There is a very dangerous new virus/malware out called Cryptolocker. It is considered ransomware as it absolutely can encrypt all of the files on your computer so they are unusable unless you pay a $300 ransom within a period of time – about 96 hours. From all that I have read, there still is no guarantee that you will be able to use your files after paying the ransom. First things first, make sure your antivirus software is working and is updated, and be CAREFUL with the emails that you open. That is how this virus is spreading, through emails. If you are using an external hard drive to back up your data, unplug it after it backs up to make sure it doesn’t get infected. Online backups are terrific, but if they are constantly backing up, the encrypted files may get backed up and override your good copies. So if at all possible, use two different backup methods – externally as well as through the cloud. The virus may be removed through specific methods, but that doesn’t mean that your files will then be usable. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
Apps
Fantastical 2 – cost:$2.99– My new calendar app! Apple didn’t do anyone a favor with the calendar on iOS 7. I’ve been on the hunt for a replacement and this is the one I chose.
Perfect Weather – cost:$2.99 – Weather apps are something most of us, if not all of us, have on our iPhones. While the native Weather app for iPhone is updated in iOS 7, it lacks a lot of the information some of us want such as radar maps and more information on current conditions.
Amount – cost:$.99 – Conversion apps can help us convert many things. Amount combines pretty much every kind of conversion you’d want to perform into one easy to use and beautiful app.
Tip of the month
Ways to save the battery on your smart phone
Reduce the brightness on the screen.
Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you don’t need them. When Wi-Fi is enabled, it is constantly looking for a signal which is draining your battery. If you can put your device in Airplane mode, it will turn off all of these and can double your battery life.
Although multitasking makes switching between apps quicker, it also uses more power. Apps running in the background are still being serviced by the operating system, so run one app at a time when your battery is low. To see the apps that are running on iOS, double tap the “home” button. You might be surprised how many are open and running!