We Define IT
  • Home
  • 2022 Holiday Plans
  • Testimonials
  • Professional Services
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Login

Protect Your Home from Technology Fire Risk

8/15/2020

0 Comments

 
You love your technology and probably have a lot of it at home. You might not think of computers, smartphones, printers, or routers as a fire risk, but they can do real damage.

Microwaves, laundry machines, and air conditioners are the top sources of residential fires, but computer equipment is also responsible for fires that injure and kill homeowners.

So, what should you do? Keep in mind that your technology generates heat when it’s switched on; that’s why it’s designed with venting. But desktops, laptops, routers, modems, and printers can all overheat.

Desktop computers have fans to push out the air, but they can get clogged with dust or blocked. Often, we’ll see computers pushed up again a wall, covered with papers, or kept in a small alcove that gets no airflow.

Laptops can also overheat. People often sit with their laptops literally on their lap, or on a blanket or pillow. If you’re blocking the device’s exhaust port, the laptop can’t cool down.

Air also needs to get into the device to cool it, but that won't happen properly if dust or pet hair clogs the vents. Your precious technology could overheat and cause a fire or stop functioning effectively because it has to work harder all the time.

Other Tech-Related Fire Threats

A rat’s nest of cables represents a fire risk. You should always try to avoid overloading your circuits with too much electrical load. You can also upgrade your electrical wiring and go with heavy-duty extension cords.

Charging cords and overheated batteries are another issue. You’ve probably heard of airlines banning certain smartphones because they have been known to spontaneously combust.

You can prevent charger and battery damage by choosing brand-name items. Third-party chargers for phones, tablets, and laptops can save money, but they are cheaper because they lack safety features. If your charger sets your room on fire, your cost savings go up in flames.

You might also think about getting an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This battery backup supplies power if your regular power source fails. It can also prevent power surges and allow for safe shutdown of connected equipment.

Finally, plan to get your computer cleaned annually. You might do this yourself, but many people prefer to hire computer tech help.

Whether its computer cleaning, or setting up safe wiring or a UPS, we can help protect your home. Contact us at 888-234-WDIT (9348) today about fireproofing your technology!
0 Comments

How to Avoid Online Job Search Scams

8/1/2020

0 Comments

 
Cybercrooks are disturbing people. Consider job-search scams. With the world economy reeling, bad actors are capitalizing on people’s desperation. They’re targeting those looking for work. There are steps you can take to filter out illegitimate opportunities.

Cybercriminals like to be timely. Plus, appealing to people’s emotions improves their success rate, so it’s not that surprising that there’s been an uptick in job-listing scams in 2020.

Avoid Job Search Scams Online

The bad guys are betting people will be less cautious when they see an attractive job offer. Don’t be their victim. Take these steps instead.

Read the job description carefully

This means:

Looking for grammatical or spelling errors. As with other cyberscams, someone who is not a native speaker of the posting’s language may write the listing.

Being wary of phrases designed to communicate urgency or a too-good-to-be-true offer. You wouldn't expect to see “quick earning potential” or “unlimited money” in a legit posting.

Search for specificity. A legitimate listing will list job responsibilities and industry credentials. Someone faking it is less likely to be able to use the industry vocabulary.

Be wary of instant hiring

No matter the industry, few positions are filled immediately. You should expect the recruiting process to take time. If you are being pressured to take hiring steps urgently, that should be a red flag. Get an email congratulating you on earning the position before you’ve met with anyone? Proceed with caution.

Question modes of communication

Job scammers will rely on online chat interviews and email. If you don't speak in person with someone, it will be more difficult for you to confirm legitimacy. With emails, read the return address carefully. A scam job might use a close approximation to a big brand to add credibility. (You have to look closely to distinguish between nationalbank.com and nationlbank.com.)

A good strategy is to search the company’s website for a job listing. If you don’t see the role you’re interested in posted, investigate further.

Don’t pay for a job opportunity

Don't pay an upfront fee for a background check, uniform, or some other testing or training. Don't provide any of your private personal information at the outset either. Don’t send tax or banking details before a formal offer of employment. Even then, be aware that some scammers take it from start to finish, including interview and job offer.

Trust your instincts

If the job sounds amazing, and you can’t believe how perfect it is, scrutinize the posting. A listing posting an exorbitant fee for easy work or telling you about the stupendous success of another candidate is likely a fraud. Confirm standard job expectations and salary with an online search of career listings.

Falling prey to a job or other cyberfraud can leave you vulnerable to more than disappointment. Victims report loss of money, identity theft, or computer hacking, and more. An IT expert can help with security patches and system upgrades to keep your devices and network safe.
0 Comments

    Author

    Stay connected to our Blog for vital, timely and  relevant information to keep your personal technology optimized, updated and protected.

    Archives

    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020

    Categories

    All
    Browsers
    Children
    Cloud
    Computer
    Cybersecurity
    Data
    Email
    Graphics Card
    Hardware
    Laptop Batteries
    Malware
    Managed Service Provider
    Monitor
    Network
    Online Shopping
    Operating System
    OS
    Password
    Printers
    Privacy
    Ransomware
    Repair
    Safety
    Seniors
    Social Media
    Software
    Tablets
    Video Editing
    Windows

    RSS Feed

Connect With Us
Remote First - Our Company Blog
 Facebook
Twitter
E-Mail
Instagram
LinkedIn
RSS Feed
Services

24/7 Remote Help Desk & NOC Services

Unlimited On-Site Technical Repair Services

Managed Anti-Virus, Malware, Spyware, Greyware, Rootkit and Identity Theft Protection


Windows / Mac / Linux / Unix File Server, Exchange and SQL Backup & Disaster Recovery

Secure, Redundant Cloud Storage

Apple, Windows Activesync, Android, Blackberry & Nokia Symbian Mobile Device Management

Managed IT Services Consulting

Virtual Chief Information Officer (CIO) Services
Client Remote Support

Enter 6-Digit Remote Support Code




Picture
Search Our Site

Home  |  @Home - Residential  |  @Work - Business  |  @School - Educational  |  @Worship - Spiritual |  Virtual CIO  |  Contact Us  |   Login

CALL US TOLL-FREE:  888-234-WDIT
Copyright ©2021  We Define IT LLC, All Rights Reserved. 
Site Design by  Nu Web Order Designs.  Hosting Powered by  Hostivity.

New York, New Jersey,  Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, Technical, Computer,  Managed IT, Support, Services
  • Home
  • 2022 Holiday Plans
  • Testimonials
  • Professional Services
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Login