ADELAIDE TECHGUY

Can You Get Access Back To Google , Facebook , Microsoft If You Cannot Login ?

2024-05-16T06:39:13Z

Regaining access to your Google, Facebook, or Microsoft account after being locked out is a possibility, but it’s not guaranteed. The key lies in whether you’ve previously set up any recovery methods. These can include **multifactor authentication**—such as receiving a code via text message, using an authenticator app, or having a backup email address.

The uncertainty arises because many users are not aware of the security measures they may have in place, which could potentially help them regain access. However, no one can promise a successful recovery; it’s a process of trial and error to discover if your established methods will work.

Beware of false promises, especially prevalent on platforms like Facebook, where scammers offer false hope in exchange for your personal details. These offers are fraudulent, and engaging with them can lead to your information falling into the wrong hands.

Account takeovers are a daily occurrence, often because the same passwords and login details are reused across multiple sites—including those that have suffered data breaches in the past, such as Optus, Latitude, or Medibank.

It’s crucial to act swiftly and utilize any recovery methods you have as soon as possible, as time is of the essence on all these platforms.

Quick action can make the difference between regaining control of your account or losing it permanently. Remember, maintaining unique, strong passwords for each site and enabling additional security measures can significantly reduce the risk of account compromise.

If you need assistance please Contact Me

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Would A Ban On Social Media Platforms For Children Work ?

2024-05-13T05:52:57Z

The South Australian government is considering implementing a ban on social media platforms such as Facebook for individuals under the age of 14.

The practicality and enforceability of such a prohibition raise significant questions.

**How would it be enforced?**

The reality is that enforcing a ban on social media usage for those under 14 could prove to be quite challenging. Social media sites typically do not require proof of age beyond self-reported birthdates, making it difficult to verify a user’s age accurately. Without demanding official identification like a driver’s license, it’s nearly impossible for these platforms to prevent underage users from signing up and accessing content.

**What happens if underage users bypass the ban?**

If young individuals manage to circumvent the ban and access social media, the situation becomes even more complex. Should they encounter any issues or negative experiences, the lack of explicit permission to use these platforms complicates the response and resolution process.

**The role of parents:**

In this scenario, the responsibility shifts to parents and guardians. It’s essential for them to engage in open dialogues with their children about social media use. They should discuss the implications of joining these platforms and consider whether following the crowd is necessary or beneficial. Parents can guide their children to make informed decisions about their online presence and the potential risks involved.

Ultimately, while the government’s intentions may be to protect young people, the effectiveness of such a ban depends on a collaborative effort between policymakers, social media companies, and families to create a safe and responsible digital environment for minors.

If you need assistance with securing or understanding social media accounts : Contact Me

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Outdated PC Apps: Time for a Clean Sweep

2024-04-22T11:23:53Z

In the digital age, it’s essential to keep your PC not only up-to-date but also secure. Unfortunately, some of the most commonly used PC apps may be putting your system at risk. Here’s a look at three such apps that might be doing more harm than good.

CCleaner: A Cleaning Tool Past Its Prime CCleaner, once a staple for PC users, claims impressive numbers with 5 million weekly installs and 35 million gigabytes cleaned monthly. Yet, the risks now overshadow its utility. It’s notorious for removing registry files and junk files—tasks that Windows’ Storage Sense already performs. Worse, CCleaner has suffered three significant data breaches in five years, with the latest in October 2023. Microsoft and security experts have long advised against registry cleaners, which often cause more issues than they resolve.
Avast/AVG: Antivirus or Spyware? Avast and AVG, once trusted names in antivirus solutions, have seen their reputations tarnished. The Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million for selling user data under the guise of providing security. The controversy began in 2019 when Google removed their browser extensions for invasive tracking practices. Further investigations revealed that their antivirus programs were also harvesting user data.
WinRAR: Redundant in the Windows 11 Era The case against WinRAR is straightforward: it’s simply unnecessary. With Windows 11 supporting .zip, .rar, and .7z file types natively, there’s no need for this third-party app anymore.

Conclusion It’s time to reassess the apps we’ve grown accustomed to. Prioritizing your PC’s performance and security means letting go of outdated or risky software. Stay informed and choose wisely to protect your digital life.

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Paleblue Batteries – A Great Choice

2024-04-22T11:11:21Z

Paleblue batteries offer a remarkable combination of convenience and sustainability, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers. With their lithium-ion rechargeable technology and USB-C fast charging, they represent a significant advancement in battery technology. The ability to recharge over 1000 times and the quick 1-hour charge capability are standout features that contribute to their practicality.

The built-in charging indicator and the USB-C charging port directly on the batteries enhance the user experience by simplifying the charging process. You can easily connect all four batteries to the port, eliminating the need for separate chargers or adapters.

They also come in a convenient carry case.

From an economic perspective, Paleblue batteries shine by offering substantial savings. The cost-effectiveness of these batteries is evident when considering the potential savings of over $4800 compared to single-use batteries. This is not only a win for your wallet but also for the environment.

The environmental impact of battery waste is a significant concern, especially with over 1 million single-use batteries discarded daily in Australia, most of which end up in landfills. By switching to Paleblue, consumers can play a part in reducing this waste and promoting a more sustainable future.

After several weeks of using Paleblue batteries, I’ve observed a significant reduction in the frequency of battery replacements, underscoring the durability and dependability of Paleblue’s offerings. The comprehensive warranty that safeguards against manufacturing defects and normal usage failures provides an additional level of confidence for buyers, positioning Paleblue batteries as a prudent and eco-friendly choice for both environmental and personal benefits.

While I have experimented with other rechargeable batteries that fell short in longevity and charging speed, Paleblue batteries have emerged as my preferred option.

For those interested, Paleblue batteries are available for purchase at paleblueearth.com.au.

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Experiencing Internet Troubles? Here’s Your Go-To Checklist

2024-04-16T01:43:36Z

Experiencing Internet Troubles? Here’s Your Go-To Checklist

Encountering issues with your internet can be frustrating, but before you call your service provider, there are a few questions you should answer and steps you can take to potentially resolve the problem yourself.

Know Your Details

Service Provider: Who supplies your internet?
Username: What’s your username with the provider?
Account Number: Do you have your account number handy?
Modem Location: Where is your modem situated in your home or office?
Router Lights: Can you interpret what the lights on your router indicate?
Wi-Fi Connection: Are you aware of your Wi-Fi network details?

Troubleshooting Steps When your internet connection falters, here’s a quick guide to help you get back online:

Check Your Internet Connection: Start by determining if the problem is with your internet connection or just a specific website.
Assess Your Local Network: Test your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections. If they’re not working, try resetting them.
Inspect Your Hardware: Make sure all network devices are switched on and cables are properly connected. If in doubt, reboot your router.
Scan for Malware: Sometimes, internet issues can be caused by malware. Running a scan might just solve your problem.

These steps are a simple way to diagnose and fix common internet connectivity problems, saving you time and possibly even a service call. Remember, a little troubleshooting can go a long way!

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Don’t Lose Your Facebook Account

2024-04-10T10:45:22Z

I am contacted weekly by people that have lost access to their Facebook account and in most cases they do not get that account back.

To secure your Facebook account, follow these essential steps:

Protect Your Password:
- Never reuse your Facebook password on other services.
- Avoid using common words or personal information in your password.
- Create a strong and unique password that is hard to guess.
- Never share your password with anyone else.
Verify Website URLs:
- Use the genuine Facebook app from the App Store or the Google Play store on your mobile devices
- When in doubt, type http://www.facebook.com directly into your browser.
Be Cautious with Friend Requests:
- Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
- Scammers create fake accounts to spam timelines, tag users, and send malicious messages.
Watch Out for Malicious Software:
- Learn the signs of an infected computer or device.
- Keep your web browser up to date and remove suspicious applications or browser add-ons.
- Never click suspicious links, even if they appear to come from friends or known companies.
Use Extra Security Options:
- Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security by mobile numbers and or authenticator apps
- Enable Login Alerts to receive notifications about unrecognized logins.
- Regularly review your security settings using Privacy Checkup – see below and run through the ” How to keep your account secure “.

Remember, Meta (formerly Facebook) will never ask for your password via email. Stay vigilant and keep your account safe!

For more detailed information, visit the Facebook Help Center¹.or CONTACT ME for assistance with your online accounts and how to keep them secure.

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Don’t Be Scammed – Check Invoice Payment Details

2024-04-10T10:23:13Z

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reported a rise in fake invoice scams, with losses exceeding $16 million in Australia due to payment redirection scams. Scammers are targeting customers of businesses with large invoices, such as real estate ,construction, small builders and small business leading to significant losses. For example, one couple lost $800,000 in a property settlement scam.

So, how do these scams work?

Scammers trick customers by sending them an invoice with modified payment details, ( BSB and Account No ) either from the business’ compromised email account or through another email address designed to imitate that of the legitimate business. The victim receives the fake invoice and makes a payment to the scammer using the incorrect BSB and Account Number, instead of the genuine BSB and Account Number. Victims typically do not realise they have been scammed until the real business contacts them to follow up on the payment which can be days or weeks later. This time frame means it will be unlikely you will get your money back.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is important to verify payment details by calling the business using independently sourced contact details and confirming the BSB and Account Number.

If you suspect fraud, contact your bank and Scamwatch immediately. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these scams and again confirm payment details before making the bank transfer.

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The Issues With Swapping From One Android Phone To Another

2024-04-03T00:18:10Z

You can have problems!

If you switch from one brand to another, not everything might or can move over.

For example, if you used Samsung apps on your old phone, those Samsung apps are not going to swap to another brand , only a Samsung phone.

I don’t recommend Samsung software , such as their calendar app or Samsung Notes , its much better to use Google Calendar or Google Keep which will be synced with Google account.

If you get a retailer / telco to do this many do a great job , however I am increasingly getting reports of retailers / telscos being happy to sell you a phone but are reluctant to swap your data over to the new phone or struggle to do a decent job.

What can go wrong ?

You will be asked to create a new Gmail account , especially if you have forgotten your password or they dont want to go through the process of resetting your password . You dont need another Gmail account.
Your giving the person transferring the data , your passwords to many of your apps , including emails outside of Gmail.
With the changing face of emails , many retailers / telcos struggle to set up / reset up email accounts from the many providers that are out there.I had a client who had 5 people trying to set up her email account and changed her email passwords.

So what can you do ?

Ask if they are comfortable doing it ?
Do they have the knowledge to do it ?
Source someone to do it , but be aware that you will have to pay to get this done , but this can alleviate concerns that you may have.

Many Android phones in a lot of circumstances are relatively easy to swap to:

Samsung to Samsung , they have software called Smart Switch
Most brands to Google Pixel phones

You can also use the Google One app to back up everything to Google , there is a cost involved ( but you really should be backing up your smartphone.

Once you have the Google One app on your smartphone you know that your data and your apps are all backed up , then when you buy a new phone , logon to your Google One app and it will offer to install everything from your old phone.

If you need assistance with your transfer or smartphone issues , please CONTACT ME

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The 3G Shutdown – Will It Affect You ?

2024-03-20T00:55:04Z

Please find below links to 2 articles that will give you more detailed information on the shutdown of the 3G network

3G Shutdown in Australia: The articles discusse the ongoing shutdown of the 3G network in Australia, highlighting the transition to newer technologies like 5G.
Affected Devices: It lists devices that will be impacted by the shutdown, including older models of phones and certain 4G handsets.
VoLTE Capability: The articles advise checking for VoLTE (voice over long term evolution) in phone settings, which allows calls over the 4G network.
Contact Providers: For those unsure about their devices, the articles suggest contacting manufacturers or telcos for assistance.

The 3G shutdown means these 4G phones will no longer be able to make calls

3G Shutdown: Which Smart Devices Are Likely to Be Impacted?

To check if your phone supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE), follow these steps based on your device:

Telstra (Australia):
- VoLTE allows clearer phone calls over 4G networks. To enable VoLTE on your Telstra mobile phone:
  - Head to your phone’s Settings.
  - Navigate to Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data.
  - Check if you see the 4G Network type.
  - If available, turn on VoLTE. For 5G iPhones, VoLTE is automatically enabled¹.
Optus (Australia):
- Some Android phones display a ‘VoLTE’ icon next to the normal ‘4G’ icon when in a VoLTE coverage area.
- To check if you’re using VoLTE or to turn it on:
  - Go to your phone’s network settings (usually under cellular network or call settings).
  - Look for the VoLTE settings and enable it if available²³.
General Method:
- Head to your phone’s Settings.
- Navigate to Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data.
- Check if you see the 4G Network type.
- Alternatively, search online for your phone’s specifications on websites like GSMarena⁴.

Remember that VoLTE is essential as 3G networks are being phased out, and it’s crucial for emergency calling and better call quality. Ensure your phone is compatible to stay connected!

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Secure Your Emails – TPG – iiNet – Internode

2024-01-29T20:58:34Z

Are You With TPG , iiNET or Internode

You need to lock your emails down !

Now that your emails are with the Messaging Company have you considered the security of your emails ?

You need to logon to your emails online at the webmail for TPG and IINET which will be the Messaging Companies home page for your emails.

I would be doing the following:

Change your email password
Turn on multi factor authentication which is in the settings on the left hand side

It will require you to use an authenticator app – use the Google Authenticator

These 2 factors will lock your account down but remember have a unique password for your emails.

If you are experiencing email issues and need assistance CONTACT ME for an appointment

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