It’s been a funny old summer, one way and another. But now the kids are off back to school (finally), the weather’s on the turn and the nights are getting cooler.
So as we all start to settle down and try to get back to normal (whatever that means these days!), I thought this was a good time to share what we’ve been working on recently.
What we’ve been working on…
As you probably know, over the last couple of years, we’ve brought out three online courses – one about Windows 10, one about iPads and Android tablets and another about smartphones. They’ve been hugely popular… and we’ve had some really lovely comments from people saying how much they’ve helped.
They’ve all been about how to use a specific gadget, though, rather than covering more general technical topics like security and privacy. So, lately I’ve been working on a new, shorter course with my friend Kathryn…
Those of you who are members of the Tech Inner Circle will already know Kathryn – she joined the Clubroom team earlier this year and since then she’s helped many, many people crush their technical gremlins!
Anyway, we’re still finishing off the last few bits and pieces, but I’ll get back to you with more information about the new course later in the week.
Word to the Wise: Ransomware
Last week I was guilty of using a bit of jargon without explaining it (slap hand), so I thought I’d explain it now – “ransomware”.
Ransomware is a particularly nasty type of malware that started doing the rounds a few years ago. Once it’s infected your computer, tablet or phone, it stops you from opening any of your files, e.g. photos or saved emails. Most ransomware either “encrypts” your files using a code that only the criminal knows, or locks you out of your device altogether.
Unlike a lot of other malware, at least you know when you’ve got ransomware! You won’t be able to open any files on your device, and you’ll get a message on your screen telling you what’s happened. The only way to get your files back is to pay the criminal a “ransom” – usually a few hundred pounds.
Your best defence against ransomware is to have good back-ups of all your files. That way, if the malware slips past your defences and you do end up infected, you’ve got nothing to lose. You do have to go through the palaver of getting rid of the ransomware a different way (it often means wiping your device and starting again) but at least all your photos and personal files are safe and secure.
That’s it for this time – more on what we’ve been working on shortly…
PS. If you’re interested in one of our earlier courses on Windows 10, tablets or smartphones, I’m afraid they’re not open to join at the moment. We do plan to open them again, but please bear with us – we’re going to be beavering away over the autumn to bring them bang up to date, ready for the New Year.