Any piece of software designed to cause a computer to malfunction, perform tasks the primary user doesn’t want to do, or steal information from private files, is a computer virus. There are many ways for viruses to get onto your devices, including downloading viruses that are designed to mimic other content like music or videos, opening email attachments containing viruses, or even just visiting a website that launches a virus automatically.

How to tell if your device is infected?

Symptoms of a computer virus include slower than usual performance, the appearance of programs and icons you didn’t intentionally download, and the automatic redirection of your web browser to sites you don’t want to visit.

There are a number of safeguards and good practices that can stop viruses from accessing your devices.

1. Antivirus software runs programs while you surf to alert you of potential threats and stop you from downloading dangerous content from distrustful sources. These programs also run manual or regular automated scans of your device to identify and delete viruses that are already present.

2. Software updates of the programs you use every day often include patches and additions that close loopholes and exploits hackers and virus-makers might use to get access to your data.

3. Smart surfing practices, like only downloading from trusted sources, navigating away from websites that look suspicious, and not opening emails from people you don’t know, are all great ways to avoid inviting viruses into your devices.

We keep a lot of personal data on the Internet. This includes contact information, bank account numbers, or even our Social Security numbers. Without adequate protection, other people can get access to your personal data when you don’t want them to.

Identity Theft

What is identity theft? Simply, identity theft is when someone accesses your personal data and uses it without your permission. Criminals use various means, including deception, hacking, and viruses, to steal others’ personal data and use it to do everything from making unauthorized credit card purchases to signing up for services using someone else’s name.

Protecting Against Identity Theft

The two biggest components of identity protection online are being careful about giving personal information and making sure others can’t access your devices without your permission.

1. Only give out personal data to trusted sources and be wary of people who contact you claiming to represent a trusted source. Any trusted source, like your bank or a government organization, will publish its policies regarding data security. Unexpected or suspicious phone calls and emails claiming to be from trusted sources are often attempts by criminals to obtain your personal information.

2. Make strong passwords. Whether it’s for your online banking, your email account, or your online gaming ID, create unique, complex passwords for each application. A strong password includes both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and non-numerical symbols. To keep all of these passwords in order, you can use secure password management software.

3. Maintain a secure connection, whether wired or Wi-Fi. Wired connections are hard to hack, so most hackers try to break into others’ Wi-Fi. When setting up a Wi-Fi signal at home, at work, or on the go, make sure to enable secure access that requires a strong password. Also enable the extra security features (listed as WEP) in your Wi-Fi router’s device manager.

Safe surfing may seem daunting with all the extra programs and mindful practices involved, but it’s actually just a shallow learning curve to a greater degree of personal security. With the right suite of programs and the consistent application of data defense behaviors, you can enjoy all the Internet has to offer without worry.

By Yazmin Gray 

The post Identity theft and device security go hand in hand appeared first on Colocation America.

Christmas might seem a long way off, but it’s never too early to start making your wish list. No matter who you are, it’s likely that you’ll have one of these four devices on your holiday wish list.

Xbox One/Xbox 720

Although consumer tech reporters can’t decide whether Microsoft will name its next console “Xbox One” or “Xbox 720” (hopefully, the company goes with the first choice), they have learned a fair amount about the upcoming system.

The $500 price might sound excessive compared to other game systems, but Microsoft plans to offer buyers much more than video games.

It thinks the new system will become an all-in-one entertainment system that does everything from letting you use Skype to streaming your favorite TV shows. If you want an Xbox One for Christmas, make sure you have a high speed internet connection that won’t slow you down when using it.

Release date: November

Anticipated Cost: About $500

Google Glass

Google Glass has gotten a lot of press since Google released an early version to a small number of test users.

Recent reports show that Google Glass will likely hit store shelves by the end of 2013, but it depends on whether the company has time to iron out important details.

In other good news, Google Glass reportedly works with Apple and Android devices.

Release date: Uncertain. Google hopes before the end of 2013.

Anticipated cost: Most likely under $1,500

Recon Instruments Jet

Jet by Recon Instruments hasn’t gotten as much attention as Google Glass, but it could quickly dominate the market by the end of the year. Jet takes Google Glass a few steps further with a rugged design that people can wear anywhere they go.

Its thermometer, GPS, and ANT+ makes it perfect for outdoor activities and sports. If you want to climb a mountain, you won’t take Glass with you. Jet will fit your needs better.

Unfortunately, Jet still suffers from some of Google Glass’s unfortunate features. Wearing them in the woods will make you look like a lost cyborg. Still, it should capture the imaginations of early adopters and quickly evolve into something more practical for the average consumer.

Release date: August 2013

Anticipated cost: Unknown

Apple iTV

The Apple iTV promises to revolutionize home entertainment. The 60-inch TV (Apple may also make 50-inch and 55-inch versions) will come with a newly developed feature called the iRing.

This ring, which fits on the user’s finger, will replace many of the reasons that people currently use remote controls.

The iTV will also come with a miniature version that owners can carry around the house.

This lets them watch content anywhere within 200 meters of the large TV. Considering how much this entertainment system costs, you’d better hope that you have a rich relative willing to spend a lot of money on your happiness.

Release date: Late 2013

Anticipated cost: Rumored $2,500

What are some of your favorite electronic devices scheduled for release this year? Have you already started putting together a dream list that includes these and other items? Leave a comment in the section below.

By Yazmin Gray

The post 2013 Holiday Wish-List: 4 Must-Have Electronic Devices appeared first on Colocation America.

IT professionals have a lot on their plates. Between the heavy workloads, on-the-go schedules and constant learning, they need technological assistance that can go everywhere with them and make every aspect of the profession easier.

Mobile devices have made this possible with a variety of applications that are great for IT workers in the field. Here are some of the most useful IT-related apps on the market today.

gFlashPro

Professional certifications can kick a new IT career into high gear, but the tests for certification programs are very challenging. gFlashPro is a versatile education aid that allows users to make virtual flashcards and create customized quizzes on just about any subject imaginable. While it’s great for professional certificate tests, it can just as easily make quizzes to expand pop culture knowledge for the next after-work trivia night.

Exgis Mileage Tracker

For professionals who travel a lot or who need to keep track of company travel data, the Exgis mileage tracker does an excellent job. It not only keeps tabs on miles traveled, it also allows users to create more detailed categories about personal vs. professional travel, client lists and project lists. Exgis also quickly and smoothly exports all data to Excel, making database management a snap.

Salesforce is one of the most widely used sales and client management tools in the world and its mobile component is vital for anyone who works in fast-moving fields. From equipment sales to company data organization, Salesforce Mobile gives users the ability to track and log changes to client profiles instantly from anywhere.

Just like with the desktop app, the mobile edition logs phone calls with clients, provides access to project information and gives live updates to leads data. This makes Salesforce Mobile especially useful for any fast-paced start-up enterprise and BYOD work environment where info needs to sync to numerous different devices for everyone on the team as soon as possible.

SayIt

SayIt for BlackBerry devices is like a personal assistant in the form of a mobile app. By simply tapping the Record button and asking a question, SayIt will retrieve an answer and speak it back. This is great for any situation that benefits from a hands-free interface. SayIt finds answers and content from search engines, video sites, mapping apps and many other sources.

This makes it useful not just for on-the-job answers but also navigating unfamiliar places to find addresses, landmarks or a good place to eat. SayIt also has a very handy translation component that supports dozens of different languages, making overseas travel much easier.

Aerize Explorer

When it comes to sending large files via mobile device, the general advice has been, “don’t even try.” Even the fastest mobile connections seem to crawl when sending media or even large documents. Aerize Explorer eliminates that hassle by allowing users to compress and decompress files through a simple interface. It also makes it easy to move and manage files between internal device memory and media cards, all while seeing a file’s properties whether or not it’s zipped.

These and many other mobile apps make life for the IT professional easier and more flexible. They’re great for data management and quick communication of vital info across multiple platforms and any distance, whether it’s across the room or on the other side of the world.

By: This is post written by Yazmin Gray, a freelance writer. You can read more from Yazmin by following her on Google +.

The post Have You Tried Turning It Off and on Again? Best IT Apps 2013 appeared first on Colocation America.

Seasoned professionals know their Internet presence must be polished. This ensures others take you seriously, especially if you include career and education information. Here are four apps to help you create and maintain a professional online profile.

1. LinkedIn App

LinkedIn is widely known for being a professional networking social media site. Not only can you connect with 225 million members worldwide, you can also seek out groups to join and engage in industry topics important to you.

The LinkedIn app is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and BlackBerry operating systems, so it’s even easier to stay on top of your news timeline.

LinkedIn also helps you build your profile with step-by-step instructions prompting you to add skills, education, and employment history. Join groups to help you find the right career or connect with those most trusted in your industry. The key to LinkedIn is completing the entire profile and contributing to conversations and endorsements of others.

2. Smartr Contacts for iPhone App

Customize your iPhone contacts easily with the Smartr Contacts app. Not only does it sync your contacts from me.com, mac.com, Gmail, Yahoo!, and Outlook — it also puts a face to every name and email address. This is great for reminding you of who’s who and what they do.

The Smartr Contacts app also searches for and assigns telephone numbers automatically and keeps those you contact the most at the top of your contacts list. Set up meetings on the fly by searching for clients by company or last name. Invite others to join you on Smartr Contacts to help build a strong network of professionals.

You can also send a text, call, or email anyone within your contact list with one simple click. There’s a communication history tool to help you stay on top of your most recent meetings or conversations. The app also saves to the cloud so contact information is kept safe and encrypted – a must for staying in touch professionally in an organized fashion.

3. DocumentsToGo App

Part of maintaining your online portfolio is being able to add to it or revise it on the go. This is where the DocumentsToGo app can help. Not only can you edit, save, and email Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, you can also upload and keep important PDF files.

Imagine you’re on the way to an important meeting or interview. With DocumentsToGo, you can polish resumes, review earlier meeting notes, pull contact lists from your saved files or download what you need from Google’s Cloud. Email your updated portfolio in advance of conferences or meetings. DocumentsToGo is a one-stop app for portfolio revision and network sharing on the go.

4. Tweriod App

Tweeting and using Twitter has become a place not just for social tweets but also for connecting to network professionals. The very smart Tweriod app takes remaining professional on Twitter a step further – whether you’re using the mobile app or Tweriod on your laptop.

Tweriod keeps track of your professional contacts and when they tweet most – up to 1,000 of your contacts can be analyzed for free – additional contacts require an upgrade. This app informs you when it’s most important to tweet back or compose a tweet of your own–such as a link to your online portfolio.

Even if you’re at the office or on the go, with CLEAR wireless Internet and your contact report analysis, you can stay on top of the most important tweets from the people in your network and even add to your network. Tweriod is not affiliated with Twitter but the ability to know when to send a tweet and what people are most tweeting about is one valuable networking and personal profile boosting tool. Building and maintaining a professional online profile is easy with these four top apps.

About the author: This is a post written by Yazmin Gray on behalf of clearwirelessinternet.com. Yazmin is a freelance writer and in her spare time she enjoys live music and working out.

The post Top 4 Apps to Improve your Online Presence appeared first on Colocation America.

Not every search engine is going to give you what you need. Because of the enormity of the internet, many of the larger search engines can be a little overwhelming.

It is important to find the right search engine for your specific needs. There are a lot of search engines out there, even though you may have only heard of a few of them.

Google Locations

If you want to get the most results for your query, search with Google. This search engine is the largest of all of them, and is going to give you the most results. However, that can be a little daunting, if you aren’t quite sure what you are looking for.

One of the nice things about Google, however, is that it can use your location when you do searches. This means that if you search for “cheap internet providers in my area”, you are going to get a better result with Google than with most other search engines.

Get Questions to Your Answers

Do you have a specific question that you need an answer to? If you need a factual answer to your question, there are search engines such as Ask Jeeves and Answers.com that can help you. These search engines are geared specifically to answer questions about statistical or factual things. However, you probably won’t get great results for searches like what to do when you are bored.

Check all the Engines

If you are interested in finding the most responses to your search with the least amount of effort, you will want to look at a metasearch engine.

There are a few of these out there, such as Search.com and Ixquick. These will pull results from many different search engines, giving you the most results possible.

Find a Job on Monster

If you are looking specifically for a job, it is important to take your search to a job search engine. If you just look at a regular search engine, you are going to have a difficult time. However, there are many different job search engines, depending on your area. In India, there is Bixee.com, Canada has Eluta.ca, Korea has Incruit, and America boasts many different sites including Career Builder, Monster, and Dice.com

Use Search Engine Operators

Each search engine has a list of operators that can be used to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Adding an operator to your search can help you narrow down the search by searching for an entire phrase, only looking for a specific site name, searching for a phrase without certain words or phrases, and more. It is important to note that each search engine has different operators that are used, so you need to know the operators used by the engine you are using.

Picking a search engine can be difficult. Many people choose their favorite search engine and stick with that, no matter what they are looking for. However, this can limit the information you get in the long run.

About the author: Yazmin Gray is a freelance writer. On her free time she enjoys live music and working out.

The post How to Make the Most of Search Engines appeared first on Colocation America.