What to look for
According to the experts, there are various signs that could spell trouble for your computer: It’s running awfully slowly and takes forever to open files and send emails, and there are strange sounds emanating from it. If your computer is overheated, it can also cause severe problems to the point of permanently damaging your system. Be wary of spyware and viruses, which can considerably slow down your PC. Sudden power outages during storms can also cause harm, and water damage can also prevent your equipment from functioning properly. However, this doesn’t always mean that you should kiss your PC goodbye and invest in a new one.

According to John Breeden II, Senior Technology Analyst/Lab Director at Government Computer News, “It’s not possible for a computer to become permanently damaged with normal use. You won’t get a virus which will destroy your hardware. It might kill your data, but physically, your system will be fine. If it gets put in water, that’s one thing, but if you’re just sitting it on your desk and working with it, odds are it will pretty much last forever.”

Steps to take
Breeden recommends steps to resolve your computer glitches. First, run a scan with some type of utility suite. “It may be that your computer is working fine,” he explains, “but just can’t handle what you’re trying to run on it.” Adding memory can also help. “Even if you meet the minimum requirements for software, things will still run slowly if you don’t meet the recommended specs. If you are too behind the curve, it may be time to buy a new system.” He cites a gaming system as an example because the software advances rapidly.

A program that Breeden highly recommends for fixing system errors is System Mechanic, which he explains is easy to use because “you don’t have to be technical to use it. You just push the ‘fix’ button, and it does its thing. You can, however, use it to really dig into a system if you’re technically inclined, so it’s the best of both worlds that way.”

A security engineer we talked to advises to watch out for unusual noises coming from your computer. Frequently, this spells trouble for the hard drive, at which point you might want to consider taking it to a professional who can then try to salvage your data.

According to our experts, the average lifespan for most computers is four years, but you can extend its life even further by adding more system memory, for example. “What normally happens,” Breeden explains, “is that software gets more demanding over time, and that is what leaves computers in the dust. So your computer is still good until the software you need to use has become too advanced for it.” This can occur, for example, “when you want to buy an office suite or game, and your computer’s minimum specs are lower than the specs printed on the box,” Breeden says.

Precautionary measures
Most of the glitches users encounter are easy to fix. By taking a few simple precautionary measures, you can keep your computer up and running for a long time to come. Our experts weighed in with tips and suggestions. First, you can prevent spyware and viruses from infecting your system by investing in a good anti-virus program and continuously updating it. As the security engineer explains, the greatest danger that viruses and malware cause is usually the ability to steal credit card and other pertinent information. You also need to install the updates for your operating system (e.g., latest updates for Windows). In addition, steer clear of clicking on suspicious links, which may prove harmful.

The “formula”
Our security engineer also recommends using a formula to figure out if it’s time to ditch your old PC and invest in a new one: Take the original purchase price (say, $600), divide it by the years you've owned it (say, 2) and subtract the cost of 1 hour of computer support (say, around $85) = 215.

“When the computer repair amount starts to come close to the computer cost (original amount/years owned), or if you have to frequently repair the computer, it’s time for a new one,” he says.

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Two-thirds of American adults have slept with their cell phones on or right next to their beds. The number rises to over 90% among people ages 18 to 29. Those are some of the conclusions from the huge Pew Internet & American Life Project called "Cellphones and American Adults."

The study also found significant increases in texting and the overall amount of time that Americans spend talking on their cell phones. As might be expected, "cell phone-centric" activity is more prevalent among the young than it is among the middle-aged and older who have mobile phones.

The number of Americans who own a BlackBerry (RIMM), iPhone (AAPL), or other cellular device is up to 82%. That should not be surprising. The combined subscriber bases of Sprint-Nextel (S), Verizon Wireless, and AT&T (T) are now 230 million. Cell phone use may be reaching a saturation point in America.

The Pew research shows that adults who use texting receive a median of 10 texts a day. The number rises to 50 a day for teenagers. Five percent of adult texters send 200 texts per day. Heavy texters, those who send and receive more than 50 a day, are also heavier users of voice features on their phones.

Other results of the poll show that the average phone user makes five calls a day. Men are slightly more likely to make calls than are women.

It is perhaps not unexpected that 91% of Americans with cell phones feel safer because of their handsets. The devices connect them with the world. Eighty-eight percent say that their phones help them stay in touch with family and friends. There may not be much that is extraordinary in the 42-page report, especially to those of us who watch others text and talk on their phones all day -- except perhaps that most of those people sleep with their phones, too.

The report is based on the findings of a daily tracking survey on Americans' use of the Internet and data from telephone interviews conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International between April 29 and May 30, 2010, among a sample of 2,252 adults, age 18 and older.

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by Gina Dykas

WARNING! Yesterday afternoon I received an email from Bank of America (or so I thought). It stated that multiple computers have tried logging into my account, but have failed and they recommend I change my password. I followed the hyperlink in the email that came up with a Bank of America form asking me for my address, social security number, credit/debit card number, birthday, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, I proceeded with the form trusting it was really from my bank.

This morning, I received the same email again, but this time I forwarded it on to our senior engineer to take a look. Sure enough, after researching the email it was a scam and a "phishing" email. Needless to say I called Bank of America right away and they gave me steps to take to ensure my accounts would be safe. I changed all my passwords again after finding out this was fraudulent since the scam lead me to "confirm" everything yesterday. This is not a joke- DO NOT OPEN anything or follow any hyperlinks if you receive this email. A customer service representative reassured me they will never put a hyperlink in an email to notify you of changes (or to change account)- they will simply tell you to log in to your account and make changes from there.

If you have any questions or this happened to you, contact your bank as soon as possible. If spam continues, Symmetric Group can also help by monitoring these phishing emails. Please spread the news to friends, coworkers, family, and anyone you can think of!

Symmetric Engineering Group Contact Info

The solution to the problem is frequently simpler than most people realize. One tech-support specialist we know has a basic motto: “If all else fails, reboot.” Though rebooting has been known to cure minor ills, there are still a wide array of problems users frequently encounter, which more often than not can be resolved either by the tech-support specialist on the phone or a trip to the computer store.

Forgetting passwords: This is more common than you think. A number of users even forget passwords they use on a frequent basis. These days, there is usually a “Forgot Password?” option on most websites, where you can simply obtain a new password in a matter of minutes. A help-desk analyst we contacted says that this is easily the most recurring problem users face and that frequently their “caps lock” button is on.

Can’t turn on your computer or nothing happens: About.com reports that “the number-one reason a computer won’t turn on is because it wasn’t turned on!” Check the power switch. If it does switch on, but it’s not working, it could be related to the power supply.

Computer is running slow: Various factors can slow your computer down to a crawl, particularly if there is very little disk space or if it’s been infected with malware. Our help-desk analyst explains that with malware infections, “People are tricked into believing that the pop-ups they receive are actually from a program installed on their computer. So they click on it, and the infection starts to work its way through the computer.” You can help safeguard your computer by not clicking on suspicious links, and clearing your cache or uninstalling a few of those games you rarely play can help create more space. Another solution is to run a program like System Mechanic, which can clean up system clutter and help boost Internet speed.

Strange sounds coming from your computer: As noted in a recent article, if you hear strange noises emanating from your computer, it could spell trouble for your hard drive. A tech expert we spoke with recommends taking your computer in, where a specialist can look at it and attempt to salvage the data.

Messages about memory: A tech expert we contacted says that “a cheap way” to avoid getting messages about low memory is to simply shut off your computer when you’re not using it. (This is a trick that actually worked in our case, because we had a habit of running a lot of programs at once and leaving the computer on 24/7.) But if you’re still getting memory messages, it’s time to buy more RAM. According to pctechbytes.com, “Upgrading your computer’s memory is one of the easiest ways to improve speed and performance.”

"Hijacked" browser: This takes place when, for example, your home page switches to an unfamiliar one (hence, the “hijacking”) or you get an unusual number of pop-ups. This is frequently the result of spyware. Tech experts recommend that you can usually prevent hijacking by updating your anti-virus program, or on the other hand, you can try a different browser.

Difficulty using documents and spreadsheets: Your colleagues expect that spreadsheet by Monday, and frankly, you still find Excel intimidating and difficult to use. Microsoft.com actually offers online training for Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other software, and there are plenty of other online tools that can help you master the art of various programs.

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Imagine it: You wake up one morning, scramble to work, and after doing just enough to seem like a good employee, you immediately log on to Twitter. You have an @reply from your boyfriend: I love you, n00b, will you marry me?

How would you feel?

Well, strap in, because it might happen to you. According to CNN, social networking proposals are a bona fide trend: Men, in an effort to be creative and grand on a budget, are taking to the Internet to propose to their girlfriends, using everything from Facebook to Twitter to creating viral YouTube videos to the Old Spice Guy.

And while you may argue that this is just the natural evolution of Jumbotron proposals at halftime, I would like to tell you you're wrong.

Men, here's the test of any wedding proposal you are planning: Years from now, when you're having story time with your children and they turn to you, apple-cheeked, and ask how you asked Mommy to marry you, how is your story going to sound? Is it going to sound romantic and heartfelt, or are you going to have to say, "OK, look, there was this really funny commercial for Old Spice ..."

Why are more proposals happening like this? Michael Rosenfeld, sociology professor at Stanford, thinks that any public proposal reflects the proposer's fear of rejection, as women are less likely to turn you down in front of other people. Also, he says, promoting your online presence is a factor. "In the Internet age, the border to fame and notoriety is much lower, and because we live in an age of very gratifying self-promotion, online proposals can sometimes devalue tradition."

Yes, tradition. It may seem like an uncool thing to say, but tradition is important, even if it's a new tradition that you are creating with your significant other. Don't make this moment about the latest Internet meme; make it about your relationship. Using technology is totally fine for a romantic gesture, but rather than re-editing Keyboard Cat to make him propose, make a video with your own cat playing your song, and then present it to her on a laptop that you've brought along on a picnic.

A proposal isn't the most important thing in your relationship, sure, but it isn't just a clever thing to do either -- it's a question you ask someone that results in a legal partnership. Don't distance yourself from it. Feel the asphalt under your knee. Proposals should be intimate and connected to who you are as a couple rather than the latest YouTube sensation.

But I may be bitter. I was proposed to on MySpace.*

*no I wasn't.

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As our cars become more technologically advanced, they leave the door open for vulnerabilities. Latest in the technological flawbook appears to be tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), revealing just how small that hole needs to be in order for a tech savvy thief to crawl through.

A group of researchers from Rutgers University and the University of South Carolina discovered that you can hack into a car's electronics wirelessly though tire systems, which means any modern vehicle could be vulnerable to an attack at any time, even while it's being driven down the road.

In their study, researchers used a car's tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as their entry portal. Tire pressure monitoring has been mandatory on new cars since 2008 and uses a sensor on each wheel that transmits data over radio frequencies to a vehicle's electronic control unit.

By sniffing for signals from the TPMS, these researchers were able to track two different vehicles and even interfere with the signals. At this point, the real world implications are limited because TPMS sensors have a very short range and update the car's ECU only every 60-90 seconds. However, these findings underscore how as vehicles get more wireless connectivity, it's important to ensure those wireless connections are secure and encrypted to prevent mischief.

Over the last few years, other vulnerabilities have been found in vehicles. While most of these aren't cause for concern today, they nevertheless point out that that technological advancement comes with compromises.

- Geo-location: Cars with onboard navigation systems are in a never-ending conversation with the sky above. Acting as a unique signal with a series of satellites, your vehicle essentially has its own "mailing address." Locating that address by compromising the satellite network could reveal your location to someone who wanted to find out where you were traveling. What's at stake: your location.

- "Home button" robberies: Related to navigation systems, there have been reports that thieves target vehicles with navigation systems and garage door openers visible. The thinking is that if a thief can get access to your navigation system, he can press the home button (which most drivers program to their real home address) and then use the garage door opener to get inside. What's at stake: Your car and potentially your home.

- Physical Access to the car's brain: In an earlier report, our Craig Howie reported on the dangers of allowing someone access to the OBD-II port of a vehicle, which is the access point for the car's brain. "Someone -- such as a mechanic, a valet, a person who rents a car, an ex-friend, a disgruntled family member, or the car owner -- can, with even momentary access to the vehicle, insert a malicious component into a car’s internal network via the ubiquitous OBD-II port (typically under the dash). The attacker may leave the malicious component permanently attached to the car’s internal network or, as we show in this paper, they may use a brief period of connectivity to embed the malware within the car’s existing components and then disconnect." What's at stake: A lot. Access to the all the vehicle systems can be found here, which means everything from accelerator to brakes.

- "GPS Jammers" Allow Thieves A Getaway: The super technologically advanced thief is looking a few steps ahead. Knowing that many cars come with GPS systems, onboard tracking systems such as OnStar and other theft devices, there have been reports that thieves are buying GPS jammers from China. These systems essentially block the car's own GPS signal, preventing the law from locating the car. What's at stake: the safe return of your car.

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These tales of woebegone consumers calling tech support have been frequently shared by many a patient (though frustrated) tech-support representative who no doubt marvel at the ability of the computer to instill such fear and intimidation in the average new user. Some of these stories are now urban legends, so much so that the website Technical Support Inc. (tsishow.com) is a comedy program that spoofs a tech-support division at a fictional company and stars real-life tech-support reps.

“Hello? Is this the Internet?”
Rob McDonald, a program director who previously worked as a tech-support rep, recalls a few such conversations he and his colleagues had with users calling the call center:

One of the most typical calls tech support specialists receive is the one from the panicked husband or kids: “How do I delete all these websites from my computer? Please hurry! My wife (or parents) will be home any minute!”

There is also the incident of the customer who claimed that he had signed up with the Internet service provider and that “You took my credit card and you won’t give it back.” It took the call-center rep a while to figure out that the guy had inserted his credit card into the 3.5-inch floppy disk drive on his computer where it had become stuck.

The Wall Street Journal also reported the case of two Dell customers: One user, in an effort to clean his keyboard, had run a bath and soaked the keyboard in soap and water. Another had been using the mouse as a foot pedal.

Another caller -- who didn’t own a computer and had no interest in signing up online -- called McDonald about “the Internet mall.” She had purchased a packet for $100 that provided information on how to get rich on the Web. The caller assumed that she had contacted said mall: “It says right here, ‘Sell your product on the Internet mall’….That’s you, right? That’s who I’m calling -- the Internet?” No Virginia, “the Internet” does not have a phone number or street address.

How to approach Tech Support
Even for savvy computer users who may run their own personal websites or fix minor system glitches, it’s best to approach tech support intelligently. When your system crashes, or you are forced to deal with a glitch that doesn’t make sense, simply describe your exact actions that led to the failure. Sometimes system messages can be difficult to decipher, and it’s best to ask an expert who can guide you through it. The New York Times for example, reports the case of a user who received the message “Error Type 11” and repeatedly typed 11 on his keyboard, thinking that this would fix his computer.

An ounce of prevention
There are certain preventive measures you can take to boost your computer’s health, so to speak. If your system has slowed down to a snail’s pace or keeps crashing, it’s time for a tune-up. Delete old documents, photos, music files, and so on, clear your web cache, and refrain from clicking on suspicious links. Programs like System Mechanic and PefectSpeed also help repair various problems, clear up unwanted clutter on your PC and boost Internet speed. If your computer starts making strange noises, call a tech rep or show it to a professional who can then figure out whether the hard drive has been damaged beyond repair.

There are times when glitches will inevitably occur, but at least you can attempt to fix them and not end up like the user whose monitor started emanating smoke and was eventually referred to 911 by the tech-support rep.

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Notion Ink, the plucky Indian startup intent on shaking up the tablet industry, was most recently spotted turning over the sofa cushions looking for spare change, but that isn't stopping the company from announcing pricing for its mythical first product. The Adam, it has now been revealed, will be available for $498 with WiFi, 3G, GPS, and a Tegra 2 system-on-chip powering things, with prices dipping down to $449 if you exclude either the 3G or Pixel Qi display option, and $399 if you drop both and make do with a WiFi-only LCD-based tablet. That certainly adheres to the promise of aggressive pricing, but the Q3 launch -- which in itself was a slip from a Q2 pledge -- has now also been definitively scratched off the board of possibilities, as the device won't be submitted to the FCC for certification until November. Notion Ink claims that from there on it'll be just a matter of waiting on the FCC to clear the Adam for its US launch, which could happen in late 2010 or CES 2011 at the latest. Or, you know, never.

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