Apple's Full 360 on security is just in time

The new version of Mac OS X, Mountain Lion, is just around the corner and contains a feature which should go down well with security-minded end users.

AppleInsider reports that one of the new features included in OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion is automatic security updates.

That means that you will be able to configure any Macs you have that are running Mountain Lion to automatically check Apple's update servers on a daily basis (or when the computer is restarted) to see if a security update is available, and apply it without user interaction.

Of course, most days it is unlikely that Apple will have released a security update - but for those times when they have, this feature will hopefully reduce the window of opportunity for malicious hackers to exploit any vulnerabilities in OS X.

Does anyone make a good digital camera anymore?

Today, I dropped my new digital camera in the GRASS, and what do you, it's broke. This was an Olympus too, typically a better quality camera. Does anyone make a good, rugged camera. This is not an isolated incident. Within the year, it's happened with a another Olympus, Vivitar and a Nikon too. The only camera I've had that can take a bounce is my iPhone, figures......

Rule 4: Microsoft will never call you (or anyone else)

I get this scam question often. It goes like this, Thom, "Micosoft ( or insert random company) called me and told me my computer was infected.......". You can imagine the rest. Rest assure, there is not an IT professional or company on the planet that cold calls you offering to help you for "free or a small fee". There is no more aggravating thing an IT person has to do than try and fix a computer over the phone. If you get a call, hang up. The encounter will always end up in a request for your credit/debit card.....always.

Rule 3: Your teenager will destroy your computer

There is no other way of saying it.  If you share your computer with anyone under the age of 21, it will get infected with something at some point.  Usually within 3 minutes of examining a computer it becomes obvious to me that a teenager or teenager-like person has had considerable access to the computer.  As a parent, or adult, if you want to keep your computer clean, the best advice is to not let a teenager use it.  If at all, get them there own computer.  This is even more paramount as we do so much financial and personal business online.  If you cannot do without your computer for a couple of days, keep the kids off of it.  If they use it, it is only a matter of when it will be down for a repair job.  Oh, why does this happen?  Kids do all the things online that you shouldn't do, it really is that simple.  There's a reason you don't let them drive your new car.  Think about it.....

Rule 2: Your online behavior matters

It is fascinating how many people will ask me how to watch porn or download free music and movies safely. Simple answer, you cannot do it, unless you have a more extensive knowledge of computers. The look on the faces when I recommend that you don't do it is priceless. That being said, if you insist on these bad behaviors, it's a matter of when, not if you infect your computer, regardless of your anti virus program.

Recommended tech customer rule

Based on customer experience, I thought it may be wise to offer suggestions on how to get your computer fixed faster and without causing your local tech guy aggravation.
Rule 1: Be honest on what broke the computer. Example, (real example) if you spill a whole cup of coffee on your laptop, do not tell us that it was a couple of drops. Realize that when the laptop is opened, the truth will be revealed. Diagnosis of a problem is so much faster when we know exactly what you did. Thanks Ron W. for that one.