom in Nashville, TN. Throughout the weekend, 250 bloggers networked, shared and learned ways to build their blogs and businesses. As Blissdom’s official tech support, three fellow Geek Squad Agents and I helped the attendees solve their tech problems. We even learned a thing or two in the process.

One of the major topics discussed was how to get your blog started. If you’re interested in starting or improving your blog, check out http://www.bloggingbasics101.com/. The site contains basic tips and tricks including this must-read if you’re new to the blogsphere.

Other Ways to Enjoy Twitter and Tweets

What started out as a small micro-blogging Web site is now the center of mass appeal. Twitter.com, a social network for micro-blogging, has become one of the most popular online tools for staying connected with friends, family, and co-workers.

For those not in the know (or haven’t seen our Two Minute Miracle video on the subject), Twitter’s functionality allows users to push forth short updates known as “tweets,” (usually within 140 characters or less), to friends who have subscribed to follow their posts. Think of it as text messaging for the masses.