| Action to Take: Heartbleed Bug Passwords You Should Change to Protect Yourself
You've probably heard about the Heartbleed Bug on the news. In short, security software that was supposed to protect you with a secure connection to a web server wasn't as secure as it should have been, which left data open to mining by the bad guys. You can read more about it at KrebsOnSecurity.
The bottom line is that it has been recommended that you need to change your passwords for websites and services that have been impacted. And, if you use the same or a similar password for other services, those should be changed, too.
So, if you access Google Accounts, Gmail, DropBox, Yahoo Mail, Netflix, Facebook, Flickr, or Instagram, you will need to change your passwords. Mashable has been keeping a running list on the major sites that have been affected and what action needs to be taken. You can read the article here: http://mashable.com/2014/04/09/heartbleed-bug-websites-affected/
CNET has been keeping their own list at: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/which-sites-have-patched-the-heartbleed-bug/
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Windows XP and Boot Camp... or Parallels
After 12 Years, It's Over
When Apple moved to the Intel chipset the good news was that it became possible to run Windows on a Mac. The bad news about Apple's move to the Intel chipset was that it became possible to run Windows on a Mac. Whether it was for work, certain proprietary municipal websites, or a form of self-flagellation, many of us had installed Windows over the years. Chances are that if you did, it was Windows XP.
Well, on April 8th after a 12 year run, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows XP. This means that the operating system will no longer get any security updates, leaving it potentially open to viruses, malware, or any other myriad of exploits.
What should you do? Even though no new vulnerabilities have been reported since support ended on the 8th, moving forward, when you do run Windows XP either in Boot Camp or as a virtual machine in applications like Parallels, it will be a good idea to avoid going on line. That means not surfing the web in a browser, accessing mail, or using any application that calls on services across the Internet.
Regardless, it is time to plan your move from Windows XP. When you do, Windows 7 is a better and more stable choice than Windows 8. You can still find copies of Windows 7 on Amazon and at select stores in the valley like Fry's Electronics.
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Automatic App Updates in iOS 7
On or Off.. It's Your Choice
With the introduction of iOS 7 you now have the ability for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to perform App Store updates on its own in the background. Wendy doesn't like this feature; she prefers to be in control of what gets updated and when. I, on the other hand, enjoy having my devices do work for me and consider the automatic updates a concierge service. Thanks Apple! And I don't even have to tip.
To set this feature to your liking, go into Settings -> iTunes & App Store and toggle your preference under the Automatic Downloads section. If you do choose to turn this feature on, I'd turn off the Use Cellular Data option. You don't want to burn through your data plan pulling down Minecraft updates.
For a detailed tutorial on this feature, here is an article from 9 to 5 Mac: http://9to5mac.com/2013/09/20/ios-7-how-to-set-up-automatic-app-updates/
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