Disposing of your PC

How to get rid of your computer

#1 Save essential files

Back up your data or transfer files to a new computer. The easiest way to do this is to invest in an external hard drive. If you're looking for secure ongoing backup and file syncing solution, use a cloud service such as Box, Apple iCloud, Google Drive or Microsoft’s OneDrive of for more assistance call 10D Tech 541.243.4103

Backing up data to the cloud will quickly transfer it back to a new machine or enable access to it via an Internet connection, even from your Android or iPhone. Storing data in the cloud is also very convenient if your computer dies and you need to restore your files. You can also get to the data if you travel and need access to data or information on a different device.

1. Delete and overwrite sensitive files: Tax documents & other confidential data should be deleted with software specially designed to meet the government standards for secure data deletion. For hard drives in Windows PCs, try File Shredder (its free). For the older Macs with hard drives (pre-OS X El Capitan or OS 10.11) select the “Secure Empty Trash” option after deleting your files. You’ll see it under Finder > Secure Empty Trash. Macs with OS 10.11 and higher and Windows PCs with SSD drives, encrypt your drive. Encryption should be a standard practice at all times with all computers if it is available. Wiping your drive after these steps will securely erase your files.
2. Turn on drive encryption. For Windows PCs with SSD drives, go to Settings > About. Toward the bottom, you'll see either an option for Drive Encryption or Bitlocker Settings. Follow the prompts to encrypt your drive. For Macs, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault and select Turn On FileVault. You'll then select a password and select Restart.
3. Deauthorize your computer. Some programs, such as iTunes and Microsoft Office 365, only allow you to install software on a limited number of computers or allow a limited number of computers to access your files. So be sure to deauthorize your old equipment from your accounts - before uninstalling any programs.
4. Delete your browsing history. Your internet browsers save info about your internet browsing history. How you have your settings configured, you may even store your usernames and site passwords at various websites. Obviously, you don’t want a stranger or, worse, a stranger with bad intentions having access to this information. For Microsoft Internet Explorer, you click on the cogwheel in the upper right corner, and it will open the browser menu, then click on the Safety option, and then Delete Browsing History. Make sure all of the checkboxes are chosen, so it all gets removed. Repeat this step for any other browsers on your computer (Firefox, Safari, Chrome). Firefox and Chrome, you will need to first sign out of your browser.
5. Uninstall all of your programs. Many programs, such as Microsoft Office, will contain personal information like your name, address, and other details. We recommend uninstalling all programs before disposing of your computer. To uninstall programs on a PC: Start>Control Panel>Programs>click on program>click uninstall.
6. Consult your employer or IT Dept about data disposal policies. If your computer is used for business, check with your company or IT Support company about how to manage the organization related information that is on your computer. Local, State and Federal laws require businesses to follow data security and disposal processes for deleting personal information about clients and customers.
7. Wipe your hard drive. Once you've gone through and removed the information and data you know is there, perform a factory reset so you are confident that you have removed ALL of your personal files & software programs. Now restart your computer. Once the machine is back up, download & install the application “Eraser,” choose the most current version.
8. OR physically damage your hard drive. If you are only looking to recycle your computer and are very anxious about somebody recovering your files, take out the hard drive and drill a couple of holes in it OR utilize the anger management training and beat the heck out of it with a hammer. This works for CDs, Jumpdrives cameras, etc, once the files you want are off them, a drill or hammer is a great way to say goodbye to your old media.

Back to School Edition: Keeping children CyberSafe

Start With These 11 Easy Tips to Keep Kids Safe Online:

1.   Talk to your kids!

2.   Turn on the "Do Not Track  Tool" on your browsers.

3.   Read the Privacy Policies on all the services and apps you use.

4.   Never share passwords and make strong passwords.

5.   Keep personal information personal (don't chat/send photos to strangers).

6.   (For Kids) Ask permission before signing up for anything.

7.   Know how to recognize ads and don't click on them.

8.   Respect age limits on all social networking sites.

9.   Set privacy settings on all social networking sites.

10. Advocate for Cyber Civics lessons at your school!

11. Talk to your kids!

For Teens: https://www.safesearchkids.com/a-teens-guide-to-social-media-safety/#.XW73VzZKiUl

This is a good link to send to your teens. Yes they will roll their eyes at you when you require them to read it but the constant nagging reminders WILL help protect your teens from the bad guys (If they do bad things, they are bad guys regardless of their gender) included in this link is how to best set the security settings for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. G+, Tumblr, Meetme and a new one I just found to be rising in popularity TikTok, all have security settings that need to be changed to protect your teen, your family network, your business network and potentially you, the parent, personal information.  We do not recommend Snapchat, because of the false sense of anonymity young users experience.  The false sense of secrecy encourages teens and young adults to post things in Cyberspace that they would never want to be revealed to the world.  

For Parents: https://www.safesearchkids.com/parents-guide-to-protecting-teens-on-social-media/#.XW75MzZKiUk

For Teachers: This site has 3 good cartoon-like video stories about Cybersecurity with good discussion stating questions. https://www.esafety.gov.au/education-resources/classroom-resources/challenge

 Or a program: https://staysafeonline.org/blog/teachers-guide-student-online-safety/

Who are the Bad Guys?

Who are the bad guys?

Globally the primary bad guys are in 1 of 4 nations, - China, Iran, Russia, North Korea. They are supporting the worst of the bad guys trying to wreak havoc on the rest of the world.  They are on an industrial espionage mission to gather secrets and harm other nations.

Conventional Cybercriminals are very active as well but, for them, monetary gain is their primary motivation. Unfortunately, the lines between cybercriminals and the transgressing nations are blurring as many of the nationally supported bad guys are moonlighting to fatten their own bank accounts. In short, the threats are wide-ranging and are coming from many sources. They are not picky, they’ll crash through any unlocked door. You have information to share that will further their efforts. We here at 10D encourage you to protect yourself, which in turn protects us … your neighbor.

If you don’t have a plan, call us, we can help. 541.243.4103

Is it time to make a change?

PHONE SYSTEM REFRESH

If you ever wanted to make the jump to a hosted phone system, this is the time to do it. 

Avaya 9608G IP Phone

10D Tech has a HOT deal on a hosted phone system that we probably won't see ever again.  

The 10D Cloud Phone System – Powered by Avaya IP Office has a special deal from the manufacturer offering free phones with all new hosted systems. Kick off the new year with a technology refresh.  It's been 20 years since the last great technology refresh and technology has advanced.  There is no limit to how many free phones. If the phone system you bought for Y2K has yellowed with age, time to refresh to the 21st Century. These are not “last years model” or “We can't sell these” or even the “We’re gonna try and upsell you” version of phones.  The Avaya 9608G is the exact same model that sits on all of our desks here at 10D Tech and we use them every day. Call 10D and tell us you want a "Technology Refresh" and we will get it started. Along with the refresh, your phone service is included in the deal. 

Details: 36-month service agreement, IP phones only, installed on an inspected IP Network.

Call us: 541.243.4103
email us: advisors@10dtech.com
Goto our website: www.10dtech.com