News and notes

This week: An update on a scam you really don’t want to fall for; LastPass had a problem, but you should be OK; the overhauled Google Photos shows promise.

 

There’s a new-ish twist on the scam where a supposed Microsoft technician calls you to say your computer is infected. Instead of a phone call, you receive a popup message saying your computer might be infected and advising you to phone a toll free number. If you call the number and allow the person at the other end to take remote control of your computer, s/he will show you “errors” and attempt to sell you cleanup and protection.

This is all a scam. And even Apple users are being hit with this, because the popup comes from a browser. Do not call that number! Contact a reputable computer repair person. And beware of fake ads on Google and other search engines that look real but take you to those same scam artists. See this column from last April for more information about how to protect yourself: http://rlis.com/columns/column502.htm.
 

LastPass is a cloud-based service that stores and manages your logins and passwords. LastPass is in the process of notifying all its users --- and has already alerted the media --- to some suspicious activity. They are confident that no passwords were stolen, but there are some security issues you should be aware of if you use LastPass. If you missed the notification from them, check their website here for details and for what you should do, if anything: https://blog.lastpass.com/2015/06/lastpass-security-notice.html/.

Google continues to back away from the ill-conceived Google+ social media disaster, and now offers Google Photos (https://photos.google.com/) without making you create a Google+ profile.

When Google+ took over Picasa Web, I was irritated and sad. But this latest batch of “improvements” actually contains some nice features and free unlimited storage.

Google rolled out the revamped Photos for the web, iOS and Android, and because they seem to have resigned themselves to the demise of Google+, it’s now easy to share you photos on Facebook and Twitter. Or of course in an email, but that is so 20th Century. Your recipient doesn’t need a Google account to see or download your shared pictures.

An interesting feature is “Assistant” which looks like an overhauled version of “Auto Awesome.” Assistant suggests ways to group your photos into stories and collages. That’s kind of cool for the pictures of my Myra Canyon Trestles ride, but a little on the creepy side when it comes to photos of our bathroom reno. But then, I’ve of the generation doing bathroom renos. Probably younger people think this is all the bomb.

Have you tried out the new Google Photos? It looks and works great on my Android phone, and it is very nice on the web. Tell me what you think, especially if you’ve tried it on your iPhone or iPad.

 

Do you need help with your computer? I'm here to help you and your home or business computer get along!

Cate Eales runs Computer Care Kelowna (http://computercarekelowna.com/) a mobile service helping home users and businesses get along with their computers. To arrange an appointment phone her at 250-764-7043. Cate also welcomes your comments and suggestions. Send email to [email protected].

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This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.