Tekapo Building2nd Floor259 Stafford StTIMARUPhone: 688 4522Web Site: http://home.timaru.com/seniornet/

June 2016Newsletter

Next NewsletterAugust 2016

    Question and Answer  7th July

WHERE: SENIORNET ROOMS2ND FLOOR

TEKAPO BUILDING159 STAFFORD STREET

WHEN: THURSDAY MARCH 2016TIME: 1.30 PM

GET ANSWERS TO YOUR COMPUTER PROBLEMS.INTERESTING SPEAKERS

Come along and join in the fun and help encouragemembers of the public to join SeniorNet. Tell them aboutyour own experience and all the advantages of being a

member of SeniorNet

Please Note The subs for

Seniornet Timaruare now $20.00

Please make sure you pay the correct amount when you enrol for a course or pay foryour membership, it will save a lot of chasing around. Thank you.

Presidents ReportHello Members,

I have spoken about how essential it is to back up your files in the pastand I thought this may interest you. While talking to a member recently he told me of someone he knewwho’s computer had become a victim of “ ” where all their files hadbeen encoded so that they could not open them without paying the hackermoney (in this case about N.Z. $1000) for the key. As there is usually no wayof un-encrypting them without this key you are left with the option of paying upand hoping that they will send the key (and that it works) or reformatting yourcomputer and starting again from scratch with the loss of all your files. Whenthis virus strikes it not only affects all the files on your computer but also on anyexternal drives that were connected to the computer at the time. Aspermanently plugged in external drives are now the usual way for people tomake regular back-ups you can see how devastating such an attack can be.

For those members with a CD/DVD drive on your computer it isadvisable to consider burning regular extra back-ups, then, if your files becomeinfected, you will only lose those you made since the last time you burnt abackup. Doing regular backups this way also gives you some security if yourcomputer gets destroyed or stolen. Using a USB pen drive is also an option butmore expensive than a DVD.

Viruses can come from a number of sources but many come attachedto innocent looking emails that you open. The best remedy for this is to onlyopen attachments if you know definitely who has sent them or you areexpecting them otherwise its best to not open and immediately delete theemail.

Regards,John

Trademe and Tablets, Ipad 2 hour courses

$10 is for members,non-members $30 including $20 to cover membership.

Beware the Rise of RansomwareKim Boatman

The latest spin on a ransom note isn’tcomposed of letters clipped out of anewspaper. Increasingly, criminals areunleashing brash attacks on your PC and itsdata through a type of malicious softwarecalled ransomware.

It’s exasperating enough when your computer is sluggish because of a virus, butwhat if the virus installs embarrassing pornography on your screen or encryptsyour data so you can’t read it? Ransomware attacks often use these tactics todemand you pay a ransom to remove the pornography or to access your files.Ransomware on the rise“There’s more and more documented evidence that this is going on,” says OriEisen, founder and chief innovation officer of fraud prevention company 41stParameter. “It’s more prevalent in the United Kingdom, which is sort of astaging or testing ground. It’s starting there and getting more momentum.”The FBI recently issued an alert about the broader category of rogueware, whichinclude ransomware and fake antivirus scareware scams. According to the FBI,criminals are netting an estimated $150 million a year through these scams.“Ransomware is actually scarier” than the scareware scams, says RobertSiciliano, a Boston-based identity theft expert. “There’s nothing worse in thefield of technology than having a criminal in control of your network. When aransomware attack occurs, it can easily elevate from a potential data loss topotential identity theft to a data breach in the form of extortion.”How ransomware worksThese aggressive assaults begin in a similar manner to scareware. You’re dupedinto clicking on an infected popup advertisement or you visit an infected website.

However, instead of just trying to trick you into buying fake antivirus software,the bad guys hold your computer hostage and attempt to extort payment.In some instances, ads for pornographic websites appear on your screen eachtime you try to click on a Web page. The ads cover a portion of the page you’retrying to view. “Just imagine you’re sitting at work and that happens to you,”says Eisen. One ransomware attack puts time pressure on the victim, stating thata piece of your data will be destroyed every 30 minutes if you don’t pay up.Another attack attempts to force you to purchase a program to de-encrypt yourdata.The criminals often ask for a nominal payment, figuring you’ll be more likely topay to avoid the hassle and heartache of dealing with the virus. They may ask foras little as $10 to be wired through Western Union, paid through a premium textmessage or sent through a form of online cash.Protect yourself from ransomwareAs with other attacks, you can work to avoid ransomware. Experts advise takingthese steps to avoid attacks or protect yourself after an attack:

1. Use reputable antivirus software and a firewall. Maintaining a strongfirewall and keeping your security software up to date are critical. It’simportant to use antivirus software from a reputable company because ofall the fake software out there.

2. Back up often. If you back up files to either an external hard drive or toan online backup service, you diminish the threat, says Eisen. “If youback up your information, you should not be afraid to just turn off yourcomputer and start over with a new install if you come under attack.”Eisen backs up his data regularly, so every six months, he simply restoreshis computer’s system to default and starts afresh. “I would highlyrecommend it,” he says.

3. Enable your popup blocker. Popups are a prime tactic used by the badguys, so simply avoid even accidentally clicking on an infected popup. Ifa popup appears, click on the X in the right-hand corner. The buttonswithin a popup might have been reprogrammed by the criminals, so donot click on them.

4. Exercise caution. Don’t click on links inside emails, and avoid suspiciouswebsites. If your PC does come under attack, use another computer toresearch details about the type of attack. But be aware that the bad guysare devious enough to create fake sites, perhaps touting their own fakeantivirus software or their de-encryption program.

HELP WANTED

SeniorNet Facebook Page

We need someone to assist in setting-up and running a FacebookPage to promote SeniorNet and our classes.

If you can help please contact one of the committee

5. Disconnect from the Internet. If you receive a ransomware note,disconnect from the Internet so your personal data isn’t transmitted backto the criminals, says Eisen. He recommends simply shutting down thecomputer. If you have backed up your data, you can re-install software. Ifyou don’t feel comfortable doing so or you are unable to start fresh, youmay need to take your computer to a reputable repair shop, says Eisen.

6. Alert authorities. Ransomware is a serious form of extortion. “Localpolice are probably not equipped to deal with this,” explains Siciliano.“However, the local FBI would want to know about it.”

Don’t be tempted to give in and pay the ransom, warns Siciliano. “Paying themwould be a mistake because they will further extort you and most likely notrelease your information.” Taking precautions to protect your information andmaintaining vigilance are the best solutions to avoid becoming a victim in thefirst place.

Seniornet Committee 2015

President John Bain 684 3109 jbain@xtra.co.nz

Webpage &Newsletter Tim Leatham 688 8356 tleatham@gmail.com

seniornettimaru@gmail.com

Secretary Margot Kappler 688 8561 ama.r@xtra.co.nz

Treasurer Alastair Swann 688 5650 aswann@xtra.co.nz

Course ContactCourse Convenor Alma Wilson 688 4553 almaw@slingshot.co.nz

Course Payments Alastair Swann 688 5650 aswann@xtra.co.nz

Course Resources Margot KapplerJohn Bain

6888561684 3109

ama.r@xtra.co.nzjbain@xtra.co.nz

Tutors Convenor Lynette Melville 614 7644 melvilles@actrix.gen.nz

Advertising Errol O’Leary 688 6906 ep.oleary@xtra.co.nz

Handyman Errol O’Leary 688 6906 ep.oleary@xtra.co.nz

Committeee Robyn King 688 4522 regalk@es.co.nz

Non-Exec Office Bearers

ComputerMaintenance Gordon Bower 686 0268 g,bower@xtra.co.nz

Database Bill Small 688 6448 bill.small@xtra.co.nz

WAIVER: From time to time, this newsletter contains advice and tips on theoperation of computer associated equipment and software, and some of our mem-bers give help and advice on such matters. All such help or advice is given in goodfaith and must be taken solely at the recipient's risk and imposes no responsibilityor liability of any kind, either on those providing such help or advice or on SeniorNetSouth Canterbury Inc.

COURSES COSTS5/6 WEEKS $40 /4 WEEKS $30

NOTICE BOARD● ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW TO GET

STARTED ON TRADE ME OR HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OFYOUR TABLET ?

● WE ARE RUNNING 2 HOUR COURSES LIMITED TO 6PEOPLE AT A TIME COSTING $10.00 EACH.

● PLEASE CONTACT ALMA AT 688 4553 AND IF ENOUGHINTEREST IS SHOWN WE WILL GO AHEAD WITH THESECOURSES.

Course Schedule for 2016Start of course Finish of course

1st February 9th March

21st March 28th April

16th May 22nd June

11th July 17th August

29th August 5th October

25th October 30th November

Courses Brief Outline Cost

Introduction toComputers From turning on/off to simple documents 40

Word Processing( Microsoft Word )

Skills in creating, editing, saving,printing docs 40

Word Processing 2( Microsoft Word ) Add to your word processing skills 40

File and Folders How to save and find your documentsA 4 week course 30

Email & Internet Using skills above, success with emailing Etc (4 week Course) 30

Spreadsheets(eg “Microsoft Excel”)

For calculations, budgets, accounting,forecasts, financial reporting, mail merge 40

Database( Microsoft Excel )

For maintaining staff, client and clubdetails and extracting data in a variety of

ways. Mail merge.40

Genealogy(PAF & Family Tree

Maker)Family Tree: Research, create, file, print,

email 40

Camera Use of digital camera, practical work. 40

Photo Image edit(Faststone / Elements) Enhance, store, resize for email etc 40

Photo Image advanced(Photoshop Elements)

May only be done AFTER our previouscourse 40

Powerpoint Creating displays with images and text 40

Desktop Publishing(serif Pageplus)

Combining graphical/text, to create card,calendars, postcards, invitations etc. Very

user friendly40

CD/Dvd Burning(Ashampoo Burning

Studio)Burning CDs and DVDs.

A 4 week course 30

Website Design(Serif Webplus) Create your own website 40

NEXT ROUND OF COURSES

July 11th to August 17th

2016

Day 9.30 - 11.30 am 1.30 - 3.30 pm 7 -9 pm

Mon

Email Internet Introduction to Introduction toComputers

Word Processing DVD Burning Word Processing

Tues Power Point Desktop Publishing

Web Design Spreadsheet

Genealogy

Wed Introduction toComputers

Files & Folders(4 weeks)

Word Processing Email Internet

Word Processing 2 Photo Image Edit

NOEL LEEMINGStafford Mall Stafford Street

688 6633 - 0800 444 488Give Great Discounts on everything in their shop by using

your Gold Card or SeniorNet Membership card.

Depending on numbers and Tutor availability some coursesmay be available or moved to other days.

Camera Course

SENIORNET SOUTH CANTERBURY INC.COURSE APPLICATION FORM

1) To book into a course – Ring Alma Wilson Phone 688 45532) To pay for course- fill in this page and post with your money toSeniornet C/o Alastair Swann, 36 Seddon St. Timaru 7910. Make

cheques payable to Seniornet Timaru.

Have you booked in? Have you filled in the form?

Have you included full payment?If you deliver your fees, please ring phone 688 5650to ensure the Treasurer will be at home to receive your payment.A course may be withdrawn if too few enroll.Have you paid by Bank Transfer (Optional)WESTPAC Account 03 - 1715 - 0022996 - 00

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First Name__________________ Known By______________

Surname__________________________________________

Address___________________________________________

Town_________________________ Post Code___________

Telephone Number__________________________________

Email address______________________________________

Repeat Email Address________________________________

Please circle the system you have on your computer: -Windows XP -Vista - Windows 7 - Windows 8 - Windows 8.1- Windows 10

Name of course you are attending_______________________

Date course starts_______________________ Time________

Course Fee $________

Subscription $20-00 (If not paid for this calendar year)

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Tick if you require a “Noel Leemingdiscount card” (takes place of receipt)

Check List

Seniornet South Canterbury Incorporated

is a non profit Society providing computer

training for Adults.

We are seniors helping adults to use

computers.

Phone rooms: 684 3300

Web Page:

http://home.tim

aru.com/seniornet

In Association w

ith

Web pages:

Tim Leatham

If undelivered please return to:

11 Grasm

ere StreetTim

aru 7910

SeniorNet