HOW WILL THE MELTDOWN AND SPECTRE FLAWS AFFECT MY PC? - What Are Meltdown and Spectre? - Spectre is a “fundamental design flaw” that exists in every CPU on the market—including those from AMD and ARM as well as Intel. There is currently no software fix, and it will likely require a complete hardware redesign for CPUs across the board—though thankfully it is fairly difficult to exploit, according to security researchers. It’s possible to protect against specific Spectre attacks, and developers are working on it, but the best solution will be a CPU hardware redesign for all future chip Read more of this How-To Geek article at: http://bit.ly/2qshuf6

CALIFORNIA HEALTH OFFICIALS RELEASE GUIDELINES ON CELLPHONE RADIATION – Even though this is specific to California, I thought you might be interested in the information from the Department of Health. California health officials have a new safety message for cellphone users. CBS San Francisco reports that for the first time ever, the California Department of Public Health is releasing guidelines about cellphone radiation and how you can reduce your exposure. Read about the guidelines at: http://cbsn.ws/2lAMhAr

I'm in Minnesota this week as our high school district chaperone for grandson #3's hockey team (I teach adult ed). It was -6 last year and much colder this year with the wind. I can't believe you guys have had snow. Can't wait to get back to SoCal -- we got here Tuesday and leave early evening on Sunday. One of the items in the above article is: Keeping the phone away from the bed at night. Woke up this morning and there was Jack in the other bed with his phone right by his head. Sending the link to his mom and she can take care of the lecture. 

LOCK DOWN YOUR TECH IN 2018 WITH THESE RESOLUTIONS - If you’re a human person who occasionally engages in commerce, hackers are probably targeting you. This year, resolve to do something about it. You know you need to take better care of your personal information, but you keep putting it off. It’s understandable, but this is the year you take your security into your own hands. Here are seven resolutions you can make to lock down your data in 2018. Like going to the gym regularly, it might be annoying to get started, but you’ll be better off once you build better habits. Read more of this How-To Geek article at: http://bit.ly/2qeyB3T 

Check for other tips from Jere on APCUG's website; Tech Tips and Apple Tech Tips. Many groups have a click through to his tips on their website; others include some in their newsletters.

You also might want to check out APCUG's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/APCUG/ 

APCUG's VIRTUAL TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE is on February 10. Sessions to date are: 

+ 2 Factor Authentication (2FA), Ron Brown, Silvercom Computer and Technology Club

+ From wildfires in California to hurricanes in Texas and Florida, Toby Scott’s presentation will cover how to protect your important tech stuff in the event of a natural disaster. He’s the tech guru for the Channel Islands PCUG  

+ Google Apps at Home and on the Go, Phil Sorrentino, The Computer Club

+ Hate on the Internet, Rick Eaton, Senior Researcher, Simon Weisenthal Center

+ Becoming Your Own Computer Expert, Phil Bock, Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts

+ After hearing about Intel, here's hoping for a better 2018 with technology,

Jere Minich, Advisor
Region 5 – Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina
Your direct link to APCUG

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