Get your Start menu back in Windows 8

Do you have a Windows 8 computer? Do you miss the ‘start’ menu? You can get it back!

1.  In the Windows 8 Desktop, launch Windows Explorer, click the View tab on the toolbar, and check the box next to "Hidden items." That will display folders and files that are normally hidden from view.

2.  Right-click the taskbar and select Toolbars, then click New Toolbar.

3.  From the screen that appears, navigate to Program Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu and select it. That will place a Start Menu toolbar on the far right of the taskbar. 

4.  You can now use the Start Menu by clicking the double-headed arrow. It works the same as previous versions of Windows.

Have you heard of the Heartbleed bug?

Heartbleed is the name of a major security vulnerability that may affect nearly two-thirds of websites online. It’s a severe situation potentially exposing your login information—your username and password—and other sensitive information about you.

What is Heartbleed?
It is important to understand that Heartbleed is not a virus, but rather a mistake written into OpenSSL—a security standard encrypting communications between you, the user, and the servers provided by a majority of online services. The mistake makes it possible for hackers to extract data from massive databases containing user names, passwords and other sensitive information.

What can you do?
Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about the bug itself. The only way to fix this problem is for the vulnerable sites to update OpenSSL and reissue their security certificates.

If possible, try to avoid connecting to vulnerable sites and services until they notify you of a fix. Do not change your passwords on your favorite sites until they notify you that they have fixed the bug. If and when you do get confirmation, update your passwords as usual, but make sure they are strong.

You can test the vulnerability of specific websites here: http://tif.mcafee.com/heartbleedtest.

Now is a really good time to make sure ALL of your passwords for all sites are strong, especially the ones for your financial institutions, or websites where you have accounts that maintain credit card information, client records, or proprietary or confidential intellectual property.

Read more about the Heartbleed Bug

Are you using strong passwords?

If you answered ‘No’ or ‘I’m not sure,’ check out this useful password generator tool we found. 

PASSWORD Boy is a free password generator. It allows you to create random passwords that are highly secure and extremely difficult to guess due to an optional combination of lower and upper case letters, numbers and symbols.  Their website allows you to download the utility to your desktop, or you can use the online version.  This password tool can produce all 3 types of “strong” passwords (Pass Phrase, Pronounceable/Phonetic, and Random/Strong).

http://www.passwordboy.com/password-generator.html

This is the end of Windows XP

Support for Windows XP ended on April 8, 2014.
If you have PCs running XP, you will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update. This ends all security updates, hotfixes, driver updates and support. Running Windows XP in your environment after the end of support date may expose your company to potential risks, such as viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal your business information. 

April 8, 2014 has come and gone, and so has your support for XP. You have three options:
1. Replace your old XP machines with PCs with newer operating systems
2. Disconnect your XP computers from your business network and internet
3. Keep your XP machines connected and hope for the best

You may be thinking, “But, Windows XP works great for us and we have no hardware issues with our computers, so why should we switch?"

Think about this… On April 8, 2014, Microsoft released the last batch of XP patches and explanations of what they fix. A few days after that, virus writers have deconstructed these patches and discovered the underlying security holes. Then, they release their viruses, ransomware, adware, etc. The next day, thousands of computers are infected by the malware, and even if it is removed and all normal precautions are taken, this virus will infect the computers again and again while the Windows XP PC is being used to access the internet.

Organizations that continue to retain a Windows XP environment not only are leaving themselves exposed to security risks and support challenges but also are wasting budget dollars that would be better used in modernizing their IT investments. Many options exist for businesses considering moving to newer PC operating systems. To understand the best options for your organization, you need a Microsoft Partner who will assess your business needs. 

Contact BizTech for more information at 419.539.6922 or go to www.gobiztech.com. 

Tech Tip - Undo closed browser tabs

Have you ever mistakenly closed a tab you didn't want to close in your browser? 

Did you know that you can undo that?  Just press CTRL + Shift + T to undo a closed tab.  You can even press this combination more than once to undo multiple closed tabs!  This feature works in all major browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Opera.

Tech Tips - Using the Text-to-Columns wizard in Microsoft Excel

Change dates like 20140219 to one Excel can "understand"
Suppose you are looking at a worksheet which contains dates which can't be formatted as "real" dates because of their structure:



Select the date(s), and use Data tab, Text-to-Columns, [Excel2003:Data|Text to Columns]



Which brings up the Text-to-Columns wizard:



Even though the dates are fixed width, in this case you can simply click "Next" twice.

In step 3 of wizard Select Date, YMD:



If you click Finish now, the result will replace the dates. You can select another destination cell:



Here's the result:




Source: Microsoft: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/six-great-tips-from-this-isnt-excel-its-magic-by-bob-umlas-HA010282444.aspx

Microsoft Exchange Server vs Microsoft Exchange Online

Average on-premise Exchange Server deployment

Average cost of Exchange Server deployment 
for a 20 user office = $13,500


This cost includes:

• Server Hardware
• Exchange Software & Licenses
• Annual Security Certificate
• Installation Labor

Average cost of monthly ongoing 
on-premise Exchange Services = $350

This cost includes:

• Spam Filtering Service
• Cloud Data Backup
• Maintenance Labor

The result is a higher total cost of ownership and slower return on investment for not much added value.

Microsoft Exchange Online Enterprise Plan

Cost of Exchange Online Enterprise Plan 
for a 20 User Office = $160/mo

This cost includes: 

• Spam Filtering
• Cloud Data Backup and Archiving 

Benefits of Exchange Online:

• No need for server hardware
• No Exchange software or licensing costs
• No Security Certificates necessary
• No ongoing proactive maintenance required
• Simplified installation labor
• Outlook web access for both Apple & Android devices
• And maybe the best benefit of all… Microsoft Office 2013 Outlook Client Software is included with a 50GB Mailbox Size per user! Let’s see an Exchange Server supporting 20 users do that! 

The end result of moving your email to the cloud is a low ongoing monthly expense with no upfront capital expenditure, plus all the benefits and flexibility to meet your business communications needs.

Did you know that Windows XP is going end-of-life? This means that Microsoft Outlook 2013 will not run on Windows XP. That could mean no email for you!

Go to http://www.gobiztech.com/exchange-online.aspx for more info about Microsoft Exchange Online

Malware 101

According to Kapersky Labs, more than 33 percent of malware attacks cost businesses their hard-earned money. That amounts to billions of dollars in lost business revenue, downtime and repair costs that are attributed to malware infections every year.

What is Malware?
Malware exists in several forms; including viruses, ransomware, worms, trojan horses, rootkits,

keyloggers, dialers, spyware, adware, malicious browser helper objects, and rogue security software that either presents itself your antivirus control, or disables your antivirus software. Malware has three potential objectives: destruction of data, data collection and transmission, or nuisance and interruption.

Recently, the CryptoLocker Virus, a type of ransomware, has been in the news. This virus installs itself on your computer and encrypts your files so you can’t access them without the proper key. Then, a payment screen pops up, asking you to pay a ransom of $300 for the ‘key’ to decrypt your files! For more information about the CryptoLocker Virus, go to http://gobiztech.blogspot.com/2013/11/cryptolocker-virus-holds-your-important.html.


How to Protect Yourself…

8 Malware Prevention Best Practices

1. Don’t underestimate the importance of backing up your important data.

2.Install a firewall, if you don’t already use one, as the first line of defense against inbound attacks.

3. Make sure you are using good antivirus software that is constantly updated.

4. Keep your operating system (e.g. Windows) updated with current security updates and patches. Did you know XP is going “End of Life”?

5. Use a more secure web browser (Windows Explorer is the most exploited).

6. Use caution when downloading files from the internet- especially browser add-ons and screensavers.

7. Don’t open email attachments or click links unless you know what they are.

8. Never send personal information through an email, even if it looks like it is from a trusted source. You risk identifying yourself as a target.

Is your organization prepared for Windows XP end-of-life?

Support for Windows XP ends on April 8, 2014.

If you have PCs running XP, you will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update. This ends all security updates, hotfixes, driver updates and support.
Running Windows XP in your environment after the end of support date may expose your company to potential risks, such as viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal your business information.

An analysis by International Data Corporation revealed that supporting older Windows XP installations, compared with a modern Windows 7–based solution, burdens organizations with a dramatically higher cost. Annual cost per PC per year for Windows XP is $870, while a comparable Windows 7 installation costs $168 per PC per year. That is an incremental $701 per PC per year for IT and end-user labor costs.

You may be thinking, “But, Windows XP works great for us and we have no hardware issues with our computers, so why should we switch?”

Think about this… On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will release the last batch of XP patches and explanations of what they fix. A few days after that, virus writers will have deconstructed these patches and discovered the underlying security holes.  Then, they release their viruses, ransomware, adware, etc.  The next day, thousands of computers may be infected by the malware, and even if it is removed and all normal precautions are taken, this virus will infect the computers again and again while the Windows XP PC is being used to access the internet.

Organizations that continue to retain a Windows XP environment  not only  are leaving themselves exposed to security risks and support challenges but also are wasting budget dollars that would be better used in modernizing their IT investments. If your organization is bound by regulatory compliance policies, HIPAA or GLBA for example, the end of life for XP is of particular concern. Keeping XP systems in production that are no longer receiving security updates leaves you at risk for failed audits and susceptible to fines due to non-compliance. Many options exist for businesses considering moving to newer PC operating systems.

To understand the best options for your organization, you need a Microsoft Partner who will assess your business needs. BizTech will come to your place of business, assess your PC Network, and you will receive a customized Assessment Report — complete with your organization’s needs and best options to keep your business running smoothly.

Contact BizTech at 419.539.6922 to discuss or schedule your assessment.

CryptoLocker Virus Holds your Important Documents for Ransom

Have you heard of the CryptoLocker Virus yet? If not, be sure to read on!

The CryptoLocker Virus is a form of 'ransomware;' which is a type of malware which restricts access to the Microsoft Windows-running computer that it infects, and demands a ransom paid to the creator of the malware in order for the restriction to be removed.

In the case of the CryptoLocker Virus, it doesn't just restrict access to the computer system. Once downloaded, this ransomware installs itself in your 'Documents and Settings' folder. It then scans the hard drive for different file types- including .doc, .xls, .ppt, .pst, .dwg, .rtf, .dbf, .psd .jpg, .raw, and .pdf- and then encrypts them (makes it so you cannot access them without the proper key).

After encrypting your files, it displays a CryptoLocker payment screen that tells you to send a ransom of usually $300 in order to decrypt the files. This screen will also display a timer stating that you have around 100 hours to pay the ransom or it will delete your key and you will not have any way to get your files back! This ransom must be paid using MoneyPak vouchers or Bitcoins. Once you send the payment and it is verified, the program will decrypt the files that it encrypted.

How can my computer can get infected by CryptoLocker?

1) Via an email attachment- usually looks like an email from a respected company like BBB or FedEx, UPS. For example, you receive a tracking email from a shipping company you do business with. Attached to the email is a .zip file. Opening the attachment launches a virus that finds and encrypts all files you have access to — including those located on any attached drives or mapped network drives.

2) You browse a malicious website that exploits vulnerabilities in an out-of-date version of Java.

3) You’re tricked into downloading a malicious video driver or codec file.

What should I do when I discover my computer is infected with CryptoLocker?
When you discover that your computer is infected with CryptoLocker, the first thing you should do is disconnect it from your wireless or wired network. This will prevent it from further encrypting any files. Some people have reported that once the network connection is disconnected, it will display the CryptoLocker screen.

How do I remove the virus from my computer?Your antivirus software may remove the virus, however, your files will still be encrypted. Recent versions of CryptoLocker will now set your Windows wallpaper to a message that contains a link to a decryption tool that you can download in case this happens. In some cases, people have resorted to paying the ransom to retrieve their files. Some did receive the key and regained access to their files, but this is a very risky option. Your best bet is to recover your system from a previous system backup.

How can I prevent the CryptoLocker Virus from infecting my computer?1)If you get any emails with suspicious attachments, DO NOT open the attachments or click any links in the email messages. 

2)Steer clear of any suspicious websites. Especially ones that may ask you to download a Java update.

3)Make sure you keep complete and recent backups of your system. If you have a small business with networked PCs, you should have automated workstation backups enabled, in addition to server backups.

4)Implement Windows’ Software Restriction Policies rule. This can block CryptoLocker from launching its payload in your computer system. If you need help implementing, contact a BizTech Solution Advisor at 419.539.6922 or via email for more information about this method.We know your files are important and, very likely, essential to your business. Don't hesitate to call or email us for more information about this virus and how to prevent this, and other disasters from affecting your data.


*Information gathered from our Techs and http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/cryptolocker-a-particularly-pernicious-virus/