Are QR Codes Safe?
QR codes, or quick response codes, are a type of matrix code that allows very quick reading by smartphones and other devices. While they were first invented by the Japanese automotive industry to speed up the manufacturing process, QR codes have gain popularity for consumer use. We take a look at QR codes and their security implications. It’s a good idea to seek professional computer support services if you have any specific concerns about your mobile device or computer.
QR Codes and Common Usage
With a storage capacity of up to 7089 characters, QR codes are able to hold much more information compared with the more widely used barcode used on everyday products (which holds a maximum of 20 digits). QR codes are used to store information such as website addresses, geographical locations, and text. For this reason, they’re widely used by businesses in advertisements and other promotional materials.
8 Ways to Bank and Shop Safely Online
The internet has made both banking and shopping more convenient for everyone. With the added convenience comes a need for additional security measures for users to protect themselves against identify theft, malicious attacks, and attempts to steal private information. These eight strategies will prove to be effective for maintaining the integrity of your data whether you’re using a smartphone, mobile device, or computer. However, you should seek professional computer support for specific security advice where appropriate.
1. Keep Browsers Up to Date
Most browsers come with in-built security features including authentication and encryption, so sign up for automatic updates to ensure that you’re shopping or banking with the latest in-built security features.
Encryption works to scramble any data you send and receive over the internet, while authentication allows sites to verify their identity. Most browsers come with an option to verify the authenticity of sites.
A – Z Guide to Smartphone Online Security Protection
With more and more people using smartphones to shop, obtain information, or bank, smartphone security has become more important than ever. In this quick guide, we look at how to protect your smartphone against viruses and malware, by installing security programs, obtaining computer support, and through careful use.
Why is Security Important for Smartphones?
According to a recent study, Australia has one of the highest smartphone usage rates in the world with as many as 37 per cent of all mobile users opting for smartphones. This rate brings smartphone use in Australia close to that of PC usage.
The same 2011 study by Google and IPSOS Research found that Australians weren’t just using their phones to find information, they were using them to make purchases and perform everyday banking tasks.
5 Reasons to Back Up Your Computer
A regular backup routine is vital no matter how new your computer may be. These are five advantages in setting up a backup system to safeguard your data today.
1. Easy Setup
No computer is perfect, even a computer you have just purchased. Files can be corrupted, parts can malfunction, and you may inadvertently download a virus that wipes your hard drive clean. Services for computer support in Sydney and elsewhere can assist you with setting up an appropriate procedure for automated backup, so you won’t even need to manually initiate the process every day.
Some of the leading causes of data loss include:
- Unintentional deletion or accidental formatting of the hard disk.
- Physical failure of hardware or accidental damage to the storage facility, such as the hard drive.
- Corrupted data files.
- Software corruption, such as corrupted system registry files.
- Virus or malware attack.
Top 6 Causes of Computer Crashes
A computer that frequently crashes can interrupt your work flow and lead to the loss of valuable data. Sometimes applications slow to a crawl before freezing; at other times your computer will simply switch off without warning. Whatever the symptoms, computer support in Brisbane or elsewhere can assist with resolving the issues by eliminating the cause. These are some of the more common causes of computer breakdowns.
1. Full Hard Disk Drive
Your computer may experience a range of ‘symptoms’ if your hard disk drive is full and fragmented. These may include applications slowing down, installation problems, and even freezes and crashes.
What to do:
- Run the Disk Defragmenter and check for fragmentation. Go to Control Panel>System and Security>Administrative Tools, select Disk Defragment, and click on Analyse Disk.
- Check your hard disk drive space by clicking on Computer from the Start Menu. You’ll be able to see how much space you’ve used on your C:\ and other storage devices.
- Make sure you have sufficient disk space to save files and install new programs. Try deleting existing files or moving them to a new storage medium, such as an external hard drive, USB key, or a CD.
6 Ways to Keep Your Child Safe Online
For young people, the internet is a great resource for learning, playing games, and connecting with friends. At the same time, it’s a potential source of danger for children. Parents can take action to teach their child about how to stay safe online and set out working rules to provide solid guidance.
1. Use Parental Controls and Software
Parental controls and software are a great first line of defence for your children. They’re inexpensive to purchase and, in most cases, very easy to use. Services for computer support in Sydney and elsewhere can assist with setting up the right controls and programs to suit your requirements.
- These programs can limit access to inappropriate sites as well as the amount of time your child spends on the internet.
- Some programs can keep a history of sites accessed by users.
- Other programs track instant messaging conversations and control contacts.
10 Hot Identity Theft Tips for Mobile Devices
With access to high speed mobile internet, smartphones and other mobile devices present a new frontier in identify theft protection. If, like most people, you use your smartphone to check email, surf the net, and do internet banking, you may be putting yourself at risk of data or identity theft. While it’s ideal to seek advice from professional services for computer repairs in Sydney or elsewhere, you can also use these 10 tips to get started.
The Risks
The same features that make your phone or handheld tablet ‘smart’ also make it vulnerable to viruses and malware. While many people may have firewall and anti-security software installed on their desktop and notebook computers, fewer users take proactive measures to protect their data on their mobile devices.
A report by Forrester Research has suggested that one in five adults will bank via smartphone by 2015. Viruses like Zeus, a bank-account hacking Trojan virus that targeted Android phones in mid-2011, can capture and forward private banking data (as well as SMS messages) to a remote Web server without the user being aware.
6 Step Checklist to Choosing an Internet Service Provider
If you’re looking to get connected to the internet, there are some key issues to know about before choosing a provider or service package. Given the myriad packages and providers on the market, we’ve put together this easy six step checklist to help you make the right decision. If you have any computer issues at any stage before and after the connection period, computer support professionals can help you out so you get online and have your computer working as soon as possible.
1. Internet Service Connection Types
There are a variety of different connection types to choose from. Which one you choose will depend on your usage requirements and roaming needs.
Pros and Cons of the iPad
The iPad was first released in April 2010, selling 3 million units in just 80 days. iPad 2 was released in March 2011, and a third generation model is due to be announced in early 2012. Although the iPad hasn’t been as widely used as the iPod or iPhone, it remains the number one PC tablet device, with 29 million iPads sold since its first release and Apple holding as much as 83 per cent of tablet computing market segment in the US. While the iPad is a very user friendly device, first time users can still benefit from some computer support, advice, or guidance. In this article, we take a quick look its major features, advantages, and any potential limitations.
Key Features and Specifications
Its key features include the following.
6 Benefits of Wireless Networking for Home and Office
Wireless networking refers to having a wire-free broadband network within the house or office, though it’s also common to have wirless networking in libraries, cafes, and other public spaces. Wireless networking, also commonly known as Wi-Fi, is to be differentiated from mobile broadband or wireless broadband, which usually means the user can access the internet through a mobile broadband modem anywhere on a roaming basis. Wireless networking has only become better and easier to use over the past decade, and increasing numbers of users are going wireless for their home or office broadband connection. These are just some of the benefits of going wireless.
1. Freedom and Mobility